Ostriches, Pigs, Fire, Horses and a "WAR"...Dixie Stampede!
Written: May 07 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Fun for all ages, friendly "cast" and great food.
Cons: A little spendy and really a "special occasion" outing.
|
|
|
| emiejo's Full Review: Branson |
"Welcome to the Dixie Stampede!!!!"
From the moment you take your seat in the arena you can feel the excitement.
North against South in a show that includes everything from Ostriches and Pigs to Buckboard races and BBQ! Plus...you get to eat a great meal at the same time!
The Dixie Stampede in Branson, Missouri is what it is advertised to be.....
"The Most Fun Place to Eat in Branson.....I Guarantee It!" from Miss Dolly Parton herself.
Located in a magnificent "Southern Plantation" style building right on Route 76...The Dixie Stampede is impossible to miss and unlikely to disappoint!
We only recently went for the very first time ( I intend to go again) about 8 weeks ago.
My mother and grandmother were here for a visit over my daughters 6th birthday. So, to be sure that we did something enjoyed by all.....I bought tickets. Four adults and three children....with an $11.00 photo package and AAA membership discounts ($5 off each adult ticket)....came to a grand total of: $215.00
You must make reservations and you must pick up your tickets by 3:00 of the date of the show.
Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling: 1(800)520-5544 or 1
(800)STAMPEDE
They have just started taking reservations online at: www.dixiestampede.com
But the system is new right now and requires some "tweaking" so, I don't recommend using that feature at this time.
We only live an hour and half from Branson, MO...so we chose to pick our tickets up the day prior so we were ready the next. I suggest arriving at leat one hour early...to get a good parking spot AND to visit with the STARS of the SHOW....the HORSES!
There is a beautiful brick breezeway out front where you can see all the horses in their "pre-show" attire. This is a great bit of fun for the kids....(heheheh, yeah...the adults too). They are available for "Autographs" from 10 am until showtime.
You follow the path of the breezeway to the grand entrance where you will be directed to either your pre-show seat OR to have your family photo taken. After the photograph...then on to your seat.
With each ticket, you will receive a voucher for a free beverage of your choice. There is NO ALCOHOL. You may choose from any fountain drink or one of two "blended" drinks.
They also sell popcorn and salted peanuts in the shell for $1.00.
After waiting about 15 minutes the pre-show began. It was a talk and sing group of four men. Very talented.
They sang and told jokes...basically just to keep everyone entertained while all tickets were being taken...etc. The pre-show lasts about 30 minutes....then its on to your dinner seat. You walk through a large curtained area or up some stairs (elevator available) and using your ticket as a guide will be seated in section A, B, C or D if you are the NORTH and E, F, G or H if you are the SOUTH.
We were north and seated in section A. I didn't care for my seat....we saw a lot of peoples "backs". If you can make a choice...which I am not sure if you can...ask for B through G.
Throughout the show...there are "Contests" of skill for members of the North and South to WIN. Each Winner or side, receives a "medal"....and the SIDE with the most medals at the end...well, of course...WINS!
No prizes involved...just plain good fun!
Once everyone is seated...your "soldier will instruct you on your dinnerware. Cup off your plate for tea or on your plate for Pepsi and coffee....we eat with our hands...the stretching exercises....etc. It really is a fun way to "warm up" for the show. There is some practice yelling and you basically get acquainted with your soldier.
The show begins. It is loud, misty, colorful and paces right along.....
The "Owner of this here Plantation and your Emcee for the night...." comes out and starts off with a welcome. He also instructs us on what to do every time we hear the word STAMPEDE!
Basically we stomp or kick really fast and really loud for about 30 seconds. Pretty fun.
Then there's the food. A great four-course meal.
Soup comes first....
*A smooth as silk creamy vegetable soup served in a "use your hands" bowl. It was DELICIOUS!!
This was actually my favorite part of the meal.
*A Whole Rotisserie Chicken
*A slice of BBQ pork
*Hot-Buttered Corn on the Cob
*Herb basted potato wedges (my second favorite....dipped them in the soup!)
*Dessert. I think this varies....we had Apple Dumplings.
Drinks are unlimited and they are quick to move things right along and keep your glassed filled.
The show is approximately 2 hours long. You also get to keep your "souvenir mug" from the pre-show...a clear plastic boot with "The Dixie Stampede" on it.
The schedule varies from season to season for the "regular" show. There are no shows from January 2nd to the end of February. Shows begin again in March but are not everyday. They are also only certain days in April....and 5:30 shows only.
May through October has shows nearly everyday and both the 5:30 and 8:00 pm shows are available. The Christmas Show begins in November and runs through January 1st. For a complete list of the Branson shows dates and times go to this link:
http://elmer.sccoast.net/ds/new_show_schedule.cfm
They offer Vacation Packages and Group sales as well.
There is a very nice gift shop as well where you can pick up your photographs if you chose to order them and any type of "souvenir gifts" you could possibly need.
My sons are 11 and 4 and my daughter turned 6...my mother is 5----something (hahaha and my gramma is a proud 80! I am 32 and my hubby is 34.
Why do I tell you? Well, simply to say...we ALL had a GREAT time!
Not too many attractions can say that!
This is a great show and if you are coming to the Branson area, I highly recommend it!!
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
emiejo
|
|
Member: Kristen Crawford
Location: Cassville, Missouri
Reviews written: 108
Trusted by: 45 members
About Me:
Married for 22 years to the same great guy, homeschool mom of three.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.