Archive for the ‘Branson’ Category

The Branson Dinosaur Museum contains 50 full bodied, life size dinosaur replicas designed to represent dinosaurs as they were, not as they are projected in movies.

Each of the 50 dinosaurs is constructed from “bones” cast from actual dinosaur bones. Then the body was built around the bones showing amazing detail and as close to the actual size as possible.

Displays include dinosaurs ranging from the “Micro Raptor,” one of the smallest dinosaurs, to a two-and-a-half story “T-Rex and everything in between.”

LCD screens throughout the museum offer a narrated presentation explaining the dinosaur(s) displayed. Another interactive feature is a “Scavenger Hunt Quiz” that visitors can play as they tour the museum, providing a fun opportunity to learn the dinosaurs while enhancing the overall museum experience.

As one might expect, the highlight of the museum is the T-Rex, the king of the dinosaur world. The museum also offers a full sized T-Rex head in the lobby where you can take a picture with your own head tucked inside the dinosaur’s massive jaws.

You’ll also find a Learning Center for kids with interesting activities including an educational video, coloring, computer games, puzzles and other activities. Kids will enjoy the “Fossil Dig” where they can “dig” for actual fossils in a huge table top sandbox. And to expend a little extra energy, there’s a “Dinosaur Bounce” house for kids.

The Branson Dinosaur Museum is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

For additional information on the Dinosaur Museum or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please visit www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

Christmas in Branson is an all encompassing passion.

Branson’s “Ozark Mountain Christmas” is a special celebration of the true spirit of Christmas. Located in the heart of Missouri’s Ozarks region, Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas offers everything from reindeer and Santa Claus to a spectacular five-story-high Christmas tree, millions of Christmas lights and spectacular drive-through lighting displays.

Branson’s many shows, attractions, shopping and other activities also join the holiday fun by taking on the festive look and feel of the season. Even the local community gets involved with its annual “Adoration Parade” - now in its 62^nd year - where they light a Nativity scene high atop Mount Branson featuring 30-foot tall figurines.

The Branson holiday fun starts with An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City which runs from Nov. 6 through Dec. 30, 2010. The holiday is recognized as one of the nation’s top Christmas celebrations. The 1880s-style theme park is transformed into a glowing Christmas extravaganza featuring more than four million sparkling lights throughout the park; a twice nightly Holiday Light Parade with over 100,000 lights; and special shows including the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City. Other theme park Christmas shows include “The Living Nativity” and “Frosty.”

Branson also has two amazing drive-through lighting displays. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one-mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated.

Meanwhile, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a 2.5-mile journey through of millions of Christmas lights and hundreds of displays featuring holiday music and animated scenes. You can also take a trip to Inspiration Tower, where you’ll ride glass elevators up 230 feet for a unique view of the lights from above.

As for the shows that help make Branson famous, the annual Ozark Mountain Christmas offers two major categories of Christmas shows. Some are only available during Christmas such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show, Spirit of Christmas, Miracle of Christmas, as well as Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration.

But many of Branson’s regular shows also get into the Christmas spirit. Typically, these shows will split their entertainment and provide popular parts of the year-round show along with special Christmas numbers.

Branson visitors will also have ample opportunity to finish their Christmas shopping. From the many shops at Branson Landing to handcrafted items by the local craftsmen and artists at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, you’ll find plenty of unique gift ideas. There are also several outlet malls and numerous specialty shops.

With so much fun and excitement it’s no wonder that Christmas remains one of the busiest seasons in Branson. For more information regarding discount vacation packages and discount Branson accommodations, visit www.WestgateReservations.com or www.ticket2branson.com.

Any time is a good time to bring kids to Branson, Missouri. The Ozarks Mountain town is family friendly, family focused and oh so full of family fun and entertainment.

Situated in the middle of Missouri’s beautiful Ozarks, Branson offers plenty of excitement for kids of all ages. From water parks to fun family shows, keeping the kids entertained in Branson is never a problem.

There is always plenty of outdoor recreation in Branson, from fishing and swimming in the spectacular Branson lakes to cooling off in one of the area’s outdoor or indoor water parks.

The biggest and only outdoor water park is White Water where you’ll find a variety of rides to please everybody from thrill seekers to those who want to relax in the Lazy River. For year round water park fun, Branson offers two indoor options: Castle Rock and Grand Country’s Splash Country.

Silver Dollar City theme park remains Branson’s biggest attraction for kids and adults alike. Sporting an 1880’s Ozarks look and feel, the park is home to more than 30 thrilling rides and attractions. There are also more than 40 daily shows, and 60 shops and restaurants in the park.

Another of Branson’s most popular attractions for kids is Dixie Stampede. The high energy dinner show features 32 magnificent horses, trick riders, racing pigs, a stampede of Longhorn steer, plenty of action and a four-course feast.

Of course, no trip to Branson is complete without taking in a few of the many live shows. While each and every show in Branson is family friendly, there are a number that are particularly attractive to kids. Noah the musical offers a wide variety of animatronics and live animals. The Acrobats of China shows includes extraordinary acrobatic feats that are sure to amaze the entire family. There are also a variety of comedy and magic shows that will delight kids of all ages.

Perhaps the best kid attraction in Branson is simply taking a look around Branson on the back of a DUCK. Ride the Ducks is a fun-filled Branson sightseeing tour aboard a vehicle that can travel over land and water! Tour the heart of the Ozarks by land prior to splashing into Table Rock Lake for a view from the lake’s tranquil waters.

Branson also offers plenty of kid-friendly shopping, dining and attractions such as miniature golf. So pack up the family and start planning a trip to the Ozarks. For information on Branson resorts and accommodations, go to www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

As part of its annual National Harvest Festival celebration, Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO is hosting a special new exhibit - PBS Craft in America.

The exhibit, developed exclusively for the park, is taken directly from the Peabody-award winning PBS documentary series featuring unique American artists. A total of 50 of America’s top artists will choose their most stunning and unique works of art to be displayed at Silver Dollar City.

Another exciting exhibit is the new Caricature Carvers of America Showcase featuring Silver Dollar City artisans like Peter Engler, Ted Blaylock, Peter Kramer, Lee Robertson, Tom Crain, Gary Dierking and Jesse Barnes. You’ll also find hundreds of visiting Craftsmen demonstrating throughout the park, including Best of Missouri Hands juried artists.

Winner of the “Big-E” award for Best Overall Production in 2009 by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Headin’ West returns to the Silver Dollar City Opera House stage. Headin’ West is a special 45-minute live musical production that tells the timeless tale of American westward expansion during the 1860s.

Complete with colorful characters, harrowing adventures, a moving musical score, surprising special effects, vivid scenery and talented performers - Headin’ West is Silver Dollar City’s biggest production show ever.  The show, which is free with park admission, runs September 11 - October 24, 2010.

For information about Silver Dollar City tickets and discount Branson vacation packages, visit www.ticket2branson.com or www.westgatereservations.com.

The beautiful Missouri Ozarks have yet to start showing their amazing fall colors, yet it’s never too early to start planning a Christmas celebration in the live entertainment capital of the world, Branson. In fact, the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration remains one of the busiest and most popular events of the year in Branson.

The Ozark Mountain Christmas warms hearts and captures the holiday spirit with a simple and traditional tone that includes a lit adoration scene high atop Mount Branson, Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” festival, and miles of glowing Christmas lights.

Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” celebrates the season with more than one million lights as well as a variety of special Christmas shows and activities.

The “Branson Area Festival of Lights” and the Shepherd of the Hills “Trail of Lights” provide separate drive through lighting displays with millions of sparkling lights and displays.  In addition, the majority of Branson’s regular shows join in the Christmas spirit by devoting a significant portion of their performances to the celebration of Christmas.

You’ll also find special Christmas performances such as Andy Williams Christmas Show, The Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration and more. As a result, it’s wise to book your seats early for holiday shows.

Of course, any time is a great time to start your Christmas shopping in Branson thanks to the area’s many unique boutiques and specialty shops.

For more on discount Branson show tickets or special discount Branson vacation packages and lodging, visit www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

Whether it’s your first trip to Branson or an annual event, there is always a long laundry list of activities and events to ensure your family has a great Branson vacation.

From great fishing lakes to fun-filled theme parks and a never-ending list of live shows and entertainment, there’s never a lack of excitement and energy in Branson, Missouri. Following are just a few of the ways you can turn anyBranson getaway into a vacation full of special memories and highlights for any age.

• Feed the ducks and geese on Lake Taneycomo.
• Shop for souvenirs at Dick’s 5 & 10 in Historic Downtown Branson.
• Catch a lunker brown or rainbow trout on Lake Taneycomo.
• Stop by one of Branson’s many attractions such as the towering Titanic ship.
• Thrill to the ride down the seven-story high Kalani Tower water slide at White Water.
• Experience KidsFest or one of the other annual festivals at Silver Dollar City.
• Have a picnic along the shores of beautiful Table Rock Lake.
• Learn the history of Branson at Shepherd of the Hills Theatre.
• Laugh out loud at one of Branson’s many comedy shows.
• Hike or bike in the spectacular Ozark Mountains.

For more on things to do in Branson or to find discount show tickets and discount Branson vacation package deals, go to www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

Ready for a relaxing day on the water in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri! The entire family is sure enjoy a cruise aboard Branson’s beautiful Lake Queen Riverboat.

A modern day replica of the elegant riverboats that used to cruise the waters of the White River in Branson, the lake Queen now takes visitors across spectacular Lake Taneycomo for some fun-filled sightseeing.

The cruise offers a unique view of the Branson lakes area and its myriad wildlife ranging from American bald eagles, herons and foxes to coyote, mink and flying squirrels. And a well-versed tour guide is on hand to provide interesting facts and trivia regarding both historical and present day Branson, the waterfront and other points of interest.

As the Lake Queen cruises south toward historic Lake Taneycomo Bridge, guests will hear about several attractions and other sights. The journey ultimately winds back north to the 95-acre Branson Landing waterfront to witness the $7.5 million spectacular water attraction that merges water, fire and music.

View the immense diversity of Branson’s wildlife, from the American Bald Eagle, Night Heron and Brown Thrasher to foxes, coyote, mink and flying squirrels. Listen to tales of how Branson got its name and why Rockaway Beach is no longer referred to as the Ft. Lauderdale of the Midwest.

For more information on Branson discount vacation packages and discount Branson tickets, visit www.Ticket2Branson.com. Or for details on discount Branson resorts and hotel packages, go to www.WestgateReservations.com.

America’s romance with the vintage passenger train lives on through excursions on the Branson Scenic Railway.

The railway offers an exceptional collection of unique passenger cars that travel through the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The one hour 45 minute trip winds through tunnels, over trestles, and through either the southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas wilderness. Along the route you’re likely to see wildlife as well as the ghost towns of abandoned mountain communities now named only on railroad maps.

The Saturday 5 pm Dinner Train offers a delicious entree choice of Prime Rib, 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken, or Baked Fish. The meal also includes mashed potatoes & vegetable medley, caesar salad, crudites, black and white cake and water, ice tea, hot tea or coffee. (Items subject to change.)

 The rapidly approaching fall color season offers a special opportunity to ride the train and enjoy the spectacular hues of the trees throughout the Ozarks. And from November 6 to December 4, the Branson Scenic Railway Presents “The Polar Express.”

Read along with the story as the train makes its magical round trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas!

For more information on Branson tickets, discount resort accommodations and more, visit www.ticket2branson.com.

Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson is celebrating the last blast of summer with Moonlight Madness from July 24 through August 8.

Guests are invited to come and play into the night during Moonlight Madness, which offers expanded nighttime hours to ride, scream, soar and dance under the stars. The evening ticket costs just $25 for admission after 5 pm and all rides and attractions will stay open until 10 pm.

The summer fun includes Silver Dollar City’s new Street Dance that kicks off at 9 pm each evening throughout Moonlight Madness. Select shops and restaurants will also stay open late with specials

Of course, for those who want a full day of fun and adventure, the regular admission price allows guests to stay come early and stay late to enjoy more than 12 hours of Silver Dollar City thrills.

Throughout the day, Silver Dollar City is featuring its annual KidsFest activities, including an all-new Stunt Dog Experience with performing dogs and the mystifying magic and illusions of Peter Gossamer, now in its final season at the park. And don’t forget the rides and attractions like the 15-story drop on Wildfire or the epic water battles on the all-new RiverBlast.

For more information on Silver Dollar City or accommodations in Branson, please visit www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

Looking for a good show? Try Branson, Missouri, the self-proclaimed live entertainment capital of the world. And with more theatre seats than New York’s Broadway district, who’s to argue?

Today, nearly seven million annual visitors to Branson can find a virtually never-ending list of live performances from Country, Rock n’ Roll, Magic, Comedy, Musical Theatre and Gospel. Whether you prefer a small intimate show or a major world-class production, chances are you’ll find it gracing one of the more than 40 stages in Branson.

You don’t have to go to New York or Las Vegas to find big name entertainment. There’s plenty to choose from right in Branson, including Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Oak Ridge Boys singing their classic country tunes, the Osmond Brothers and former Righteous Brother and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bill Medley, to name just a few.

Of course, there are also dozens of Branson style shows featuring home grown artists or those who have simply made the beautiful Missouri Ozark Mountains their home. You’ll find shows featuring amazing singing, high energy dancing, laugh out loud comedy and mystifying magic. It’s all part of the fun and adventure of Branson. Better yet, it’s all great family entertainment. Every show is suitable for the entire family, young and old.

For additional information on shows, theme parks and discount hotels and resorts in Branson, visit www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.