Branson Holiday Promenade of the Stars Features Andy Williams

The 3rd Annual Branson Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade will usher in the Christmas season on world famous Hwy 76 at 10:30am on November 7 in Branson. Mr. Christmas, otherwise known as Andy Williams, is set to be the grand marshal of the parade.

The 1.4 mile-long parade route begins at White Water and ends at the Grand Village shoppes, with a few stops along the way to allow stars to perform on stage in front of the Titanic Museum. Branson celebrities, marching bands and floats will all be included in the Branson Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade.

In addition to Andy Williams, other celebrity performances include Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Lennon Sisters, the Osmonds, Tony Orlando, Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas dancers, the cast of "A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” from Silver Dollar City and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The parade is being recorded for a television special that will broadcast Thanksgiving Day and rebroadcast Christmas Day. The special will air on KSFX Ozarks Fox and The Vacation Channel in the Springfield/Branson area. National Broadcasts will air on RFD TV and Retro Television Network (RTN). Hosts for the television special are Debby Boone and Jimmy Osmond.

Moonlight Madness Event at Silver Dollar City Expanded

Special Press Release from Silver Dollar City:

With Silver Dollar City extending and expanding Moonlight Madness, families have the opportunity to scream under the stars for more days and longer nights. The park, as well as the 30 rides and attractions, will be open all day and will stay open into the night July 27 - Aug. 9. Open from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., Silver Dollar City is giving families the chance to have one more value vacation or daytime outing before summer turns into fall. Daytime visitors to the theme park will be able to stay late and enjoy the rides by the light of the moon, and those who arrive after 5 p.m. pay just $20 for the night ride thrills.

"We've added special events, days and ticket packages for all of our attractions to help out those families looking for one last summer vacation," says Silver Dollar City's General Manager Brad Thomas. "We want them to be able to experience Silver Dollar City as they never have before, to see the stars between their toes on the Giant Swing and see Table Rock Lake from the top of WildFire, through the thrill of darkness."

Throughout the day, Silver Dollar City will feature KidsFest activities, from the all-new JEERK show featuring the first U.S. performance by the Swedish supergroup to the magic and illusions of Peter Gossamer. For Moonlight Madness, select shops and restaurants will be staying open late with supper specials and thrill-seeker deals. VeggieTales characters will make a special nighttime appearance and the show Great American Country Nights in Echo Hollow, with a performance recently spotlighted on The Today Show, will be presented Tuesdays through Sundays.

The internationally-acclaimed Silver Dollar City and White Water are motivating families to fit in that last blast of summer through special events and packaging as well as added-value offers.

Special Last Blast Of Summer Opportunities At Silver Dollar City Attractions:

Moonlight Madness, July 27 - August 9: Throughout Moonlight Madness, Silver Dollar City will be open all day and into the night. July 27 - August 9, the park will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. for summer night thrills on the thirty themed rides and attractions from high-speed coasters such as the explosive-PowderKeg, to the mega-splashing American Plunge.
Enjoy KidsFest all day and stay all night with you day pass or season passORCome after 5 p.m. for only $20 for night ride thrills.

Summer Ride Days, August 17 - 20: For those still not back to school, the dates August 17 - 20 have been added to the Silver Dollar City calendar with a special price of only $25 for the day. Open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., these days are dedicated to the rides, from the multi-looping roller coaster WildFire to the 10 family rides at the Grand Exposition. Select merchandise and food venues will be open as well.

Night Water, August 17, 19 , 21: Open only at night August 17, 19 and 21, White Water hosts Night Water with the largest selection of water rides and attractions in the Ozarks. For only $20 from 4 - 10 p.m. guests can enjoy their favorite water thrills in a new way, from catching a wave in Surfquake Wave Pool to racing on the region's largest high-speed water ride, Kalani Towers, under the stars. The Hawaiian theme will include a nighttime luau, offering tropical treats.

Ten Ways to Play in Branson Missouri

There are plenty of things to do in Branson. With a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as indoor fun available, Branson offers a little something for everyone when they visit. Whether you are a new Branson visitor or a repeat traveler, there’s always something new to do in Branson.

1) Silver Dollar City: Branson’s #1 attraction is home to old-fashioned fun as it is themed as a 1880s style theme park. There are demonstrating craftsmen at the park, delicious food, 40 live shows daily and thrilling rides like WildFire to keep your day in Branson filled with fun. Silver Dollar City also features six world-class festivals, so anytime you come there is something different to see and do. Currently, KidsFest is underway, which is a great festival for kids because it’s all geared towards them.

2) Branson Shows: Branson is home to a variety of shows. With more theater seats than Broadway, this town knows how to put on a show. Branson is known for its country music, and at shows like Pierce Arrow, The Duttons, The Presleys, The Baldknobbers and Country Tonite, there are plenty of country tunes to keep audiences entertained. There are a variety of other shows in Branson that don’t feature country music, including Bill Haley’s Original Comets, Broadway!, Noah – The Musical, Six, and the Acrobats of China. Of course, perennial favorites Yakov Smirnoff, Shoji Tabuchi, Dixie Stampede and Jim Stafford perform throughout the year, offering first class shows right in the heart of Branson.

3) White Water: Branson’s beach within reach is a great place to spend a day while you’re in town. Dive into summer fun on their over 12 acre park which pumps over two million gallons water daily. There are thrilling water rides like Kalani Towers, Ohana Falls, and Raging River Rapids for the older kids, and a lazy river, splash island, and wave pool for guests wanting to lounge and soak up some sun.

4) Table Rock Lake: Table Rock Lake is a beautiful Branson treasure offering swimming, boating, fishing and amazing scenery. People flock to this lake to enjoy the sights and activities found here. Located just minutes from the heart of Branson, a day at Table Rock Lake provides families with some time to enjoy the great outdoors while also enjoying the amenities of an entertainment town such as Branson.

5) Branson Shopping: Branson is a fantastic place to shop because it is home to three outlet malls, the waterfront Branson Landing, and plenty of craft malls to find that unique treasure to call your own. When you visit, make time to go to the various shops at Branson because there is always a deal to be found!

6) Ride the Ducks: These unique amphibious vehicles provide an entirely different way to see Branson. When you ride on duck, you are treated to a 70 minute tour given by a guide who has some interesting insight into Branson. 30 minutes of your 70 minute tour is spent on Table Rock Lake, cruising and enjoying the splendor of the area. One thing is for sure, when you go to Ride the Ducks you’re in for a quack-tastic sightseeing adventure.

7) Titanic Museum: Spend some time at the Branson Titanic Museum while you visit and you’ll learn all there is to know about this fateful ship. Housed in a massive half-size replica of the original ship, the museum itself is a sight to behold but once you’re inside there is even more to explore. With over 400 artifacts to discover and interactive displays, like touching an iceberg, make the Titanic Museum a must-see attraction in Branson.

8) Shepherd of the Hills: The Shepherd of the Hills complex offers a lot for visitors to see and do. They are home to the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, the longest running outdoor drama in America. Based on the story written by Harold Bell Wright, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama features life in the Ozark Mountains in the late 1800’s. This story was one of the first things to make Branson’s Ozark Mountains famous and is still one of the more popular shows in town. The complex is also home to Inspiration Tower and they offer a Homestead Tour.

9) Golf in Branson: Branson is home to outstanding golf courses that offer some of the finest courses in the Midwest, if not the country. Whether you’re a novice or a pro player, there’s a course that’ll fit your needs. A few of the courses to choose from include Pointe Royale Golf course, which is newly renovated, Thousand Hills Golf Course, Branson Creek, Murder Rock Golf Course and LedgeStone Golf Course.

10) Sightseeing: There is a lot to see in Branson. Between the lights of the famous country music boulevard that is Hwy. 76 & the gorgeous Ozark Mountain scenery, you can spend a lot of your time just checking out the sights and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Be sure to make time to soak it all in and enjoy the beauty that is Branson.

Celebrate the Summer & Father's Day in Branson this June

Branson is known for its family-friendly activities, and during the summer months there are even more fun things to do in Branson. The Branson theaters offer shows like the Acrobats of China, Jim Stafford and Dixie Stampede that bring exciting entertainment and hilarious comedy to the stage. Branson attractions like Silver Dollar City, White Water and Ride the Ducks are also a great way to experience Branson and see sights that are truly beautiful.

During June, there are several special events happening, including events that celebrate dear old dad. At the Titanic Museum, they are hosting a Titanic Father’s Day Boat Show on June 20 & 21. This free event will feature numerous boats including pontoon fishing boats by Tracker. A trip to the Titanic Museum might also float dad’s boat, so be sure to make time to tour the more than 400 artifacts located at the museum.

Other attraction Dad might like include the ’57 Heaven Museum, which showcases automobiles from 1957, complete with lifestyle exhibits to really bring the culture of ’57 home. Neal McCoy is also performing in Branson during the month of June and will showcase his Top 20 songs, such as “No Doubt About It,” “Wink,” “ The Shake,” and “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.” If Dad is a big Beatles fan, then he’ll love The Liverpool Legends. Their two hour show pays tribute to The Beatles and is produced by Louise Harrison, the sister of George Harrison. If a taste of the islands is needed, head over to Island Fire at the Dutton Theater, where Samoans perform traditional dances and create fiery entertainment, all served with a delicious Polynesian inspired meal.

Golf in Branson is another way Dad’s are sure to have fun, as Branson is home to several world class golf courses. Whether he tees off at the extraordinary Branson Creek Golf Course or Murder Rock Golf Course, or sets his sights on the holes at Pointe Royale or Thousand Hills, there are plenty of ways for Dad to score a hole-in-one in Branson.

While visiting Branson, you’ll need a place to stay. Reserve Branson lodging now for the best savings and guaranteed lowest rates. Whether you are looking for a hotel, like 1st Inn Branson, or a condominium, like those offered at Still Waters Resort, Branson has something to fit your vacation needs.

White Water Now Open For Summer Fun

Branson, Missouri is known for its Ozark Mountains, lush lakes and spectacular beauty. During the summer season, man families flock to Branson to enjoy lake activities like swimming, skiing and wakeboarding on lakes such as Table Rock and Bulls Shoals. But, there’s another place Branson visitors can have fun in the sun – White Water!

White Water just opened for the summer season on May 23 and will remain open through September 7. It is 12 acre park is home to more than 7,000 feet of water slides and more than a dozen rides and attractions. The tropical adventure park offers a variety of rides, ranging from the subdued, like the lazy river, to the extreme, like the Kalani Towers. Kalani Towers literally towers over the White Water Park and is easily one of the park’s biggest draws. The 7 story, 6 slide ride has two 300-foot drop slides for freefall body-sliding at speeds up to 40 mph, and four additional 312-foot slides for land racing at speeds up to 25 mph.

Even more thrilling rides can be found at the Branson White Water Park, including the Raging River Rapids ride, which is 400 feet of two slides wrapping around a huge 5 story high waterfall that that races riders to the pool below. With rapid water raft rides like the Caribbean Plunge and Tropical Twister, a wave pool attraction known as Surfquake, which is a 500,000 gallon pool that produces 4 foot waves and Ohana Falls, a group plunge ride, all create a great place to take advantage of sunny days in the Ozarks.

Family Play areas also abound at White Water Branson. RainTree Island is geared toward older children and features aqua-shooters, slides, splash geysers and an enormous 700 gallon tipping bucket. Splash Island was created with smaller kids in mind and is equipped with shooting nozzles, spray horses and slides, all in a shallow pool. For toddlers, there is Little Squirts Waterworks, which has tunnels, slides and sprays for water play without depth.

Summer in Branson isn’t summer without a trip to White Water. Reserve your White Water tickets today.

White Water in Branson Opens May 23

Branson’s Tropical Adventure Park, White Water, opens May 23 with the largest selection of rides and attractions in the Ozarks. The 12-acre park twists and glides with nearly 7,000 feet of slides and more than a dozen rides and attractions, creating two million gallons of cool, water-drenched fun where guests can swim, surf, splash and slide.
Adventures at White Water in Branson range from the multi-thrill experience of the 7-story, 6-slide Kalani Towers to relaxing summer days drifting down the Lazy River. Rides include:

THRILL RIDES:
· Kalani Towers – 300-foot drop slides for freefalling up to 40 mph and mat speed racers up to 25 miles per hour
· Raging River Rapids – Interactive double speed-slide with a 400-foot plunge race to the end
· Bermuda Triangle – Fast-paced, enclosed slide full of twists and turns
· Caribbean Plunge – Fast and furious slides that take inner tube riders along river-like rapids with a splash landing
· Tropical Twister – The whole family rides on a huge raft, careening around corners, twisting and turning to the bottom

MILDER RIDES:
· Surfquake – The 500,000 gallon wave pool roars to life with 4-foot waves then transforms back into a family water oasis
· Lazy River – A gently moving river for swimming or floating and soaking up the sun

FAMILY PLAY AREAS:
· RainTree Island – Island adventure with aqua-shooters, slides, splash geysers and a 700-gallon tipping bucket
· Splash Island – A play area for kids with shooting nozzles, spray hoses and slides, all in a shallow pool perfect for the little ones
· Little Squirts’ Waterworks – For the smaller kids, tunnels, slides, waterfalls and sprays for water play without water depth
· Sand Volleyball – Take a quick break from the water for a volleyball tournament with your friends and family

Along with shaded areas, tropical landscapes and an assortment of island-themed foods, White Water offers Cool Cabanas for rent, enclosed on two sides with televisions, fans and seating for up to 8 people. White Water has been nationally recognized for its staff of award-winning certified lifeguards. Free life jackets and tubes are available.

White Water is open May 23 - September 7.

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.

Dive in to Summer Fun in Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri is diving into the summer season, and this year, it’s making the biggest splash ever! When the summer sun heats up, it’s time for summer fun. Luckily, Branson is located in the midst of the Tri-Lakes area which boasts three supreme lakes, including Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo. Providing the perfect way to cool down, these beautiful Branson lakes also allow visitors to heat their summer fun by taking part in swimming, water sports, fishing and many other lake activities.

Table Rock Lake is by far the most popular lake, as it is very close to Branson attractions but still far enough away to make you feel like you’re really experiencing the Ozarks. Table Rock Lake also has several marinas, including the Table Rock State Park Marina, where visitors can rent ski boats, pontoons and other water sports craft. The Table Rock Dam is also a sight to see, as is the Fish Hatchery and Dewey Short Visitor Center. With over 750 miles of shoreline and around 45,000 acres of lake surface, there is plenty of room for everyone to stay and play at Table Rock Lake.

Bull Shoals Lake is another lake touting summertime fun and relaxation. Located to the east of Branson, this lake is a haven for both fisherman and water enthusiasts. It has numerous spots to swim where the water is deep enough for rock jumping, and the crystal clear water is perfect for divers and snorkelers. With a variety of access points and numerous places to reel in the catch of the day, Bull Shoals Lake is a beautiful oasis in the Ozarks.

The third lake, Lake Taneycomo, is a world class trout fishing lake, making it a must for any fisherman. Stocked annually with approximately 750,000 10-12" rainbow trout, Lake Taneycomo is a cold water lake attracting the best fishing in the Ozarks. Along with its great fishing opportunities, Lake Taneycomo is also a sight to see. It is accessible from multiple points throughout the area, including the famous Branson Landing. Another highlight of Lake Taneycomo is the available fishing guide services, boat rentals, and water sports fun such as canoes and kayaks.

The Tri-Lakes area and Branson go hand in hand. The beauty of Branson is elevated by the scenic, natural elements of the lake and the lakes are complemented by the environmentally friendly way Branson has developed. In addition to the lakes, summer fun in Branson also includes popular Branson shows and Branson attractions. Silver Dollar City and White Water are two hot weather favorites, and there are several hotels near Silver Dollar City. Plenty of lodging is available in Branson, however, complete with pet friendly Branson properties and discounted Branson hotels.

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!