OT-Branson Vacation

[Biscuitsmom31]

We went to Branson, MO over Memorial Day and boy did it make me appreciate Disney. First of all, we didn't get a fully-accessible room w/ a roll-in shower although we had called twice in advance to confirm we had one. Then, there was only one handicapped spot at the hotel (not van accessible) so we parked way off in a corner of the lot by the dumpster so we could put the lift down. Of course, someone pulled their boat in right next to us so I had to back out to let DH in the van. (This also happened at Silver Dollar City, but it was a car-not a boat.) The whole city is covered with steep inclines so finding decent places to drop the lift was difficult. Both shows we went to suddenly had issues with DH's wheelchair even though we had told them he used an electric chair when we bought the tickets. They had him in an aisle seat and then said he couldn't park his chair in the aisle. They seemed shocked that he couldn't just hop up out of the chair and get in the regular seat. I got so frustrated at one point I wanted to yell "Hello!! What part of his legs don't work don't you understand? This wheelchair isn't for fun! He can't get out of it at his convenience!" DH is such a great guy. He just found a way to get along and reminded me every now and then that we were supposed to be having fun and to lighten up. Meanwhile, he had to go three days without a shower (had to give himself sponge-baths) and sit by himself during the shows.

 

[judykay53]

What is your opinion of Silver Dollar City as a park. We are going over the fourth of July. My sister has annual passes and go several times a year. They have been going there for years. They are there this week. We are going to try it and I'm afraid I will compare it to Disney.

 

[Sue88]

The parks and the atmosphere are so different that it's not really fair to compare the two. Depending on your own personality, you will either hate Silver Dollar City because it is not the huge icon that Disney is, or you will enjoy the quaint surroundings. Silver Dollar City does not have the intense themeing but has an "old time" feel that is similar to frontierland. I do prefer Disney myself but I love the cave at Silver Dollar City.

Also, I think I would enjoy any park MUCH LESS during such a busy time as July 4th!! It will be too crowded for much fun. And hot too.

sue88

 

[judykay53]

Yeah, I'm not really looking forward to the crowds and the heat. Most of our vacation time is spent at WDW. We have to work some around holidays. When one grandson made the comment " The only place you take us on vacation is Disney World" we were shocked! Well, where do you want to go ? Branson. Okay, we will try that. We will just deal with the heat and crowds. And, my son in law's mother lives up there so we will get to visit her also. . I will also be able to tell my sister how much they really need to go to WDW. I can compare the two. Do you know how big Silver Dollar City is? Compared to what park at WDW.

 

[tacomaranch]

Sorry about all the problems with parking both the van and Brandon. Yes, people don't understand and it is a shame. Thank God you are such a good mom and just thought to have a nice time. Better luck on the next holiday.

April

 

[judykay53]

My sister just got back tonight from Branson; and just had to call and brag! But not about the fun time that they had. She was sitting at Starbucks...minding her own business....drinking her Banana Coconut Frappuccino and she realizes that she recognizes a gentleman sitting across the room. It's Chris Daughtry! He's drinking coffee with his wife. He gets up, throws his trash away and they ride off on his motorcycle. Hopefully we'll get a glimpse of a celebrity in July, like maybe, Taylor Hicks or Ryan Seacrest!

 

[ozarkmom]

JudyKay53
It will be crowded like any vacation spot at that time of year, but you may luck out on the heat. 2 yrs. ago we were there in July and Aug and the temps were so mild. You never know. First of all if your going to go and just compare it to WDW don't go. You can go on their website and do some research. It's a lovely park. There's alot of shade and great food cooking. Be prepared for the hills. Branson is in hill country. If you go and want to have a good time and don't want to compare it to wdw you should have a good time!

 

[judykay53]

We live in norhteast Arkansas and have had pretty decent weather. Hopefully we will get lucky. My sister said yesterday that it was hilly. I know we will have a good time. Do they let you take backpacks in with water and such?

 

[roseprincess]

We went to Branson, MO over Memorial Day and boy did it make me appreciate Disney. First of all, we didn't get a fully-accessible room w/ a roll-in shower although we had called twice in advance to confirm we had one. Then, there was only one handicapped spot at the hotel (not van accessible) so we parked way off in a corner of the lot by the dumpster so we could put the lift down. Of course, someone pulled their boat in right next to us so I had to back out to let DH in the van. (This also happened at Silver Dollar City, but it was a car-not a boat.) The whole city is covered with steep inclines so finding decent places to drop the lift was difficult. Both shows we went to suddenly had issues with DH's wheelchair even though we had told them he used an electric chair when we bought the tickets. They had him in an aisle seat and then said he couldn't park his chair in the aisle. They seemed shocked that he couldn't just hop up out of the chair and get in the regular seat. I got so frustrated at one point I wanted to yell "Hello!! What part of his legs don't work don't you understand? This wheelchair isn't for fun! He can't get out of it at his convenience!" DH is such a great guy. He just found a way to get along and reminded me every now and then that we were supposed to be having fun and to lighten up. Meanwhile, he had to go three days without a shower (had to give himself sponge-baths) and sit by himself during the shows.

Sorry to hear things didn't go too well for you and dh at Branson.
I guess it is not a wheelchair-friendly place, the way you described it.
Yes, it is very hilly at Branson, in the Ozarks area. I see you have a ticker that you are going to Disney in about 2 months? that's great! Have a good time at Disney!


Rosemarie

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

In spite of the problems I mentioned, we loved Silver Dollar City. The themeing is great and there is tons of shade. No, it's not Disney but it is a very charming park on its own.

 

[KerriSue]

So sorry (to OP) that the trip to Branson wasnt as wheelchair friendly as you had hoped. Im sorry to say that some people are just ignorant and dont think about other people and their needs.

As for Branson, I loooooove branson Whenever I get a chance, while visiting family in the area I go. Silver Dollar City has always been a favorite of mine. I grew up outside SoCal Disney and went often but still love SDC. The atmosphere is completely different than Disney. Its almost as if you do step back into time while there. When you are there please have a couple of chocolate covered strawberrys for me, they are fantastic. There is also a small theme park in Branson (cant think of the name) and a water park too. You can get a combined ticket, like a hoppers pass, for them. We enjoyed all three. The water park was fun as was the amusement park. The rides had zero lines and we could let my DDS9 go again and again.

Kerri