Lodging/Show Tickets..Book Yourself??

[ScrapNana]

I'm sure this question has been posted before, but I was wondering if most of you book your lodging, and buy show tickets separately; or do you use one of the sites that has a "package" with lodging/tickets, etc.? We are going in late July. I've already purchased tickets to Ricky Boen & Texas Mud, mainly because he's my cousin and I wanted to plan to attend his show.

My husband is not really excited about coming to Branson..long story as to how we are ending up coming here this summer. He did perk up when I told him that's where the Liverpool Legends perform.

There are so many choices in lodging. I know we don't want to be right on the strip with all the activity going on.

Nana in Texas

[ggh]

Nana - Most folks find that it takes some planning, but they get the best results by researching lodging, and shows and booking them theirselves.

[teacherkim]

I book mine separately, and do it myself. I want the freedom to choose everything. I'd look for a place along Green Mountain Drive or Shepherd of the Hills.... close to everything, but on alternate traffic routes. Have fun!

[djmrl68]

I haven't ever seen a package deal that saved me any money. The only thing they save you is time. You've still got plenty of time before July. Check around for deals, get some coupons, and choose exactly what you want to do--nothing more and nothing less. If you can find a package deal with everything you want for less money, get it. You usually won't be able to use coupons or discounts (AAA, AARP, etc.) with package deals. That's why I don't use them. Branson2for1 has good ticket deals for some of the not so famous shows. Reservebranson.com has some special deals on shows and attractions as well. Interstatetravelbuddy.com has hotel/motel discounts. If you can get a Branson VIP book, they are loaded with attraction/show and food discounts. Many of the hotels/motels have internet specials on their websites as well as their regular discounts. Just check around and get a good value for your money.

[fordarama]

There is lodging of all price ranges on the strip..
For nice try the clarion,
For nice and great location, try the grand victorian .
Most shows don't sell out, But to get the seats you want, you might want to book ahead.
There are discounts to be had, ticket books in most lobbys of hotels.
Branson 2for 1 has good deals on some shows, and another good place to look is a radio station that offers vouchers you trade at the ticket booths for tickets,
I used them on the mo and arkansas railroad, worked great.
http://www.radiotalon.com/Branson+Tickets/default.aspx
I think hubby will be surprised how much he likes branson..
MAke sure to pick up a map with the color coded relief routes, It helps to get around the strip during busy hours,
Like during show times,
There are some good places just off of the strip, to stay..
Green mountain inn , whispering hills, branson best,
Whispering hills and branson best have a good breakfast and ice cream and cobbler in the evenings after the shows let out..
So they are good places to stay for the perks.
http://gmiofbranson.com
www.whisperinghillsinn.com
www.bransonsbest.com
www.hotelgrandvictorian.com
www.clarionhotel.com

[ggh]

What does hubby enjoy?

If he enjoys the outdoors, you may want to find a place to stay on the Lake, and plan at least one day on the lake, or fishin. Check out the fish hatchery, and visit the dam

If he's a baseball fan, take him to Spfld to see the Springfield Cardinals play a game. www.springfieldcardinals.com

If he likes good BBQ or a great burger, take him to Danna's BBQ.

Go into Stonehill Winery for their tour and tasting - they don't have a beer tasting bar, but someone should try opening one someday! LOL!

My dh goes with me to Branson at least once a month - we see a show about once a year - there are lots of other things to do.

Visit Bass Pro Shop on the Branson Landing.

Ride on the go-karts on the wooden tracks - I can't imagine any guy not enjoying them.

I'm betting he wants to return after you drag him down the first time.

[ScrapNana]

Thanks for all the good information. He does like fishing so a place near the lake would be good. I did see some cabins, etc for rent on that vrbo site but need to look at the locations of them. He also loves music - every kind of music - and he plays guitar and sings also - so I was surprised he was balking at coming to Branson. But then again, when we went on a cruise in Nov., I caught him in a weak moment when he said he'd go and I immediately bought tickets. He couldn't back out on me then ! I also drug him to Hawaii for the birth of our first grand-daughter 5 years ago and then he didn't want to come home. I figure Branson will be the same way...I have to MAKE him come and then he'll not want to go home. But fishing would be good and he would enjoy that, I know. And he'll enjoy the shows as well.

I'm not much into rides, etc., but he is as he has always gone to places with the church youth (Disney World, Fiesta Texas, Six Flags, etc.). He might want to do SDC and I'll ride some as long as they aren't ones that spin in continual circles!

Nana in Texas

[lucyann]

Originally Posted by ScrapNana

I'm not much into rides, etc., but he is as he has always gone to places with the church youth (Disney World, Fiesta Texas, Six Flags, etc.). He might want to do SDC and I'll ride some as long as they aren't ones that spin in continual circles!
Nana in Texas

Personally, SDC is not all about the rides. Yes, there's some excellent rides. However, I don't go for the rides. I go for the shows, the food and the looking. DH and I can spend all day doing just that.

[StarsRUs]

Welcome....we also book everything ourselves, in fact, we rarely 'book', we just show up and then go from there. Choose a show if we're in the mood, etc.... But that's just us.

I would concider SDC a MUST...It's our favorite place, and it's definately NOT just about the rides. It has many shows you can attend, if you want. Shopping, food, terrific atmosphere...

He might enjoy Dixie Stampede...a dinner is included and a pretty good one at that.

You could call Mike at Hunter's Friend. They're down on the point just past SDC. Or a nice cabin.

Lots to do, so much you just can't begin to cover an 'inth' of it. Sometimes we never even make it up onto the strip.

Check out the Lodging link and the Attractions. Plus I know a ton more people will be on to give you their favorites.

Have a BLAST...both of you!

[ggh]

If your dh plays guitar, and sings, my bet is he'll enjoy SDC - we don't get on a ride all year, but we do go see the shows, the music is great, and scattered all about the park.

[fordarama]

Huntersfriend would be a good choice,
If you rent something on the lake, try to stay near indian point, or close to the dam area.
We rented a house on the lake and it was on branson west side, It took a while to get out of the back road it was on,
Keep us updated to what you choose.

[kelpa]

I always book through www.vrbo.com, because I like to have a kitchen and living room so you can relax when not on the go! We had a great one out near SDC last year and stayed in Pointe Royale on our most recent trip. My husband was the same way about our first trip to Branson last year, but he is ready for the next trip next Spring! I can't wait to start planning it. I think that is half the fun!