Quick Picks

Branson gearing up for spring with new rides, shows

Lynn Berry at the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau has gathered up some of the new attractions Branson will offer in 2018. We’ll have more next week in What’s Up! or visit explorebranson.com.

TIME TRAVELER

Silver Dollar City will debut the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest complete-circuit spinning roller coaster: Time Traveler, a custom-designed, custom-engineered attraction that introduces a new generation of thrill coasters for families to enjoy. The debut date has yet to be announced. 800475-9370 or silverdollarcity.com.

‘SAMSON’

He’s the original superhero, able to defeat entire armies and slay lions in a single Bible story. But his superpower comes with a catch: He must follow the rules. Experience this biblical drama in jawdropping scale as it comes to life at Sight & Sound Theatre. 800-377-1277 or sightsound.com.

BRANSON BELLE

The Showboat Branson Belle, called “America’s most entertaining dinner cruise and lunch adventure,” features three-course meals and amazing live shows on pristine Table Rock Lake. Music genres include classic favorites from Broadway to rock and today’s country, plus award-winning comedy. 800-775-2628 or silverdollarcity.com/showboat-branson.

JET BOAT

Branson Jet Boats is the first of its kind in the area. The tour combines an ideal location with area history, local stories and natural beauty, along with a specially designed boat capable of thrilling maneuvers that makes for one unbelievable adventure. 877-441-3727 or bransonjetboats.com.

BRANSON COASTER

The Branson Coaster, a unique double Alpine ride, begins with a 1,000-foot descent immediately after departing the loading dock. The tracks twist and turn so close you’ll think you are going to collide. As you reach the bottom of the track, a chain driven system will catch your cart and begin to bring you back up. You will pause for a brief second before you cross over the first track and begin your free fall. Don’t forget to smile as you glide past the camera. 417-334-7337 or thebransoncoaster.com.

FUN MOUNTAIN

Fun Mountain at Big Cedar Lodge offers a 4,000-square-foot arcade with 60 of the most exciting games anywhere and a few classic favorites, including the ultimate laser tag experience. 800-225-6343 or www. bigcedar.com.

SNOWFLEX

The largest synthetic snow tubing hill in the United States is at the Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain. Traditionally a winter activity, the Snowflex tubing hill will also be available throughout the spring, summer and fall. 800-712-4654 or wolfemountainbranson.com.

Courtesy Photo Billy Yates, a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter himself, introduces the audience to successful singer/ songwriters from Nashville as they join him onstage to tell the stories behind the songs. No two shows will be the same, but each will include a...