Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas
November 10-16, 2024
BRANSON'S OZARK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS - NOVEMBER 10-16, 2024
November 10 – Sunday – Day One Travel to Des Moines, IA (approx. 435 miles from Grand Rapids, MN)
The times listed below are from the 2023 Branson Tour and here only to give you an idea of what to expect for timing and locations of boarding. This will likely change, once we see where folks are coming from.
Northeast Minnesota:
5:30AM –Grand Rapids IM Hotel 1702 S Pokegama AV (218-327-0877) 6:15AM - Hibbing Hampton Inn 4225 9th Ave W. (218-262-0000)
6:30AM – Chisholm McDonalds- (By Iron Man) 6:45AM - Virginia Village Inn-1500 13th ST (218-749-8289)
7:00AM- Eveleth Super 8 1080 Industrial Park (218-744-1661) 8:00AM – Duluth Menards - 4809 Miller Trunk Hwy (218 722 0078)
Note: Do not leave cars at Hibbing or Chisholm overnight. We also need to know how many of you will be parking cars in Duluth at Menards. We don’t encourage leaving cars overnight during the winter months.
Breakfast break at Perkins (Cloquet) from 8:15 – 9:15AM – Bus departs at 9:15AM. Paying on your own.
9:00AM - Cloquet Perkins Restaurant – 64 Lumberjack Highway 33 – 218-879-8380
Central Minnesota: Our friends from Central MN will meet the Happy Trails group in Burnsville via motorcoach or shuttle depending on how many.
9:00AM- Baxter- Walmart - 7295 Glory Road - # 218-829-5510 _____10:00 - Sartell, AmericInn - 19 Le Sauk Drive - # 320-259-0877
Twin Cities: The NE MN coach will be meeting the Central MN Shuttle at the Lakeville Cracker Barrel County RD 50 off 35W 952-898-5151
Lunch break from 12:15AM – 1:30PM Cracker Barrel. Paying on your own
1:30PM - Re-board the coach and continue to Des Moines, Iowa.
3:00PM - A mid-afternoon coffee and comfort stop will be made at the MN / IA boarder at the "Top of Iowa"
We'll stay here about 1/2 hour and then we'll continue on our way.
5:45PM - Estimated arrival to: Drury Inn 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA # 515-457-9500
Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also
restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and
cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Light Dinner Included
November 11 – Monday – Day Two Travel to Branson, MO (approx. 400 miles)
6:30 -7:15AM - Full breakfast included, at the hotel before we depart for Branson. 6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your door for the porter.
7:30AM - The coach departs Des Moines for Branson, MO. A mid-morning stop will made as well as a lunch stop en-route.
This day is dedicated to traveling south to Branson, Missouri. We'll make comfort stops every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
Times and locations for Comfort and lunch stop to be announced.
3:30PM - Estimated arrival to: Hotel Grand Victorian 2325 W 76 Country BLVD, 417-336-2935
We’ll settle into this beautiful property in the heart of Branson for the next four nights. This place blends Old World Charm with New World Elegance. It has just completed major renovations, new Serta Sleeper Beds in every room, and delicious breakfast bar. Mini- Fridges, Microwaves, Irons/Boards, Hairdryers, Indoor Corridors, Elevators, Afternoon tea / Cookies, Indoor / Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool and Free Wi-Fi.
4:45 pm- Board the coach for dinner – Florentina’s Italian Restaurant
You will select from Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Della Casa or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Also included is a house salad, breads, dessert and coffee or iced tea.
The times listed below are from the 2023 Branson Tour and here only to give you an idea of what to expect for timing and locations of boarding. This will likely change, once we see where folks are coming from.
Northeast Minnesota:
5:30AM –Grand Rapids IM Hotel 1702 S Pokegama AV (218-327-0877) 6:15AM - Hibbing Hampton Inn 4225 9th Ave W. (218-262-0000)
6:30AM – Chisholm McDonalds- (By Iron Man) 6:45AM - Virginia Village Inn-1500 13th ST (218-749-8289)
7:00AM- Eveleth Super 8 1080 Industrial Park (218-744-1661) 8:00AM – Duluth Menards - 4809 Miller Trunk Hwy (218 722 0078)
Note: Do not leave cars at Hibbing or Chisholm overnight. We also need to know how many of you will be parking cars in Duluth at Menards. We don’t encourage leaving cars overnight during the winter months.
Breakfast break at Perkins (Cloquet) from 8:15 – 9:15AM – Bus departs at 9:15AM. Paying on your own.
9:00AM - Cloquet Perkins Restaurant – 64 Lumberjack Highway 33 – 218-879-8380
Central Minnesota: Our friends from Central MN will meet the Happy Trails group in Burnsville via motorcoach or shuttle depending on how many.
9:00AM- Baxter- Walmart - 7295 Glory Road - # 218-829-5510 _____10:00 - Sartell, AmericInn - 19 Le Sauk Drive - # 320-259-0877
Twin Cities: The NE MN coach will be meeting the Central MN Shuttle at the Lakeville Cracker Barrel County RD 50 off 35W 952-898-5151
Lunch break from 12:15AM – 1:30PM Cracker Barrel. Paying on your own
1:30PM - Re-board the coach and continue to Des Moines, Iowa.
3:00PM - A mid-afternoon coffee and comfort stop will be made at the MN / IA boarder at the "Top of Iowa"
We'll stay here about 1/2 hour and then we'll continue on our way.
5:45PM - Estimated arrival to: Drury Inn 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA # 515-457-9500
Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also
restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and
cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Light Dinner Included
November 11 – Monday – Day Two Travel to Branson, MO (approx. 400 miles)
6:30 -7:15AM - Full breakfast included, at the hotel before we depart for Branson. 6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your door for the porter.
7:30AM - The coach departs Des Moines for Branson, MO. A mid-morning stop will made as well as a lunch stop en-route.
This day is dedicated to traveling south to Branson, Missouri. We'll make comfort stops every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
Times and locations for Comfort and lunch stop to be announced.
3:30PM - Estimated arrival to: Hotel Grand Victorian 2325 W 76 Country BLVD, 417-336-2935
We’ll settle into this beautiful property in the heart of Branson for the next four nights. This place blends Old World Charm with New World Elegance. It has just completed major renovations, new Serta Sleeper Beds in every room, and delicious breakfast bar. Mini- Fridges, Microwaves, Irons/Boards, Hairdryers, Indoor Corridors, Elevators, Afternoon tea / Cookies, Indoor / Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub, Fitness Center, Indoor Pool and Free Wi-Fi.
4:45 pm- Board the coach for dinner – Florentina’s Italian Restaurant
You will select from Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Della Casa or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Also included is a house salad, breads, dessert and coffee or iced tea.
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6:45 PM – Begin our way to the Dutton Family Theater for their amazing 8 pm Christmas Show!
You’ll love the Dutton Family Christmas. NBC's "America's Got Talent" Finalists... You are in for a treat! This family is so talented that they've become known as "Branson's Premier Music Variety Show". This show is fast paced and very energetic! You’ll be clapping right along with them! Breakfast & Dinner Included |
November 12 – Tuesday – Day Three Ozark Mountains Legacy & legends, Miracle of Christmas & Paula Deen’s
7:00 – 8:00AM - Enjoy Breakfast served at the hotel.
8:00 – 12:30AM - Board the coach and we'll enjoy an Ozark Mountain Tour with the help of a professional Branson Ozark Tour Guide.
Our morning will include Point Royal Overlook and Lake Taney Como as we drive over the Table Rock Dam along with stories and the history of beautiful Ozark Mountains. During this tour, we have also arranged for us to see “Legacy and Legend” a Branson Imax experience through a cinematic retelling of Branson from 1824 the 1950’s. You’ll see breathtaking scenery on the largest Imax screen I the Midwest as you learn the family saga that highlights the Branson heritage and history.
12:30 pm- Welcome to Branson Landing, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen for lunch. This is our first-time using Paula Deen’s while in Branson.
We’ll be served family style to include slow roasted spareribs, Paula’s signature Southern Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, poppyseed tossed salad and candied yams. Beverages and dessert are also on the menu!
2:00PM-4:30PM- We’ll find a bit of free time after lunch today in Branson Landing…
This is where a beautiful open-air waterfront setting is home to over 100 shops, attractions and restaurants. (Belk Department Store and Bass Pro Shop). We will spend a couple of hours here once we see how long our lunch hour runs. This may be adjusted. Stay tuned.
*NOTE: Meals are very challenging to plan in Branson this time of year. Groups cannot just arrive to a restaurant and expect to be seated, order off a menu and pay on own. Happy Trails must arrange all the meals so that we can be assured that we will arrive to the theater performances on time. We are also finding many restaurants not taking groups anymore. Those that are, offer full meals (generous portions-sorry!) with little choices. Many of you will find you don’t eat this much on a daily basis. Sorry.
5:00PM – Our next stop is at the New Hero’s Restaurant.
This restaurant has a real military theme and popular with our veterans. Tonight, you will choose between Fried Fish, America’s Meatloaf and Farmhouse Roasted Chicken. All this comes with a side salad, dessert and coffee/tea.
6:15 pm- Reboard the coach and travel to our next Christmas Show.
7:30 – 9:30pm- The Miracle of Christmas at the lovely Sights and Sounds Theater.
Travel back in time to Bethlehem as the original Christmas story unfolds all around you. Journey alongside Mary and Joseph, a flock of shepherds, and three wisemen – along with their camels. There may be no room left in the Inn, but God has a lowly stable prepared as the angels announce the coming of the Messiah! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
7:00 – 8:00AM - Enjoy Breakfast served at the hotel.
8:00 – 12:30AM - Board the coach and we'll enjoy an Ozark Mountain Tour with the help of a professional Branson Ozark Tour Guide.
Our morning will include Point Royal Overlook and Lake Taney Como as we drive over the Table Rock Dam along with stories and the history of beautiful Ozark Mountains. During this tour, we have also arranged for us to see “Legacy and Legend” a Branson Imax experience through a cinematic retelling of Branson from 1824 the 1950’s. You’ll see breathtaking scenery on the largest Imax screen I the Midwest as you learn the family saga that highlights the Branson heritage and history.
12:30 pm- Welcome to Branson Landing, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen for lunch. This is our first-time using Paula Deen’s while in Branson.
We’ll be served family style to include slow roasted spareribs, Paula’s signature Southern Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, poppyseed tossed salad and candied yams. Beverages and dessert are also on the menu!
2:00PM-4:30PM- We’ll find a bit of free time after lunch today in Branson Landing…
This is where a beautiful open-air waterfront setting is home to over 100 shops, attractions and restaurants. (Belk Department Store and Bass Pro Shop). We will spend a couple of hours here once we see how long our lunch hour runs. This may be adjusted. Stay tuned.
*NOTE: Meals are very challenging to plan in Branson this time of year. Groups cannot just arrive to a restaurant and expect to be seated, order off a menu and pay on own. Happy Trails must arrange all the meals so that we can be assured that we will arrive to the theater performances on time. We are also finding many restaurants not taking groups anymore. Those that are, offer full meals (generous portions-sorry!) with little choices. Many of you will find you don’t eat this much on a daily basis. Sorry.
5:00PM – Our next stop is at the New Hero’s Restaurant.
This restaurant has a real military theme and popular with our veterans. Tonight, you will choose between Fried Fish, America’s Meatloaf and Farmhouse Roasted Chicken. All this comes with a side salad, dessert and coffee/tea.
6:15 pm- Reboard the coach and travel to our next Christmas Show.
7:30 – 9:30pm- The Miracle of Christmas at the lovely Sights and Sounds Theater.
Travel back in time to Bethlehem as the original Christmas story unfolds all around you. Journey alongside Mary and Joseph, a flock of shepherds, and three wisemen – along with their camels. There may be no room left in the Inn, but God has a lowly stable prepared as the angels announce the coming of the Messiah! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
November 13 – Wednesday – Day Four Danny O, Winter Wonderland Show, Keeter Center
7:00 – 9:00AM - Enjoy Breakfast served at the hotel.
This morning is left open for now. This might be a fun time to visit Old Downtown Branson. In the meantime, a bit of down time is oftentimes a good thing. We’ll announce later how this time will play out.
11:15 AM- Board the coach and travel to the Keeter Center.
11:45AM – You are going to absolutely love this stop! Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks.
This is where you will have your lunch before seeing the Danny O. show. The menu is a fabulous sit-down meal of duet plate of roasted pork loin and chicken breast with vegetable, starch, dessert and beverage. (All homemade by the students.)
2:00PM - Take your seats for the Danny O Donnell Show at the Mansion Theater!
Everyone loves Danny’s show. Last year it did not include Christmas songs, but he may change it up for the new year. You will hear many fabulous Christmas songs at the other theaters.
7:00 – 9:00AM - Enjoy Breakfast served at the hotel.
This morning is left open for now. This might be a fun time to visit Old Downtown Branson. In the meantime, a bit of down time is oftentimes a good thing. We’ll announce later how this time will play out.
11:15 AM- Board the coach and travel to the Keeter Center.
11:45AM – You are going to absolutely love this stop! Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks.
This is where you will have your lunch before seeing the Danny O. show. The menu is a fabulous sit-down meal of duet plate of roasted pork loin and chicken breast with vegetable, starch, dessert and beverage. (All homemade by the students.)
2:00PM - Take your seats for the Danny O Donnell Show at the Mansion Theater!
Everyone loves Danny’s show. Last year it did not include Christmas songs, but he may change it up for the new year. You will hear many fabulous Christmas songs at the other theaters.
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4:30PM- As soon as Danny’s show is done, we will begin boarding the coach for our next stop….
5:30PM – Another wonderful restaurant is excited to welcome us for dinner. This is the first time we’ve eaten at the SS Dockside Restaurant. Select from Fried Shrimp, Bourbon Glazed Salmon, Grilled Chicken Salad, Pulled Pork meal, Grilled Chicken Breast, dessert & beverage. 7:00PM- We’ll begin our way to the King’s Castle for one of Branson’s top Christmas productions! 8:00PM - Take your seats for Branson’s Christmas Wonderland Show at the King’s Castle Theater. |
In 2023, this was one of Branson's largest holiday Christmas show celebrations with a dazzling variety of singers, dancers, and performers at this beloved holiday show, Branson's Christmas Wonderland! Take a break from the hectic holiday season and enjoy a show that is sure to put you in the spirit. Full of red and white costumes and sparkles galore, this show will amaze you as performers spread yuletide fever. This show performed all of your favorite seasonal tunes including, 'Happy Holidays', 'I'll Be Home for Christmas,' 'The First Noel,' and more with dancing girls straight from the North Pole! It will be fun to see what their 2024 will be! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
November 14 – Thursday – Day Five Jimmy Fortune, Yakov Smirnoff and the Grand Village
7:00 – 8:45AM - Breakfast is served at the Hotel Grand Victorian. Help yourselves.
This morning, we are going to bring you to The Grand Village.
They have some very quaint shops and places to stroll, sit, window shop or people watch. Be sure to check out Kringles Village Treasures And the bakery!
10:30 AM- Reboard the coach and we’ll bring you to the Grand Country Complex where you’ll have your lunch and time to do a bit of browsing.
11:00 am - Lunch at the Grand Country Buffet (included) Enjoy an experience reminiscent of dinner at Grandma’s house.
You won’t run out of entrees to suit every appetite …. Big or small.
1:15 PM- Board the coach….
2:00PM- Take your seats for Singer Songwriter, Jimmy Fortune’s Show. (Again at the Mansion Theater).
Jimmy Fortune is an American country singer who released eight albums as a solo musician. He also sang tenor for The Statler Brothers for 21 years. Happy Trails has had the privilege to hear him perform many times on the Grand Ol’ Opry stage in Nashville. Songs that he is most famous for writing are Elvira, Elizabeth, Far Side Banks of Jordan, More than a Name on a Wall, Too Much on My Mind and others. You can expect to hear some wonderful Gospel, Bluegrass and Christmas tunes during this show.
4:30PM- Board the coach and off we go to the Imax Center. There may be time to browse a bit before dinner at McFarlains.
5:00PM- Again, after you are seated, you will be able to give your order from a selection of three entrees ( Pot Roast, Fried Fish, Chicken Pot Pie)
When the dinner is done, we’ll reboard the coach and take in our last show while here in Branson. Expect to laugh! Laugh HARD!
7:30 PM -Yakov Smirnoff, the Famous Russian Comedian: Fresh from touring the world and with plenty of new material from politics,
Yakov says, "It's time to Make America Laugh Again!" (And he's not 'Putin' you on!). Celebrate America with Yakov. When Yakov says,
"What A Country!" You'll feel like standing and cheering for the Red, White, and Blue!
Breakfast & Dinner Included
7:00 – 8:45AM - Breakfast is served at the Hotel Grand Victorian. Help yourselves.
This morning, we are going to bring you to The Grand Village.
They have some very quaint shops and places to stroll, sit, window shop or people watch. Be sure to check out Kringles Village Treasures And the bakery!
10:30 AM- Reboard the coach and we’ll bring you to the Grand Country Complex where you’ll have your lunch and time to do a bit of browsing.
11:00 am - Lunch at the Grand Country Buffet (included) Enjoy an experience reminiscent of dinner at Grandma’s house.
You won’t run out of entrees to suit every appetite …. Big or small.
1:15 PM- Board the coach….
2:00PM- Take your seats for Singer Songwriter, Jimmy Fortune’s Show. (Again at the Mansion Theater).
Jimmy Fortune is an American country singer who released eight albums as a solo musician. He also sang tenor for The Statler Brothers for 21 years. Happy Trails has had the privilege to hear him perform many times on the Grand Ol’ Opry stage in Nashville. Songs that he is most famous for writing are Elvira, Elizabeth, Far Side Banks of Jordan, More than a Name on a Wall, Too Much on My Mind and others. You can expect to hear some wonderful Gospel, Bluegrass and Christmas tunes during this show.
4:30PM- Board the coach and off we go to the Imax Center. There may be time to browse a bit before dinner at McFarlains.
5:00PM- Again, after you are seated, you will be able to give your order from a selection of three entrees ( Pot Roast, Fried Fish, Chicken Pot Pie)
When the dinner is done, we’ll reboard the coach and take in our last show while here in Branson. Expect to laugh! Laugh HARD!
7:30 PM -Yakov Smirnoff, the Famous Russian Comedian: Fresh from touring the world and with plenty of new material from politics,
Yakov says, "It's time to Make America Laugh Again!" (And he's not 'Putin' you on!). Celebrate America with Yakov. When Yakov says,
"What A Country!" You'll feel like standing and cheering for the Red, White, and Blue!
Breakfast & Dinner Included
November 15 – Friday – Day Six Travel to Des Moines, IA (Approx. 400 miles)
7:00 - 8:00AM - Enjoy Breakfast. 7:30 am - Set your luggage outside your door for the porter. 8:30 am- We'll say good-bye to Branson, MO.
We’ll make stops along the way as we wind our way northward toward Des Moines -back to the beautiful Drury Inn.
Comfort / Lunch Stops can be expected approximately every 2 to 3 hours.
11:45AM – Lunch Stop at Bob Evans Restaurant – Kansas City (pay on your own)
5:45PM - Estimated arrival to: Drury Inn 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA # 515-457-9500
Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also
restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and
cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Breakfast and Light Dinner Included
November 16 – Saturday – Day Seven Homeward Bound
7:00 - 8:30AM- Enjoy a full hot Breakfast at the Drury Inn before leaving for the final leg of our journey.
7:30AM -Set your luggage outside your door for the porter. 8:30AM - Board the coach and we'll begin our journey back to the Minnesota Northland.
Comfort or Lunch Stops can be expected approximately every 2 to 3 hours.
On our way.... we'll make a stop at the Russell Stover’s Candy Outlet and Cabela’s for a final shopping opportunity.
1:00PM – Arrive in Lakeville for lunch (to be announced) This will also be the location for the shuttle to transfer Central MN group & luggage.
2:30PM - Departure from Lakeville. Estimated arrivals to the various towns are as follows;
Central MN: 4:30PM - Sartell; 5:00PM – Rice; 5:15PM – Littler Falls; 5:30PM - Baxter
Northeast: 4:30PM - Cloquet; 5:00PM– Duluth; (Quick Dinner Break); 7:00M - Eveleth; 7:15PM - Virginia; 7:45PM - Hibbing; 8:30PM –Grand Rapids.
Breakfast Included
7:00 - 8:00AM - Enjoy Breakfast. 7:30 am - Set your luggage outside your door for the porter. 8:30 am- We'll say good-bye to Branson, MO.
We’ll make stops along the way as we wind our way northward toward Des Moines -back to the beautiful Drury Inn.
Comfort / Lunch Stops can be expected approximately every 2 to 3 hours.
11:45AM – Lunch Stop at Bob Evans Restaurant – Kansas City (pay on your own)
5:45PM - Estimated arrival to: Drury Inn 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA # 515-457-9500
Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also
restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and
cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Breakfast and Light Dinner Included
November 16 – Saturday – Day Seven Homeward Bound
7:00 - 8:30AM- Enjoy a full hot Breakfast at the Drury Inn before leaving for the final leg of our journey.
7:30AM -Set your luggage outside your door for the porter. 8:30AM - Board the coach and we'll begin our journey back to the Minnesota Northland.
Comfort or Lunch Stops can be expected approximately every 2 to 3 hours.
On our way.... we'll make a stop at the Russell Stover’s Candy Outlet and Cabela’s for a final shopping opportunity.
1:00PM – Arrive in Lakeville for lunch (to be announced) This will also be the location for the shuttle to transfer Central MN group & luggage.
2:30PM - Departure from Lakeville. Estimated arrivals to the various towns are as follows;
Central MN: 4:30PM - Sartell; 5:00PM – Rice; 5:15PM – Littler Falls; 5:30PM - Baxter
Northeast: 4:30PM - Cloquet; 5:00PM– Duluth; (Quick Dinner Break); 7:00M - Eveleth; 7:15PM - Virginia; 7:45PM - Hibbing; 8:30PM –Grand Rapids.
Breakfast Included
Deposits and Final Payment Due Date: $175 per person deposit is due with each reservation and is non-refundable after August 1, 2024.
Final balance due: September 10, 2024. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between August 11 and September 9, 2024 are contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, theaters, restaurants, etc. No refunds with cancellations made after September 10, 2024. Reservations are transferable.
Final Documents: Final documents are expected to arrive three to four weeks prior to departure with specifics on boarding time and location.
Final balance due: September 10, 2024. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between August 11 and September 9, 2024 are contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, theaters, restaurants, etc. No refunds with cancellations made after September 10, 2024. Reservations are transferable.
Final Documents: Final documents are expected to arrive three to four weeks prior to departure with specifics on boarding time and location.
Things to Know Before You Go on Branson Tour - November 10-16, 2024
The Coach/ Escort & Driver: The bus is being chartered through Minnesota Coaches Duluth. It’s a brand-new coach with all leather interior. The coach has 56 comfortable seats that recline. It also has a restroom on board, TV sets with a VCR/DVD player, microphone, and adjustable footrests and is offers outlets to charge your electronic devices. We love to play movies on board, tell stories, play a few games and have snacks! (We love treats!) Folks are welcome to bring snacks on board, too. We stop every 2-3 hours.
How to Pack: The tour is completely casual. Dress comfortably with good walking shoes. Pack along a fall/winter jacket. Pack a camera and/or video camera. Still shots are allowed in the theaters…but videos of any kind are not.
Seat Rotation: We do not rotate seats. We have always tried to honor reserved seat requests, but it's getting more and more difficult to promise any particular seat because almost everyone who signs up has some type of special need. Please let us know in advance if you have critical special needs and we'll do our best to accommodate ~ But cannot promise. ALL SEATS ARE RESERVED ONCE WE DESIGN THE SEATING CHART. We practice all CDC guidelines for motorcoach travel. Masks are optional. We do not rotate seats as per the advice of the health department. People stay healthier if they don’t rotate. We ask that you do not board the coach if you are not feeling well. Get a doctors OK to do a group tour if you are under the weather.
Hotels /Smoking/ Non-smoking: The hotels where we are staying are 3+*. Read your day-by-day to learn the specifics on each property. All the rooms are non-smoking. Most hotel properties are all non-smoking. Please don’t smoke in them. Penalty charges WILL apply. We stop every 2 ½ -3 hours for quick breaks, comfort stops or meals along the way.
Special Needs / Perfumes/ Fragrances: Kindly refrain from using strong perfumes/ colognes while traveling on this tour. So many folks have allergies to the chemicals in them and may become sick while traveling. Thank you very much for this consideration. Please let us know if you any special needs such as; allergies, motion sickness, medical concerns, or physical disabilities that may affect walking or climbing stairs. We have several hotel rooms in Branson that offer handicapped bars in the bathroom, roll in shower and two beds. Let us know if you need one. They are reserved on a first-come, first served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot promise these rooms. Everyone must be able to climb at least 5-7 steps to get into the coach.
Tipping: Tips for included meals, luggage handling and city tour guide is included in this package. Tips for your bus driver and Happy Trails Tour guide is not included and may be done at your own discretion at the end of the tour.
Weather: The weather should be similar to warm fall weather in Minnesota. However, we have seen it SNOW in Branson this time of year (Though that‘s rare…we’ve also seen it get as hot as 80 degrees!) Normal temps are between 55-65. With the high elevation, we recommend layering your clothing since mornings and evening can be cool and afternoons can be warmer.
Weather Conditions: In 2007 when we were on a Branson Christmas tour, a blizzard swept through the Midwest and paralyzed the entire region from Kansas City to Northern Minnesota. It caused us to have to spend one more night in Branson (where it was 65 degrees and sunny!). The following day, we traveled home with only wet roads and everyone stayed safe. We tell you about this because it can happen again. (Hopefully it won’t). One more piece of information: You are financially responsible for the added expense if this should happen. Actually, we had a wonderful “extra” day in Branson and everyone was happy. We took in another show, ate at another nice restaurant but most of all…we were safe and warm. We also recommend you keep the day before this tour and the day after just in case the tour departure or return is changed due to weather.
NOTE: Travel Insurance helped pick up the cost of this added expense for our travelers who purchased the insurance.
Changes on your Itinerary: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Thank you for your understanding. If a change of hotel, restaurant or an attraction occurs, we’ll try to replace it with one of equal value or better if at all possible. As always… we’ll inform you of any changes as we learn of them, themselves.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available to help defray monies lost due to illness, family emergencies, trip interruption, due to cancellation. It can offer peace of mind and financial security and protect your tour investment. Call our office for further information.
Happy Trails Disclaimer: Happy Trails Tours acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, theater, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Happy Trails Tours, INC and their respective employees, agents, representatives accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of country in which they are provided. Happy Trails Tours INC is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips arranged by Happy Trails Tours. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects.