Branson is often overlooked as a destination for student trip due to its reputation of being a Mecca for senior citizens. There are some shows that I would certainly steer clear of with a student group, but there are tons of options for groups without visiting attractions that your student group might consider “unworthy of attention". You can’t go wrong by scheduling your group to eat at “Branson’s Most Fun Place to Eat," Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. You will want to make sure that you are hungry because tonight’s meal will consist of a Four Course Feast including a homemade biscuit, original creamy vegetable soup, whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbecue pork loin, corn on the cob, herb basted potato wedges, apple turnover for dessert, plus all the coffee, tea, or Pepsi you want to drink. Your students will love their meal and of course, you can’t go wrong when soda is included with the meal! But I am getting ahead of myself; you have lots to do before dinner begins. After checking in with your group, you will all pose for a group photo that will be available for purchase later. As the group leader, if a set amount of people purchase the photo, you will receive your copy for free! Branson really tries to take care of their group leaders. Now that you are checked in and have had your picture taken, you will start out in the Carriage Room where you will be entertained by a magician, a juggler, or any number of talented people whose sole purpose is to get you laughing and in a good mood before you head in for the main show. Up at the bar you can purchase soft drinks and snacks. I would personally stay away from the snacks because you will definitely want to save room for dinner, but most groups enjoy purchasing a beverage because it comes in a souvenir boot shaped mug. These are great for taking home and putting pencils or pens in on your desk or for storing loose change from your pockets. They pack easily and are a unique souvenir for your group. Next you will be led into the main arena and seated at long tables elbow to elbow with your neighbor. It can be a bit crowded, but you won’t mind once the show begins. Your waiter/waitress will come around and find out what you want to drink for the evening. They will also inform you if you are sitting on the North or the South side, which you can also figure out from the “uniforms" they are wearing (gray or blue). The arena is literally divided in half for the show as North competes against South during the evening’s competition. Your waiter will also let you in on another fun secret of Dixie Stampede dining. ABSOLUTELY NO SILVERWARE! You will eat your entire meal from chicken to soup with your fingers. Students absolutely love this no matter how old they are. A prepared group leader will have baby wipes and hand sanitizer ready so that the group doesn’t have to run to the restroom in mass once this announcement is made. Now, drink orders are in, you are seated with clean hands so the show can begin. You will be instructed to cheer, holler, hoot, and stomp your feet and elbows for those who are competing in the arena for your side. Now this is no ordinary competition so make sure you are seated comfortably because you won’t want to miss a minute. There are 32 horses helping out as riders do trick riding, speed rides, wagon racing, and barrel racing not to mention the ostrich and pig races. Yes, you read that correctly, pig races. There will also be a fair amount of singing and a comedian to keep you entertained while you are filling your bellies full of all of that food. You will not leave hungry and you are guaranteed to have a great time at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Branson, MO.
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