I went to Silver Dollar City for the first time since 1997. In my opinion,
this is the best THEME park in the nation. The food is always good, the
employees and their "characters" are always refreshing and the few rides
they have are excellent.

WILDFIRE - I headed for Wildfire right away. This would be my first ride on
this compact yet thrilling B&M coaster. As usual, the theming was excellent
but the line was very short, so I didn't get to take it in much. We opted
for the front seat right away. The ride starts off with a quick swing (and
somewhat thrilling turn) to the lift hill. Now, let me tell you, the first
drop on Wildfire is the best I've ever been on. Can anyone tell me why it is
so good? It isn't as tall and fast as some but it got me every time. The
rest of the ride is simply amazing and oh so smooth. Just when I felt it
pick up speed for more it was over. While this is not the best coaster I've
been on (best Steel for me is Superman Krypton Coaster) because of the short
length, I will do what I can to go back to ride it over and over. The drop
never ceased to "get me" and I've been on the way overrated Titan at SFoT
which never thrilled me (except for the airtime after the 2nd drop.)

FIRE IN THE HOLE - What can I say? This ride is still running and as fun as
ever. Not a thrill ride but fun none-the-less.

THUNDERATION - Still the best mine train in America though the traditional
Arrow roughness is starting to show. Some kid was trying to tell me they
want to tear this down. I don't see why? It is very thrilling for a mine
train. One of the few coasters to not start with a lift hill.

GREAT AMERICAN PLUNGE - Another Best of the best. This log flume is fun and
has a steep and thrilling drop. I got SOAKED on this. Excellent ride.

GRANDFATHERS MANSION - This "tilt house" is small but still a lot of fun. I
went in this a lot when I was younger and always loved the silly "grandpa in
the shower" display.

MARVEL CAVE - Still breathtaking after all of these years. Do not miss this
when you go to the park.

Spend the morning hitting the rides and then look a break for lunch at the
Mine Restaurant for excellent BBQ. Grabbed my digital camera and took a lot
of pictures and then headed for Marvel Cave. After the cave, we went to the
rides again and ended our full day.

I did notice that Buzzsaw Falls was being taken down and that a new 2005
ride is coming. Someone said it would be a "compact hyper" coaster (tall,
fast, no loops) maybe like Raging Bull. Anyone hear other rumors?