Showing posts with label Branson Missouri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Branson Missouri. Show all posts

10 June 2022

Branson Scenic Railway Branson Missouri


 Branson Scenic Railway is a leisurely ride through the Ozarks.

After arriving, we picked up our pre-ordered tickets 11:30 tickets inside the depot then waited outside on the crowded front deck.

Our grandson finished eating lunch--you are not allowed to bring food or drink on the train.


You can sit anywhere that is open. We were surprised to find a dome coach open. Perhaps it was because the air conditioning doesn't do so well in the three glass-topped coaches. But the views great.

The photo below is from the domed coach facing south as we head toward Arkansas on a sunny late Spring day in June.




The short video clip below is from the window above. It should give you some sense of the scenery and the journey in case you are thinking about going. You will hear some old music in the background, which attempts to add 1940s ?) ambience.







You can explore the train between the end diesel locomotives. In this room, there was only one chair.


At the end of the journey, people mill around to take photos. I was surprised at the length of the train. Although the outside waiting area was crowded, there was plenty of room on the train.



The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The website says there are two different journeys. On this one we headed south for about 40 minutes before returning. 

The Ozark Zephyr is a diesel-powered locomotive. The passenger coaches (or cars) are restored and date from the 1930s to the 1960s. If you want the best air conditioning, it felt cooler in the cars with blue or red leather seating--no guarantee that will be true on a future ride.




Some tips

Book online if you can. Tickets are numbered and you board by the number on your ticket.

In 2022, you had to have a paper ticket to board. So, even if you purchased online, you still have to enter the station to collect your tickets.

You can buy tickets inside the depot if available but your number will be higher than those ahead of you.

The station is small. Although there are two restrooms, the line was long and slow when we were there.

Consider mealtimes. We booked the 11:30 am departure. They are very strict about not permitting food and drink on the train. There is a small snack bar on the train with limited options. Cookies were $1.10. You can buy some drinks for $2.00.

Refunds are limited. We purchased tickets the night before but I can't say if that is a good idea.

They do travel on rainy days.

Parking is across the street in a gravel lot north of the station. There is no additional charge for parking.

If you want to eat before your trip and don't have time for a sit-down restaurant, there are fast food restaurants west of the station.

There are restrooms on the train. The toilet stalls are very small. There was soap and water and a few paper towels. There were sanitizing bottles throughout the train.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted.

They announced that no guns were permitted--including concealed weapons--but I did not see them check to see if people had a concealed weapon.


And other notes from June 2022

Most of the passengers were senior citizens. Some children were with the seniors and there were a few families.

Those using a walker or wheelchair board first.

I noticed one conductor and one woman who gave a brief commentary during the first let of the journey.

More Information

Website = bransontrain.com



My website     suttong.com


My videos on YouTube      SuttonTravels


28 November 2016

Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri

Massive skillet at Silver Dollar City


Silver Dollar City (SDC) is an 1800s themed amusement park in Branson, Missouri USA. My wife and I have visited the attraction many times since 1972.

You will find the most recent schedule of rides, shows, and other attractions on their website. Despite it's old-time theme, SDC stays current by adding new rides--including some serious coasters. You can also download the SDC app for current showtimes and waiting times on rides.

Here's a brief look at The Outlaw Run coaster- I took this after my ride 27 November 2016.



A new and exciting ride is Time Traveler, which I rode several times since this video from 9 October 2018.



The shows vary with the season so if you frequent the area, you will profit from a season pass to see different shows. On a one time visit, I'd recommend Christmas- the lights are spectacular and the productions of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol are well done.

SDC is clearly a family-friendly place. There are separate areas for children's rides and activities. Also, many shows are either child-friendly or designed specifically with children in mind.



One unique attraction for an amusement park is a guided tour underground through Marvel Cave. This is an old photo (1980) but tours still go on.




In keeping with the 1800s theme you will find a candy maker (free samples), glass blower, blacksmith, carpenter, and many more.

Here's a video of an old lathe.




At Christmas time there are two special program events that draw a big crowd near the Christmas tree. The tree lights pulse to Christmas tunes at 5:00 pm for a fifteen minute show and nearby you will see a parade (weather permitting) at 6:00 pm. These events are repeated later. We recently went on a Sunday and the park hours were 1:00 to 9:00 pm. Check online for daily openings and hours.

Here's a video clip showing part of the "tree" show.



About the park- Ratings where 10 is high.

Coasters 8-9; The best are: Outlaw Run a "woodie" (68 mpr) and Wildfire (66 mph), Powder Keg (64 mph)
Food = 6-7- smells great and many items taste good for theme park fare
Food and Drink Prices = 5 - Expensive for the area
Restrooms 8- clean, well-stocked
Shows-hard to rate because they vary in quality, length, and each person has a different taste. Some are worth a 9-10 rating for sure e.g., It's a Wonderful Life.
Nearby Attractions: Many shows and additional activities in Branson Missouri. www.branson.com
Website = http://www.silverdollarcity.com
SDC App =  http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/Guest-Services/Mobile-App

Tips

Lines can be very long on weekends and holidays so choose alternate days if you can.
If you go often, you can purchase a drink mug and save money on refills.
You can bring your own food and drinks into the park. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. Tip- No glass containers or alcohol.
Parking is free as are shuttle rides to the main entrance. There is a fee to park near the entrance.
Changing and nursing stations are available.
Strollers can be rented onsite.
You can enter early for breakfast at 8:30 on open days.