Ride into the West at Branson's Roy Rogers Museum

The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri transports guests to an era where cowboys were king, and a love of westerns was alive and well. The cowboy-style museum showcases everything related to the life of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, with pictures, memorabilia and automobiles being the bulk of the showcased items.

The personal family photos were a nice touch that really added to the family-value persona that was Roy Rogers. The collectible merchandise items were numerous, with Roy’s personal collection of cowboy boots and costumes a natural addition to the collection. My favorite part of the museum was the horse exhibit, where Trigger and several other horses are displayed in life-size proportions, which allows guests to truly see what a magnificent animal Trigger really was! The exhibits also come equipped with audio commentary, provided by Dusty Rogers, for added information about the different items on display.

Other portions of Branson's Roy Rogers Museum showcase the famous Nellybelle vehicle, along with Roy’s favorite Parade car, a Pontiac Bonneville Convertible, as well as the 1923 automobile that took Roy and his family to California, where Roy’s dreams really took off. The museum is concluded with a movie room, where reels showcasing Roy Rogers & Dale Evans run throughout the day.

Notables: There is an extensive gift shop, where souvenirs and western décor can be purchased. Remember to bring your camera, as the museum is photo friendly. There’s also a “shooting range” for the youngsters.

Branson's Hollywood Wax Museum a Blockbuster With Visitors

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri is an interesting display of pop culture. The Mount Rushmore-like display outside instantly told me this museum was different than any other, as John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe took the place of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The Hollywood Wax museum, essentially, serves as an ode to the “presidents of Hollywood” with everyone from Humphrey Bogart to Johnny Depp on display.

I strolled through the Wax museum, taking pictures and reading interesting facts about movies and personalities, taking about an hour to fully take in every figure and display. I personally enjoyed the Wizard of Oz, Pirates of the Caribbean and Gangster Alley Exhibits, as well the Forest Gump and I Dream of Jeannie figures. They combined great wax artistry with music and special effects, such as shooting sounds and lights, to create a real feel to the life-like figures. Kids really enjoy the Branson's Hollywood Wax Museum because they can pose with characters from some of their favorite movies!

There is also a Hall of Horrors area, which is great for Horror movie enthusiasts, although parents might want to bypass this exhibit, as it is quite spooky. However, exhibits featuring the Men in Black, Star Wars and Hugh Hefner, as well as NASCAR’s finest are great photo opportunities and had all of my party smiling and hamming it up for the camera. My tour of the museum led to the concluding gift shop, which was actually a nice change from the usual gift shops. For anyone that loves pop culture, this is the place to shop. Everything from Gone with the Wind to I Love Lucy memorabilia can be found there.

Country Inn and Suites Unique Property, Budget Friendly

The Country Cascades in Pigeon Forge is an inviting property offering all interior corridor rooms. There are unique features at this hotel, including no first floor rooms. Instead of rooms, there is a lobby, breakfast area and a large indoor pool and hot tub. I found the seventh floor rooms to be a nice touch, as they have vaulted ceilings, a unique element not available at many hotels. The double queen rooms have a modern/floral décor that is a bit outdated, but comparable to what you would find in a similarly priced property. Their king rooms are decorated in the same fashion but are more spacious.

There is a deluxe continental breakfast available, a bonus I enjoyed during my stay. Many guests will also enjoy how the non-smoking floors are completely separate from the smoking floors. The Pigeon Forge Country Cascades is a modest property with a nice selection of rooms, although a few updates would really bring it all together. I would still recommend the property as it is a nicely kept, well-appointed facility, that just needs a few extra touches.

Governor's Inn Ranks High in Customer Satisfaction

Governor’s Inn in Pigeon Forge truly does look like a governor’s home, a top a sloping hillside adjacent to the Parkway. The lodging facility provides convenient access to all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions, which was a plus while I visited.

The rooms are nicely appointed with standard case goods. The double queen room’s layout was of a split divide style, with an interior half wall dividing the beds. This is a nice option to have when visiting with friends and family. The bathroom is also spacious for a hotel. Pigeon Forge's Governor’s Inn is also equipped with a heated outdoor pool and hot tub and small fitness center.

They have a fairly spacious breakfast area, which served the traditional breakfast staples. The Governor’s Inn in Pigeon Forge is a nice selection for all visitors, including couples, families and retirees. They provide a great level of comfort at an affordable price.

Hamner Barber Comedy and Magic Top Branson Ticket

If you’re looking for the best all around entertainment for your dollar, don’t overlook Branson's Hamner Barber Variety Show. And, don’t let the title “variety show” scare you away. Unlike other shows I’ve attended who overwork variety from the stand point of trying to be all things to all people, Dave Hamner and his wife Denise, along with Jim Barber give you the laugh you’re looking for and the wonder that only magic can provide. Other than a few awkward dance routines that appear to be done to help with transitions between Barber’s side-splitting antics to the suspense of the Hamner’s trickery, this show is fast paced enough to keep my 5 year old captivated and to prevent me the time to think that its anything short of fantastic.

A small cast in a quaint but very modern theater, the Hamner Barber Variety Show in Branson certainly doesn’t come across as low budget. Hamner and Barber, themselves, are authentic and clearly love doing what they do. Interaction with the audience certainly makes each show unique and in a town where entertainment tends to follow a model, this show breaks the mold. The show did stumble into intermission as Hamner and Barber bantered with each other on stage in an attempt to sell their goods, but they are genuine enough you really just see a couple guys trying to make a living doing something they enjoy. If there were a Top 10 list for Branson, this show would be on it.

Experience the Magic of Disney World

Millions of people flock to Disney World in Orlando, Florida each year.  The parks Walt Disney made famous are synonymous with family fun and the magical whimsy of childhood.  I missed out on the Disney experience as a child, but was bound and determined to not let my inner-child miss out on Disney World.  So, at the age of 25, I packed my bags, mouse ears included, and made my way to the sunny state of Florida to spend a few days with the main mouse, Mickey, and all of his cohorts. 

I was as excited as any child, and was filled with awe over what to expect.  The night before the big day, I had visions in my head of doing the robot with Buzz Lightyear, skipping through the park with Snow White and quacking along with Donald Duck himself.   The whole event was already playing in my mind like a Disney Movie, and I already had a perfect ending: dinner at Disney’s California Grill, perfectly timed so I could watch the firework displays as I dined. 

The next morning, as I drove towards the gates of Disney, I was ecstatic to see Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom signs flash before my eyes.  I was on a mission at Disney, and was bound and determined to experience as much of Disney as I could in one day.  Due to a time constraint, one day was all I was allotted at Disney, so one day had to fulfill my inner child’s wishes. 

I started at the Animal Kingdom, since they close the earliest (5pm.) I headed straight towards the “Tree of Life” to get an up close view of this iconic tree.  The detail and design of the tree was incredible, and so was the “It’s Hard to be a Bug” attraction held inside, at the base of the tree.  Starring “Flik,” from the Disney-Pixar Film “A Bug’s Life,” this 8 minute 3D film is fun for those of all ages.  I thoroughly enjoyed the 3D look at a bug’s life, and the special effects made me feel like I could reach out and grab the butterflies, snakes and other creatures.  I even felt mice running on the floor.  I don’t want to give too much away; just be sure to make time for this during your visit to the Animal Kingdom.  Another highlight from the Animal Kingdom was the Kilimanjaro Safari, where I sat in an open air safari bus for a one-of-a-kind look at some of the Sahara’s most beautiful animals. The landscape was right out of Africa, and the animals were very energetic and lively, something you don’t always witness at zoos.  I was amazed at the variety of animals, and have to say the elephants and giraffes were my favorite safari finds. 

After a delicious lunch at the Rainforest Café, my companion and I headed to Epcot for a quick trip around the world.  First, though, we made a trip around Earth on the attraction “Spaceship Earth” and then shrank back down to size at the “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” a 3D show where scientific fun turns into mayhem for the audience.  My favorite ride, though, was “Soarin,” an interactive attraction that simulates hang-gliding in coastal California.  The line was long for this attraction, but it was worth the wait!  The world showcase pavilions, where France, Germany, Italy, Norway, America, Canada, Japan, China, Mexico, Morocco and the United Kingdom are represented, are truly a sight to see.  It was if I had packed my passport and had been flown around the world.  The architecture, food, and ambiance of each pavilion made you treasure the unique aspects of each culture.  By the time I had toured every country, I felt like my passport had a whole new set of stamps in it.

However, my world tour had to make an important pit stop at a special, far away land known as the Magic Kingdom.  The Magic Kingdom is what first comes to mind for many when they think of Disney.  Images of Cinderella’s Castle, Mickey Mouse and Splash Mountain are conjured in one’s mind as the epitome of the Disney Concept.  I had these images floating through my head as I made my way, by tram, to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom.  However, nothing prepared me for actually seeing Cinderella’s Castle in all its glory.  It is a magnificent structure that harkens visitors, or at least me, to become giddy with joy.  Even at the age of 25, I was compelled to run towards the castle, eager to see what it held.  Be sure to make time for Castle tours they do periodically throughout the day, as there are some neat behind-the-scene discoveries. 

My exploration of the Magic Kingdom found seven different lands to journey through, each with a theme like “Tomorrowland,” “Frontierland” or “Main Street USA” to distinguish it from the sprawling 107 acres consisting of the Magic Kingdom.  I visited Adventureland first, where I climbed through the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and voyaged through the treacherous waters of the “Pirates of the Caribbean.”  From there, I ventured to “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” in “Frontierland” for a runaway train coaster ride.  “Fantasyland” and “Tomorrowland” were up next, but before we made it there, we encountered the “Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party” that had me grooving along with Disney characters such as Genie, from Aladdin, & Sebastian, from The Little Mermaid.  I found several character greetings at Fantasyland, and although the lines were too long for my time constrained trip, I will definitely make it a priority on my next trip.  When else can you have your picture snapped with Goofy?  Tomorrowland lived up to its name with Space Mountain, a rocket of a ride that visits our mysterious galaxy.  By the end of my ride on Space Mountain, it was time for dinner at Disney’s California Grill.  It was a great way to end my special day.   So special in fact, that the glittering night sky boasting colorful fireworks felt like it was just for me.  It was truly magic, truly Disney and truly worth the 25 year wait.

Branson Grand Plaza Hotel Excels in Excellence

The Branson Grand Plaza Hotel is a nicely appointed property in an easily accessible section of the Branson area. Parking is somewhat disadvantageous, as it is tiered and might provide some trouble for older visitors if upper spaces are already taken. When I toured the property, I found it to be best suited for adults and business travelers. The large, full hot breakfast bar is complimentary in the hotel’s breakfast room, which is large enough for guests to feel they are in a restaurant rather than hospitality room.

Business wise, this Grand Plaza Hotel Branson has large, expansive meeting rooms that can also be used for weddings and reunions. The adult crowd will enjoy the Plaza View Restaurant and Lounge, as gourmet food and delicious drinks are served for your enjoyment, all with a great view of the Ozarks. The rooms I visited, remodeled in 2005, are warmly decorated, with standard beds and bedding. The Double Queen room is a fairly basic room, with the King Suite being the best buy for couples with a young child, as the room comes appointed with an extra, twin size fold out couch. Their fitness room, equipped with treadmills and weights and a few arcade games is nicely situated near the indoor pool area, making it easy for individuals to jump from one activity to the next. However, the pool itself is small in comparison to the overall size of the property.