summer vacation to branson missouri ant tips

[Trixiezzz]

We've been to Branson many times and always have a lot of fun. There are some deals out there if you look. Here are some links to places we've used to save money on our vacations:

Reserve Branson's 2 Day Tickets for Price of 1:
(Silver Dollar City & White Water)
Go to: http://www.reservebranson.com/attractions.asp
Enter your dates and select "Theme Parks" or "Water Park"

Silver Dollar City Annual Pass:
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/tickets/seasonpasses.aspx?track=SDCMPSPASS

Branson Message Board: http://www.1branson.com/forum/

Half-Price Tickets to many shows:
* Branson 2-For-1 Tickets: http://www.branson2for1tickets.com/

* Missouri Bargains: http://www.missouribargains.com/index.cfm

* Big River Bargains: http://www.bigriverbargains.com/index.cfm?event=ViewItems&categoryid=1068

INEXPENSIVE CONDOS: http://www.skyauction.com/

Basically, for Silver Dollar City, the cheapest way to go depends on how many days you want to go.
If it's 2 days, then Reserve Branson's 2-for-1 price is the best ($53 or so for 2 days).
If you want to go 3 days or more, the cheapest way is to buy the annual pass ($72 for unlimited days). Last year, after we bought the annual pass they sent us a postcard offering to add on a water park pass for just a small fee. In fact, since we already had passes, we went back to Branson for a second quick trip over Labor Day! The kids love the roller coasters at SDC, they're faster than any Disney has.

Sky Auction can be a great way to get a good condo, because Branson is WAY overbuilt in condos. We prefer the Wyndam properties, (Branson Meadows is one of our favorites). We've been able to get a 1-bdrm with a sleeper sofa in the living room for about $300 for 7 nights. That includes using their resort facilites, too.

Also, check out the Branson message board. It's not as good as the DIS (but what is??) but you'll find some good advice as to what hotels/restaurants are good and which ones are not, and sometimes they'll post some good deals or coupons that are available.

Hope this helps!

 

[rebster]

Ok! Do you have kids? Because there is this charming little bed and breakfast near Branson that we have stayed at once. I would absolutely recommend them and its kind of out side Branson, so you can escape to this beautiful little lake and have romantic times and then go into Branson when you feel like it.

http://www.anchorinnonthelake.com/

That is the website of the bed and breakfast we stayed at. Branson wasn't really our cup of tea, but we could have spent the whole time at the B&B and relaxed.

 

[rebster]

And the breakfast there is truly amazing...and its nicer than the nice rooms at Disney for wayyyyy less. Anyway, I feel like a salesperson...but we just enjoyed our stay there so much. They also give a military discount which you have to call for...its 20% off.

 

[pamlet]

I enjoy Branson tremendously!

It is a totally different experience than Disney -

Silver Dollar City is NOT DisneyWorld - but then it's not a typical amusement park either .. not just rides - but craftspeople doing their thing - blowing glass, woodcarving, etc... beautiful things... And truly a bargain if you go for more than one day ..

Some fun restaurants with good food ... there's one I particulary enjoy called Chesters ..They have a an appetizer called Flash Fried Spinach that I CRAVE. http://www.eatatchesters.com/

A restaurant called Mel's Hardluck Diner - the staff not only wait on you - but sing .. and they're VERY good ...

A variety of shows - I recently saw Pierce Arrow for the first time and really enjoyed it ..

It's just DIFFERENT than Disney - in a way more "authentic" I think .. it's easier to see the "real world" ..

Someone mentioned the 1Branson site - there's a wealth of information there.

 

[Tinkerbella001]

Missouri is the cave state...there are several caves you can visit. The one in SDC is free with admission, and Talking Rocks is nearby in Branson. If you are coming to Springfield, there is also Fantastic Caverns~ the only cave in America you can ride through. It is a really neat attraction and well put together, but it is expensive!! I think its nearly 20 a person. If you are a teacher, ask about a possible discount.

Also, some of the hotels have a package that might save you money. One that we looked at included 2 nights hotel, breakfast, SDC tickets, show tickets and mini golf for 350 for 2 ppl. It was a great deal if you planned on doing all those included activities. And no, I'm sorry I don't remember which hotel as I looked at so many. We got the season passes so it wasn't as good of a deal for us.

 

[gulf breeze]

Also, if you drive thru Springfield, Missouri, there are a few fun things to do, too. Springfield is a small city (175,000) and is pretty easy to navigate through; it's located 40 miles north of Branson.

.

Small!?!? Where the heck are you from Springfield is where we go when we want to go to "the city"
SDC is a fun place to go...as long as you don't expect it to be Disney. If you get a season pass try to come back during the fall festival and Christmas. They have a kids fest during the summer months also. Wear some good walking shoes 'cause unlike Disney SDC has a lot of hills. And if you happen to ride the swings or Thunderation (a wooden roller coaster) and you see/hear a little blonde screamin' her head off that would be my DD Really we had a guy ask one time if she was O.K....yup...she just loves to scream on those two rides!! Oh...and don't try to leave right at closeing....took us 30 min. to catch a tram the other day!!! Be sure to check out D I C K's five and dime (yes that is really its name)They have really cool stuff in there, if your folks are going you'll hear alot of "I remember this from when I was a kid"

 

[FoundMyPrince]

Small!?!? Where the heck are you from Springfield is where we go when we want to go to "the city"
SDC is a fun place to go...as long as you don't expect it to be Disney. If you get a season pass try to come back during the fall festival and Christmas. They have a kids fest during the summer months also. Wear some good walking shoes 'cause unlike Disney SDC has a lot of hills. And if you happen to ride the swings or Thunderation (a wooden roller coaster) and you see/hear a little blonde screamin' her head off that would be my DD Really we had a guy ask one time if she was O.K....yup...she just loves to scream on those two rides!! Oh...and don't try to leave right at closeing....took us 30 min. to catch a tram the other day!!! Be sure to check out D I C K's five and dime (yes that is really its name)They have really cool stuff in there, if your folks are going you'll hear alot of "I remember this from when I was a kid"

Sorry - I grew up about 5 miles from there and never thought of it as a "city", just a large town.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

You mentioned magic shows, Kirby and Bambi Van Buren had a big show up there. I think it is only Bambi now. We love Dixie stampede! It is just as good as Mideval Times and just as pricey. We usually go to Bransontourism.com to get our show and attraction tickets. I also recommend Big Cedar. I too have only stayed on the timeshare side, but it is definitly worth every penny.
Another fun place to eat is the Outback Pub(not affiliated with the steak chain). They have great alligator tail and you can play triva games against other people in the pub and across the nation. There's a ton of really good shows. We try to see a different one every year. We also have a breakfast/brunch at the Grand Country Inn at least once while we are there.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

We are going to Branson in July. It seems like there is plenty to do, and I disagree that all the shows are "country". We don't like country music, but I have plans to see the Chinese Acrobats, Jeerk, Six, a comedy show, Noah, and maybe some others. I am a little concerned, however, that it is 14 hours from here, and will take 2 days of driving. Disney is 16 hours from here. My kids want to visit some new places, new states, etc. We have been to Pigeon Forge twice, and my kids really love it there. I figured Branson was similiar, but someplace different. Do any of you who love Branson think it really isn't worth our 14 hour drive? I'm a little concerned that even though it will be enjoyable, I may not feel that it was worth that long of a commute. Any thoughts?

 

[rebster]

I would say that it is worth the commute if you are visiting other places along the way. I really think you only need to spend 1 or 2 days in Branson, and we spend 10 at Disney. But everyone is different. My husband says "Branson is where all the variety shows went to go die." Now, I don't really agree with his opinion, but if you aren't a Dollywood type person...you may want to check out a different place. We like visiting the lakes near by, but usually skip the downtown Branson area. I personally like pigeon forge a lot more.

 

[gulf breeze]

Sorry - I grew up about 5 miles from there and never thought of it as a "city", just a large town.

Where I'm from there is a few hundred...where I live now (Green Forest ) there is a couple thousand. I stress when I go to Springfield

 

[elsie7119]

*

 

[elsie7119]

*

 

[rebster]

Oh! I don't know if you are driving through North Missouri but you could always stop in Marcelline, MO (sp?). It is the original Main Street USA, Disney's tree he drew under, Disney museum, the original speedway from Disneyland...some people might be disappointed in it, but I loved it!!!

 

[MissAndrea]

I'm actually getting ready to move to Branson!! I was born and raised in Springfield but have lived in Kansas City for the last 4 1/2 years. I actually know very little about the hotels since I never needed to stay in them. I haven't read all the posts yet but I know one person mentioned two Disney outlets...I'm 99% positive the only outlet is at Tanger (wonderful outlet mall!!) and the Disney store at the Landing is just a regular store. Cool atmosphere and shopping there though too. It's on the river. There is an outlet called the Merchants Factory Outlet (or red roof mall) and it kinda sucks IMO. Tanger is the best. Stop by the main office and show your AAA card for a free coupon book, or get one for $5 if you don't have AAA.

I haven't been to Big Cedar but have heard great things. Chateau on the Lake is gorgeous!!!! Been there for a night...both are on the lake. The lake is one of our favorites!!! Love love love TableRock!!!

I also haven't been to the Titanic museum yet but I keep saying I need to go. We are moving in a couple months so I guess I'll have all the time in the world to see it. It looks cool so you should look into it. I love Silver Dollar City. Not cheap, can't compare it to Disney, but fun theme and rides. White Water (water park) is a bunch of fun too! Years ago I went to a fabulous magic show, but I think there is a different guy there now than there was back then. I am NOT into country music at all, but you can still have a wonderful time in Branson. My daughter has been Dixie Stampede quite a few times with her dad and loved it. I think Springfield is kind of boring, but since I'm from there, maybe I'm jaded. I was in high school before I found out that Bass Pro was a big deal. If you do make it to Spfld, you have to at least stop by and see it. You can also try cashew chicken....you can find it on every corner of Springfield and it's delicious. Even if you found cashew chicken anywhere else in the US, it's not like it is in Spfld. It's something us natives have to have when we are back in town. Ummmmm....I'm sure there are many other things but those are the highlights in my opinion. OH, I forgot about Lamberts...that's a must. You will leave STUFFED!!! It's in a town in between Springfield and Branson (but closer to Spfld).

Hope you guys have a great trip!

 

[grandmadebby]

Wea re going to Branson May/June like we do almost every year. There is a lot of music shows that are not Country. Rock and Roll is here to stay in the Starlight is a great show, Kirby VanBurch Magic Show is one the kids really enjoy. Yakov Theater, Dixie Stampede, Branson Belle.... the list of entertainment goes on forever.

Lambert's Cafe just North of Branson is the Home of the Throwed Rolls and believe they throw them at you until you catch them. Also, they come around after you order and serve fried okra, grits, Tomato Macaroni, Fried Potatoes. Very reasonably priced but usually have to wait at least an hour, it is worth the wait.

I hope you have a great time we always stay at Wyndham Branson At The Meadows or Wyndham Mountain Vista.

One more thing, it is about an hour trip to Eureka Springs, Ark where you can visit the Christ of the Ozarks, which is a beautiful statue in the mountains you can walk right up to. The Passion Play is also a beautiful show there in Eureka Springs. The Precious Moments Chapel is in Carthage, Mo about 1 1/2 hours from there, very interesting place to visit.

Again have a terrific time, it is a great place but the traffic is slow moving.

 

[MissAndrea]

It should be mentioned that Lamberts does NOT take credit or debit! It's cash or check only!

 

[Echo queen]

We went to Branson last year 2009 for spring break.
Lamberts was great make sure you know the red yellow and green lines. It was a nice stay, met my parents there. We will not be going back just wasn't that great for us. Stayed at Timberridge resort, wonderful resort. SDC is a thumbs down for us. The Branson forum was helpful just slow not a lot of activity like the dis.

 

[princesslibby]

My boys liked:
SDC
the fish hatchery
we saw Kirby and Bambi
rode the Ducks
ate at Lamberts and Dana's BBQ. YUM!

As suggested by PP 1Branson was a helpful site in planning. I hope you have a great time.

 

[SamSam]

It should be mentioned that Lamberts does NOT take credit or debit! It's cash or check only!

That blows me away! We don't travel with cash..and certainly not checks. We use credit for everything!