Now that the city of Branson has lifted all local restrictions pertaining to social distancing and essential businesses, most of the well-known attractions in town have opened back up.
“It’s gonna look a little different for a time to be determined, but we are open and most everything we have is open or will be soon,” says Craig Wescott, the owner of The Track Family Fun Parks. “We will be phasing things in, but people are out there having fun and are being patient as we need to be during this time.”
Wescott is, as most business owners are at this time, instituting some form of social distancing, cleaning, and capacity limits to help keep park visitors safe.
For example, he says his park stays at about 50% capacity and staff wears masks.
“Our staff is being distant as much as they can,” Wescott says. “They wear face masks. But when we have to buckle seat belts and measure people to be sure they’re the right height [for rides] they also wear face shields so everyone is protected.”
You can see all measures The Track Family Fun Parks is taking to protect park visitors from contracting the coronavirus here.
As of June 16, the state of Missouri will lifted all of its restrictions per Governor Mike Parsons who said, “We will move into phase two of our recovery plan. In phase two, there will be NO statewide public health order. Missouri will be fully open for business.”
So, let’s take a look at how some of Branson’s main attractions will approach the coronavirus moving forward.
Branson attractions’ coronavirus measures
DINNER THEATERS
Branson’s Famous Theatre
Home to the Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, Reza Edge of Illusion Magic Show and Doug Gabriel, the Branson’s Famous Theatre is spacing six feet between parties and skipping a row in the seating area. As of now, they still plan to do so even after the state lifts its restrictions.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Stampede remains closed per its website. Calls made to the numbers listed for more information were not answered.
Clay Cooper Theatre (Hosts several shows listed below)
The Clay Cooper Theatre hosts:
- Clay Cooper’s Country Express
- They Haygoods
- The Shoji Tabuchi Show
- Hot Rods and High Heels
- #1 Hits of the 60s
All seats have been spaced apart and socially distanced for your safety. The theater is also thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every show. All employees are wearing masks at this time.
Caravelle Theatre
Host theatre of Branson-favorites Yakov Smirnoff and the Liverpool Legends among others, the Caravelle Theatre. They won’t have another show until June 24th so an employee of the theatre said when they return they won’t be doing any social distancing since the state has lifted its restrictions.
Pierce Arrow Theater
Right now, the Pierce Arrow Theater has their seats spaced apart but a theater spokesperson said they will be reevaluating the situation following this week since restrictions are being lifted across Missouri. However, he said they will continue their new, revamped cleaning schedule and routine just as a precaution. Masks are optional for both employees and theater-goers.
Showboat Branson Belle
The Showboat Branson Belle will open June 20 at a limited capacity.
Your temperature will be taken at the entrance. Anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or above will be directed to an additional location for re-screening and assistance. Guests with a fever exceeding 100.4 Fahrenheit will not be permitted entry. Additionally, anyone who traveled in the same vehicle with that guest will not be permitted entry. Refunds or rain checks may be offered.
You will also be required to wear a mask when you go. You can go here for other frequently asked questions to find out more about the measures they are taking during this time.
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Silver Dollar City and White Water
Silver Dollar City is already open to the public. White Water will open to the public June 17 (Season pass holder exclusive days are June 15 and 16).
Each attraction will have lower capacity limits.
It’s been widely discussed that Silver Dollar City will be requiring visitors three years old and up to wear a mask to visit their park.
There will be certain exceptions as laid out by their COVID-19 statement on their site. Some of the exceptions where masks are not required are while eating, on water park attractions or select coasters.
Your temperature will be taken at the entrance. Anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or above will be directed to an additional location for re-screening and assistance. Guests with a fever exceeding 100.4 Fahrenheit will not be permitted entry. Additionally, anyone who traveled in the same vehicle with that guest will not be permitted entry. Refunds or rain checks may be offered.
They are imposing the same restrictions to their staff.
Fritz’s Adventures
Fritz’s Adventures is running at limited capacity, cleaning with CDC qualified disinfectants, offering optional masks and gloves to guests, as well as following social distancing guidelines as best as possible.
You can read the CEO’s statement to guests here.
SHOPPING
Branson Landing
Westgate Resorts, the management company for the Branson Landing, refused to comment on their efforts but directed visitors to www.westgateresorts.com/cares if they would like to see their new procedures.
However, most of what’s at that link appears to be centered around the companies timeshares and resort communities.
Tanger Outlet
The Tanger Outlet is open and has released a statement saying, ” We enhanced our cleaning and sanitation efforts and weeks ago switched to a CDC-approved disinfectant cleaner for shopper and employee touch points; additionally, we are providing an abundance of anti-bacterial soap in all hand-washing stations and common areas of the centers. We are frequently and regularly cleaning and disinfecting common areas including restrooms, food locations, seating areas, playgrounds, signage, digital screens and employee areas.”
The following stores at Tanger are offering curbside pickup options: Coach, Kate Spade, Levi’s Outlet and Yankee Candle.
How Grand Oaks Hotel is keeping guests safe during the coronavirus pandemic
We reopened on May 14. However, you and your family’s safety is our highest priority.
We are following all current state and local guidelines, and we’re taking extra measures to ensure your safety. Those measures include:
- Removed pens, notepads, phone books and any other items in the rooms that are easily contaminated
- Removed bed scarfs from the beds
- Sanitization of high-contact areas every hour
Our staff cannot wait to welcome you back on your next trip to Branson! Stay safe and healthy.
