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Branson: Now that’s Entertainment! Especially for the Physically Challenged

Welcoming more than 7 million visitors each year, Branson, Mo., is at its heart a tourist mecca. While it offers live entertainment for the whole family, the town’s tourism industry caters mostly to adults aged 55 and older. Most people arrive by car or tour bus; however there is a small airport for private planes and two carriers, AirTran and Sun Country Airlines.

   

Located on 5.7 square miles of hilly terrain 40 miles south of Springfield, Mo., Branson’s restaurants, lodging, shopping and theaters are spread out from one end of town to the other, which makes walking out of the question. Local paid shuttle services are available to transport physically challenged patrons who do not have their own transportation. Branson requires all hotels and resorts inside town limits to be handicapped accessible. Smaller motels and lodges located on the outskirts of the town might not offer handicap accessible rooms, so be sure to ask when making reservations.

   

Branson has more than 50 theaters and 100 shows that often feature entertainers such as:

   

  • Andy Williams.
  • Jim Stafford.
  • Dionne Warwick.
  • The Osmond Brothers.


Some of the entertainment options include a meal with the show. Each theater has handicapped parking and is handicap accessible with ramps.

Here are some unique features you’ll find in Branson:

  • Branson Landing is an outdoor mall with 110 stores and eateries, the new Hilton Promenade hotel, a scenic boardwalk and a town square. There are plenty of handicapped parking spaces located next to the north and south entrances and inside the parking garage. At one end of the landing is Bass Pro Shop and Marina; one-half mile down on the other end is Belk Department Store. The mall is handicapped accessible with ramps located throughout; wheelchairs and scooters are available for guests. Also, handicapped patrons can board the Branson Landing Adventure on Ride the Ducks: the water ride takes visitors through historic downtown Branson and right into Lake Taneycomo.
  • The Fountains at Branson Landing are another popular attraction with free shows daily at the top of the hour, noon to 10 p.m. The shows include water fountains shooting skyward 120 feet synchronized with lighting and music. The most spectacular shows take place after dark when the colorful lighting is more visible.
  • Free concerts hosted by Branson Landing feature professional bands in the town square starting at 8 p.m., usually on Fridays or Saturdays. Great seating is available for wheelchair users. Consult the Web site for the complete schedule of free concerts and mini-concerts.
  • Street performers are also a unique and entertaining feature at the outdoor mall, with most of the performers found in and around the town square.
  • The Showboat Branson Belle is a riverboat that offers entertaining dinner shows while you’re cruising Table Rock Lake. It is fully handicapped accessible and even has wheelchairs that guests can borrow. Be sure to inform the ticket seller or reservation agent that you need accommodations.

By Gayland Anderson
President of Senior Travel Genie™

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“Branson has more than 50 theaters and 100 shows that often feature entertainers such as Andy Williams, Jim Stafford, Dionne Warwick and the Osmond Brothers.”