Category Archives: Branson Attractions

Voyage on Main Street Cruises’ Lake Queen is an entertaining adventure

Main Street Marinas' Lake Queen

BRANSON, Mo., June 19, 2012 —  As Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen glided from her mooring facilities at the Main Street Marina in Branson Landing, with a blast from her horn, at 11:45 AM today, with Captain Brian “Bubba” Ayers at the helm, everyone on board expected to have a peaceful and relaxing sightseeing cruise on beautiful Lake Taneycomo. Well, we got that and then some as we floated along on our nostalgic, relaxing and fun filled 90 minute cruise.

After leaving the marina, the Lake Queen headed upstream before making a slow turn, by the Branson Landing Fountains, for its downstream leg. As she silently glided along, Captain “Bubba,”  as he asked to be called, pointed out things of interest including birds and wildlife. Among others, of particular note on this cruise were the former residence of the renowned romance novelist Janet Daily, Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and a unique situation where two mother Mallards, swimming with their ducklings toward the bow of the ship, split and swam down either side as we went by. Captain Bubba said that’s one of the greatest things about his job, you never know what you will see from cruise to cruise.

Yet, it is much more than simply a cruise as Captain Bubba turns it into a wonderful entertainment event. He combines information about the Lake Queen; history of the White River, Lake Taneycomo and Branson as he points out items of interest during the cruise combining personality, his knowledge of the local area and humor to create a vivid living entertainment mosaic as he strategically adds each piece during the cruise.

A unique view of Branson Landing from the Lake Queen.

The Lake Queen is a paddle boat replica, 90 feet long with a 20 foot beam and is rated for 149 passengers. It has two decks, the lower of which is climate controlled and the upper which is open air. Drinks, snacks and sandwiches, located on the lower deck, were also available with table service provided on the upper deck by one of the two U. S. Coast Guard qualified crew members.

Basically, all one had to do was sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise and timely interesting narrations of Captain Ayers. As an added treat, each cruise, departing after 11:45 AM, ends with an opportunity to witness the Branson Landing Fire and Water Spectacular from a unique vantage point out in Lake Taneycomo.

Jane Broezkling, a grandmother from Springfield, IL was sharing the cruise with three of her grandchildren, age 8 to 13 from Breese, IL. When asked how they liked the cruise and if they would recommend it for other kids their age they enthusiastically answered “Yes” to both questions. When asked if she enjoyed the cruise, “Grandma” said that she had been on it a couple of weeks ago with a two of her grandsons and enjoyed it so much she came back today to share it with more of her grandchildren.

The Lake Queen provide a unique Branson experience and, along with her sister ship, Main Street Lake Cruises’ Branson Princess, is the only cruise ship to ply the historic path of the “White River,” along Branson’s waterfront, as it flows beneath Lake Taneycomo. For more information on the Lake Queen or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson, families, fun and KidsFest – a perfect combination

Just one of the many ways KidsFest helps families create special memories.

BRANSON, Mo., June 12, 2012 —  Families having fun is a given during any visit to Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction, the award winning 1880s styled theme park, Silver Dollar City. During the park’s “National KidsFest,” “America’s largest KidsFest,” running through July 22 the park combines the additional excitement and events of KidsFest, with the 30 attractions, rides and the other activities it offers on a daily basis, to provide an unrivaled exciting and fun filled adventure for the whole family.

On a daily basis Silver Dollar City’s exciting rides and attractions are an exciting part of any  day at Silver Dollar City. They  provide something for every member of the family from the exhilarating adventure of “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to the more sedate and relaxing “Grand Exposition,” where all the members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, can share a fun filled ride together or relief from the Summer heat with water rides such as RiverBlast, Lost River of the Ozarks and many other exciting rides and attractions. They just seem to naturally fit into the other activities, fun and excitment of KidsFest.

KidsFest is again featuring The “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,” staring members of the legendary high wire “Wellenda” family including Guinness World Record high-wire walker and international newsmaker Nik Wallenda. Nik will be away from the show for a couple of days around June 15 while he attempts to walk across Niagara Falls on a custom made, two inch wire stretching 1,800 feet across the Falls. It will be the first time such an attempt has been made in over 100 years and required the approval of both Ontario and state of New York authorities.

New this year will be the “‘Gazillion Bubbles,” an interactive show taking bubble artistry to amazing levels, with lasers, lighting effects and sheer bubble mastery — producing giant bubbles and colorful bubble effects.” Also new this year “is the three-dimensional light show LUMA, bringing to life an original story centered on the park’s famed Marvel Cave through the use of “high-tech illumination techniques creating a dazzling and exciting show of light, color and motion.”

KidsFest includes many other activities such as an opportunity “for meet-and-greets with cartoon
superstars, including SpongeBob & Patrick, Dexter & Deedee, Tom & Jerry, the Backyardigans and more, with character breakfasts” on select days and a special Independence Day Celebration on July 4th. There will be a “special opening ceremony, an old-fashioned ice cream social and a fireworks show finale” as Silver Dollar City stays open until 10:00 PM.

Silver Dollar City is legendary for being a place that creates “memories worth repeating.”  KidsFest adds to that legend by providing additional ways for families to create those memories together.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City and KidsFest or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Every purchase of a Silver Dollar City ticket BTC provides two days admission to the park for the price of one. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A Branson Hidden Gem: Silver Dollar City’s “Harvey Water Clock”

Harvey Water Clock display as of 9:53 AM, May 30, 2012.

BRANSON, Mo.( June 1, 2012) — Sometimes things are “hidden” right out in the open. As I was sitting outside the “Guest Services Office” at Silver Dollar City earlier this week, waiting to participate in a video shoot that the Branson Tourism Center and Branson Visitor TV were working on, I watched a constant stream of hundreds of visitors passing not 50 feet away on their way into an exciting day at the park.

As I sat there awaiting the arrival of the rest of the crew, I noticed a water wheel that I had passed by many times over the last 26 years and had paid no attention to because I was on my way into the park. As I looked at it I decided to take pictures and, as I did, noticed a sign pointing out that it was more than a water wheel; it was a clock powered by water.

What’s even more remarkable however, is that according to the sign, the unique “Harvey Water Clock” was patented in 1798.There is no winding, solar, or batteries involved with this clock. It’s  operated as water flows down a trough and through its unique “Fly Ball Governor,” which controls the movement of the hands on its display as the water passes through and goes on to the water wheel.

The clock displays the Year, Month, Day and Hour. The picture of the clock displayed was taken  at 9:53 AM on May 30, 2012. At first glance it appears that the year is wrong because the “Year” display shows the year as “1882” when actually it is “2012.” The clock only displays the last digit of the current year which is the last digit of the year the hand is on, in this case “2,” the last digit in the year displayed “1882” and the current year, “2012.”

This unique clock, located in front of “Guest Services,” is on your right as you enter through the main entrance into the park toward the turn styles. It is an ideal place for a great “photo moment.”

“It’s another wonderful thing to see, share and experience as part of a day of fun, adventure and excitement at Silver Dollar City,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She reminds potential Branson visitors that one of Silver Dollar City’s biggest festivals of the year, and one of the biggest kids festivals in the nation, National KidsFest, starts June 9 and runs through July 22.

What are Branson’s most popular shows and attractions?

One of the many beautiful sets from the spectacular Legend of Kung Fu Show/

BRANSON, Mo., May 27, 2012 — “What are the most popular or recommended shows and attractions?’ is a question that our full service vacation planners are commonly asked,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). She points out that the Official Branson.Com Shows and Attractions Guides, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, lists about 100 live shows as well as over 20 of Branson’s most popular attractions that are available for Branson visitors to enjoy. With the amazing number of shows and attractions that Branson offers, and other variables, it is a difficult question to answer and its answer depends on a number of factors.

In nine years of doing business, and selling over 3 million Branson show and attraction tickets, it has been the experience of BTC that “what’s popular” depends on the individual experience their customer has had as a guest of a particular show or attraction. Based on Branson Tourism Center’s dealings with its customers, the vast majority of Branson’s shows and attractions or the uniqueness of what it offers to Branson visitors, they feels that the majority of the following shows and attractions, which excludes limited engagement performances, would be some of the “most popular” or “recommended” shows in Branson. They are listed in alphabetical order followed by a self imposed ten word or less description. The links provide pictures and additional show, ticketing and scheduling information:

Acrobats of China – Amazing combination of acrobatics, coordination and spectacle.
Andy Williams 7th Year Anniversary Show – Featuring guest stars.
Andy Williams Christmas Show – Branson’s biggest Christmas show.
Brady Lunch with Barry Williams – Unique “All things Brady & Beyond.”
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express – Unique high energy & personable country music, comedy & dance production.
Dixie Stampede – Famous dinner, horses, interactive competition & “Rumble in the Tree Tops.”
Duttons – High-energy music, production & personality that warms hearts as it entertains.
Grand Jubilee – Tight harmonies of New South with excellent vocalists & funny comedy.
George Dyer – Branson’s “Tenor extraordinaire” with one of finest tenor voices anywhere.
Haygoods – Incredible harmonies, high energy & amazing performances on 20 instruments
Hamner Barber Variety Show – Great illusion, ventriloquism and comedy.
“It” at the Hughes Brothers’ Theatre – “It” has 50 amazing singers, dancers and musicians.
Jim Stafford – Comic-genius provides roller coaster ride of entertainment, music, laughter.
Joseph – Sight & Sounds spectacular presentation of the biblical story of “Joseph.”
Legend of Kung Fu – Spectacular production woven into Kung-Fu story, dance & acrobatics.
Legends in Concert – World famous tribute show featuring amazing cast of all star impersonators.
Liverpool Legends – Experience the music and era of the Beatles.
Pierce Arrow – Want funny and great music. They have it.
Presleys’ Country Jubilee – Pioneer Branson show original filled with great comedy & music.
Rankin Brothers – They recreate the classic sounds & voices of music’s legends.
Red Skelton A Tribute By Tom Mullica – Experience the comedic genius of America’s beloved “clown,” Red Skelton
Roy Rogers Jr. – Roy Rogers Junior presenting Western music in the tradition of his father.
Shoji Tabuchi – An electrifying production rivaling the pure excitement of Las Vegas.
Silver Dollar City (Attraction)
SIX – An amazing entertainment experience with an orchestra-of-human-voices .
The Showboat Branson Belle – Cruise Table Rock Lake while dining & seeing a show.
Titanic Museum Attraction
White Water (Attraction)
Yakov’s Dinner Adventure – Fairy tale of love set in a world of first class performers.
Yakov Smirnoff – “Danger! Explosive Laughter with Yakov!” is no joke!

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson is quick to point out that when one considers the breadth and quality of all the shows and attractions Branson has to offer that this list is merely a starting point. For information on any of the shows or attractions listed in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact one of BTC’s full service vacation planners, for free advice and help in selecting just the right shows, attractions, activities and lodging for your ideal Branson vacation or getaway, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Tourism Center celebrates 3 million ticket milestone

Peggy and Eddie Barthel, purchasers of BTC's 3 millionth ticket, just after hundreds of balloons fell and they discovered that they were the center of the celebration,

BRANSON, Mo., May 24, 2012 — When Eddie and Peggy Barthel of Florence, MS walked up to check in for their five night six day Branson vacation in the lobby of the Branson Tourism Center on the afternoon of May 24 they knew something special was going on when hundreds of blue and white balloons cascaded down from the ceiling around them and everyone in the lobby started applauding and celebrating. As they were greeted by Lianne Milton, the owner of BTC and the cast of one of the most popular shows in Branson and the first show on their itinerary, SIX, the Barthels discovered that they had purchased the 3 millionth Branson show and attraction ticket sold by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC).

BTC typically sells tickets, lodging and other Branson travel services and makes customers reservations well in advance of their actual arrival in Branson. “The Barthels became the lucky 3 millionth ticket customer when they placed their order on May 8, but it had been a closely guarded secret until their check in at BTC today,” said Brian Milton, the CFO of BTC.

When asked if they were surprised, Peggy said, “Absolutely…it was awesome” while Eddie said, “Most definitely.” It became even a bigger surprise for them when they found out that in celebration of their being the 3 millionth BTC ticket purchaser that, among other prizes, their entire six day, five night Branson vacation was being paid for by BTC as well as a two hour private charter on Main Street Lake Cruises’ “Branson Princess,” luxury yacht, for them and 100 of their friends and guests, on a future trip to Branson. While in Branson on this trip, the Barthels are staying at the LaQuinta Inn – Music City Centre and, among other things, their itinerary includes SIX, The Showboat Branson Belle, Branson Scenic Railway, and Silver Dollar City.

Eddie and Peggy Barthel, purchasers of BTC's 3 millionth ticket, center, with BTC owners Lianne and Larry Milton on either side,

Lianne Milton, the owners of BTC said, “The sale of our 3 millionth ticket means a lot to me personally because it represents the achievement of a milestone in our efforts to market the shows, attractions, lodging and other activities of our vendors and in sharing the Branson experience with over 940,000 people.” She attributes the success of BTC to the commitment and passion of its employees to sharing Branson and all that it has to offer with prospective visitors and in following the simple concept of , “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” in making sure that every Branson Tourism Center customer has a great Branson experience and will want to return.

She continues by pointing out that the vast majority of the 3 million tickets that BTC has sold, as was the case with the Barthels, were marketed and sold to people, “out of market,” before they came to Branson; not through intercept marketing once they arrived in Branson. Based on figures furnished by the Branson Lakes Area CVB, the 3 million tickets sold by BTC represents a potential influx of revenues to its vendors, the city of Branson, and other Branson area businesses of over $233 million.

When asked how they liked dealing with the Branson Tourism Center, Peggy said, ” Everybody’s been so wonderful.” The follow-up question was “Would you have felt the same way even if you had not purchased the 3 millionth ticket? Peggy replied, “Absolutely. It started off real cool that day, I spoke with Lynn [Crissmon, one of BTC’s full service vacation planners.] He was so kind and very informative and helpful to me in getting this together.”

Prior to discovering the Branson Tourism Center on the internet, calling and speaking with Lynn she said, “I had spent most of that day spinning my wheels trying to decide where to go, what we were going to do and that kind of thing.” In summing up her Branson vacation planning experience with BTC she said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.”

Little did she know just how much fun they would have!

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival adds to Silver Dollar City fun and entertainment

There will be Bluegrass and BBQ aplenty at Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival.

BRANSON, Mo., May 14, 2012 — The sounds of people laughing and having fun at Silver Dollar City in Branson will be mingled with the sounds of Bluegrass music and the aroma of BBQ throughout the park as SDC celebrates its Bluegrass & BBQ Festival through June 3. “It’s the best of all worlds,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service, ” all the rides and excitement of a world class theme park; lots of Bluegrass music performed by some of the finest Bluegrass artists in the country and a cornucopia of just about every style of BBQ there is accompanied by over 100 different sauces..”

Recognized by the “International Bluegrass Music Association,” the festival will feature two national Bluegrass competitions,” The National Single Mic Championship” May 19 – 20, “The Youth In Bluegrass Band Contest” May 26 – 27, and dozens of some of the finest Bluegrass performers in the Nation. These include some of “Bluegrass music’s top artists and award-winning performers such as  the “Bluegrass Brigade,” “Gibson Brothers, “Grascals,” “Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver,” the “Kruger Brothers” and many others.”

The “BBQ” part of the festival includes the cooking and serving of over 40,000 pounds of mouth watering BBQ prepared on “large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker.” From “Memphis dry rubs” to “Carolina vinegars,” “smoky Texas,” “KC-style” and others, there will be a style of BBQ for the most discriminating BBQ connoisseur, plus a hundred different sauces to sample. The variety and flavor of the BBQ will be expanded this year with the addition of two award winning BBQs, ” Hawgwild BBQ” out of Aurora, Missouri and “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit” from Texas.

In addition to the excellent food service normally available throughout the park, “The House of BBQ” will be serving up BBQ galore. From Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor feast with “St. Louis ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob” to the all you-can-eat BBQ rib feast each afternoon” and lots in between, it is hard to imagine a wider choice of BBQ styles flavors and sauces available in one place.

As is the case with all of Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals, all of the activities involved with the festival are in addition to everything else the 1880’s styled theme park offers on a daily basis. The park features 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to the $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; unique shopping; some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson and dozens of demonstrating craftsmen all integrated into the natural wonder and beauty of the surrounding Ozark Hills. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also reminds prospective Silver Dollar City visitors that when they purchase their Silver Dollar City Tickets through Branson Tourism Center they get two full days for the price of one.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, any of its festivals or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Memorial Day Weekend marks beginning of Branson’s summer outdoor season

Silver Dollar City's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and Table Rock Lake.

“Labor Day Weekend in Branson is the “unofficial” beginning of Branson’s summer outdoor season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson’s unique blend of natural beauty, live entertainment, lakes, attractions, shopping, Ozarks heritage, and other exciting activities make it the ideal place for families to relax, have fun and make memories that will last for a lifetime not only over the long Labor Day weekend, but anytime.”

What’s a long holiday weekend for most, is the opportunity for Branson to show why it was listed in the Top 25 of the 2012 Travelers’ Choice® Destinations Awards. From its newest and biggest shopping attraction, Branson Landing on its eastern border, to its oldest and most popular paid attraction, the award winning 1880s styled theme park Silver Dollar City to the west, and everything in between, Branson will be bursting with fun filled activities, shows, attractions, water sports, fishing, golfing, hiking and dozens of other activities that makes  it such the premier travel destination.

Branson’s biggest water park, the Polynesian themed “White Water,” with its 13 acres, 7,000 feet of water slides and 2 million gallons of cool wet fun opens for its 2012 season over the Memorial Day Weekend on May 26. From its iconic seven story multiple slide “Kalani Towers” to its “Aloha River at Hula Bay, with over 800 feet of “unexpected twists and turns, fountains, misters, bubblers, geysers, a 30-foot tall tiki water tower and more” it’s easy to see why White Water is called “Mid-America’s Nearby Island Adventure.” And that’s just one of Branson’s many attractions.

All of the attractions that make Branson so much fun, from butterflies to tigers, world class coasters to cruises, championship golf courses to mini golf, zip lines to hiking and so much more will be open. These include the 1880’s styled award winning theme park, Silver Dollar City, with its dozens of rides, shows, and craftsmen which will be celebrating its Bluegrass and BBQ Festival during the Labor Day weekend; the Titanic Museum Attraction, remembering the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic; the National Tiger Sanctuary, the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure and many more.

Main Street Cruise's Landing Princess and Lake Queen viewing Branson Landing's spectacular Water and Fire Show.

For many, Memorial Day Weekend is a time to be out at the Lake. Branson has thousands of miles of shoreline on its three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo available for boating, swimming and a wide range of other aquatic activities along with some of the finest bass and trout fishing in the nation. Whether one experiences Branson’s lakes in their own boat, a rental boat or aboard one of the cruise boats such Main Street Cruise’s Lake Queen or Landing Princess on Lake Taneycomo or the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake, the opportunity to experience the unique and beautiful view of the Ozarks from “out on the lake” should not be missed.

Dog Days at Dogwood Canyon, on Saturday, May 26, is another Memorial Day Weekend outdoor activity that was created “especially for all the great dogs out there!” Throughout the day, various demonstrations will be held “including bird dog demonstrations, Frisbee demonstrations and cattle dog demonstrations” with “dogs ” receiving half price admission and “getting a complimentary logo’d bandana to sport.”

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks displays will blast off Sunday evening, May 27, at dusk. One display will be at Big Cedar Lodge as part of its Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks event and the other at the Chateau on the Lake as part of its Memorial Day Celebration. The public is invited to both with the best views from Table Rock Lake, the property’s grounds, or in the case of the Chateau on the Lake, the peninsula area located just north of the Table Rock Dam.

“One of the exciting and unique things about Branson is that all of Branson’s outdoor activities are just minutes away from Branson’s great shows, shopping, and everything else Branson has to offer,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. “Where else could someone be dropped off to go trout fishing and be shopping at a fabulous shopping venue like Branson Landing two minutes later?” she continued.

Johnson said that Memorial Day Weekend is one of Branson’s busiest weekends and suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging to ensure availability and the best seating and accommodations. For additional information on Branson’s Memorial Day Weekend activities or information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Tourism Center to sell three millionth ticket same way it sold its first

BTC founder Lianne Milton with Barry Williams who starred as Greg Brady on the "Brady Bunch" TV series.

BRANSON, Missouri May 1, 2012– The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service. BTC is about to do something that no other independent seller of Branson attraction and showtickets has ever done, sell its three millionth ticket!

“Naturally we are excited about selling our three millionth ticket,” said Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC. “What is really exciting to me is that the goal is the same as it was when we sold our very first ticket, to ‘provide each customer with a level of service and value that gives them the very best Branson experience possible.'” She credits BTC’s guiding philosophy of “If it matters to you, it matters to me,” in building relationships with its customers, employees and vendors, for making the achievement of that goal possible.

“To us, it’s not just three million tickets, it is what those tickets represent in terms of individuals and families having a great time in Branson creating memories that will last a lifetime,” she continued. Milton is quick to credit BTC’s success to the mutual commitment of its employees and the vendors it deals with in providing its customers the very best Branson experience possible, one ticket at a time and one day at a time. She believes that the relationships BTC has built up with Branson’s shows, attractions and lodging facilities enables them to work together to provide BTC’s customers the best combination of lodging and show seat choices, customer service and value available anywhere.

Branson Tourism Center’s “flag ship” product – a free personal, no service charge, concierge type service – is designed to insure that a great Branson experience starts during the initial stages of getting information and planning a Branson vacation. All anyone interested in getting information on Branson has to do is call, toll free, 1-800-875-1550, between the hours of 8:00  AM and 9:30 PM, seven days a week* and talk with one of BTC’s full service vacation planners.

Each vacation planner lives and works in the Branson area, and is personally knowledgeable about all that is going on in Branson. In addition to saving prospective Branson visitors valuable time by answering questions about Branson, helping plan a Branson Vacation and assisting with the purchase of tickets and lodging; the vacation planners have information on how to save money on a Branson vacation through the bundling of show and attraction tickets, discount specials, gas discounts, and other specials and incentives.

For the convenience of those wanting “online” information on Branson, BTC operates two web sites. Its site www.BransonTourismCenter.com, supports the personal concierge service while www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, is offered as a service for those customers who want to make their own travel arrangements on the internet.

Milton emphasizes that regardless of the method used, whether purchasing tickets or lodging on line or by phone, customers get the same prices, benefits, and personalized customer service which has enabled Branson Tourism Center to sell three million tickets.

*BTC is closed on Christmas Day and operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the month of January.

Few April showers leave Branson a “whirlwind” of fun, excitement and adventure

Branson Scenic Railway returning to the station on Apr. 19 with the Branson Convention Center and Hilton Hotel in back ground.

BRANSON, Mo (4/21/12) “Our ‘Branson Vacation Planners,’ each of whom proudly lives and works in the Branson area, are extremely knowledgeable about all that is going on in Branson and, on a weekly basis, answer dozens of questions about all the fun and excitement it offers as they help potential visitors plan their trip to Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the topics of a number of those questions relates to the tornado Branson experienced earlier in the year,” she continued, saying that the following are typical of the questions asked. “Is there much damage left from the tornado?” “I am bringing my family to Branson later this year. I know it got hit by the tornado. Is everything open and is the strip ok?” ” How is rebuilding coming along, i.e. Branson Landing?”

In terms of the tourism aspect of those question, a general answer would be to point out that Branson’s Mayor, Raeanne Presley, was absolutely right when, on the day of the tornado, she said that the vast majority of Branson’s major attractions, shows and other activities, that millions of visitors come to Branson every year to enjoy, were not damaged. As this is being written, Branson Landing and all of Branson’s major shopping venues are 100 percent open as are all of Branson’s major attractions and other activities. Although two of the “Branson Strip” theaters damaged are still under repair, the vast majority of Branson’s shows are performing as usual.

During the early morning hours of February 29, the Branson area was hit by an EF-2 Tornado severely damaging some of its businesses and residences as its “touchdowns” skipped from place to place as it passed through Branson. However, national and regional media reports to the contrary, and without minimizing the effect of the tornado on those directly impacted, there were limited injuries and no fatalities. The vast majority of businesses and residences were not damaged as was the case with Branson’s tourism infrastructure; its lakes, shopping, lodging, shows, attractions and other tourist activities, receiving no, or extremely minimal, damage.

Branson’s 2012 season kicked off as scheduled. Starting with the hosting of an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 people who attended the 21st NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championships at the College of the Ozarks about a week after the storm; the opening of Silver Dollar City, currently conducting the country’s largest international festival, World-Fest, as it joined the vast majority of Branson’s other attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, that were already open and the blossoming of Branson’s 2012 show scene as the majority of its live shows opened, Branson has been a whirlwind of fun, excitement and adventure. Add in  Branson Centennial activities; championship fishing events; shoppers enjoying the shopping experiences provided by Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, the Tanger Mall and Branson’s many specialty shops and it becomes apparent that Branson is providing visitors with the same great magical exciting experience it always has.

Will visitors see damage from the storm, “Absolutely, but it will be a parcel here and a parcel there not the complete devastation of Joplin. The picture of the Branson Convention Center Hilton, with its blown out windows, became an iconic picture of the tornado, but historic downtown Branson, Branson Landing and the Branson Scenic Railway, virtually in its shadow, are open for business. Bill Derbins, General Manager of the Branson Hilton Hotels and the Branson Convention Center, said that although the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel will be closed until October 1, that, even as its repairs continue, the Branson Convention Center is open for business with the Branson Car Auction being conducted there on April 20 and 21.

With the reopening of “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre” last week and the resumption of performances by the “Legends in Concert” and “The Bretts” only two of Branson’s theatres remain closed because of storm damage. Timothy Haygood, spokesmen for the Americana Theatre said that the “remodeling” of the theatre is going well and that they expect to reopen no later than the end of May. Haygood also said that the theatres shows, “Cassandre Haygood and Friends,” “Joseph Hall Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute,” “The 3 Red Neck Tenors” and “Todd Oliver and Friends” are ready to go as soon as it opens.

The Branson Variety Theatre, home of “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Tribute to The Four Seasons and The Beach Boys,” “The Twelve Irish Tenors” and “Christmas in Hollywood” was the first theatre hit by the storm and the one it affected the most. Information received from the theatre indicates that it will not reopen prior to September 1.

For those asking the question, “Why should I plan to visit or vacation in Branson?” the answer is simple. For the same reason that you would have come to Branson before the tornado, to enjoy the unique exciting experience that only Branson can provide.” For the latest tornado updates or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A history making weekend of Branson fun and excitement

Shohi Tabuchi and his daughter Christina are just two of the many Branson stars, present and past, scheduled to perform in "Branson's Birthday Spectacular - The Show of the Century.

Branson, Mo (4/12/12) “This weekend will truly be a weekend to remember,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “She emphasizes that not only is it the first weekend of Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, but it is the time that Branson will remember the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic and Branson’s Centennial with separate history making once in a lifetime events.

Running from April 12 through May 6, Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, America’s largest international festival, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to Branson and Silver Dollar City to experience the heritage, excitement, culture, dancing and music of countries throughout the world right in the midst of the beautiful Ozarks during one of its most beautiful times of the year. And World-Fest is in addition to all the fun and excitement the award winning 1880s styled theme park provides on a daily  basis. This includes 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to the park’s new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; some of the best entertainment and live shows available in Branson and much more all seamlessly integrated into the natural wonder of the Ozarks.

Titanic Museum Attraction hosts a special once in a lifetime experience in remembrance the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking.

This weekend will be the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the “R.M.S. Titanic.” While on her maiden voyage she hit an iceberg at about “11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912 and sank into the depths of the frigid North Atlantic, and into the pages of history, at approximately 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912.”

On April 14, the 100th Anniversary of when the Titanic struck the iceberg initiating the tragic sequence of events that would soon lead to her sinking, visitors to the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will have a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to become a part of history as the museum hosts a unique special day of tributes, musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants of the Titanic’s passengers;  the lighting of the “Titanic Eternal Flame” and the launching of “distress fire rockets” to bring the event to a “solemn end.” One of the highlights of the ceremony will be the presentation of “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic” with the participation of the Springfield Symphony and massed combined choirs.

The celebration of Branson’s Centennial offers Branson visitors yet another opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event on April 15 with a one time performance of the show Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “It might very well be the most unique and entertaining show ever presented in Branson.” Bill Lennon, the show’s producer concurred adding, “It’s a show that will be full of history, nostalgia and entertainment, but most of all fun. After all, it’s a birthday celebration!” He said that, “from the show’s original overture, incorporating 100 years of Branson history and music, to its historical elements, entertainers and the way it is all woven together, it is truly a once in a hundred year event of special significance.”

Johnson offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to answer any questions about, or provide ticketing to, any of the events or attractions mentioned in this article by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.