Branson's Celebration City offers Money Saving Family Meal Deal Program

Branson’s Celebration City has created a new way for families to play and save. Their new Family Meal Deal program allows families to get the best bargain for their buck, while also making their days in Branson a little less stressful. You see, with the Family Meal Deal you won’t have to worry about what the kids will eat for dinner, or constantly having to pay for a drink to quench their thirst. With the Family Meal Deal Program, for a small additional charge ($5.50 more for adults, $1.50 more for children,) you can choose from a variety of menu options at Kick’s 66 BBQ Grill, Last Chance Diner and Mickey’s Pizza and you’ll also receive free unlimited refills of Coke products throughout your day at the park.

The Family Meal Deal plan is a convenient option for families on the go who don’t want to spare any of their vacation time on food runs, but who are also looking for a way to save a few dollars too. The Celebration City Family Meal Deal Program lets guest choose from several meal options, including everything from hamburgers to pizza to brisket sandwiches. You can view the complete list of meal options here.

The regular gate admission for Celebration City for adults (12 years and older) is $26.00 plus tax. Adding the $5.50 for the meal deal program is a bargain because that price includes a meal and unlimited drinks, which we all know, are generally pricey yet always need during a day at a theme park. The regular gate admission for children (4-11 years of age) at Celebration City is $21.00 plus tax. Pay just $1.50 more, and your children can eat a delicious meal and quench their thirst as often as possible, without you having to fork over cash again and again. At $1.50, the Celebration City Meal Deal Program is cheaper than any Happy Meal you could buy.

Note that a child’s meal deal ticket must be bought in conjunction with an adult meal deal ticket.

Branson Vacation Packages Budget Friendly, Full of Fun

ReserveDirect offers some of the best ways to save on your Branson vacation. Their website, ReserveBranson.com, provides a reliable, secure and convenient way to reserve everything you need for your Branson vacation, including Branson vacation packages featuring everything from Silver Dollar City to Noah – The Musical.

The great things about the vacation packages we offer is that they are completely customizable to fit your needs. Our Silver Dollar City Branson Packages, for example, allow customers to choose from 1, 2, or 3 parks including Silver Dollar City, White Water and Celebration City and there are other add-ons, like tickets to the Dixie Stampede or Showboat Branson Belle, available for guests as well. The Silver Dollar City vacation packages allow guests to save 20 percent on overall costs and they are easily reserved online or by phone.

The other packages we feature are geared for a quick getaway or an extended stay if you wish. Because Branson is a short drive from so many destinations, it is an easy locale to reach for a quick weekend of fun. A few of our vacation offerings feature Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, The Titanic, Andy Williams and The Presleys. Plus, we also offer Stillwaters Resort and Welk Resort packages. The Stillwaters Resort packages include activities like the Dixie Stampede and Silver Dollar City, while the Welk Resort packages include shows like the Tillis Family Reunion, Rankin Brothers and Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters. These play and stay vacation packages are convenient, fun and easy on the budget too.

When you start to plan your Branson vacation, be sure to check in to see any new Branson vacation packages we have available. And, of course, on ReserveBranson.com, you can always create your own package perfectly customized to fit your schedule, preferences and pocket book.

Silver Dollar City Encourages Travel By Offering Discount, Lodging Inclusive Vacation Packages

Silver Dollar City now offers families a complete vacation package, featuring all of Silver Dollar City’s properties and a variety of approved area lodging, thanks to reservation technology developed by ReserveDirect. The money-saving packages include Silver Dollar City, White Water, Celebration City, Showboat Branson Belle, Ride the Ducks and Dixie Stampede. The combination of Silver Dollar City's theme parks and shows along with lodging allow customers to book Branson vacation packages at a discount of up to twenty percent over purchasing the products individually.

While the all-inclusive design of the Silver Dollar City vacation packages allows customers to reserve park tickets, show tickets, and lodging while saving money, the ReserveDirect's reservation system permits them to get more for their money by choosing “add-ons” at discounted rates. These include the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show and a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle.

Greg Craig, Internet Marketing Manager for Herschend Family Entertainment, owners and operators of Silver Dollar City attractions, said online conversion continues to improve as a result of providing user friendly packaging services to our customers. “Considering the record rainfall and current state of the economy, I’m very pleased with our results.”

John Johnson, President of ReserveDirect, added, "And with the stress of these shaky economic times and high gas prices, it's good to know people can still afford to take a vacation while saving some money. It's expensive to hop on a plane and go to Florida. But with our tool, you can spend a lot less to get here and have just as much fun."

ReserveDirect has been providing online reservation technology since 2001 with the launch of their first destination website for Branson Missouri vacations, ReserveBranson.com. In 2004, ReserveDirect also launched ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com to service the Smoky Mountain family vacation destinations.

A St. Louis based company, ReserveDirect has provided similar solutions for lodging associations and destination marketing organizations in markets like Branson, Missouri; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Orlando, Florida. ReserveDirect also operates its own consumer booking engines in each of these destinations, as well as services for Polk County, Florida, Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and Springfield, Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Noah The Musical Brings Bible Story to Life in Branson

Curly the Camel experienced a momentary bout of stage fright, and Scrappy the Goat lived up to his cantankerous reputation.

And it rained. And rained. And rained.

But the rain, along with thunder and lightning and the unexpected antics of about 100 live animals, is among the reasons “Noah — the Musical” has visitors to Branson tapping their toes and applauding a new level of entertainment in a city where nearly 100 shows of all formats already fill stages day and night.

“The whole auditorium gasped when they raised the curtain on the second act,” said Melissa Pulis of Springfield, who saw the show with her 5-year-old son, Collin, soon after it opened in late May. “He kept saying ‘I’m in the middle of the ark,’ and it really felt like we were.”

The larger-than-life musical indeed places spectators in the middle of the action. When the animals board the ark two by two they prance down the aisles right through the audience. The 300-foot-long stage wraps around the seats on three sides.

If that weren’t enough, the distinct aroma of live animals, the swaying of the boat as flood waters lift it from the ground and the powerful dialogue of Noah’s distressed family as the world disappears before them help create a dramatic presentation rarely seen in Branson.

“The Branson audience is used to a musical performance of about 90 minutes, so it’s going to be interesting to see people react to more of a Broadway-style, big theater production,” said Bonnie Bosso, vice president of production for the show, which runs about 2 1/2 hours.

“This show is not just unique to Branson but really unique to the country in terms of its scope and its message,” she said.

Long before guests get their first whiff of hay or hear the first strains of the prerecorded orchestra, they know something is different about this theater and show. On the north side of Branson on a hill distant from the Missouri 76 melee, the three domes of the Sight & Sound Theatre tower above the city, creating an image some locals have called “Little Jerusalem.”
The Sight & Sound Theatre company, based in Strasburg, Pa., is often referred to as “the Christian Broadway” by theater critics and fans. The name Sight & Sound refers to the parables Jesus used to spread his message. It is the company’s first permanent theater outside Pennsylvania.

“The stories are written with all people and all ages in mind,” founder Glenn Eshelman said. “We most certainly appeal to the Judeo-Christian audience, but people from all religions and from all over the world have experienced the show — possibly attracted to the epic proportions and quality of the shows.”

The new theater is Branson’s 53rd and the first since Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater opened in 2005.

Physically, at least, no other building in Branson measures up to Sight & Sound. At 339,000 square feet, it is the largest building in the community, more than 100,000 square feet larger than the Branson Convention Center, which opened in September 2007. With 3,811 seats, the 15-year-old Grand Palace offers more seating than Sight & Sound’s 2,085 seats, but Sight & Sound’s structure also includes office space and construction workshops.

The stage also is the biggest in Missouri. Its 40-foot-tall sets are comparable to those of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, and its 300-foot-long stage is bigger than the one at Radio City Music Hall.

Tom Fish, the architect and project manager during construction, compares it with the Grand Hall of Kansas City’s Union Station, which has a 95-foot-high ceiling and 72,930 total square feet. Fish was a consultant to one of the architectural firms involved with the train station’s renovation and is now director of operations at Sight & Sound.

“The biggest issue we had to deal with was a ventilation system necessary for so many animals in house,” he said. “Designing a green room for the animals was a career first for me. In fact, I’m not sure it’s ever been done in this country.”

Below the massive auditorium and stage is a 35,000-square-foot housing and training facility for a collection of animals almost as diverse as the one in the Bible story of Noah. Camels, llamas, alpacas, pigs, cows, donkeys, zebras and a panoply of birds receive the attention and pampering one might expect for the stars of a major theatrical production. The soundtrack from “Noah” gently fills the animals’ living quarters 24 hours a day. Fresh hay fills their stalls each day. The animals receive recreation in an adjacent five-acre pasture. And although they don’t require makeup, the animals are each brushed and groomed every day before their performance.

In some ways the Branson version of “Noah” even one-ups the Bible story. The version in Genesis requires two of each species; the Branson production requires three. Although the animals enter the ark two by two, a third “understudy” is waiting in the wings.

The collection is missing one species that had been written into the script. A pair of skunks, meant to provide a lighthearted moment as Noah holds his nose at their passing, were eliminated by Branson ordinances.

“Apparently the city of Branson is afraid that the skunks would procreate within the city limits,” Bosso said.

Branson didn’t excise all the humor from the show. In a scene not clearly referenced in Genesis, Noah climbs from one story to the next in the ark, checking on the animals. When his wife calls him to dinner, instead of going back down four flights of stairs, Noah simply slides down a fire pole.

One challenge for actors was adapting to so many live critters in the spotlight. At auditions, which were held in about a dozen places across the country beginning last December, the actors were asked about any allergies to or fears of animals. Rehearsals included bonding time between the animals and the 45 actors. Watch closely as a St. Bernard puppy puts its head on Noah’s lap and you’ll see Noah discreetly reward the dog with a treat.

Actress Candida Arvizu, 34, who moved to Branson from New York in 1995, plays three roles — a belly dancer, an ark worker and Havah, a friend of Noah’s family. It is her responsibility to get the pigs, rabbits and pigeons on board the ark.

“The animals certainly keep things lively,” Arvizu said. “I try to help my friend manage the goats because they are so anxious to get on board and be rewarded with a treat that it’s like water skiing down the aisle just holding onto their ropes.”

Despite highly technical production values that include fireworks, nearly 200 animatronic animals and a laser light show, among the most important pieces of equipment are a broom, a shovel and an invention nicknamed the “poo-boni.” Just as a Zamboni is used to clean up and freshen the surface on ice rinks, the poo-boni cleans up the droppings occasionally left by the animals in the public areas of the theater.

“We try to feed and exercise the animals on a very strict schedule so as to minimize their deposits, but we anticipate accidents to happen and the audience to play along with it,” Fish said.

The Sight & Sound Theatre has been in the works for nearly five years. In addition to the hundreds of temporary jobs created during construction, the theater employs 250 people full time, including some who have moved to Branson to be part of the show.

“This is a destination, not just an experience within the destination of Branson,” Bosso said.
Getting there

“Noah” is performed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at the Sight & Sound Theatre, 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. If you’re taking children to see the show, ask for seats on the center aisle for the best view of the animals.

Backstage tours of the Sight & Sound Theatre begin June 21. The cost will be $9 per person.

•Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, which opened in 2005 at 1600 W. Missouri 76, has added a five-acre outdoor events arena called Area 57, ideal for car and motorcycle shows. Each weekend Area 57 screens drive-in movies from the 1950s. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to throw on the ground.

•Titanic: The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, 3235 W. Missouri 76, open since 2006, has remodeled the upstairs first class dining room to incorporate memorabilia from the 1997 blockbuster movie “Titanic.” It includes wardrobe items worn by Kate Winslet and Kathy Bates, plus a diamond and sapphire necklace similar to “The Heart of the Ocean” that appeared in the movie.

•Celebration City, 1338 Missouri 376, an amusement park affiliated with Silver Dollar City, has a new water ride called Roaring Falls. Splashing through a simulated Amazon forest, the raft carrying you and your friends drops 50 feet to raging rapids below.

SIGHT & SOUND Sight & Sound Theatres was founded in 1975 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman of Lancaster County, Pa., and entertains more than 800,000 guests a year at two theaters there.

“Noah — the Musical” debuted there in 1995. It is scheduled to continue in Branson through 2009. It will be replaced by another Bible story production by Sight & Sound. Among those are “In the Beginning,” “Behold the Lamb,” “Abraham and Sarah — a Journey of Love,” “Ruth,” “Daniel — a Dream, a Den, a Deliverer” and “Psalms of David.”

BY THE NUMBERS: ‘NOAH — THE MUSICAL’
•11: Number of pieces in the interior of the ark that weigh more than 100,000 pounds.
•60: Loads of laundry done each week for the show.
•70: Surround-sound speakers in the auditorium.
•75: Wigs worn by cast members.
•300: Feet in the length of the wraparound stage.
•375: Costumes worn by cast members.
•2,000: Number of lighting instruments used in “Noah,” producing 2 million watts of light.
•2,085: Seats in the theater.
•26,550: Square feet in the stage area, including two side stages.
•339,000: Square feet in the Sight & Sound facility.

Information courtesy of The Kansas City Star

10 Ways to Save on Your Branson Vacation Despite High Gas Prices

School is out, summer is here and families are ready for vacation. While many families look to the road for their vacation days, this year it is harder than ever to fill the gas tank and travel near or far. Despite high gas prices, Branson, Missouri is still a great choice for a summer vacation. This drive to destination is offering discounts on everything from gas to food to activities in order to cater to value-driven visitors who deserve a vacation! In order to aid our guests in making their dollar stretch even farther this year, here are 10 ways to save on your Branson vacation despite high gas prices.

1) Take advantage of the Gas Buster Discount Card available through the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. By showing a recent (past two days) gas receipt(s) totaling $50 or more at a Chamber of Commerce visitor center, located at Highways 65 and 248 or at Highways 65 and 160, you’ll receive a Gas Buster Discount Card worth $50 in savings. Plus, for every $50 in gas you spend, you’ll get another card worth even more savings. The Gas Buster Card offers discounts on everything from lodging to shopping to food, so be sure to pick one up. There are several participating sponsors of the Branson Gas Buster Program, and full details regarding the program are available.

2) Cash in on your Stimulus Check to receive two free show tickets from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Times are hard, and in order to show they understand, Branson has started a Branson Stimulus Check Promotion where they give away two free show tickets to guests who present a copy of their stimulus check, or proof of direct deposit, at their welcome centers (location mentioned above.) A complete list of participating shows offering two free show tickets in Branson is available here.

3) Cut corners by cutting into Branson Restaurant Coupons. They are a great way to save money on shopping and food, and are easily obtained. Dining Coupons for restaurants such as Golden Corral, Outback Steak & Oyster Bar, Moon River Grill, Shorty Small’s, Landry’s and the Grand Country Buffet offer great discounts. There are plenty of other restaurant coupons for Branson too!

4) Shopping coupons for Branson shops are available, with coupon books offered for both the Tanger Outlet and Factory Merchants Mall. Plus, be sure to visit the Tanger Outlet Mall website for promotional sales and coupons for additional savings.

5) Even more fun can be had at the Branson Landing by acquiring a Passport full of deals. Their Branson Landing Passport savings book can be obtained from these distributors or by printing this Branson Landing voucher and presenting it at the Landing Management Office.

6) Branson Hotels are also accommodating visitors by offering great Branson hotel discounts. There are several wallet-friendly yet quality properties to choose from, including the AmazInn & Suites, Branson Towers, Gazebo Inn, Quality Inn on the Strip and Rosebud Inn. These lodging choices make it easy to still get in on all the fantastic Branson entertainment and activities while also providing a nice place to stay at night.

7) The Direct Deals page on ReserveBranson.com offers discount Branson tickets on a number of Branson Shows and Branson Attractions. A few of the shows with cheap Branson ticket prices include the Hamner Barber Variety Show, Kirby VanBurch, Acrobats of China, Haygoods, and Silver Dollar City.

8) Branson Packages are another one of the great ways to save money in Branson. On ReserveBranson.com there are packages for Branson offering shows such as Sight and Sound’s Noah the Musical, The Presley’s and Dixie Stampede to name a few. Plus, there are great money saving deals on Silver Dollar City Packages, where packages can include all of Silver Dollar Cities properties, including Celebration City and White Water. These packages can save 20% on your total price, so be sure to take advantage of them.

9) There are plenty of Free Things to Do in Branson. Spend the day at Table Rock Lake, hike a scenic trail or go to a free Branson museum. Families can find several activities in Branson that take advantage of Branson’s outdoor appeal, so be sure to check out all the Free Branson activities available.

10) Cheap Gas in Missouri is one of the best reasons to travel to Branson. Missouri has the cheapest gas in the nation right now, and as any traveler knows, that’s a great bonus. Gas in Branson is still under $4 a gallon, with an average price of $3.75. So, pack up your things and gas up your car, because the open road to Branson leads to the cheapest gas anywhere.

Drive-to Destination Branson Offers Vacation Values

Whether vacation means a few days to get away, or a week off, the Silver Dollar City Attractions (SDC) rank as Branson, Missouri's most popular choices for families, a travel segment that shows marked increase to the drive-to destination, centrally located in the middle of the country. The SDC Attractions include the internationally-awarded 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, the 20th Century themed amusement park Celebration City, White Water water park and the Showboat Branson Belle.

"Of the approximately 8 million visitors to Branson, families now represent 41% compared to 26% in 2005," said Jerry Henry, Research Director for SDC. "More families are discovering Branson's scope of entertainment, now more than ever with a keen eye toward packaging their experience."

With high gas prices, industry experts say travelers are actively seeking value, with more than half the nation's travelers now planning their vacations online. To answer the trend, Silver Dollar City Attractions are combining activities, bonus coupons, and lodging over the Internet.

"We're finding our guests want bundling tailored to the family's needs. Historically, in tough economic times such as gas price hikes, people will still drive to Branson, but they're looking for real value when they get here, without forfeiting quality," Henry said, noting SDC has added new kids' meal deals and merchandise/food discounts to online ticket packages.

To further attract families, Silver Dollar City presents its Biggest Kids Fest Ever with all-new nationally branded entertainment during the National Kids Fest, June 7th - August 10. The festival includes: The Magic of Peter Gossamer; the internationally-traveled performers of Ice Circus; the world debut of a VeggieTales stage show, "The Invention of Silliness" starring
America's favorite talking vegetables; and the PBS acclaimed "Kid Concoctions;" plus roller coasters, underground cave exploration, two dozen themed rides, crafts and shows.

Celebration City presents its biggest ride expansion ever: the water adventure ride Roaring Falls, taking riders on an Amazon-themed journey ending with a 5-story splash finale. White Water features 12 attractions, including Kalani Towers, a 7-story, 6-slide, multi-experience thrill ride. Showboat Branson Belle celebrates the beauty of the 1890s paddlewheel riverboats with a 3-course dinner, show and lake cruise.

Information courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Branson, Missouri Gears Up For Another Successful Season

"Stick to what you know" could be the motto for Branson this year as the Ozark resort town focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots, plus recent upgrades in shopping and hotels, to ride out the national economic downturn.

Branson tourism leaders are hopeful they can continue a track record of outperforming the national industry, projecting between 2 and 3% more visitors than last year's 8.4 million. That would be just at or above the Travel Industry Association's forecast of 2% growth in leisure travel nationally.

"We are promoting our values and our value," Dan Lennon, vice president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said. "We want people to think about Branson as great place to bring families together."

Branson officials say costs for tourists there are below national averages. The average daily hotel rate is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. The average show ticket in Branson is $29, while Las Vegas shows currently average $130 to $150 per ticket.

During the 2001 recession, Branson saw a 1.4% decline in tourists, but it rebounded in 2002 with 3.5% growth as people stayed closer to home following the Sept. 11 attacks. In the past two years, Branson's numbers grew 14%, while the national figure was 3%.

Tourism expert Steve Morse says Branson stands a good chance of meeting its growth goals this year because many Americans will pick destinations they can drive to rather than fly. With jet fuel even more expensive than gas, airlines have raised fares and cut back on capacity.

"The drive-to destinations will do better than the fly-to ones like Orlando," said Morse, an economist and director of the Tourism Institute at the University of Tennessee.

The two biggest new attractions in Branson this year fit the template of wholesome family fun.
One is a huge new theater with a wraparound stage the size of five basketball courts that will open May 24 for the debut of Noah — The Musical, based on the Biblical story. The $65 million, 2,085-seat Branson theater is the first new location for Lancaster County, Pa.-based Sight & Sound Theaters, which bills itself as "the Christian Broadway."

The family owned theater company specializes in bringing Gospel epics to the stage with massive sets, glossy production values, dozens of actors, and in the case of Noah, 100 live animals and 200 animatronic animals.

Another major newcomer is the $2-million Roaring Falls water ride, which drops visitors five stories. It's part of an expansion at Celebration City theme park.

Morse said Branson and other destinations will likely also profit from tax rebate checks that are the centerpiece of President Bush's $168 billion rescue package for a wobbly economy. The rebates will put up to $1,800 in the wallets of a couple with two kids in the coming weeks.
And higher gas prices mean that people will want to drive to places closer to home.

"When gas prices go up, people in the Midwest say, 'Let's go to Branson instead of Galveston, Texas, or the Gulf,'" Morse said.

That fits Branson's pattern of visitation. About 60% of visitors typically come from more than 300 miles, with an additional 28% from between 100 and 300 miles and 12% from the local area, city officials say.

The resort town is targeting its advertising in smaller Midwestern cities this year to net those vacationers who want to travel no more than a day's drive.

It is pulling dollars it used in the big metro markets of Chicago and Dallas last year to advertise instead in cities such as Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., Paducah, Ky., Champaign, Ill., and Des Moines, said Branson Lakes Area Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Ross Summers.

Peter Herschend, co-founder of the Herschend Family Entertainment company that owns major Branson attractions, including Celebration City, said the focus this year is on the things that have worked for Branson in the past.

"It is not only the theaters. It is the Ozarks, which make Branson unique, the lakes, and the world-class attractions," Herschend said.

He also mentioned a recent addition: Branson Landing, an outdoor pedestrian shopping center on Lake Taneycomo that opened two years ago with its own Hilton hotel and across the street from a new Hilton convention center.

"Strolling around Branson Landing, not just the shopping, is turning into a major attraction," Herschend said.

The Landing has a lakefront walkway, a water and fire fountain, waterfront restaurants and stores from Victoria's Secret to Bass Pro Shops, where you can buy hunting and fishing gear and boats.

The Landing was among the additions in the past few years aimed at drawing more families and baby boomers on top of a traditional clientele that came looking for country music. Newer shows featured more pop music, including the Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends and Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.

Information courtesy of USA Today

Branson, Missouri Goes Upscale

Nearly everyone who's a regular visitor has an I-remember-Branson-when story. Here is Bob Allen's version: "When I first came down here, the only things in Branson were the Presleys, Silver Dollar City and bait shops."

Branson started as an Ozark fishing hole, with the Presley family setting up a metal building on Highway 76 in 1967 to provide wholesome entertainment for the sportsmen who used the man-made lakes. That simple start multiplied into some 50 theaters, earning Branson the title of America's live music capital. The evolution is continuing today, and Allen is a part of it.

Allen grew up in Springfield, Mo., where he was friends with Payne Stewart, the pro golfer who died in a plane accident in 1999 at the age of 42. Now, Allen is the club pro for Branson Hills Golf Co., which is putting the finishing touches on the Payne Stewart Golf Club, a tribute to his friend.

"Each hole of the course tells a story about Payne's experience on the tour," Allen said. "The golf course is $27 million, with five sets of tees from 7,400 yards. We can host national events, everything from Tiger to little tigers."

He led the way through the clubhouse, which has dark wood paneling, an outdoor pool and an area that will display memorabilia, including trophies won by Stewart and pairs of his signature gold-toe golf shoes. Everything in the clubhouse will be linen, crystal and silver — "no paper plates and Styrofoam cups," Allen said. "It's all going to be tip-top, Payne would be proud."

The public golf course will be the 12th in the Branson area — joining John Daly's Murder Rock as the latest additions — and cements Branson's role as a golf destination.

Add the upscale shopping at the new Branson Landing, the growing retirement and second-home community, and the recently opened convention center and second Hilton Hotel, and it's easy to see why Branson's backers say it has turned the corner in attracting the boomers needed to fill the vacancies left by fading World War II-era veterans and their spouses.

While the housing industry in other parts of the United States is ailing, Branson's market is holding its own during the national slowdown, said C. Craig Richards, president of Ozark Mountain Bank. "There's a lot of interest from people outside the area who see real estate in Branson as a good buy," Richards said. "The cost of construction is lower, as is the cost of land. People from California or Florida can sell their home there and buy three or four times the home for the money in Branson. We've got a good school system, good health service. That attracts people who are retirees but also families who want to get away from the big city. There's a strong feeling of family values in the area, probably tied to strong Christian beliefs."

The only downside, for Richards, is increased competition. "We've had five new banks in the last 10 years," he said. "They see the same numbers we do as far as commercial development and new home sales. In 1998, there were two homes that sold for over $350,000. Last year, there were more than 30."

And don't forget the new full-size airport scheduled to open next spring, said Dan Lennon, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. "As soon as you get outside an eight-hour drive to Branson, some people perceive it's difficult to give up a day to get here," Lennon said. "With the new airport, it starts to be more practical for people to fly in. With those further out markets, Branson becomes a weekend getaway."

Branson's annual visitation grew 5.2 percent to 8.39 million last year, Lennon said. Over the last two years, total growth was 14 percent while the rest of the national tourism market was seeing 2 percent annual increases. How those numbers will shake out this year, in the face of high fuel prices and a sluggish economy, was an unknown, he added. Lennon emphasized that the culture that Branson was known for is alive and well. You can still find cornpone humor at the Presleys and Baldknobbers shows, motels still offer "2 for $32.95" in the off-season, go-kart tracks and water slides still line Highway 76, and traffic this summer will crawl as the commercial strip fills with gawkers.

But now you can shop for fancy undies at the Victoria's Secret at Branson Landing, or try out a new boat at the Bass Pro Shop dock on Lake Taneycomo. "The thing that brought the people in the 60s and 70s — the Ozark Mountain experience — that still happens, we've just added these higher amenities," he said. "Fifteen years ago, you'd have the Lawrence Welks. With the boomers, you have Dick Clark, the Acrobats of China, the Liverpool Legends."

The best known side of the town, the live music shows, also has a new player this season. The $65 million Sight and Sound Theater Branson will open May 24 with a stage area of 26,550 square feet, the equivalent of more that five basketball courts. The stage, largest in North America, is 300 feet long and wraps around three sides of the 2,085 seats, giving the audience the feeling of being inside an ark, with all the animals, for a production of "Noah — The Musical."

Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation's largest professional Christian theater company. Its headquarters theater in Lancaster County, Pa., is one of the most-attended live theaters on the East Coast with an annual audience of more than 800,000. Founded in 1976 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, the company produces epic biblical stories. Some 100 live animals, 200 "animatronic" animals and 45 human actors will be used in Branson to tell the story of the journey of Noah and his family.

"It's sometimes called Christian Broadway in Pennsylvania," said Joan Chowning, who ushered me into the theater where trainers were working with the live animals. "The employees all profess to be Christians. But we welcome the unchurched, as well as the churched, at our theaters."

Admission for both is $49 an adult, $25 for a teen and $15 for children.

As Allen, the golf pro, mentioned, Silver Dollar City has been around since the beginning. But it also continues to evolve, from a re-created Ozark mining town built above Marvel Cave and featuring arts and crafts, to a quality theme park in a landscaped setting with rides and a full schedule of live entertainment.

The biggest new attraction this season is at Silver Dollar City's sister park, Celebration City, where Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure, makes its debut this spring. General manager John Fitzgibbons gave a blow-by-blow description of the new ride: "Twenty passengers go up five stories in a boat, which falls in a 55-degree drop, ending with a splash that gets everybody in the boat, and everybody on the land nearby, wet. It has an Amazon theme, with crocodiles and hippos and fossilized rocks. There'll be fog and a mister going, and Amazon noises."

Celebration City, which is entering its sixth season, now has some 30 rides and attractions, including three roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. The park closes each evening with "Ignite the Night," which uses three projectors to display images on a water curtain, along with lasers and fireworks and music.

"We have a 50-foot Elvis walking on water and singing," Fitzgibbons said. "There's a dance party on the Great Lawn. We get kids, parents and grandparents up and dancing."

Silver Dollar City, which is a short ride away from Celebration City, also has a full schedule of events with World-Fest, April 3-May 4; Bluegrass & BBQ, May 10-June 1; National Kids Fest, June 7-Aug. 10; Southern Gospel Picnic, Aug. 28-Sept. 7; National Harvest Festival, Sept. 11-Oct. 25; and An Old Time Christmas, Nov. 1-Dec. 30.

Lisa Rau, spokeswoman for Silver Dollar City, said the park uses continuing feedback from customers to update attractions and facilities. "The bottom line is: We are not the boss, the guests are the boss and mostly Mom," Rauh said. "Roaring Falls is exactly what they wanted. A big, get wet, whole family, thrill ride."

Information courtesy of St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Water Ride coming to Celebration City

Celebration City is building its biggest attraction since opening in 2003, and the largest new attraction for Branson in 2008.

It’s an Amazon journey through the mists before ending in a five story plummet and it’s called Roaring Falls.

“Roaring Falls is the biggest ride we have added since the park opened in 2003,” said John Fitzgibbons, general manager of Celebration City. “With an Amazon theme, complete with misty fog and jungle sound effects, riders on the adventure will find that the powerful river current carries the boats to the top of a massive waterfall.”

The five-story drop falls at an angle of 55 degrees and is estimated to cause a splash 60 feet high or more. The total ride time is about two minutes long, traveling through 250,000 gallons of water. Construction on Roaring Falls began in mid-January and is expected to be complete in time for the park’s opening on April 18.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Image courtesy of Celebration City

What's New in Branson for 2008

Live Shows

Sight & Sound Theatre, opening May 24, presents NOAH - The Musical. This “Christian Broadway” production is an amazing bible-based show with more than 50 live animals and 50 animatronics animals and a 4-story reproduction of the Ark.

Andy Williams and Ann-Margret perform together at the Moon River Theatre June 6 through July 26. The new Andy Williams Variety Show opens September 5 through October 27. The variety show will be patterned after his Emmy-Award winning television shows and will have up to 6 different specialty acts performing with Andy.

There is a new morning show at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. “The Entertainers” perform everything from dueling banjos to Phantom of the Opera, Motown to bluegrass, all by local musicians who are “stars” in their own right, from other shows in Branson.

The Oak Ridge Boys will open in their new theatre on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Country Tonite will move to the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre. Dalena Ditto's Country Variety Show will perform at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre, April through December.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre welcomes Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers to their stage in a morning show. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand complex opens up Area ’57 with special events, such as BransonFest 2008, April 8-12, and more planned throughout the year.

Justin Flom and the Imaginary Theatre will feature Branson Divas and the Emmy award-winning comedian Bob Nelson.

Bobby Vinton will be performing at The Mansion this November and Tom Mullica as Red Skelton is appearing at The Mansion.

At the Welk Resort Theatre, The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue will debut in March and run through December. Matt and Mark Rankin, along with their cast of outstanding musicians and performers, will present timeless, classic hits covering six decades of music. The Welk Stars Reunion is set for Sept. 3-7 and The Tillis Family Reunion, starring Mel Tillis & Pam Tillis, will return from Sept. 16 through October 25. Tony Orlando’s annual Veterans Salute is Nov. 11 and he will join The Lennon Sisters for an all-new Christmas Celebration, November 1 through December 6.

Yakov Smirnoff welcomes country star Joe Diffie to Yakov’s theatre in September. Shows will feature his friends and family members, as well as comedian Paul Harris.

Attractions

The internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park Silver Dollar City launches its biggest festival year ever, with new original stage productions, performing groups, and festival showcases. New to open the Spring season: an Irish Celebration with World-Fest’s all new Irish production show, Feet of Fire, featuring authentic fire dancing. Then it’s Bluegrass & BBQ, celebrating Americana at its best with hundreds of award-winning bluegrass performances and fresh-off-the-grill foods. Summer brings family adventures at the park’s biggest Kids Fest ever, presenting a nationally-recognized slate of entertainment with The Magic of Peter Gossamer, a Kid Concoctions interactive world of play, a VeggieTales live stage show produced exclusively for Silver Dollar City, and even an Ice Circus with skating performers from around the world. Fall’s Southern Gospel Picnic features the top traditional and contemporary entertainers in the genre; and the National Harvest Festival brings the largest gathering in America’s Heartland of demonstrating craftsmen, harvest-time foods and musical performances, plus special events: A Salute to the American Cowboy and an all-new Tribute to the American Farmer. An Old Time Christmas, nationally recognized by media from USA Today to Good Morning America and Southern Living as one of the best holiday light shows in America, dazzles with the 5-story, Special Effects Christmas tree and all-encompassing sound and light show on the Square and the all-new Frosty, an interactive show for kids.

Debuting in September, Silver Dollar City, long known as “Home of American Craftsmanship,” celebrates its roots with a very special project to highlight the theme park’s most authentic focus: the interactive art of demonstration. The new Silver Dollar City Culinary & Craft School is designed to pass along knowledge of America’s heritage through fine crafts, handiwork and culinary arts. Interactive classes will be held within the stylishly decorated and themed timberframe structure, set on a hillside within the City, with experts from top chefs to renowned craftsmen teaching culinary classes and craft seminars. Along with the seminars from national experts, Silver Dollar City Master Craftsmen will feature heirloom displays, multiple demonstrations and hands-on activities for take-home skills.

The Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame & Museum, located in the Branson Mall, honors those instrumental in Branson’s entertainment success and showcases historical items for public viewing daily.

Butterflies at Branson is a community-wide art exhibit that will be decorating the Branson area from March 29 until October 10. Area artists, including Yakov Smirnoff, will turn a huge fiberglass butterfly into a work of art to benefit a local charity.

Celebration City, Branson’s Biggest Nighttime Attraction, presents the biggest park expansion to date, and the largest new ride in the Ozarks for 2008. Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure ride, takes riders on a water-filled journey through fast-moving rapids and features a 5-story, 55-degree angle drop for an enormous splash finale. Celebration City is a 20th-century themed family amusement park featuring more than 30 rides and attractions including Ozark WildCat, a wooden roller coaster eight stories high. Celebration City hosts "Ignite the Night," a spectacular multi-million dollar nighttime special effects show presenting a stunning finale to the day’s fun along with a boardwalk full of games, uniquely themed shopping and family-style dining.

There is new fun on the water at Gage’s Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes. Branson Landing Cruises offers daily excursions aboard the luxurious 100-foot yacht Landing Princess or the authentic paddlewheel riverboat Lake Queen in the midst of spectacular Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo waterfront.

Tall Timber lumberjack show is moving to Hwy 76 West in 2008, located two blocks west of Silver Dollar City, across the street from Uncle Ike’s trail rides.

White River Fish House at Bass Pro Shops in Branson Landing sits on Lake Taneycomo. You can feast on local favorites like catfish and trout or enjoy a delicious hand-cut juicy steak, grilled to perfection. Come hungry for your next adventure at White River Fish House.

Developments

The new Branson Convention Center offers convention and conference goers 220,000 square feet of flexible space in a stunning, state-of-the-art setting. A curving, exposed timber pedestrian concourse gives visitors a pleasant view of the Lake Taneycomo waterfront as they travel between the center’s meeting and exhibit facilities and the adjacent Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is located within walking distance of Historic Downtown Branson and the sprawling new Branson Landing shopping, dining and entertainment district. The new Hilton offers guests a chance to experience the pampered luxury of a metropolitan hotel in the heart of small town America. The 12-story hotel has 293 rooms, including 194 traditional rooms and suites, and 99 condotel units that will also be available for nightly rental.

There are two more championship golf courses in Branson – the Murder Rock course at Branson Creek and the Payne Stewart Tribute course at Branson Hills.

The Branson/Lakes Area community is looking forward to the first flight landing at the new Branson Regional Airport in May of 2009.

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Schedule of Branson Veteran's Homecoming Celebration Events

Branson's 14th annual Veterans Homecoming Week kicked off Monday with an opening ceremony at the Mansion Entertainment and Media Center and a ribbon cutting at the new Veterans Welcome Center.

The week-long event, billed as the largest Veterans Day celebration in the nation, features a host of activities for veterans and their families through Sunday. New this year is the Veterans Welcome Center, located at Missouri 165 and Green Mountain Drive.

Sponsored by the Department of Missouri Veterans of Foreign Wars, the center will serve free lunch to veterans ($1 for family members) throughout the week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by two hours of free entertainment.

Veterans also can sit down to free chow today through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Celebration City.

Free shows and ongoing activities abound — a sampling of events is included below. For an expanded list, visit www.bransonveterans.com or call the Branson Veterans Task Force at 337-8387.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

"Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors" book launch at Celebration City Theatre, 9-11 a.m. Six survivors of the Sunchon Tunnel Massacre during the Korean War are scheduled to attend. The event is free and open to the public. Call 230-5555 for more information.

Rose Petal Ceremony and Luncheon at Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, 10:30 a.m. The Branson Women's Veterans Committee will host the ceremony to honor women veterans who have died for their country. Following the ceremony is a luncheon with special guest speaker Lt. Col. Vicki Merryman, retired from the U.S. Army. The Rose Petal Ceremony is free of charge. The luncheon cost is $20 and reservations are required. Call 339-6823 for more information.

Opening Ceremony for the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Welk Resort, 10:30 a.m. The wall is traditionally open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. through Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Free for viewing to all. Call 337-7469 for more information.

United States Navy Drill Team at Branson High School Gym, 7:30 p.m. The United States Navy Ceremonial Guard, founded in 1931, will give a free performance. Call 337-8387 for more information.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Veterans Homecoming Meet and Greet Reception at the Mansion Entertainment and Media Center, 9 a.m. A reception honoring Branson Veterans Task Force's guest of honor Eddie Beesley, Sue Downes and Christon Stone. Reception is free and informal, followed by a 10 a.m. showing of the musical "Celebrate America," which is free for veterans, $32.50 for others. Call 239-1333 for more information.

POW/MIA Network's Vietnam Memorial Wall Service at Welk Resort, 8 a.m. Program includes music by the LeCroy Sisters, wreath laying and special speakers. Call 336-4232 for more information.

Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives Luncheon at the All American Cafe, 10:30 a.m. Complimentary brunch for Gold and Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Wives. Call 337-8387 for more information.

Women Veterans and Tuskegee Airman Presentations at Celebration City, 9:30 a.m. Lt. Col. Vicki Merryman, Bronze Star recipient who served her country in the Army for two decades speaks at 9:30 a.m. George Boyd, Tuskegee Airman, will speak at 10:30 a.m. Call 230-5555 for more information.

Free Outdoor Concert by the 399th Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood at Factory Merchants Mall, 2 p.m. Call 337-8387 for more information.

Candlelight Military Memorial Service at Skyline Baptist Church, 6 p.m. Call 337-8387 for more information.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Korean War Veterans Association Mini-Reunion at Settle Inn, 9 a.m.-noon. Annual event honoring those serving during the "Forgotten War," held in the Stonehenge Room. Call 365-1389 for more information.

Friday, November 9, 2007

11th Annual Military Gala and Banquet Saluting Special Operations at Chateau on the Lake. Evening includes Medal of Honor recognition, POW/MIA candlelight service, Special Operations salute, fireworks, Mozark MOAA's True American Hero Award, Ambassador of Patriotism Award, entertainment and dancing. Advance reservations are required. Call 866-481-GALA for more information.

World War II Living History Encampment at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, 9 a.m. The 84th Infantry Division will set up camp, re-enact battle, and display equipment, uniforms and weapons. Event lasts through Saturday. Call 337-8387 for more information.

Raising of the world's largest flying American Flag at RFD TV The Theatre, 1 p.m. Call 332-2282 for more information.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Veterans and Active Duty Military Honor Day at the American Presidents Museum, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free for all veterans and active duty personnel to the museum. There will be a special display of World War II Pin-up Girl Art in the Gallery Hall. Call 334-8683 for more information.

Battle of the Branches Boxing Match at Eagle Plaza, noon to 3 p.m. Veterans are encouraged to cheer on the boxer representing his or her branch of service. Tickets are $10 each or $20 for VIP seating. Call 334-3693 for more information.

Luau and Marine Corps Birthday Celebration and Tuskegee Airmen Reunion at Chateau on the Lake, 6 p.m. Reservations required. Call 777-4063 or 336-6350 for more information.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

73rd Annual Veterans Day Parade, downtown Branson, 11 a.m. Sponsored by American Legion Post #220. Call 337-8387 for more information.

Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Show at Welk Resort Theatre, 2 p.m. Free tickets have all been reserved and may be picked up at the Welk Resort Theatre box office Nov. 1-9. Any tickets not claimed by 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 will be available at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 10 on a first come, first served basis. Call 337-7469 for more information.

Kickin' Round at a Veterans Hoedown at Welk Resort Theatre Parking Lot, 5 p.m. The grand finale of Veterans Homecoming. Cost is $15 per person. Reservations are required. Call 339-4222 for more information.

Information courtesy of Springfield News-Leader

CityHopper Getaway Package for Branson, MO

Branson, Missouri is a top family destination for many reasons. The wholesome entertainment and exciting outdoor fun create the perfect vacation atmosphere. Some of the most popular things to do in Branson are visit Silver Dollar City, White Water and Celebration City. These three great parks provide family fun in the sun, no matter what time of day it is. That’s why when they’re combined they make for the perfect family getaway. In order to provide our customers with the best vacation opportunities, ReserveDirect has partnered with Silver Dollar City for a one-of-a-kind Getaway Package.

The CityHopper Getaway Package is the best value for fun for your family. The CityHopper package allows families to receive unlimited admission to Silver Dollar City, Celebration City and White Water for up to 4 days! Families can choose between a 4 Days, 3 Parks, and 3 Nights lodging for a family of four or a 3 Day, 2 Parks, and 2 nights of lodging. The 4 day package price starts at only $599! The 3 Day package price starts at $419!

The Getaway Package also allows families to choose from several great Branson hotels, including the Chateau on the Lake, Grand Oaks Hotel, Radisson Hotel and Cascades Inn. After purchasing the package, guests also receive 50% off of adult admissions for the Showboat Branson Belle and can cruise on Ride the Ducks for only $10 a person!

The CityHopper Getaway Package is your families best value! A great vacation in Branson, Missouri begins with Silver Dollar City and ReserveDirect!