If you visited Silver Dollar City between 1978 and 1984, then you may remember a ride called “Rube Dugan’s Diving Bell”. Located where the “Lost River of the Ozarks” is now, the Diving Bell was a simulation ride, that took passengers on an journey to the bottom of Lake Silver and back.
Far ahead of its time, the Diving Bell was first proposed to Disney World for construction. They told SDC it would be impossible to do… but IF it WAS done… couldn’t be done for under 6 million dollars. Silver Dollar City decided to go against the advice of the large amusement park and succeeded… finishing the Diving Bell for a mere 1.2 million!
The ride was comprised of a 20 minute “show” aboard a hydraulically controlled “submarine”. Guests watched as Junior Dugan (an actor), interact with Rube (a voice from above) as they were led on a race to find Grand-Pappy Dugan’s silver. The view screen allowed patrons to see what was believed to be the murky water in front of them… when in fact the boat never left the dock. This technology is now used on a much larger scale by Disney World, as well as other amusement parks around the country.
The Diving Bell was removed in 1984 to make room for The Lost River of the Ozarks… a ride that can move more guests through per hour. However, the Diving Bell was never forgotten by those who rode and loved it, but when I played Rube Dugan I learned many people would like to see the ride brought back!
If you would like to encourage Silver Dollar City to bring back the Diving Bell, then please contact to Silver Dollar City by clicking this link, or at the address below and would like to see the Diving Bell return.
On a related note, while Slim Pikens did the voice for Rube Dugan on the ride, I was the only person to ever play Rube Dugan in the flesh on park. The cool thing is, I didn’t add that information on Wikipedia.
Here’s a picture of me as Rube Dugan. I made the costume, and while SDC management wouldn’t let me carry a gun, they loved the idea of me carrying “dynamite”… dowel rods covered with red construction paper and dipped in wax… all with real fuses. I had some good times with that!
If you have any questions about this article, things I’ve said here, or the ride, email me or leave a comment and I’ll do my best to answer. NOTE: I am not affiliated with SDC nor do I claim to be an expert on the ride.
Silver Dollar City
399 Indian Point Road
Branson, MO 65616
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