Category Archives: Tourism

Low airfares and value make Branson even a more exceptional experience

“With its great value and fabulous choice of family fun activities, live shows, exciting attractions, lakes and its beautiful natural environment Branson, Missouri is one of the most unique, popular vacation destinations in America,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency (BTA). “Factor in low airfares and, even in these economic challenging times, Branson should be on anyone’s vacation radar screen,” she continued.

With lakes, shopping, attractions like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills, White Water, the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, The World’s Largest Toy Museum or Branson’s championship golf courses, it’s no wonder that Branson has received national recognition. It was recognized as “A Top Ten Family Destination for 2010,” a winner TripAdvisor’s 2011 inaugural “Travelers’ Choice® Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover” and most recently was selected by TripZoo.Com as its “Destination of the Week.”

“The neat thing,” Budnick says, “is that Branson is as much of a value as it is fun and exciting.” She points out that Branson offers perhaps the biggest selection of value priced lodging and entertainment of any major tourist destination with something for every budget and taste. In 2009 it was selected by the “American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)” as one of the most budget friendly destinations for travelers.

With the “Springfield-Branson National Airport” and “Branson Airport” providing excellent service, air travelers have a great choice of carriers and fares to pick from when planning to fly to Branson. One of the main considerations for many air travelers, whether it is flying to Branson, or just about anywhere else, is how to get the lowest fares consistent with scheduling that meets their needs.

“There are three words one should remember if they want to get the lowest possible airfare, ‘early,’ ‘earlier’ and ‘earliest.'” Budnick said. She goes on to point out that generally, the farther ahead one can plan their air travel and get their tickets the lower the air fare. Airlines are, almost on a daily basis, especially during the height of the Summer travel season, adjusting airfares, adding additional fees and other things that can increase the cost of air travel. Typically however, those changes do not apply to those who have already purchased their tickets. For even more value she suggests combining low cost airfares with one of BTA’s great vacation packages.

Budnick suggests that not only is it a good idea to purchase airline tickets as early as possible, but that the same principle applies when making Branson show, attraction and lodging arrangements. The earlier arrangements are made, the more flexibility travelers have in terms of pricing, availability, choices of accommodations and show seating. “Typically, because of the excellent relationship Branson Tourism Center has with the shows, attractions and lodging facilities it does business with we are able to get our customers exactly what they want, but at certain times of the year, most notably major holidays and during “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” the earlier arrangements are made the better the chance of getting exactly what you want,” Budnick said.

The Branson Travel Agency, a full service travel agency, is a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s more respected and trusted providers of Branson travel services and seller of more than 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “We would love the opportunity to help make your next trip to Branson the best vacation you have ever had,” said Budnick. The Branson Travel Agency can be reached by call ing 1-800-785-2176 or through its website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

Innovative Concierge Program stars Branson visitors

BTC's Concierge Program treats you like a star.

“You’re treated like a star,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), when referring to BTC’s innovative new Concierge Program. “Since the inception of BTC, our passion has always been toward our customers and ensuring that they have the best Branson experience possible. Our new Concierge Program is yet another way to enhance that experience.”

Not so strangely, the “concierge” process has played a foundational roll ever since Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC with her husband Larry, founded the company on the concept of providing Branson visitors with a free personal “concierge” type planning service. With one simple toll free call to 800-785-1550, prospective Branson visitors could relax and have fun planning their vacation as they discussed the many exciting options available for a Branson vacation with a trained BTC Travel Planning Specialist leaving the work, planning, reservations and tickets to BTC. Hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers and almost three million Branson show and attraction tickets later, the success of that concept is evident.

“Our free Concierge Program is simply an extension of that basic concept adding even more value and service to our customer’s Branson experience,” Milton said. Like all of BTC’s services, there is no charge for the program and every customer of the Branson Tourism Center becomes a member of the program and automatically receives “Concierge” level benefits.

“Concierge” benefits include exclusive Concierge Member discounts on vacation packages, a free Branson Vacation Savings Book with every vacation package, and a 20¢ per gallon discount on gas (up to 20 gallons) with every vacation package purchase. It also includes advance notice of special limited engagements; a free monthly e-newsletter with the latest Branson entertainment news, updates and events; online vacation and show itineraries and free show alerts to notify you of changes and cancellations.

Even more value and convenience is added as customers achieve “Concierge Gold Status” and “Concierge Platinum Status.” Gold status is achieved when a customer spends $400.00 annually with BTC and includes all the benefits of Concierge status plus an exclusive check-in-line at Branson Tourism Center, free photos of some of your favorite Branson entertainers and shows when you check in and a free Vacation Cancellation Protection credit that can be used on any future order.

When a customer spends a total of $1,500 with BTC over three consecutive years they automatically qualify for Platinum status. In addition to all the Gold status benefits, Platinum members receive the assistance of a personal dedicated Concierge Agent, free Cancellation Protection for life and free lifetime Platinum membership. In addition, they will receive exclusive invitations to intimate gatherings with their favorite Branson entertainers as well as reserved show and event seating for themselves and all members of their party.

“The Concierge Program is a way to say thank you to our customers, not only for doing business with BTC, but for choosing to visit Branson and share in our wonderful live shows, attractions and everything else that makes it the exciting, vibrant and fun filled place that it is,” Milton said. “Our goal with the Concierge Program, and everything else we do at the Branson Tourism Center, is to provide Branson visitors with a great experience so that they will say, ‘That was the best vacation ever. Let’s go back next year.'”

Memorial Day and summer fun increase because Branson’s Table Rock Lake “has more lake to love”

Along with the obvious, swiming, boating and fishing, parasailing is just one of the many other exciting activities available on Table Rock Lake.*

“Of course it is and there’s more lake to love,” said Pat Cox, the co-owner of the State Park Marina, the largest marina on Table Rock Lake, located off of Highways 165/265 just south of the Table Rock Lake Dam. Cox’s statement came as part of a response to a question as to whether Table Rock Lake was ready for the Memorial Day Weekend and the beginning of the summer season after Easter Week rains raised the lake levels to record highs.

“The lake is always more beautiful when it is full than when it is lower,” Cox said. He explained that the lake clarity is good, there is nothing abnormal about any potential floating hazards and that the lake is ready to provide Branson visitors with all the water recreation, fun and excitement for which it is noted. He does point out that, with the higher water, while boating or wave riding, it is a good idea to stay out from shore and shallow water unless you are familiar with the area. He also suggests, as is the case on any lake at any time, that normal, prudent, and safe boat operation and practices will enhance not only the safety of your Table Rock Lake experience, but its enjoyment.

The State Park Marina is a full service marina with a 600-slip marina and much more. It is a one stop water recreation center offering boat and wave runner rentals, guided fishing trips, parasailing, a full service dive shop and cruises on the “The Spirit of America”—a 48-foot sailing catamaran. In addition, it has everything from ice and sunscreen, to bait and tackle, Danna’s BBQ, Hawaiian Shave Ice, shopping at the “Boathouse Boutique store” and much more.

“Table Rock Lake is one of the major Branson outdoor attractions that helps make it the wonderful, exciting and unique tourist destination it is,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “‘With more lake to love,’ he continued, “this could be one of the most exciting and fun filled years ever on Table Rock Lake.”

For additional information on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo or for information or tickets for 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.

*Photo courtesy of State Park Marina.

“Heavy Metal” brings even more excitement as The Track Family fun Parks celebrate 30th

Riders on The Track's new "Road Course" go-cart track.

The Track Family Fun Parks (The Track), will have the grand opening for its three million dollar two park expansion on Saturday,June 4. It has long been one of Branson’s most popular attractions, with four locations and has been entertaining Branson visitors and locals alike since 1981 offering “high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, bumper boats/cars, laser tag, mini golf, kids’ rides, arcades, and more.”

The new “Heavy Metal High Rise,” at Track 4, is the newest addition to The Track’s High Rise go-kart family. Towering four stories above the Branson strip, the 1,200 linear foot long track contains over 200 tons of steel and 700 cubic yards of concrete. After spiraling up to the top of its four stories, riders zip back “to the ground on a three-tiered slope.” In addition, according to information received from The Track, “The new track’s state of the art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer a completely different experience than its wooden counterparts.”

At Track 3, a new “Road Course” style track with more turns, elevation changes and tighter and higher banked curves will offer Branson visitors a unique Branson go-kart experience. It is located in the shadow of one of The Track’s two exciting multi-level spiraling, twisting and elevating wooden tracks, ” Wild Woody.” and Track 3’s new “Tri-Oval Track” designed to meet the desires of those who want more speed in their go-kart experience. This track, and its go-carts, is the fastest of any of the go-kart tracks at any of The Track locations and requires a valid driver’s license. On the other end of the spectrum is the new “Rookie Track” and “Kiddie Go-Carts” which are also at Track 3.

“We congratulate The Track Family Fun Parks organization not only on the grand opening of their exciting new facilities, but on the 30th Anniversary of their providing varied, exciting and innovative entertainment for Branson visitors,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. For additional information or tickets for The Track Family Fun Parks 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.

“Creating memories worth remembering” is the Declaration for Branson visitors

The stages and grills will be full of great bluegrass music and BBQ at Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival running from May 12-30.

BRANSON, Mo. “This weeks federal Disaster Declaration for Taney County, wide spread flooding elsewhere in the Midwest and earlier media reports about flooding in Branson could create the impression that Branson is flooded or recovering from a flood,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Even at the height of the high water the Branson area experienced during Easter week, media reports aside, the Branson that the majority of tourists come to experience, was never flooded or impacted by the high water, remained open for business and provided its visitors with the same fun filled shows, attractions, shopping, entertainment and value that has made it the exciting travel destination it is. The federal Disaster Declaration for Taney County doesn’t change those facts at all,” he added.

In an effort to provide prospective Branson visitors with accurate and timely information about what was actually happening and is happening in Branson regarding the flooding issue, BTC published the ‘Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report’ on May 3 (FAQ) which has been updated as needed, with its latest update being today. Question #1 on that FAQ asks “Is Branson flooded?” The answer was “No. A few low-lying areas located along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries were flooded by the record setting recent rainfall combined with water released from the Table Rock Lake Dam over Easter week. As unfortunate as that is for those effected, no Branson Show, retail store or factory outlet, including Branson Landing, and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and restaurants was ever closed because of high water.”

Among other things, the Disaster Declaration will provide federal financial and other assistance to those individuals and businesses in the few low-lying areas whose property was effected. Kurtright points out that there is no more water coming through the flood gates of Table Rock Dam and that the only water being discharged into Lake Taneycomo from Table Rock Lake is through the dams four power generators. Although that amount can fluctuate, it will be within the normal limits of what one can expect when power is being generated, generally less than 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

The “Branson” that the majority of the millions of visitors come to see and have fun in every year was never “closed” and, in terms of its visitors, continued doing exactly what it is doing today and has done for over 50 years, providing people and families with one of the most exciting, fun filled and economical vacations available anywhere. Branson’s first attraction, and still its most popular, Silver Dollar City has been dedicated to providing its guests with the opportunity for “Creating memories worth remembering” since it opened over 50 years ago.

When that spirit and the philosophy of God, country, patriotism, and family is combined with all the fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment that is Branson “Creating memories worth remembering” is simply a natural result. For additional 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.

Click here for the Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report with latest updates.

Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report

Last Updated – June 5, 4:00 p.m. -This is the last update we plan to post as all items are current. The latest update for each item is posted in bold type.

Looking east on Branson Strip at height of the high water discharge. It is high and dry and, media reports to the contrary, has never had a drop of water on it from water being discharged from Table Rock Dam.

[Special Tornado Note: We have received a number of calls from customers concerned that Branson was affected by the horrible tornado(s) that struck Joplin on Sunday, May 22. Branson is located approximately 100 miles from Joplin and was not impacted physically at all by the tornadoes and their accompanying storms. The impact of what has happened to our friends and neighbors in Joplin is  on our hearts and they are in our prayers.]

“Media stories and pictures create the erroneous impression that Branson is flooded,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “This FAQ and Status Report provides facts establishing that “Branson” never was flooded, is open for business as usual and is providing its visitors with a unique blend of value priced family entertainment, fun, adventure and excitement that is only available in Branson, Missouri.”

1. Is Branson flooded? No. A few low-lying areas located along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries get flooded when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is forced to release waters through the flood gates of Table Rock Dam. The most water ever discharged through the dam was 68,000 cfs during the Easter Rain event of 2011. As unfortunate as that is for those effected, no Branson Show, retail store or factory outlet, including Branson Landing, and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and restaurants was closed because of high water.

UPDATE – June 5 – 4:00 p.m. All discharges of water through the flood gates terminated as about 4:00 p.m. June 3. The only water being discharged from Table Rock Dam is through its four generators.

UPDATE – May 28 – 3: p.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has dropped the discharges from Table Rock Dam down to about 20,800 cfs. See Item 13 below for current information on actual lake levels and discharge rates.

UPDATE – May 26 – 10 a.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers is still  discharging 53,600 cfs,but it appears that Table Rock Lake crested at 11:00 p.m. on May 25 at 934.16. To help keep things in perspective, during the Easter Week rains 68,000 cfs was being discharged and Table Rock crested at 935.47. See Item 13 below for current information on actual lake levels and discharge rates. This FAQ will be updated on an item by item basis should and as the need arises.

UPDATE – May 24 – 10 a.m. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers began discharging 53,600 at 10 a.m.To keep things in perspective, during the Easter Week rains 68,000 cfs was being discharged. See Item 13 below for information on actual lake levels and discharge rates. This FAQ will be updated on an item by item basis should and as the need arises.

UPDATE – May 23 The U.S Army Corps of Engineers has announced that they will be discharging a total of 20,000 Cubic Feet of Water Per Second (cfs) through the Table Rock Lake Dam because of the rains over the weekend starting this morning and will adjust the discharge rates as appropriate.

2. Are all Branson shows open? Yes. All Branson’s shows are located well away from the few low lying areas impacted by the high waters. They were never effected by the water, are open and providing that great live entertainment experience for which Branson is famous.

3. What about the Showboat Branson Belle, isn’t it located on Table Rock Lake? Yes she is, but throughout the Showboat Branson Belle is doing what she’s made to do, cruising Table Rock Lake giving hundreds of passengers each day an exciting entertainment and dining thrill.

An icon of the fun, adventure and excitment that is Branson, Silver Dollar City's spectacular world class coaster, "Wildfire."

4. Are all of Branson’s attractions open? The vast majority of Branson’s attractions, including two of its most popular Silver Dollar City and the Titanic Museum are located well away from the few low lying areas impacted by the high waters, were never effected and are providing Branson visitors with the excitement, fun and adventure that is Branson. Generally, because of their location on the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo, on the lower level of Branson Landing, the cruises of the Branson Landing Lake Princess and Lake Queen will be suspended at water discharges greater than 46,000 cfs (See Item 13 below.)

UPDATE – May 30 – 2: p.m. The Branson Landing Lake Princess and Lake Queen Cruises went back in operation May 29.

5. Are Branson’s major factory outlet malls, Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Hills and its retail shops open? Yes. No factory outlet mall or retail store in Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Hills or elsewhere in Branson was impacted by the high water. All are open for the shopping pleasure of Branson visitors.

6. Didn’t I see pictures of Branson Landing being flooded? Branson Landing’s retail shops are located on the promenade level and were never effected by the high waters. The pictures relating to the high water at Branson Landing involved pictures of water covering the fountains and flowing through the lower levels of the development exactly as it is supposed to do under the high water conditions for which the Landing was designed. The fountains and lower levels are located near the lake’s normal shoreline and well away from its retail promenade level.

7. Aren’t some of the restaurants at Branson Landing Closed? The high water level resulted in the temporary closing of White River Fish House Restaurant which actually floats on Lake Taneycomo. In addition, Shorty Smalls and Texas Land and Cattle Company, located on the east side of the promenade, as a precaution because the propane supply used for their cooking is located in the lower levels.

UPDATE – June 1 – 4:00 p.m. White River Fish House is reopened.

UPDATE – May 30 – 2: p.m Shorty Small’s is now reopened and it is anticipated that the White River Fish House will reopen Wednesday of Thursday of this week.

UPDATE – May 28 – 3: p.m. Texas Land and Cattle Steak House is reopened as of today.

8. Are Branson’s Restaurants open? Yes. Of the 242 restaurants in Branson, as discussed in #7 above, only about three restaurants located on the east side of Branson Landing are effected by the high water. All of Branson’s other approximately 239 restaurants remained open.

9. Are any of Branson’s championship golf courses flooded? No. If anything the rain has made Branson’s golf courses even more lush and beautiful.

10. With the high water at Table Rock Lake are its resorts and businesses open? Yes, the businesses and resorts on Indian Point, and other businesses on the shores of Table Rock Lake, are open for business.

Another Branson icon, the Showboat Branson Belle, like Branson itself, is cruising into the 2011 season providing its visitors with the fun, excitment and entertainment Branson is famous for.

11. Are any of the main roads in Branson flooded? None of the main roads in Branson were flooded. Highway 65, Business 65, Highway 76 (The Branson Strip), Fall Creek Road, all the Branson colored routes and just about any other road that tourists normally travel in Branson are open and were never closed.

12. In terms of the flooding that did take place in those few low-lying areas what happened? The Branson area received about 15 inches of rainfall during Easter Weekend and the first part of Easter Week. This resulted in Table Rock Lake reaching a record high level of 935.47 feet and record releases of water through the floodgates of the Table Rock Lake Dam of 68,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) into Lake Taneycomo. In the immediate Branson area, the record rain and releases of water into Lake Taneycomo caused isolated local flooding and damage in some of the low-lying areas and damage to a few of the homes, condos and docks located right on the banks of the lake and some of its tributaries because of the water level, current and soil erosion

UPDATE – May 24 – 9:00 p.m.. Lake levels that were abnormally high because of the Easter Week rains started to rise again with the rains since May 20 resulting in the Corps having to again discharge water through the Table Rock Lake Dam flood gates. It started at about 20,000 cfs and is now at about 53,600 cfs. See item 13 below for latest changes.

13. What is the comparative status of the lake levels and water being discharged through the Table Rock Dam?

UPDATE – June 5 – 3:00 p.m.

Table Rock Lake Level – Highest 935.47* (Apr. 27) 927.48 (June 5) [Lake crested at 934.16 at 11:00 p.m. on May 25]
Lake Taneycomo Level – Highest 727.86 (Apr. 27) 709.22 (June 5)
Water release from Table Rock Dam – 68,000 cfs** (Apr 27) 10,757 cfs (June 5)****
Normal Elevation – Table Rock Lake 915 Lake Taneycomo about 701

* Levels are all “feet above sea level.”
** cfs- Cubic Feet Per Second
*** Water being released from the Dam is a combination of generators and flood gates. Under normal operating conditions up to 14,000 cfs is discharged through the generators alone.
**** The fluctuations on Lake Taneycomo in terms of elevation and cfs are being controlled by the dams four generators and are within the normal daily parameters typically encountered on the lake.

14. If I was considering coming to Branson for a vacation this year should I change my plans because of the high water? Absolutely not. There was not one iota of effect on the shows, attractions, shopping, lodging, restaurants and the many other activities that the vast majority of Branson’s visitors come to Branson to enjoy with their families. Branson has all the fun, activities and excitement your family deserves to have on a vacation and with its everyday value pricing and other discounts is extremely affordable. Why not plan to spend your vacation in Branson and help your family create memories that will last a lifetime?

15. Was the Branson City Campground impacted? Yes. .It is located right on the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo at lake level. Information received from the City of Branson is that the campground is temporaily closed. Call 417-334-2915 for additional information. It had just reopened on May 6 from the Easter Week high water. Click here for details.

UPDATE – June 5, 4:00 p.m. The campground is completely reopen. Call 417-334-2915 for additional information

UPDATE – May 28, 2:00 p.m. Although the water levels of Lake Taneycomo have dropped back to within their normal levels today, at 9:00 a.m. this morning personnel from Scotty’s Trout Dock were in boats going over the top of camp sites to get to where some of their boats had been tied for safe keeping during the high water. The camp ground will reopen as soon as city personnel can remove debris, make appropriate repairs and remove the silt etc. Based on past experience it will reopen in sections with those farthest from the lake shore opening first and the process will take from a couple of days  up to a week. For more specific informaiton please call the camp ground directly at 417-334-2915 .

16. Is Scotty’s Trout Dock Open? Yes.

17. Are the Branson resorts on Lake Taneycomo open? Yes, with the exception of the Taneycomo Lakefront Resort & RV Park, located at the north end of Lake Shore Drive,we are not aware of any that are closed in the immediate Branson area. Although the Taneycomo Lakefront Resort is closed, its RV Park. though lacking certain amenities, is open.

UPDATE – June 5 -4:00 p.m. – Latest information from Taneycomo Lakefront Resort & RV Park indicates that they are planning to reopen by July 1. Please call them at 417-334-7375 for additional information.

18. How is the trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo and is it safe to fish? It is excellent and it is safe to fish.

UPDATE – June 5 -4:00 p.m. The fluctuations on Lake Taneycomo in terms of elevation and cfs are being controlled by the dams four generators and are within the normal daily parameters typically encountered on the lake. (See #13 above.)

UPDATE – May 28, 2:00 p.m. With discharge levels back down to to 20,800 cfs, with the exercise of normal and prudent boating and safety practices, safety shouldn’t be an issue. The fishing should be excellent and this writer observed people fishing from the banks near the south end of  the Bass Proshop parking lot of  Branson Landing and they were catching trout so things are looking up.

UPDATE – May 24 With discharge rates at 53,600 cfs, the safety risks from current and current driven debris increases significant.

19. Will this FAQ Status Report Be updated? Yes on an as need basis. When it is, the date of the latest update will be placed at the top of the page under “Update Status” along with the Number of the item impacted by the update. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. For information specifically relating to lake levels, water discharges and their potential impact please feel free to contact Gary Groman at 417-294-0404. June 5 – 4  p.m. This is the final update. The information is as current as we can get it.

Branson is an Unbeatable Value for Family Friendly Activities and Entertainment

The Yakov Smirnoff show is a funny, colorful and exciting show for the whole family.

“Millions know what an exciting, fun filled and entertaining place Branson, Missouri is,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Whether it’s something special to celebrate like Mother’s Day or Memorial Day; one of Branson’s many exciting live shows; major attractions like Silver Dollar City, White Water or the Titanic Museum; its lakes, golf courses, shopping, go carts, mini-golf, zip-lines or dozens of other activities, it is unlikely there is another comparable size tourist destination on earth that offers the number and variety of family friendly activities that Branson does.”

“What many do not know however, is what a great value Branson is and how to make it an even better value” Johnson continued. She points out that Branson’s everyday prices for its lodging, attractions, great live shows and other activities are some of the best entertainment values in America and suggests that the they become even a better value when things like packages or bundling, family passes, gas coupons, and other discounts are factored in.

Many people make their lodging reservations and show, attractions, and activity arrangements separately. In the vast majority of cases this results in paying more than if the same services were purchased as part of a package. The Branson Tourism Center (BTC) offers a number of packages, combining or bundling lodging, shows, attractions and activities together or can develop a customized package for your family. These packages can provide substantial savings over purchasing the same services separately. For example, the “Branson Family Fun Package” saves a family of four $88.00 on a fun filled four day three night package including, two of Branson’s most popular shows, the Legend of Kung Fu and the Hamner and Barber Variety Show, one of Branson’s most popular attractions the exciting Titanic Museum and much more.

Johnson explains that “Family Passes” for certain Branson shows and attractions is another way for families to save money on their Branson vacation. As just one example of the savings that are possible, the use of Family Passes to see the famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff saves a family of two adults and three children $49.00.

“In these economic times, every penny saved is important,” Johnson says. That’s why BTC offers its customers, living 100 or more miles from Branson, a gas coupon good for a $.20 per gallon discount for up to 20 gallons per vehicle at the Phillips 66 gas station located adjacent to the Branson Tourism Center Building as a way of saying, “Thank you for doing business with us.”
Yet another way to save money is to take advantage of the special offers and discounts available through Branson Tourism Center from the partner theatres and attractions with whom they do business. The “Two Days for the Price of One” at two of Branson’s Biggest and most popular attractions, Silver Dollar City and White Water are two examples of special discounts that can add even more value to your Branson vacation.

“In all honesty, and at the risk of sounding self-serving, my decades of providing Branson visitors with the best experience possible leads me to the conclusion that one of the best ways to have the best Branson experience for your family and get the greatest value in terms of convenience and saving time and money is to use the services of a tourism service organization like the Branson Tourism Center (BTC),” said Johnson. She explains that using the free services of a trained Branson Vacation Specialist who lives in the Branson area, is familiar with all it has to offer, and can be reached with the convenience of one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550, just makes good sense when one considers the myriad of choices involved in planning a trip to Branson. It makes even more sense when one considers that there are no additional fees or service charges to use the services BTC provides.

Branson has all the fun, activities and excitement your family deserves to have on a vacation and with its every day value pricing and other discounts is extremely affordable. Why not plan to spend your vacation in Branson and help your family create memories that will last a lifetime?

Free 2011 Branson Travel Guide available for download

Just one of the Guides many pictures, the 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers" at White Water. southwest Missouri's largest water park.

Branson, MO (03/29/11) “For those looking for a convenient way to get access to a lot of information on Branson, Missouri’s shows, attractions, lodging and everything else that is Branson in an easy to read book-like format, our free downloadable 2011Branson Vacation Guide, excuse the pun, just might be the ‘ticket,'” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. BTC has sold nearly three million Branson show and attraction tickets and is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The Guide presents a lot of information in a familiar interesting, attractive, entertaining and precise manner,”

Johnson points out that the Guide is just another service that Branson Tourism Center provides for those interested in getting information on our favorite vacation destination. It is in addition to the extensive information provided on its websites which are updated on a daily basis.

Branson Tourism Center operates three major websites that provide extensive Branson information. These include www.Branson.Com, Branson’s first and most extensive website; www.BransonTourismCenter.Com, used in conjunction with its 800-785-1550 number to provide the free personal concierge type service for Branson visitors that BTC is noted for and www.BransonOnTheWeb.Com, a transactional site for those who want to do their own research and purchase tickets for Branson shows and attractions and their lodging on line.

The Guide is in a downloadable PDF format providing users with a familiar book-like look and interface. “It has everything from Branson history and average weather conditions for each month of the year to extensive information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging, golf, event schedules, area churches, lakes and much more. Its PDF format not only permits convenient and familiar viewing, but makes it easy to print for reading away from a computer.

This writer was particularly impressed with its organization and the beautiful photographs throughout. As an example, its listing of Branson Shows, organized alphabetically, contains a concise description of each show and is beautifully illustrated. It even has a section on the Limited Engagement shows that will be coming to Branson during 2011 starting with the Charlie Daniel’s Band and Sawyer Brown in April with acts like the Village People, Johnny Mathis and many more later in the year.

Johnson is quick to point out that the Guide is merely a supplement to BTC’s three websites and suggests they be consulted for the latest updates and changes. “Having said that however, it is a wonderful and convenient overview source of all that is Branson and yet another tool that can be used by those planning a trip to Branson,” she continued. Johnson offers the free services of Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions anyone might have about Branson or in assisting them with show or attraction tickets, lodging or anything else relating to the fun and excitement Branson offers. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Limited engagements add even more Branson show choices

"The Village People," just one of the limited engagements adding to the variety and excitement of Branson show choices.*

“Branson. Missouri is referred to by some as the ‘Live music show capital of the world’ because of the variety and quality of the shows it offers on a regular basis,” said Mark Bryson, the Director of Operations for Branson on the Web, a subsidiary of Branson Tourism Center. “That alone provides Branson visitors with a  choice of live entertainment that is unrivaled by its competition and made even more so with the addition of limited engagement performances.”

Bryson notes that, as he uses the term, “limited engagements” are special performances or shows that are available only during specific time periods and do not perform in Branson on a regularly scheduled basis for the majority of the season. The following is a list of limited engagement performances taken from the Branson Tourism Center Show schedule and is sorted by the date of the first performance:

Neal McCoy, March 12 through 19
Oak Ridge Boys, April 26 & 27
Charlie Daniel’s Band, April 28
Sawyer Brown, April 29 only
70s Super Show with the Village People, May 13
Gene Watson and John Conlee, May 14
Neal McCoy, May 19
Branson Gospel Music Revival, June 28 through July 1
Neal McCoy, June 1 & 2
Neal McCoy, July 1
Neal McCoy, July 5
Neal McCoy, July 25 & 26
Neal McCoy, August 3
Diane Bish, August 8 through 19
Andy Williams with Ann-Margret, September 12 through October 22
Diane Bish, September 9 through 23
Neal McCoy, September 15 & 16
Gatlin Brothers, September 20 through 22
Oak Ridge Boys, September 20 through 22
Oak Ridge Boys, October 4 through 20
Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie and Sammy Kershaw, October 15
Gatlin Brothers, October 4 through 20
Neal McCoy, October 6 through December 9
Tim Conway and Friends, October 21 & 22
Andy Williams  Christmas Show, November 1 through December 10
Daniel O’Donnell, November 1 through 23
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together, November 1 through December 7
Hollywood Christmas Spectacular, November 1 through December 10
Mel Tillis and Family Christmas November 1 through November 17
Miracle of Christmas, November 1 through December 31
Oak Ridge Boys, November 1 through 17
Tony Orlando Christmas, November 1 through December 9
Diane Bish, November 5 through December 7
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, November 18 & 19

Bryson points out that the list includes some performers more than once because they perform for limited periods on more than one occasion and some that perform only during certain periods of the year such as Andy Williams, Daniel O’Donnell and the Christmas Shows. He advises that the list will change and suggests three ways to have the most current information on not only limited engagement performances, but Branson shows in general.

The first two involve checking the show schedules on either the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) or Branson On The Web. In the majority of cases limited engagement performances are indicated by a “clock symbol” to the right of the entry on Branson Tourism Center. Using the “Limited Engagements” filter on Branson On The Web will show the limited engagement performances. Bryson said that another excellent way to get information on limited engagement performances, all Branson shows, attractions or lodging is by using the free personal assistance of a Branson Tourism Center Vacation Planner which is available by calling BTC at their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

* Photo courtesy of www.OfficialVillagePeople.com.

Direct nonstop air service to Branson from Dallas and Austin announced

The Dornier 328 Aircraft.*

“The recent announcement by Branson AirExpress (BAE) that they will be providing nonstop air service from Love Field in Dallas, TX to the Branson Airport provides yet another way for visitors to conveniently get to Branson,” said Sharon Budnick, the director of the Branson Travel Agency, a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. She also pointed out that it was also announced there would be a resumption of direct nonstop air service between Branson and Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, TX.

In making the announcement about the new service from Dallas and the resumption of the Austin flights Jeff Bourk, executive director of the Branson Airport said, “We are pleased to kick off the 2011 Branson AirExpress season with continued low fares to these fantastic nonstop destinations.” Bourk also indicated that the response to the Branson AirExpress flights during the 2010 season had been strong and that additional scheduling would be announced to Austin and Dallas in the coming weeks.

Currently, the published schedule is for one morning flight from each destination on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bourk said that the flights will be operated for Branson AirExpress by Vision Airline on 30 passenger Dornier 328 Aircraft, “one of the most comfortable and modern turbo-prop aircraft in the world.”

Branson Travel Agency’s Budnick said, ” Branson Airport’s service on Frontier, AirTran and Branson AirExpress, coupled with the air service into the Springfield – Branson National Airport on air carriers such as American, United, Delta and Allegiant, provide a wider variety of fare and scheduling options for Branson air travelers than ever before.” She said that she would be pleased to provide more information or tickets on air travel to Branson or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging arrangements. Please contact her at the Branson Travel Agency either by calling 800-785-2176 or through their website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

*Picture courtesy of Fairchild-Dornier.Com