Dick Clark's 2 O'Clock Rocks Show in Branson is Rockin' Good Time

One of the newest venues in Branson, the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, is home to 2 O’Clock Rocks, a very entertaining afternoon production on the Branson show circuit. Featuring “Diamond” Dave Somerville, original lead for “The Diamonds,” McKenna Medley (Bill Medley’s Daughter) and Bill Haley’s Original Comets, this show is a nostalgic look at the glory days of Rock ‘n Roll. It celebrates not only the beloved music of this era, but also the innocence of the days when poodle skirts and saddle shoes were all the rage.

The first half of the show highlights an incredible number of songs. McKenna sings everything from “Great Balls of Fire” to “One Fine Day,” with a medley of hits by women artists thrown in for good measure. My favorite part of her performance, however, was her medley of songs featuring Bonnie Raitt, The Eagles and Elton John. Dave Somerville does a great job covering his hits as well as playing tribute to others. He performed “Love, Love, Love,” "Let’s Stroll,” “Silhouettes,” “Blueberry Hill,” “Little Darlin” and many others. He was great on Buddy Holly’s “Oh, Boy!” and made it a lot of fun for the whole audience.

The second half of Branson's 2 O'Clock Rocks Show features The Comets, their fantastic hits, and of course, a bit of comedy to spice things up! They begin their set with “Shake, Rattle & Roll” and dive right into other hits like “House is Rockin,” which was a great performance, as well as a medley of lesser known hits like “Crazy Man Crazy.” My favorite, though, would have to be their performances of “Rockin Robin” & “Rock Around the Clock.” They were spot on during these segments, and really brought the house down.

The gentlemen who perform in this show are really amazing, and I have to pay special tribute to their drummer, who at the young age of 85, did a great job of banging those drums. His drum solo totally blew me away!

Quality Inn in Pigeon Forge a Comfortable & Convenient Choice for Visitors

The Quality Inn in Pigeon Forge is the sister property to the Comfort Inn and Suites. Their properties are located right next door to each other and Quality Inn guests have access to the large indoor pool and hot tub room located at the Comfort Inn. However, Quality Inn does have a pool on property as well. Located near the lobby of the hotel is an outdoor pool with hot tub and kiddie pool with water features, like a splash zone.

There is small breakfast area located in the large lobby of the hotel and there is ice and vending machines located on every floor. I found the rooms at the Quality Inn to be very elegant, with a nice modern décor throughout. There furnishings were also all new, including the case goods. All rooms also come standard with microwave and mini-fridge, a nice convenience, and free Wireless Internet. Another update I found was new carpet throughout the rooms. The hotel is a convenient option too, because it is located just minutes from all of Pigeon Forge’s best attractions and has several restaurants located adjacent to property, including Pizza Hut.

Pigeon Forge's Quality Inn is very well taken care of and the extra touch can really be seen. Families, couples and retirees can enjoy the facility without breaking their budget.

Branson's Island Fire Show is One Hot Ticket

Island Fire in Branson, Missouri is a unique show encompassing island customs and flare from the people of Samoa. Known as the ‘happy people,’ the Samoans who perform in the show, located at the Dutton Theater, are an engaging group who radiate life, and a love for what they do. The truly amazing thing about the show is how it creates an island-state-of-mind right in the midst of the heartland. While watching the show, I felt like I was at real luau, on a sandy beach in some distant tropical locale. Not many shows in Branson can say the same, which is one of the top reasons visitors should make Island Fire a part of their itinerary.

The Branson Island Fire Show jumps right into the action, with performers running to the stage to perform the first of many island dance routines. Not long after, the first fire routine is showcased to some amazing results, and then performers teach a select few audience members how to make a Polynesian fruit salad, which I participated in. The show also has a few songs by Hawaiian Elvis Dave Lemmond, and fun black light dance routine as well. My favorite dance routine of the night was the ax dance, where the men did tricks with actual axes while dancing. My absolute favorite part of the show, though, was the final fire routine. It starts with one fire dancer, and works up to a total of four, to create a routine where fire is tossed, twirled, touched and danced with to a high degree of entertainment.

The Island Fire Show is fun for those of all ages, and should be a part of any Branson experience.

Whispering Pines Condominiums a Quiet Oasis Central to Pigeon Forge Fun

Whispering Pines Condominiums in Pigeon Forge is a fine resort that I was pleased with from the start. It is situated just off the parkway, on a gentle hill overlooking the mountains and attractions. There is a nice-size outdoor swimming pool with a hot tub and lazy river. The condominiums offered range from 1-4 bedroom units, and I was impressed by each unit. They are decorated marvelously, with the extra attention to detail that makes a place feel like home. Everything from the linens to the artwork to case goods was superb. The living areas have an oversized balcony with views of either the mountains or the city. I found them to be a nice addition to the spacious condo.

The bedrooms at Pigeon Forge's Whispering Pines Condominiums each had nicely appointed bathrooms, with whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers. Each unit also has a fully furnished kitchen and a gas fireplace. I really could not have asked for a better appointed property during my stay. Whispering Pines allows guests to enjoy all Pigeon Forge has to offer while relaxing in a comfortable, luxurious environment. They are a top choice for all!

Branson's Jim Stafford a Mix of Comedy and Music fit for the Family

The Jim Stafford Show in Branson, Missouri is a fun mix of music, comedy and memories, all centered on the funny man himself, Jim Stafford. The show jumps right into the comedy scene, with guests quacking like ducks before Jim even takes the stage. Once Stafford does appear, he instantly breaks out his trusty guitar and corny jokes for a rousing round of entertainment, geared towards all ages of the family.

During the show, Stafford’s famous songs like “Don’t Tell Mama I’m a Guitar Picker,” “Cow Pattie,” and “Spiders and Snakes” are featured, with “Spiders and Snakes” being my favorite because of the black light sequence they added to the segment. The interactive screen onstage also makes the other two songs fun, because Jim is accompanied by himself during “Don’t Tell Mama” and singing cows on “Cow Pattie.” Jim Stafford’s children, G.G. and Schaeffer, are also featured in the show on piano during various segments, with G.G. prominently present during a father-daughter tribute, and Schaeffer at his best during a Rock ‘n Roll performance near the end of the show.

Guitar is heavily highlighted during the production, with two of the best performances featuring a Spanish influence. One, in the first half of the show, is a duet between Stafford and Schaeffer, and brings a lot of energy to the stage. The second, a performance of “Dark Eyes,” is a fast-paced number complete with Spanish style dancing and great strumming. The woman dancer is amazing during this number, and spins longer than I ever thought possible!

Branson, Missouri’s Jim Stafford Show is a family affair combining a variety of entertaining segments ranging from the corny to the downright talented. It is sure to please any family.

Tip: The Jim Stafford is located on a sloping hill, with parking at an angle, but they do have a convenient golf-cart pickup service, so no walking is necessary.

Comfort Inn & Suites Feels Like a Home Away from Home

The Comfort Inn and Suites in Pigeon Forge is a great choice for visitors due to its location, amenities and great prices. When I visited, I was quite pleased with the attention to detail and service the hotel provides. The facility offers indoor corridor rooms, and they are all non-smoking. The double queen rooms I toured were nicely decorated and created a comfortable feeling many hotels can lack. All rooms have been newly updated with new linens, carpeting and shower amenities. The television stand, armoire and headboards are new as well, and provide a nice rustic touch to the rooms. Another bonus I found were the balconies found in every room, and the standard microwave and refrigerator were a nice addition too.

Pigeon Forge's Comfort Inn & Suites also provides a large indoor pool, which is located in a spacious wing, as well as an outdoor poll with large hot tub. Their free continental breakfast is located in a large and convenient breakfast room, and offers extras such as waffles and biscuits and gravy. A Denny’s Restaurant is also located in the adjacent parking lot, a very convenient option for families. A Pizza Hut is right next door as well. I would recommend this property for any traveler as it is well priced while providing the amenities, style and comfort guests deserve.

Universal Orlando Resort an Entertaining Mix of Thrills and Superheroes

Recently, I visited Universal Orlando® Resort and was blown away by the attention to detail that immersed me upon entering its gates. Divided into two sections, Universal Studios® and Islands of Adventure®, these theme parks encapsulated the thrills of roller coasters while also exploring the fascinating aspects of movies with virtual-reality based attractions surrounded by buildings, sets and shops that look like they are straight from Hollywood’s movie sets. One of the best things about Universal Orlando is the characters the resort is built around. From rides featuring classic characters like E.T. to newer phenoms like The SimpsonsTM to superhero stars like Spider-ManTM and The Hulk, every aspect of entertainment is covered.

While at Universal, I felt as if I was in a city all its own, which is an amazing feat in and of itself, but the experience was made even better by the design of the resort, which allowed me to view every last inch of the park without backtracking or walking myself in circles. The layout of the resort, with individually themed areas throughout like Seuss’ LandingTM, is reminiscent of a movie set and theme park combined, which is the exact combination I believe Universal Orlando Resort desired. The first ride I ventured on was the classic E.T. Adventure® which recreated the famous bicycle scene and guided riders on a quest to save E.T.’s friends. Next was the new The Simpsons RideTM, where although the line was long, was worth every minute of the wait. This new ride is unlike any other ride I’ve ever been on as it puts you face to face with all of your favorite Simpsons characters in a setting best described as a virtual reality. Before I made my way to Islands of Adventure, I made time for a trip on The Revenge of the Mummy®, where the fun of a roller coaster is mixed with the danger of the Mummy Curse.

At Islands of Adventure I knew I had to ride The Incredible Hulk Coaster® the minute I saw its twisting loops of green. After a moderate wait, the Hulk Coaster blasted me into curves, twists and drops that could easily have some passengers seeing green. My fellow companions & I, however, who are diehard roller coaster enthusiasts, loved every minute of the fast-paced ride.

Orlando’s Universal Orlando Resort immerses guests in the world of movies, superheroes, cartoons and the limitless scene of imagination. On top of everything they offer for daytime fun, Universal’s CityWalk® is there to cater to every nightlife need you may have, whether it’s a cool drink or hot dinner.

Fun Spot USA in Orlando a Forever Fair

Orlando's Fun Spot USA, the sister park to International Drive's Fun Spot Action Park, is a sprawling year-round fair located on 192 right next to Old Town. The park and its surrounding entertainment is all open late (Fun Spot until midnight) and generally remains well populated for the duration of the day. In addition to Fun Spot's standard free parking, admission, and soft drinks, Fun Spot USA hosts six traditional midway rides and four go-cart tracks.

The pride of Fun Spot USA in Orlando is perhaps the Vortex, their most innovative go-cart track with an almost impossible hill nearly three stories high. Of the rides, the Extraordinary Bike is the most unique, allowing riders to control the pace by pedaling (and allowing them to go upside down if they pedal hard enough). Also at Fun Spot USA are a number of over the top thrills such as the G-Force Dragsters that sends riders rocketing to 110 mph in just two seconds. This ride and the world's tallest SkyCoaster, which stands at the center of the park over a small lake, both cost additional money but are attractions that draw visitors from far around.

There are a number of food options throughout the park from the traditional fair menu of Funnel Cakes and Hot Dogs to healthy choices such as fruit cups. Stop to get a caricature drawn near the go-cart tracks or watch SkyCoaster riders on video or from the viewfinder at the front of the park. Kids will enjoy Kid Spot, the children's area of Fun Spot, which hosts five different rides.

Full Speed Race & Golf in Orlando a Surefire Thrill

Orlando's Full Speed Race & Golf puts a new twist on the classic game of put-put. The indoor race car themed golf course sports air conditioning and black lights. The scenery is set with airbrushed murals of classic cars and black light paint and reflectors used to light up each of the 18 holes. However, the black light aspect also allows for illusions and hidden obstacles (such as camouflaged bumps) to make this course a little trickier than it may appear.

The "race" in Full Speed Race & Golf in Orlando comes in the form of six Nascar simulators. Each car can hold two people and can be driven in either automatic or stick-shift. The simulators interact with each other so that all cars can participate in the same race (projected on giant screens in front of each car). There are six courses to choose from (including Florida's Daytona track) separated by difficulty level. However, don't be upset if it is a little difficult! Racing at high speed and steep angles led to much spinning out in my case! These rides are wild and will have your adrenaline and laughter at a high.

Tips: Though soft drinks are free at the nearby Fun Spot, pick up a 99 cent glass coke bottle to complete the areas old time fair atmosphere.

Medieval Times in Orlando a Must-See Show of Merriment

Orlando's Medieval Times is the longest running dinner show in the Orlando area and the show with the most locations throughout the country (9 in total). Located just fifteen minutes from Disney on Kissimmee's 192, Medieval Times is a promising stop for any Disney vacationer. Arrive at least an hour before show time so that check in is smooth (don't forget to make reservations in advance) and so that you can enjoy all of the pre-show attractions.

Outside the theater for pre-show enjoyment is a model Medieval Village with plenty of artifacts and information. Beginning with the sleeping chambers of serfs and landlords, the village also contains stables (complete with horses), cloth making and pottery (complete with seamstress and potter), blacksmith, hawking chamber (complete with a hawk and falcon), torture chamber (the historical information and artifacts here will shock you and may not be suitable for children), and kitchen. The Medieval Village is life sized and extremely accurate in its portrayal of medieval life and an absolute must-see when visiting. Prior to show time guests can also visit the Wine Cellar, browse Medieval gifts and jewelry, and meet the royal court, all located inside the theater.

Entry into the arena at Medieval Times in Orlando begins fifteen minutes before actual show time. Upon being ushered into the arena the ruckus and splendor begin. Cheers and boos for respective knights fill the castle from beginning to end. The jovial atmosphere of the theater feels in no way contrived and neither does the crowd's enthusiasm. Food is served right away and keeps coming throughout the night. The tomato bisque soup and spare rib (which comes additional to the half Cornish hen) are delicious standouts. While eating, visitors will also be compelled to cheer on their knight and marvel at the equestrian displays. The quality of entertainment and food and the array of medieval historical facts is sure to please any guest looking to have a good time.

Tips: Get your picture taken with King Phillipe or Princess Leonore before or after the show in the Chamber of Arms. A well deserved tip is highly recommended (and not included) for the "serfs" and "wenches" who serve upwards of 20 guests at a time.