Bluegrass and BBQ Fest

What I have found about the Bluegrass and BBQ Fest Tasting Passports so far.

Please add your own photos, and reviews, the portion size you received, and pictures of prices will help this thread tremendously. 

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 35.00

Making each choice equal 7.00, when you divide 35.00 that you paid for the Passport, by 5 choices.

If you have a Season Pass you will receive a Season Pass Discount on the Tasting Passports as well, making them less than the price I quoted.

So if you are looking for the best values on the Tasting Passport, you can follow my post for items that have at least a 7 dollar or more Regular Price cost without the Tasting Passport, and only use your Passport for those items. Anything below 7 dollars it may be a better value for you to buy outright and not use a punch on your Passport for. 

Look in the comments for what I think the best values are in the park, for this Season's Tasting Passport, and how to get the most bang for your buck on the Seasonal Food choices.

WAGON WORKS GRILL

BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Waffle Cone

Full size portion. 

Regular Price -

BBQ Chicken & Cheese Waffle Cone

Full size portion. 

Regular Price -

CROSSROADS PIZZA

Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza 

7 inch personal pizza

Regular Price -

DOCKSIDE GRILL

BBQ Boneless Chicken Wings

Regular Price -

Smoked Pulled Pork Skillet 

2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price for full size portion -

Ancho Chili Smoked Pork Belly Skillet

2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price for Full size portion-

TRAVELER'S STOP

 

BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese

Regular Price -

LADY LIBERTY DINING PAVILLION

BBQ Bacon Ranch Cheese Fries

2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price for full size portion -

RIVERTOWN SMOKEHOUSE

Smoked BBQ Pork, Slaw & Fried Onion Sandwich

Regular Price -

Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich with Green Apple Slaw and Pickled Red Onions

Regular Price -

Peach Cobbler Bread Pudding

Full size portion. 

Regular Price - 6.29

SMOKEHOUSE SHACK 

Crazy Corn

Full size portion.

Regular Price -

Pulled Pork Nachos

1/3 to 2/3 size portion

Regular Price -

Smoked Brisket Nachos

1/3 to 2/3 size portion. 

Regular Price -

LUMBERCAMP

BBQ Pulled Pork Burger Sandwich

Slightly smaller than full size.

Regular Price -

LUMBERCAMP FALLS SKILLET

BBQ Chicken Baked Potato

Full size serving, most likely. 

Regular Price -

CAKES & CONES 

Caramel Apple Funnel Cake

1/3 size portion.

Regular Price - 11.99

TASTE OF THE CITY 

Street Corn Shaker Salad

Not sure of serving size.

Regular Price - 

Bourbon BBQ Pulled Chicken & Green Apple Slaw Sandwich 

Probably Slider size, but don't know. 

Regular Price -

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese 

Pretty close to full size, at least 2/3 size.

Regular Price - 9.99?

Boba Blueberry Lemonade -

Full size portion. 

Regular Price - 6.29

BUCKSHOT'S SKILLET 

Pineapple and Pepper Pulled Pork - Sandwich 

Probably Slider size.

Regular Price - 12.99?

Homemade Banana Pudding Trifle  -

Full size portion 

Regular Price - 6.29?

TATER PATCH 

Smoked Brisket Sausage Sandwich 

Slightly smaller than full size Probably. 

Regular Price - 12.99?

CHESTER'S KETTLE CHIPS

BBQ Brisket Kettle Chips 

1/2 to 2/3s size portion

Regular Price -

FRISCO POPCORN COMPANY 

Apple Pie Kettle Corn 

Full size large bag.

Regular Price - 8.99?

TATER TWIST 

BBQ Tater Dog

Full size

Regular Price - 10.99??

EVA AND DELILAH'S BAKERY

Lemon Blueberry Cookie

Full size

Regular Price - 

HANNAH'S ICE CREAM PARLOR 

Red, White, and Blue Artisan Cone

Full size 

Regular Price - 8.99??

COKES & FLOATS 

Watermelon Whip Cone

Full size

Regular Price - 4.49

DIPPIN DOTS CONCESSIONS 

Freedom Pop Sundae 

Most likely size small.

Regular Price -

MINUTE MAID CONCESSIONS 

Red, White & Blue Cream Whip

Full size

Regular Price - 5.99???

FANNY'S FAMOUS FUNNEL CAKES 

Banana Pudding Funnel Cake 

1/3 size portion 

Regular Price - 11.99???

Street Fest 2023

What I have found about the Street Fest Tasting Passports so far.

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 35.00

Making each choice 7.00.

If you have a SeasonPass you will receive a Season Pass Discount on the Tasting Passports as well, making them less than the price I quoted.

Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor 

Strawberry Shortcake Artisan Dipped Cone

Full size serving. 

Chocolate Thrill Ride Artisan Dipped Cone 

Full size serving. 

Fanta Floats

Full size serving.

Buckshot's Skillet 

Grilled Turkey Drumette

Hatfield's Tater Patch 

Smoked Brisket Totchos

2/3's of regular portion size.

Chicken Al Pastor Totchos

2/3 's of regular portion size. 

Crossroads Pizza 

Peach and Arugula Pizza

7 inch

Full size regular portion is 8 inch.

Antipasto Shaker Salad

Not sure.

Hugo's 

Fish and Chips 

Not sure.

Lady Liberty Dining Pavillion 

Loaded Steak Fajita Hot Dog

Loaded Greek Chicken Hot Dog

Steak Fajita Ravioli Nachos

Greek Chicken Ravioli Nachos

Chester's Kettle Chips 

Pouting Chips

Fanny's Funnel Cakes & Wilson's Farmers Market 

Pineapple Upside Down Funnel Cake 

Frisco Popcorn Company 

Cinnamon Roll Kettle Corn

Wagon Works Grill 

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Pineapple Mango Chicken Skewers

Cobb Shaker Salad

Rivertown Smokehouse 

Sticky Chicken 

Pork Belly Skewers

Twice - Baked Bread Pudding 

Taste of the City

Garlic Shrimp Mac & Cheese 

Fresh Fruit Liege Waffle 

Chicken Fajita Bread Cone

Strawberry Guava Lemonade with Strawberry Bursting Boba

Full size.

Regular Price 

Minute Maid 

Lemonade Cream Whip

Full size. 

Regular Price 

Cakes & Cones 

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

1/3 size of regular portion size. 

Regular Price 

Fanta Floats 

Full size portion. 

Regular Price 

Traveler's Stop 

Mochas and Meows

A little gem we like is, Mochas and Meows.

It was clean, and in my opinion not over crowded. The cats seemed, happy, comfortable, and well cared for.

They give a group discount to larger families for petting cats. They charge by the 15 minute mark. 15 minutes is a set price, 30 minutes is a set price (slightly discounted it's not double the price of 15 minutes), 45 minutes is a set price (slightly less per a 15 minutes than the 15 and 30 minute prices, so NOT triple the price of the set 15 rate.) etc. 

The total price was - 33.70 - for 30 minutes of being with the cats, for 5 children, 1 adult, in the Autumn of 2022.

You can also just visit the Coffee Shop/Gift Shop for free.

The drinks cost about 5 to 7 dollars on average and what I tasted, was really yummy. My teens also really liked the small gift shop and chose a few things to buy to support the mission.

The host gives a brief introduction to all of the cats and the rules before your petting adventure begins. They have reasonable rules you should be able to easily follow. Some cats are kittens, some are adults, some are elderly, and some are special needs. The introduction gives you a idea of each cat's personality and age, so you know if it has a nature that likes petted or one that would rather you just look and not touch. 

The introduction eats up quite a bit of the first 15 minutes, so 15 minutes would of probably had some of my kids crying, had I forced them to leave after only 15 minutes. While some of my kids were still enjoying themselves at the 30 minute mark. Everyone, I think, had had enough time with the cats and were ok with moving on though at the 30 minute mark in my family.

We really enjoyed our time there. Some families may be good with 15 minutes and some may love 45 minutes to a hour. But, the 30 minutes was purrfect for us. 

My children have all asked me numerous times, have I made sure to budget in going again during our next trip. And yes, we will be going back.

Spring School Groups

April and May is usually ok crowdwise at Silver Dollar City.

But, fair warning, April and May, is when a lot of schools in the area take Class Trips to Silver Dollar City (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas- all schools with in a few hours of Silver Dollar City).

They are generally oblivious around the gate and stand in places blocking everyone else, while waiting for their groups leader. So you may have to ask them to please move to one side so you can get to the gate. Mostly they don't go inside Silver Dollar City until opening (1 hour after the gates/turnstiles open). 

Normally they leave around 2pm. (Meet their group leaders to get back on their bus)

They typically mainly only go on the thrill rides and like to eat at Crossroads Pizza best.

It's usually not too bad. But, thrill rides can have really bad long lines during that time (between opening and 2 pmish). My husband and daughter waited 3 hours for Time Traveler one year because of this.

However, the non thrill rides (family and kid rides) are normally wide open. The shows are also almost no lines! And besides Crossroads, the BBQ, and Tater Twist (and depending on the classes/schools preferences sometimes Lumbercamp) the other restaurants don't generally have bad lines, especially the ones at the top. Wagon Works (which is a favorite of ours any how) and the Buffets barely will have lines at all, ordinarily. 

If you find the thrill rides have too long of a line, just go do family rides and shows and wait till around 2 pm. Lol They will all leave, and the thrill ride lines will go to a nice short line again.

Sundays because of this are most commonly best. Saturdays are also not horrible in April and May because of this (the schools go during the week). 

But, again the weekdays aren't terrible for most things, just teen food and teen rides. Just wait it out and do everything else that won't have lines, and know at 2pm the park will be yours again! Lol

Condos in Stonebridge

Depending on your family configuration. 

I usually get a 3 bedroom/3 bathroom condo in Stonebridge. 

Ground level is about 2200 for 3 weeks and parking lot level is about 3400 for 3 weeks. One side of a Duplex about 3800 for 3 weeks.

The lower level one we get has 2 queens in one room, 1 queen and a triple twin bunk beds in one room and a king in one room.

The Duplex has one bedroom with a King bed with a crib, 1 bedroom with 2 Queens, 1 bedroom includes 2 Queen Beds, and the living room has a Queen pull-out couch. 

In the The ground level one, my parents share the 2 queen room with my son. 

My husband and I sleep in the king room alone mostly.

And then we have 5 to 6 kids in the queen and triple bunk room - 1 per a bunk and 2 or 3 kids in the queen bed.

The parking lot level one has 1 king in one room, 1 king and full over full bunk bed in one room (not to mention this room has its own mini fridge even though the condo has a full size kitchen too), and one room with a king, plus a day bed with trundle under the the day bed. It sleeps 12 for us.

Because, the full beds sleep two kids each easily for us - that bunk bed sleeps 4 for us plus two more kids in the king bed in there. I have 6 to 7 in that room (up to 3 in the king bed sometimes! Lol).

Then my mother in law and father in law sleep in the king bed room alone.

My husband and I sleep in the king room with the day bed trundle..and sometimes 2 kids sleeping in the day bed and trundle.

In the Duplex, my husband and I will share the King bedroom. My Mother in law and father in law will be in the room with 1 Queen. Four children will be in the bedroom with 2 Queens. And we will have 2 children sleep on the living room pull-out couch.

Bass Pro Shop in Springfield

The main focus of this post is about Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, but I wanted to also add in Carthage, before getting to why we enjoy visiting Bass Pro.

If you choose to go to Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, and are Christian, you may want to drive the extra hour to Carthage and give it a visit in the morning as well. Precious Moments Main office is in Carthage, and is super cute and inspirational to visit. I have went most my life and enjoy it. Carthage is also full of Civil War landmarks. With museums and monuments about said Civil War and Landmarks to check out. There is also a free living history museum, Red Oaks II, to visit. Carthage also has more Victorian houses per capital than anywhere else in the USA. So it's a fun quick morning detour as well. Then head over to Bass Pro Shop. 

Bass Pro in Springfeild is free. 

Has 4 free small museums - A small Missouri Natural History Museum, a small Gun Museum, a small Motor Sports Car Museum, and a small Bass Pro Shop History Museum. 

Live animals all over inside, including alligators, turtles, ducks, lizards, snakes, and soooo many fish, all kinds of things.

On Saturdays they have a FREE live fish feeding show. With a diver inside the humongous tank and they tell you about the local Missouri fish that they have in their tanks.

It's three floors and sprawling. It's truly gigantic! My local one, in Kansas, is large. But, the one in Springfeild could probably fit 20 of the Bass Pro Shop stores the size of my local one inside it. 

My kids love looking at the entire shop, everything from toys, to motorboats & atvs, to candles, shoes, arrows, and much, much more. They also always have to get a obligatory fudge sample too. Just so much to see and do for absolutely free. It's hard to put into words. Most my friends say they couldn't visualize how large it was or how much there was to do inside, when I would tell them about going, till they went and experienced it themselves.

And it is downright stunning inside. Sometimes if we have older people with us, and even myself, it's peaceful just sitting in front of the gigantic beautiful fireplace. 

They also offer a huge Aquarium, called Wonders of Wildlife. There is a fee to tour it though. I have personally not visited it yet. But, my mom and niece and nephews did, and they adored it. So much, that my mom ended up buying season passes to it. We plan on visiting it soon, as well.

The snack bar has some delicious soups and sandwiches, that we have had as a light lunch or snack. We really loved the Tomato sausage wild rice soup!

We personally did not enjoy the food in their buffet, Hemingways, on the top floor of the Bass Pro Shop. Many people love it though. Many of my friends, who are local, really enjoy their seafood buffet, when they offer it (seasonally). We went to the breakfast buffet, which is offered year around, and just were not that impressed. We didn't care for their biscuits and gravy, which is a paramountal staple dish of the Ozarks, that I can generally enjoy any where. I personally enjoy almost any biscuits and gravy meal, from McDonald's, to Casey's Gas Station, to of course my local Diner. And we just didn't like theirs. Being in the Ozarks especially, we really expected buscuits and gravy to be on point and it failed miserably. The bacon was weird, which is a deal breaker for my husband and kids, because that's their favorite breakfast food. And the eggs were meh, which is a deal breaker for me, because that's usually my fill up, go to, because of my diabetes. They are low carb and not too high in fat for my health. So for us, it was a one and done for breakfast, for sure. If we are there when they offer the seafood buffet, we may give it a try. 

However, the aquariums inside Hemingways are absolutely gorgeous! We thoroughly enjoyed watching the aquariums our entire meal, and we stayed longer just to watch them. They will allow you to come in and take a look at the aquariums inside, many people go in just to look at the aquariums. The entire Hemingways restaurant is gloriously beautiful. The decor and theme are undeniably amazing inside the restaurant.

On the way back to Branson, we like eating at Lambert's. It's not the least expensive. But, you will be stuffed even if you order the least expensive meals. Kids never need more than a kids meal. 1 - The meals are huge. 2 - Everyone gets unlimited pass arounds (hot rolls, fried okra, fried potatoes and onions, black eyed peas and Macaroni and tomatoes.). Plus you get to choose two sides (not the same as the pass arounds). The sides are things like - candied sweet potatoes, baked potato, fries, carrots, green beans, baked beans, Macaroni and Cheese, and more! And 3 - Your Main Entree is also unlimited free seconds, thirds, fourths etc. 

JJs cheese shop is also a nice stop on the way back. It has really good cheese and moonshine samples. As well as nice locally handmade things, like jerky, soap and knitted wool gloves etc. And a very inexpensive thrift store upstairs. Next door at the Branson Visitors Center is really nice bathrooms, free coupon booklets, and free coffee.

Fall Harvest 2022 Tasting Pass

Please post your reviews, photos and portion sizes you received with your Kid Fest Tasting Passport.

Tasting Passports include 5 sample (Tastings) choices per a Passport. 

Regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 32.50 + 12.50 if you want to add a plastic refill souvenir mug. 

With a Silver Season Pass discount and tax added it totals 31.44. 

Making each choice 6.29.

With a Diamond or Gold Season Pass discount and tax added it totals to 27.94.

Making each Tasting choice 5.59 each.

Total price of Tasting Passport with 2022 Plastic Refill Mug - 43.50 - with a Silver Season Pass Discount and Tax added.

As I aquire more information on what others paid I will add it.

I am putting what each items price is for full size version without a Tasting Passport, before tax or discounts. So you can make your choices based on what will fit your needs, wants and budget best.

BTW, if anyone is wondering about the order I am posting the food/restaurants in. I'm keeping it in the same order as the Tasting Pass has them listed.

 

Photo is Nathan Crain's.

Pumpkin Cider Shack -

Pumpkin Spice Churros with Marshmallow Fluff 

Full size not sure of Regular Price.

Pumpkin Cappuccino 

Full size not sure of Regular Price - use refill mug for best price.

Cold Apple Cider

Full size not sure of Regular Price - use refill mug for best price. 

Sliced Caramel Apples

Full size not sure of Regular Price.

Fanny's Funnel Cakes -

Maple Bacon & Pecan Funnel Cake 

1/3 size portion.

Regular Price for Full size 11.49

Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor -

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream in a Pumpkin Spice Waffle Cone 

Full size not sure of Regular Price.

Regular price of Full size Single Dip Cone - 3.99

Pumpkin Spice Milkshake 

Full size not sure of Regular Price.

Salted Caramel Vanilla Bean Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich

Full size not sure of Regular Price.

Wagon Works Grill -

Pumpkin Chili 

1/2 size portion of soup, does not include bread bowl.

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Buckshot's Skillet Cookery -

Harvest Skillet 

1/2 to 2/3 size portion.

Regular price for full size portion 11.99

Smoked Sausage Sandwich 

Not sure of portion size. Most likely 1/2 size portion, does not include a side.

Regular price for full size portion with 1 side - 11.99.

Pumpkin-Infused BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich 

Most likely Full size portion Sandwich, does not include a side. 

Regular price for full size portion with 1 side 10.49.

Traveler's Stop -

Pumpkin Squash Bisque 

1/2 size portion, does not include Bread Bowl. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Pumpkin Butter and Marshmallow Fluff Grilled Sandwich 

Not sure of portion size.

Not sure of Regular Price of Full size portion.

Hatfield's Tater Patch -

Calico Skillet 

Smoked Sausage Sandwich 

1/2 to 2/3 size portion. Does not include a side.

Regular price for full size portion with 1 side - 11.99

Frisco's Kettle Corn -

Pumpkin Spice Kettle Corn 

Full size bag.

Not sure of Regular Price. 

Cakes & Cones -

Salted Caramel Apple Funnel Cake

1/3 size portion.

Regular price for full size portion most likely 11.49.

Pumpkin Soft Serve Waffle Cone 

Full size portion. 

Regular price for full size portion 3.69.

Pumpkin Plaza -

Apple Dumpling with Cinnamon Ice Cream 

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Smoked Sausage Mac & Cheese Cone 

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price of Full size portion. 

Cashew Chicken Cone 

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Pumpkin Cheese Cake Cone

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Sliced Caramel Apples 

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Boatworks Coke Stand -

Pumpkin Pie Spice Soft Pretzel

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Taste of the City Shack -

Bratwurst with Sauerkraut on a Pretzel Bun

1/2 size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Smoked Sausage Mac & Cheese 

1/2 to 2/3 size portion.

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Autumn Apple Palmer

Full size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Refill mug price will be least expensive.

Pumpkin Bisque 

1/2 size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Jim Owen's Dockside Grill -

Pork Belly Skillet 

1/2 to 2/3 portion size.

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Rivertown Smokehouse -

Pumpkin Spiced Rubbed Smoked Ribs (Quarter Slab)

Quarter Slab may come with 1 side.

Regular price for 1/2 slab with 2 sides and a roll - 16.99

Pumpkin Bread Pudding 

Full size portion. 

Regular price for full size portion - 5.49

Pumpkin-Infused BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich -

Full size Sandwich side not included. 

Regular price for full size portion with side - 10.49

Farmer's Market -

Pumpkin Pie Funnel Cake 

1/3 portion size.

Regular price for full size portion - 11.49

Crossroads Pizza -

Pumpkin Pizza

1/3 size portion. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Cokes and Floats -

Pumpkin Soft Serve Waffle Cone 

Full size portion. 

Regular price for full size portion - 3.99

Pumpkin Spice Churros with Marshmallow Fluff 

Full size portion.

Not sure of Regular price for full size portion - 

Lumbercamp Falls Skillet -

Campfire Skillet 

1/2 to 2/3 size portion. 

Regular price for full size portion - 11.99

Chester's Kettle Chips -

Sweet Potato Kettle Chips 

1/2 to 2/3 size portion. 

Regular price for full size portion - 7.99

Corndogs & Tenders -

Pumpkin Corndog (6 inch)

6 inch so 1/2 size portion no side included. 

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. 

Pumpkin Pie Punch 

Full size portion.

Not sure of Regular Price for Full size portion. Least expensive option is to use refill mug.

Dippin Dots Concessions -

Spookies 'n Cream 

Size Small

Not sure of Regular price for size small - 

Eva and Delilah's Bakery -

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls 

Full size.

Regular price for full size portion - 5.49

Pumpkin Whoopie Pie

Full size. 

Regular price for full size portion - 5.29

Iced Pumpkin Spiced Coffee

Full size. 

Regular price for full size portion - 

Budget Friendly Silver Dollar City Restaurants

Lucky's Mine Restaurant Buffet

Is currently not open. 

But, when it is open, it's the least expensive buffet on the Park. And children under 4 eat free.  If you have very large eaters it will save money because everyone can get pretty full for the price of one meal. Or if you have a lot of kids under 4 eating free.

Lucky's is my absolute favorite buffet on the Park.  We love the roasted/smoked meat selections and lots of yummy vegetables. The Mac and cheese is great. So are the chicken fingers. And we normally don't even like chicken fingers or Macaroni and Cheese, especially out to eat.

It's also one of our favorite locations for ambiance. We like the low lighting (even though we usually don't care for low lighting at restaurants. The low lighting helps at Silver Dollar City to kind if decompress from the stimulantion all over the park), air conditioning in the summer, and heat in the winter. It's also usually not as packed as other restaurants in the park. And the magic table is super fun.

Molly's Mill - 

Children under 4 eat free. If you have very large eaters it will save money because everyone can get pretty full for the price of one meal. Or if you have a lot of kids under 4 eating free. 

We love the Breakfast Buffet at Molly's Mill. The biscuits and gravy, and Bacon are our absolute favorite. The eggs are also pretty good for a buffet. And we love all the fresh fruit, especially the watermelon. 

Lunch and Dinner are also great. The fried chicken and fried fish are delicious. Love the Broccoli Casserole too.

But, the real gems of Molly's are the waitresses. Some of the sweetest people you will ever meet.

And a nice bonus of the Buffets all three of them, Molly's Mill, Lucky's Mine and the Reunion Hall kids under 4 eat free.

Rivertown Smokehouse 

The Ribs, Brisket and Mac and Cheese are so very good. And I don't usually even like Macaroni and Cheese. Some of the best ribs and Brisket I have ever had in my life. Again brisket is something my husband and I always thought we didn't like, because most places sell extremely burnt, dried up Brisket. Not Silver Dollar City. It's perfectly smoked and tender and delicious. 

Most people can easily split the Meat Platter or 1/2 rack of ribs, or full rack of ribs if you're extra hungry, between 2 adults pretty well. Also comes with free pickles.

Also for myself, and I would gander the majority of women's appetites, the kids meal are plenty of food. The Pulled pork sandwich with Macaroni and Cheese, or I have a few teen girls who like to get the kids meal with the main entre being Mac and Cheese and the side being Macaroni and Cheese both, so they get two servings of Mac and cheese. Both those meals usually come with Apple sauce or fresh fruit. They are usually out of fresh fruit though so it's usually Apple sauce once in a while sliced apples are available. And you can have free sliced in house made Pickles. It's honestly usually plenty of food for us. Again especially if you may want a snack later on...or their delicious desserts. 

And my son with a large appetite, is usually happy with the kids meal Pulled pork sandwich with Tater Tots side. Also to note, the Tots are white potato and sweet potato Tots. He doesn't like the sweet potato Tots. So he asks them to only try to give him the white potato Tots and they try to do that for him. So if you have a child that don't like the sweet potato tots make sure to ask them to try to only give them the white potato ones, otherwise they will get a mix of both when they order the Tater Tots as a side.

Wagon Works Grill -

Turkey Legs 

In my opinion they have the very best Turkey Legs on the park. Much better than Buckshot's. And you can add Fries or baked beans for pretty inexpensive. Which helps stretch the turkey leg making it serve at least 2 people. Or if it's kids or smaller eaters you may be able to serve 3 to 4 small eaters with 1 turkey leg and a side.

We love the ambiance of Wagon Works. It's one of our favorite locations to eat, weather it's their actual food or our packed lunch. The Wagon is extra special to eat inside. But, I love the bottom floor by the fireplace. It's usually pretty empty down there. Cool and quiet in the summer. And love the warmth of the fireplace in the cold months.

Crossroads Pizza 

My kids love the Pizzas at Crossroads. My husband and I do not like pizza period. But for several years thought Crossroads was pretty good for pizza. They changed their crust in 2020. Our kids still love it. My husband and I, not so much. 

And you can buy like 1 large pizza for a small family, 2 large pizzas for a medium family, and the most we have ever had to buy was 3 large pizzas and that fed 14 of us. So it can sometimes save money to have one or a couple of Pizzas for the whole family to share.

Many people also love the skillets. In my opinion they are too large usually for 1 person...but not enough for 2 people. Lol so this is where my next tip begins. 

The Tasting Pass. The Tasting Pass, you pay one fee to get 5 items. It has many sample size options and a few full size portions. Generally the Skillet Meals are about a 2/3 size portion from the normal size. And perfect for 1 person. And that leaves you with 4 other choices to split with 1 other person...or to have later. We usually split 1 Tasting Pass with 2 people.

Keep a watch on my posts for current information on the most current Tasting Passport. I try to post portion sizes for each option on the Tasting Passport. 

Some are only a sample size. Others are full size and large enough to split between 2 people. While others are somewhere in between sample size and full size and just right for one person for a full meal. With more choices for a snack later on. Again when choosing the right options of portion sized choices on the Passport 2 people can be very satisfied for a full day of food at Silver Dollar City. Or one person can choose to use it for 2 days at Silver Dollar City. And end up really saving money and getting to try more things. 

However, beware, some people feel cheated it they only choose the tiny portion options on the Passport. So always check my posts for portion sizes you will get and pick the options you get the most bang for your buck with.

Cozi Family Planning

We love using the free Cozi app for planning our Branson vacations. 

A great bonus with this app is it's a family shared calander/planning app. You can add all the family members you want to be part of it by adding their email address and giving them the password. Then they can download the app and sign in. We find the free version is plenty for us. But, the paid version is not that expensive and you could split the cost if you wanted to.

I will warn though that anyone you add has administrative controls to the app. So they can add and delete family members or events. Because of this I would strongly suggest selecting a family leader or two to be in charge of adding events and family members. And being firm with the others to either not add events or family members without running it by the leaders and especially, under no circumstances, to delete events or family members without discussing it with the pre-selected leaders.

Also because of this if you are using this for a large extended family reunion or event, I would make a account for only these kinds of trips and if you want cozi for your normal personal and immediate family needs to make a second separate account. Plus you may not want your extremely extended/distant family seeing a your personal business. 

Thankfully, we haven't had any issues with this. And I only use it for my immediate family and close extended family that I trust explicitly, ie my mother in law, father in law, my own parents, and my siblings. And of course my husband and children. So I use my normal one. At the same time I usually only add my extended family for the duration of the trip, then delete them from the account the rest of the time. Lol

We love using Cozi because, I can plan everything hour by hour. And all members can see the exact itinerary at any moment. 

A tip I will give is more information in the event the better. Give the briefest, but most coherent title to the event. But, put exact location/address in the location. Put phone number, address and operating hours of all destinations in the notes section as well as any confirmation number that may need to be relayed at the event/destination. I find having all that information readily available in the event makes things so much easier and smoother. 

I like having the phone number and operating hours in the notes because sometimes the best laid plans get disturbed and go out the window. So if we start running late, I can quickly see the operating hours to see if we will still make it before closing and the phone number to call and ask if we can reschedule, or at least give them a heads up we are running late, if it was a pre-scheduled event. Extended family members can easily find the address this way and also call the venue and let them know the confirmation number and that while most the party may be there on time, they may be late. All this helps.

Going with the above, I highly suggest looking up each location 1 to 2 weeks before departure to make sure all addresses are current, call the phone numbers to make sure they are current and not defunct and everything is correct before you are actually there and scrambling realizing they moved or changed their number. And since 2020 making sure their operating hours are even correct. And the way things can get all twisted up, that if they have any reservations/confirmation numbers are correct.

Also my family are creatures of habit, and often go to the same places the same time of year every year. So I can have a lot of these events auto repeat every year. I especially likey grocery list for vacation to repeat because it's hard to remember everything we need and I don't want to end up back there 60 times. I always make it a pick up order. But, auto repeat, I have been able to keep track of exactly what we need. Eliminate things we didn't use and add things we forgot we would need. I also like keeping the address of any hotel we stay at. As some towns have several of the same kind of hotel, but different locations then the next year I can't remember which location it exactly was. I just tweak all the repeat events every year a couple of months before to make sure they are still wanted/needed and with current information. 

Bluegrass &BBQ Fest Tasting Pass

So far, what I have found about the Bluegrass and BBQ Fest Tasting Passports from watching TPF, and a few others who have posted, the last couple of days.

TPFs video-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1fYpPsEaKXQ&feature=youtu.be

The regular price of a Tasting Passport this year without tax or discounts is 32.50.

With a Silver Season Passport discount and tax added it totals 31.44. 

Making each choice 6.29. - Thank you, Shelly Denton. 

With a Diamond or Gold Season Passport discount and tax added it totals to 27.94.

Making each Tasting option 5.59 each. - Thank you, Michael Gum. 

Tasting Passport with Plastic Refill Mug add on is 45.00 before discounts or tax applied. 

Total price of Tasting Passport with 2022 Plastic Refill Mug is  - 43.50 - with a Silver Season Pass Discount and Tax added. - Thank you, Debbie Register Hamrick.

As I aquire more information on what others paid without a season pass discount or with a Silver Pass discount I will add it.

BTW, if anyone is wondering about the order I am posting the food/restaurants in. I'm keeping it in the same order as the Tasting Pass has them listed.

Wagon Works

Mac and Cheese Cones 

BBQ Chicken and Cheese Cone 

BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Cone 

11.99 regular price. 

Full Size with Tasting Pass 

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Crossroads Pizza 

Smokey BBQ Pork Pizza

7 to 7 1/2 inch Tasting Pass size - Regular size is 8 inch.

I didn't see a price. But, all the other 8 inch Pizzas are between 9.69 and 11.99 depending on toppings. The cheese only is 9.69. So you know it would be at least that. But, most likely closer to the 11.99 price. Without the Tasting Pass. 

Picture in comments. 

Can be seen in the TPF video.

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Traveler's Stop 

BBQ Brisket Grilled Cheese 

13.99 Regular Price 

1/2 portion with Tasting Pass 

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Lady Liberty 

BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich

I don't know the Regular Price 

I don't know the Regular portion size.

The Tasting Passport size is a small chicken strip, with BBQ sauce on a small bun.

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Fanny's Funnel Cakes & Farmers Market 

Red, White & Blue Funnel Cake 

Not sure of Regular Price. But, the Peach Cobbler one is 11.69.

2/3 size portion with Tasting Pass. -

Michael's was on a paper plate and not the metal pie tins. From Fannie's Famous Funnel Cakes. 

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Rivertown Smokehouse 

Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich 

Regular Price 14.99.

2/3 size Sandwich only with Tasting Pass, no side included.

Picture in comments. 

Grilled Smoked Brisket Sausage Sandwich 

Regular Price 15.99

2/3 size Sandwich only with Tasting Pass, no side included.

Picture in comments. 

BBQ Pulled Pork Bowl 

BBQ Smoked Brisket Bowl

Regular Price 15.99

1/2 portion on Tasting Passport 

Picture in comments.

Can also be seen in TPFs video. 

Peach Cobbler Bread Pudding

Regular Price 5.99

Full Size with Tasting Pass  

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Smokehouse Shacks

Crazy Corn 

Full size on Tasting Passport 

Regular Price 8.99 - Thanks to Brent.

Picture in comments.

Can also be seen in TPFs video.

BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos 

BBQ Smoked Brisket Nachos 

Regular Price 13.99 

2/3s size on Tasting Passport

BBQ Chicken Thighs on a Stick 

Not sure of Regular Price 

You get 1 Skewer, not sure if that is Full Size.

Picture in comments. 

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Eva Delilah's Bakery 

Chocolate Chip Muffin Bread 

Not sure on Regular Price 

Full size Loaf of Bread 

Picture in comments.

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Hannah's Ice Cream Parlor 

Red, White and Blue Artisan Dipped Cone

Regular Price 8.49. 

Full size Cone with Tasting Pass 

Picture in comments.

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Tater Twist 

BBQ Tater Dog

Full size with Tasting Pass.

Regular Price 10.99.

Picture in comments.

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Frisco Kettle Corn

Not sure of Regular Price. 

Full size bag.

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Cakes and Cones

Peach Cobbler Funnel Cake

Regular Price 11.69

Mini portion - 1/4 to 1/3 of the regular size portion.

Picture in comments.

Tasting Passport Value

My family loves the Tasting Passports!

The Passports are subjective to being worth it from person to person, and menu item to menu item.

The last couple of years my family has saved hundreds of dollars using the Tasting Passports. They have also offered us the opportunity to try more options of the Seasonal Foods because of the prices of each choice being about 1/2 the price as the regular price of each item, leaving us more money to spend on food, and the servings being smaller, leaving us more room in our tummies to sample more.

Keep in mind when I am saying that a Tasting Passport choice is approximately 6 dollars. You are not paying 6 dollars at the restaurants or stands. The 6 dollars I am referring to is based on my calculations, based on the price of the Passports, and dividing that price by 5 (you get to choose 5 selections with each Passport). Making each item on the Passport cost you about 6 dollars per a choice.

Some items are full size, some are only 1/3 of the regular size serving, most are 2/3s of regular size.

The Waffle Cones are always full size, of course the ice cream ones are full size. But, so are all the others. Like all the Mac and Cheese Cones. My son loved the Mac and Cheese with Sausage Cone at Harvest Fest 2022. The Cashew Chicken Cones (my husband's absolute favorite), the Bang Bang Shrimp Cone and the Cheesecake Cones. The savory Cones are normally about 13 dollars. So it's a fantastic deal with the Tasting Pass. The dessert cones are usually about 7 or 8 dollars. So still not a bad deal. The Pumpkin Cheesecake Cone was delicious!

Tater Twists are always full size. Regular price is between 9 and 12 dollars depending on the choice. So it is a very good value as well.

The Kettle Corn is usually a full size family bag. And the Bread at Eva and Delilah's Bakery is also usually a whole loaf of Bread. As well as most the Baked Goods and Bread Puddings.

Street Fest 2022, the Grilled Sandwiches were full size. I'm sure the regular price of the Reuben sandwich was probably 12 to 14 dollars. So only 6. And getting the full sandwich you are saving half the price. 2022 Fall Fest also gave full size Pumpkin Butter and Marshmallow Fluff Grilled Sandwich.

In 2021 at the Rivertown Smokehouse, we received 3 ribs and a side. So 6 dollars for that was extremely worth it. For my husband and I, 3 ribs (large and meaty) and a side was a entire meal. We couldn't get a McDonald's meal for 6 dollars, not to mention we were really full with this choice. Often we are still hungry after a McDonald's meal. Note in 2022 it came with a 1/4 a rack of ribs, no side was given. So more ribs and no side. It was still worth it to us. But, I admit that 2021 was a better deal with the side. But, for someone doing low carb this is perfect. And we did still get it more than once in 2022, because the ribs are delicious!

Also at Harvest Fest you got a 7 1/2 inch pizza for one of the choices. Regular size was 8 inches and regular price 12.00. So again 6 dollars half the price of the regular one. And honestly the sizes we're so close I couldn't tell the difference till I seen them side by side. And they were only about 1/2 to 1 inch across at most different.

Now then there is other options that are smaller, so their value will be subjective. 

The Hotdogs. At Fall Fest 2021 you got a corn dog plus French fries for the one punch (6 dollars per a punch if you add tax to the 32.50 and divide by 5). A good deal when regular price was 10.00. But, at Street Fest and Fall Fest 2022, regular menu was 2 hotdogs and Tater Tots for like 12 dollars, Tasting Passport you only got one hot dog and no Tots. So if you didn't want Tots and just wanted to try one hot dog then it may be a good value for you. But, for someone who wants more than 1 hotdog and wants Tots that wouldn't be a good deal. My kids only eat the corn dog and won't eat the Tots, so it still ended up being worth it for them. They got the Corndogs a few times. 

Most the Skillets, Soups (sometimes the soup is pretty close to full size though), Mac and Cheese (in a bowl not in a cone), Loaded Fries & Kettle Chip type selections, you get about 2/3s of the size of a full size regular portion of most these. A full size portion of most of these are about 14 dollars. By my calculations you save about 3 dollars for the serving size you get.  (2/3s of 14.00 would be 9.00 and you are paying approximately 6 dollars per a choice on the Passport).

However, here is where subjection to the individual comes in. I personally like having a smaller portion of the Skillets. Their full size is too large for me. The Skillet meal full size makes me feel guilty and no room left to try anything else. The Tasting Pass size, I feel fine with and I have room left to try something else, a little bit later. I usually am still full enough after the Tasting Passport size to have to wait a bit before eating something else. But, not so stuffed I can't eat anything else the rest of the day like I am from the full size portion. 

The Potato Tumblers, I think they are like 10 or 12 dollars for 3. The Tasting Pass you get 2. I think that's a good deal. (2/3s again) Plus, again subjective. I wouldn't want 3 because that's a lot of potatoes and I think of them more as a side then a main course. 2 is great. Can try them with out having to finish so many. And we can afford both price wise and tummy room wise to have them as a side and not a meal. Price matches up great.

The Funnel Cakes are one of the smallest portions on the Tasting Passport. You usually get about 1/3 size of what the full regular size usually is.

Here again is where subjection to personal preference comes to play. The Funnel Cake, I often am left finishing by myself because my family doesn't like them much and will only eat a bite or two. Then I feel extremely guilty eating the majority of a huge Funnel Cake or having to throw it away. The smaller Funnel Cake is perfect. My family can have a few bites I can finish it without guilt or throwing it away. If your family likes Funnel Cakes and you have more than one person to help you eat it. Than a full size one without the Tasting Passport may be a better option for your family. 

Street Fest 2022, had Kabobs, regular was 3 for like 10 dollars. Tasting Pass was 1 for like 6 dollars. So in my opinion probably not worth it, to me. As I could easily eat three Kabobs. And I think for the price you should get at least 2. However, for someone alone and just wanting to try one. It might be worth it. 

I personally do not feel most the Bakery items like a Cinnamon Roll or Danish are a good value on the Passport, as my Season Pass Discount makes it less expensive than a choice on the Passport. However, someone who only has one day to use a Tasting Pass all by themselves and didn't want some of the other options listed and loves Silver Dollar City's Danishes/Cinnamon Rolls etc and wants to use up their last punch, it may be the perfect choice for.

We have inexpensive refill mugs, so I would not use a punch on the drinks.

I have the popcorn bucket, making it 2 dollars for me to get the full size bag of Kettle corn so I don't use a punch for that. Without a refill bucket though, worth a punch. It's a great snack for several people to share all day. 

It's value will depend on choices you make, to use it for and your individual likes and portion wants and needs.

I will say, my family shared the Passes. And 5 punches for sure can feed at least two people all day. Unless you are extremely large eaters or only choose the extremely small portioned selections. 

Do your research on what the portion size is vs the prices that they are regularly. And they can be a amazing value monetarily to you for many items. And some selections may still be a good value for you personally if you are really wanting a smaller sample of something before purchasing full size or just because your appetite isn't large enough for the full size portion.