Though the weather was chilly, we still had a fantastic time exploring Silver Dollar City on opening day, gathering details to share with you all. In this blog post we plan to show you what’s NEW (like the NEW Fire in the Hole), what’s changed, and what is still to come throughout the 2024 year at Silver Dollar City.
Opening day at Silver Dollar City took place on Saturday, March 9th, 2024. This initial day of the season kicked off the Spring Break celebration at SDC, which runs from March 9th through March 24th this year. Come along with us as we explore what’s new and what’s different in the parks during this new year of fun at SDC.
When wandering around Silver Dollar City, you might notice that things look a little bit different at the previously labeled, “Fireman’s Landing”, which is now titled, “The Fire District.” Though it may look slightly different, you can still tell that this is a very family-friendly area of the park, fun for all ages. You will see that the little swings, called “Fireman’s Flyers,” have been moved toward the waterside in order to make more room for the pathways leading to the NEW Fire in the Hole ride.
And YES, this NEW Fire in the Hole ride was running and welcoming guests, or should we say new recruits, on opening day, March 9th. You should have seen the smiles on everyone’s faces to realize that we all finally had the chance to stand in line for this highly anticipated addition to the park! We had the pleasure of hopping aboard these NEW pumper wagons to help alleviate the fire that set the town ablaze. Though the official Grand Opening for this ride isn’t until March 30th, they will be welcoming riders, when possible, in order to work out any kinks before the official Grand Opening on March 30th.
Here is our Branson Fam overview of the ride: It is extremely nostalgic and true to the original Fire in the Hole ride in so many ways. You will notice mostly familiar scenes throughout the ride, along with some NEW, updated surprises in the scenes along the way. Before you hop on this ride, you will still have the opportunity to place your bags and loose articles into the cubbies. Then, take your seats and listen to the employees’ instructions. Soon, you will be on your way as a recruit to help put out the fires all around the town and to catch those pesky, up-to-no-good baldknobbers!
In our opinion, this ride is extremely smooth, even through the drops. The drops are not huge, nor intense. We would actually compare the smoothness of this part of the ride to driving through the Ozarks hills. You will also notice that the sound is extremely clear, which is in large part due to the NEW on-board sound system aboard each cart of your pumper wagon. When the ride is completed, it’s time to celebrate with the citizens of SDC because you were able to help save the town.
Ride photos are available for viewing and purchasing outside the exit of the ride. You can even purchase a daily pass or full season pass for a digital photo card. This photo card gives you access to digital downloads of all your Silver Dollar City photos taken throughout the park and at select rides during your visit. Also outside the exit of the ride, you will find the Fire in the Hole Mercantile cart. As you can guess, this is where you can purchase your favorite Fire in the Hole merchandise, including hats, T-shirts, cups, mugs, bags, keychains, lanyards, and more! So don’t forget to grab your merch from the mercantile!
Another highly anticipated addition to the City is Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe. This is located in the area where the Taste of the City shed used to be, right outside The Fire District. Unfortunately, on opening day, the Cafe was not open yet, but employees said that they hope this eating establishment and dining patio will be open sometime in the next week. This will be wonderful because this business adds variety to more delicious food options in the park, and it also provides an additional dining area for people to sit and enjoy their food and beverages close to a family-focused area of the park. Mobile ordering is said to be a reality at this new dining location.
Not far up the hill from Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe, you will find the NEW Flanders Dry Goods. This is the Fire in the Hole - themed clothing store, directly across from the Boatworks Theater. This little shop has a variety of Fire in the Hole AND Red Flanders family merchandise. Inside this store you will be able to purchase shirts, hats, cups, mugs, magnets, lanyards, even snacks, and so much more! Don’t worry, friends, this is where you can find your very own pair of Red Flanders’ pants. These babies were the hot sellers on opening day. We wouldn’t be surprised if these very special pants stay the hot selling item for quite a while!
Since we are still talking about things that are NEW, let’s check out the NEW Fire in the Hole Ice Cream at Hannah’s Ice Cream Parlor. This ice cream consists of marshmallow ice cream, with crushed graham cracker pieces and chocolate ribbons throughout each bite. This ice cream is currently only available at Hannah’s Ice Cream Parlor on the town square. However, Silver Dollar City has promised that this new ice cream creation will soon be in several grocery stores where other Hiland Dairy products are sold.
We also noticed that there is a NEW Fire in the Hole Flavor of Dippin’ Dots at each of the Dippin’ Dots stands. This new addition is a refreshing blend of strawberry and orange ice. This will sound especially good on those hot days coming in the Missouri summertime.
Many of us have been looking forward to seeing the NEW Heartland Home Furnishings location. It is a beautiful new building on Hugo’s Hill Street that is also full of beautiful furnishings on the inside. Here you will find a variety of only the finest furniture pieces that are hand-crafted right here at SDC. You will also find lovely collections of home decor to enhance any room in your home. If you’re looking for a few moments of peace and comfort in your day at the city, we highly suggest stepping into the Heartland Home Furnishings store.
As for the former location of Heartland Home Furnishings, near the Red Gold Heritage Hall, we haven’t heard set plans for that building quite yet. But we will keep you all updated once we hear about any plans.
As for shows during this Spring Break Celebration event, you can catch fun shows and music throughout the theaters in the park. We were able to catch the comedy and magic of the very funny Chris Stanley, the beautiful piano performances of David Howarth, and, of course, the upbeat tunes of the Rivertown Ramblers.
But the show that always steals our attention AND our hearts is the Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, which is playing in the Opera House over Spring Break. These dogs are beyond adorable, performing tricks and stunts that have all been taught using positive reinforcement training. All animals in the show have been rescued from animal shelters around the United States. We love that the Perondi’s share about each dog, their mixed breed, and where they were rescued from, as it creates a story of each animal when they perform their favorite stunts to amaze the crowd!
Speaking of the crowd, we love that there is so much audience participation in this show. We hope that you have a chance to attend this show and to hear the continued message of the Perondi’s, which encourages love of animals, and to responsibly rescue pets when you make them part of your family. Remember, if you stick around after the show, you might just be able to sneak in some puppy selfies and cuddles from the stars who just rocked the stage.
Along the lines of welcoming animals into your family, you might want to keep your eyes out to spot a new, fun, SDC theme park find, named Clark the Shark. As you explore all around Silver Dollar City, keep your eyes out for this little fella. If you spot Clark the Shark, you can either choose to keep him, or place him in another area of the park to keep the fun going for other park-goers! Be sure to snap a Shell-fie with Clark and tag him (after you follow him) on Facebook and Instagram. He’s looking to spread happiness to all who find him!
Street Fest will be the next festival from April 11th-29th. This will be the final year for Street Fest, so be sure to make it into the city if this is one of your favorite festivals! We look forward to bringing you more SDC content, as well as great information about the Branson area. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube, follow along with us here on the blog, on Facebook, and on Instagram! We love to stay connected with you all. Until our next adventure, fam, we'll catch y'all later.
