MISSOURI - Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas Features Christmas In Midtown Light Spectacular, 6.5 Million Lights, Light Parade & Time Traveler

        (Branson, Mo. 2018)    Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas presents the park’s brightest season with 6.5 million lights, featuring the popular Christmas in Midtown Light Spectacular, and 30 miles of new lights illuminating the walkways and load station area for the new ground-breaking coaster Time Traveler. The festival also features an evening light parade, two Broadway-style original musical productions, a 5-Story Special Effects Christmas tree with a sound and light show and holiday dining, November 3 – December 30.

        Christmas in Midtown takes holiday lighting to a new level, filling over an acre with 1.5 million LED lights -- 145 miles of lights covering 70,000 square feet -- in the Midtown area alone. Huge light tunnels and wreath portals lead into the area, which includes light displays 9 stories high, flying angels, running reindeer, moving trains, a 90-foot tree, musical trees with moving lights, dozens of stars and snowflakes, and a giant turning globe, all created at Silver Dollar City.

MISSOURI: FRITZ’S ADVENTURE DEBUTS NATION’S FIRST AERODIUM OUTDOOR FLYING EXPERIENCE

Branson-based Family Adventure Facility Adds Vertical Wind Tunnel Skydiving Simulation to

On-site Adventure Offerings

BRANSON, Mo. — JUNE 21, 2018 — Dynamic adventure facility Fritz’s Adventure opened the nation’s first Aerodium Outdoor Flying Adventure. The newest addition to its multidimensional adventure facility, Fritz’s vertical, outdoor wind tunnel flight experience allows visitors to enjoy the thrill and challenge of skydiving in a safe, controlled environment. Fritz’s Aerodium Outdoor Flying Adventure opens as a seasonal offering, with advance reservations available through the fall.

Fritz’s Adventure offers two- and three-flight packages, each with a 40-minute flight experience which includes a stunt demonstration, flight school, safety equipment and a formal flight lesson, and actual flight time. The vertical, open-air wind tunnel generates winds upwards of 140 miles per hour, allowing guests to fly under instructor supervision. The attraction is open to visitors ages four and up, with no previous experience required.

“We are so excited to bring this thrilling new adventure to not only Branson — but to the United States. Fritz’s Aerodium Outdoor Flying Adventure is designed to help people reach new heights and maybe even conquer a fear as they defy gravity in this exhilarating adventure,” said Jake Schenk, general manager of Fritz’s Adventure. “Come fly with us and make memories that will last forever!”

MISSOURI - Silver Dollar City Presents The Unique & Extraordinary At Festival Of Wonder Coming April 11

(Branson, MO  April 2018)     Bringing the unique and extraordinary to the stages of Silver Dollar City, The Festival Of Wonder opens April 11 at the 1880s theme park with larger-than-life performances and acts of curiosity.   Designed as “A Most Amazing Entertainment Experience,” the festival features performances that are as unexpected as they are entertaining, from a harp that spans the entire length of a theater to athletes performing flips and flying stunts on pogo sticks.    

          “It’s extremely challenging finding just the right acts for this festival,” shares Rex Burdette, Silver Dollar City Entertainment & Events Manager, who has been booking acts at the park for over 25 years.  “It’s basically a huge treasure hunt, looking for each special act that sets itself apart with unusual twists to the ‘expected spectacular,’ making it show-stopping extraordinary.”    

MISSOURI - Time Traveler Opens at Silver Dollar City

World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Spinning Coaster Debuts in Branson, Missouri

(Branson, MO  3/13/2018) - Never before in the history of Silver Dollar City theme park has there been such excitement, such enthusiasm over the opening of a new attraction.  With its March 14 debut, Time Traveler, the World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Roller Coaster, marks a new era in coasters, delivering ride experiences unlike any before, with no two rides alike. A major difference is the spin, which is not a teacup-ride fast spin but a 360-degree controlled spin that delivers high dimension, sensations and perspectives that differ with every car, every ride, every time.

First riders climbed aboard in a preview event today, ahead of tomorrow’s full debut as Silver Dollar City opens for the season.

MISSOURI - Time Traveler Set for March 14 Opening

World’s Fastest, Steepest & Tallest Spinning Coaster Debuts in Branson, Missouri

               (Branson, MO  3/8/2018) - Never before in the history of Silver Dollar City has there been such excitement, such enthusiasm over the opening of a new attraction.  With its 2018 debut, Time Traveler, the World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Roller Coaster, marks a new era in coasters, delivering ride experiences unlike any before, with no two rides alike. A major difference is the spin, which is not a teacup-ride fast spin but a 360-degree controlled spin that delivers high dimension, sensations and perspectives that differ with every car, every ride, every time.

The draw for coaster lovers seeking the newest, best, most exciting ride elements is global -- the experience will be available nowhere else on the planet except Branson, Missouri, the entertainment town that is home to Silver Dollar City, the 1880s style, internationally-awarded theme park, established by Herschend Family Entertainment, 1960.  

This custom-designed, custom-engineered ride that introduces a new generation of thrill coasters for families was more than two years in planning and construction, and is Silver Dollar City’s biggest attraction ever with an investment of $26 million. For concept, design and development, Silver Dollar City chose renowned coaster manufacturer Mack Rides of Waldkirch, Germany, founded in 1780 and family-owned for eight generations.

MISSOURI - WHAT’S NEW IN BRANSON FOR 2018

Branson has lots of theaters offering live shows with entertainment choices from Broadway songs to country music, Rock ‘n’ Roll, to magic and comedy! A trip to Branson is not complete without experiencing Silver Dollar City, an 1880-style award-winning theme park where you’ll find authentic Ozarks history along with crafts, eateries, six festivals and a brand-new thrilling ride. Visitors can enjoy three Ozark mountain lakes, perfect for fishing and boating, as well as golf, hiking and horseback riding. Branson has a Tanger Outlets Center, an array of specialty stores, boutiques and galleries at Branson Landing and a Historic Downtown filled with quaint shops. There is always something new in Branson and here are some for 2018:

Silver Dollar City announces the World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Roller Coaster with the spring 2018 debut of Time Traveler.  Following months of speculation and extreme interest radiating within the amusement industry and from coaster enthusiasts around the globe, the internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park will make history with this custom-designed, custom-engineered attraction that introduces a new generation of thrill coasters for families to enjoy.

MISSOURI - Silver Dollar City Announces Time Traveler

Silver Dollar City Announces 

~Time Traveler~

World’s Fastest, Steepest & Tallest Spinning Coaster

A Revolutionary Coaster Ahead of Our Time Launches Spring 2018

(Branson, MO   8/16/17) - Following months of speculation and extreme interest radiating within the amusement industry and from coaster enthusiasts around the globe, Silver Dollar City announces the World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Roller Coaster with the spring 2018 debut of Time Traveler. The Branson, Missouri internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park makes history again with this custom-designed, custom-engineered attraction that introduces a new generation of thrill coasters for families. 

     Time Traveler will be world record-breaking:

• Fastest – Top speed of 50.3 miles per hour
• Steepest - A 10-story, 90-degree vertical drop…straight down. Custom-engineered to have an immediate out-of-the-station, gravity-driven drop down an Ozarks mountainside
• Tallest - Custom-designed for mountainous terrain with its tallest point at 100 feet   
• First & Only with Three Inversions - a Dive Loop, a Vertical Loop and a Zero-G Roll
• First & Only with a Vertical Loop - A 95-foot tall loop
• First and Only Double Launch – 0 to 47 mph in 3 seconds; 30 to 45 mph in 3.5 seconds 

     At an investment of $26 million, this is Silver Dollar City’s biggest attraction EVER.  For concept, design and development, Silver Dollar City is working with renowned coaster manufacturer MACK RIDES of Waldkirch, Germany. MACK RIDES, founded in 1780 and family-owned for eight generations, shared Silver Dollar City’s dream to create Time Traveler as a one-of-a-kind ride that combines a variety of coaster elements with mountainous terrain.  The track crosses over itself 14 times in total.

     “This coaster’s state-of-the-art controlled spin feature provides riders a unique thrill experience while still appealing to families,” said Brad Thomas, President of Silver Dollar City Attractions.  “Since Silver Dollar City’s opening day in 1960, guests have taken a journey back in time with unique and world-class experiences.  We strive daily to continue that tradition through our rides, our festivals, our crafts and our food. That pursuit continues in 2018 with Time Traveler - a Revolutionary Coaster Ahead of Our Time.”

     Many coaster enthusiasts have pointed out the paradox of an 1880s-inspired theme park developing a track record for revolutionizing roller coasters:  Time Traveler follows the daring wood coaster Outlaw Run, which after its debut in 2013, made it into the Guinness Book of World Records and earned the coveted title of the industry’s “Best New Ride” that year. “Today, several years later, Outlaw Run still carries high prestige globally, and now Time Traveler will build upon that record-breaking tradition,” said Thomas.

     Time Traveler opens in Spring 2018. Silver Dollar City is open mid-March through December.  Other Silver Dollar City Branson attractions include White Water and Showboat Branson Belle.  More information is at 800-831-4FUN(386) and www.silverdollarcity.com.

MISSOURI - Bigfoot on the Strip in Branson, Missouri

New Attraction Set to Open Spring 2017

(Branson, MO) Construction is almost complete in Branson, Missouri on the area’s newest attraction, Bigfoot on the Strip™.

Bigfoot on the Strip™, a $10 million project located at 3608 W. HWY 76, offers a variety of attractions, all themed around Bigfoot (as in Sasquatch) and designed to appeal to all ages and abilities. The Bigfoot themed project features both indoor and outdoor activities, a food truck dining park, a large outdoor patio, indoor and outdoor party spaces, and a visitor center.

MISSOURI - SILVER DOLLAR CITY’S FESTIVAL OF WONDER LEADS THIS YEAR’S EVENTS

BRANSON, MO. – The all-new Festival of Wonder in April, a new summer concert series and a big new Christmas expansion top the lineup for Silver Dollar City’s 2017 season in Branson, Mo., designated the Year of Food and Crafts. Come celebrate the art of American fine craftsmanship with new handcrafted treasures, new signature dining experiences with bold, innovative flavors and over 200 new specialty foods throughout the season.

The new Festival of Wonder opens April 6 with amazing acts of curiosity and larger-than-life performances, all billed as “A Most Amazing Entertainment Experience.” Featuring the world’s largest playable stringed instrument, the Earth Harp Collective has strings stretched the length of Red Gold Heritage Hall, vibrating above the heads of the audience as it plays, creating a multi-faceted music experience. The Earth Harp is just one of the show’s beyond-believable instruments from visionary instrument creator William Close, an America’s Got Talent finalist. The festival also features the Flamenco Kings, seven brothers whose stunning performances are a fusion of flamenco, tap, martial arts and acrobatics; Balancing Wonders, presenting gravity-defying performers in an extraordinary balancing show; plus Speed Painter Dan Dunn, glass harp music and incredible wind instruments. New foods for the Festival of Wonder take an outrageous turn, including Curious Kabobs with shark or alligator on a stick, Fry Breads from Cajun Shrimp to Nutella S’mores, the World of Bacon with Bacon Cannoli and Chocolate Covered Bacon, new Bodacious Brownies and Blended Beverages. The festival runs April 6-30.

In May, the popular festival Bluegrass & BBQ brings in top musicians, including a special concert with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Skaggs, winner of 14 Grammy Awards, 8 CMA Awards, 11 IBMA Awards and 2 Dove Awards, headlines Memorial Weekend with a concert on May 28. Also among the festival’s top performers are Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Flatt Lonesome, The Gibson Brothers and The Grascals. A huge new BBQ Pitmaster Courtyard offers savory barbecue feasting, with new foods including layered Barbecue Sundaes, a “Ribs Spectacular,” grilled corn in flavors from Bacon Jalapeno to Mexican, and Mason Jar Desserts. Bluegrass & BBQ runs May 4-29.

June brings a new Echo Hollow Summer Concert Series, presenting concert fun from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s with performances by Poco, Rare Earth, The Spinners, The Lovin’ Spoonful and local favorite ‘80s cover band Members Only, opening with Jason Pritchett, a top 5 finalist on America’s Got Talent. Concerts are June 2-4 and 9-11. Also, the family-focused festival Star-Spangled Summer, featuring the Harlem Globetrotters in the final year of The Globetrotter Experience show and the antics of Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dogs, June 3 through July 16.

First-ever Silver Dollar City Food Days lead into and top off summer events, May 30 through June 9 and July 31 until August 20. Funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls, kettle corn and milkshakes debut wild new flavors, while summer foods take family favorites like hot dogs to new levels with layers of flavors. The park’s night ride event Moonlight Madness July 15-30 brings back ride-in-the-dark fun and evening street dances, plus new Extreme Food Challenges where families can tackle foods such as the 20-inch Goliath Pizza, 2-lb. hamburgers and 18 in. funnel cakes.

The top names in Southern Gospel fill the stages for Southern Gospel Picnic, August 24 through September 4, including Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Dove Award winners The Booth Brothers and Jeff & Sheri Easter, Greater Vision, The Hoppers, Legacy Five and The Isaacs. The food spotlight is on Southern cuisine, as Southern cooking expert and food blogger Christy Jordan presents all-new recipes in The House of Chicken & Fixin’s.

Concerts featuring country music icons are presented each evening during Silver Dollar City’s Country Music Weekend, September 8-10, and the National Crafts & Cowboy Festival features the nation’s finest craftsmen and authentic cowboys, September 13 through October 28. The festival presents the popular Wild West Show with trick riders, ropers and a world-champion Native American Hoop dancer; Western music, a barn dance, and 125 visiting craftsmen. The nation’s pioneer culinary heritage comes to life with a chuck wagon cookout and cowboy cuisine, including smoked brisket, ham and beans and hearty country comfort foods.

An Old Time Christmas is brighter than ever, this year adding the new Christmas in Midtown with 1.5 million additional lights, for a total of 6.5 million lights. The festival presents ‘Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade’ led by the most famous reindeer of all, with musical lighted floats and dozens of costumed characters, plus two original musical productions: It’s A Wonderful Life and A Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Ranked as one of the world’s top holiday events, the park dazzles with the acclaimed 5-story special effects Christmas Tree and an encompassing light-and-sound show on the Square, plus new holiday foods, November 4 through December 30. Also new this year is a New Year’s Celebration December 31 and January 1.

The park presents more than 40 rides and attractions, including the world-famous wood coaster Outlaw Run, named Best New Ride of 2013 worldwide and featured in Guinness World Records 2015. The new Year of Food and Crafts spotlights the park’s 100 craftsmen demonstrating America’s heritage crafts, hundreds of new food specialties are added to the dining options, and shows fill the stages throughout the season. The 1880s-style theme park is open March 15 through December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018. For more information and park daily hours schedule, please visit silverdollarcity.com

About Branson, Missouri

Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, family attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, shopping galore, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and meeting and convention facilities. Less than one day's drive for one-third of U.S. residents with flights to the Branson Airport (BKG) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) Call 1-877-BRANSON for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion. See more at http://www.explorebranson.com

MISSOURI - WHAT’S NEW IN BRANSON FOR 2017

PRESLEYS’ 50th ANNIVERSARY

The Presley Family opened Branson’s first music theater on June 30th, 1967. In 2017 they will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in their original location. This is a truly amazing accomplishment in the entertainment industry, especially to be in the same location. Two original members of the show, Gary & Steve Presley still perform nightly in the show. There are now fourth generation Presleys performing in the show. The family originally performed in caves in the Ozarks before building their theater on Highway 76.

ANDY WILLIAMS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 25th ANNIVERSARY

Andy Williams Moon River Theatre opened its doors on May 1, 1992. Andy was the first non-country music performer to open a theatre in Branson. The theatre’s design reflects the beauty and environmental integrity of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The 48,000-square-foot structure is set among 16 acres landscaped with rock formations, waterfalls and a stream. It is the only theatre ever to be featured in Architectural Digest. For the interior, it was Andy’s idea to create a beautiful auditorium for live performances along with a lobby area that had a museum-like atmosphere so that he could display pieces of art from his personal collection.  Since his passing, Jimmy Osmond has taken over the theatre as a promise to his friend and mentor to keep the legacy alive. Andy Williams memorabilia is displayed throughout the theatre and a wide variety of entertainers grace the stage throughout the year, just as he envisioned.

TITANIC MUSEUM ATTRACTION

Titanic Museum Attraction, honoring James Cameron’s “TITANIC” in celebration of the iconic movie’s 20th anniversary, has a limited engagement new gallery to showcase many, never-before-seen elements from the movie – costumes, set pieces, props, signed scripts and more.  March 12-June 13. Titanic Branson looks forward to “TITANIC” re-release in 2017 and to honoring its 20-year anniversary.

SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE

Showboat Branson Belle gears up for an even bigger 2017 aboard the 700-passenger paddle-wheeler.  An all-new show “Country On The Lake” adds a different genre of music as the noon complement to the popular evening variety show “Celebrate.”  Designed as a concert cruise – featuring multi-talented rising country stars performing #1 hits from yesterday’s classic rock to country favorites of today, backed by a live band – it includes tributes to country stars of the ’90s with songs by Garth Brooks and Faith Hill, plus many classic, memorable songs.

THE RUNAWAY MOUNTAIN COASTER

The Runaway Mountain Coaster is a thrill ride that uses the natural topography of the area to have an exciting user-controlled trip for an experience few will ever forget. Riders are seated in individual carts engineered to exacting safety standards. The carts are pulled to the top via a chain, similar to roller coasters. At the top of the mountain, carts are released to travel down the hill, winding in and out and around the hills for a fun and unique experience.

RAIDING THE COUNTRY VAULT

Raiding the Country Vault opens mid-March at The Starlite Theatre. It brings chart-topping Nashville stars together with musicians who have played with Country music’s most iconic acts, performing a set list featuring the biggest hits of America’s most beloved music genre. The producers are planning to bring “Raiding the Rock Vault,” from Las Vegas, for select summer dates.

FRITZ’S ADVENTURE

Fritz’s Adventure is a dynamic family attraction that brings the excitement and challenges of outdoor adventure into a multi-dimensional indoor environment. Experience three stories and 80,000 square feet where you can enjoy elements of the world around you that, anywhere else, would be prohibited or discouraged. All ages are encouraged to explore the family adventure together.

BIGFOOT

Bigfoot on the Strip is the fifth attraction investment in Branson for the owners of Branson Zipline Canopy Tours, Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline, Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon and Fast Shot Shooting Gallery. The centerpiece of this $10 million attraction is a 200-foot free-fall tower. Two of the rides are extreme rides for serious thrill seekers, while the third is a calmer ride offering more of an Ozarks viewing experience.

JOHNNY MORRIS’ NEW GOLF COURSE

Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris has teamed up with golf icon Gary Player to create a world-class short course that will deliver an unparalleled experience for golfers. Winding through breathtaking rock formations and showcasing some of the most dramatic views in the Ozarks, Big Cedar Lodge will unveil its newest golf experience in the spring of 2017.

HISTORY OF FISHING MUSEUM

The History of Fishing Museum is the largest collection of antique fishing lures, rods, reels, boats and motors entirely collected by one man and his wife. It is valued at more than $4 million. The first lure was bought when Karl White was eight years old. The lure is still in the collection today – almost 70 years later!

THE SKY DECK

A ride on Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline at Branson Landing, takes you to The Sky Deck on Mt. Branson with spectacular views of Lake Taneycomo, the entire Branson Landing and Historic Downtown. You can “Zip and Sip” or plan your own private party with live music, catering and cocktails.

CHRISTMAS TREE TOUR

Who doesn’t love a beautiful Christmas tree, radiant day and night with the warmth and joy of the season? Now the already amazing holiday season in Branson is even better as the community strives to become “America’s Christmas Tree Town” like no other. Many cities have a single iconic Christmas tree each year. Branson has the largest variety of the most wonderful and unique Christmas trees found anywhere! Discover over 100 dazzling trees – in addition to the music shows, shopping and festive family fun – making Branson an even more tree-mendous holiday destination than ever before!

CAF AIRPOWER HISTORY TOUR

The B-29/B-24 Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force will bring to Branson the aircraft, pilots and crews from over 70 CAF units across the United States to create the AirPower Squadron – an ever-changing assortment of military aircraft touring together to bring the sights, sounds and smells of World War II aviation history to audiences across the nation. The AirPower Squadron always includes at least one of the two rarest World War II bombers in the world – FIFI, the most famous, flying Boeing and B-29 Superfortress and Diamond Lil, an equally rare B-24 Liberator. Aircraft accompanying the B-29 or B-24 will include other World War II aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang, the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-25 Mitchell, along with an assortment of fighters, trainers and liaison aircraft. September 14-17 at the Branson Airport (BKG).

BRANSON FORWARD

Branson Forward is a dream of a bigger, brighter, more amazing Branson experience than ever before with spacious walkways, landscaping, park benches, interesting landmarks, and amazing spaces for visitors to explore and enjoy. Over the next seven years, Branson plans to invest more than $100 million and transform five miles of Highway 76 into a more vibrant, dynamic, fun, attractive and interactive entertainment corridor certain to delight and amaze the next generation of Branson visitors. All this is being implemented with absolute minimum disruption to the non-stop fun and entertainment opportunities jam-packed along our city’s famous corridor.

HATFIELD & McCOY DINNER FEUD

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is coming soon to the entertainment district in Branson. It’s Feudin’ Feastin’ Family Fun at The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show! Become part of the longest-running feud in history and help the Hatfields and McCoys try to settle their differences in a hilarious dance and comedy revue mountain style while enjoying a full Southern Homestyle Feast. Opens 2018.

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About Branson, Missouri
Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, family attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, shopping galore, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and meeting and convention facilities. Less than one day's drive for one-third of U.S. residents with flights to the Branson Airport (BKG) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) Call 1-877-BRANSON for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion. See more at http://www.explorebranson.com