My two children were on Spring Break last week and we took a little road trip out to Branson, Missouri to see the sights. We had the absolute pleasure of attending Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner extraction. It was quite an experience, one that will never be forgotten.
Dixie Stampede is an unbelievable dinner show which includes horses, buffalo, dogs, and more. It is a friendly rivalry between the North and the South with history, trick riding, special effects, and LOTS of fun! Not to mention the full plate of food that is absolutely mouth watering delicious.
We arrived around 3:30 and picked up our tickets which we had already reserved. This is a must see attraction that usually sells out, so I would definitely plan ahead and buy your tickets ahead of time. We were instructed to come back no later than 4:15 for the preshow. In the meantime we walked around the stables to see more than thirty beautiful horses.
The kids loved reading each horse’s name, their favorite was “Star.”
We entered at 4:15 and stood in line for a few minutes. A professional photographer took a picture of our family, which was then imposed upon different backdrops and then we were able to purchase them. The prices were very reasonable and the pictures were beautiful. We then entered the Carriage Room for the Opening Act.
We could sit either at the main level or go upstairs. The kids of course wanted to go up. The bar was open to purchase drinks and snacks including popcorn. The Opening Act changes, but for us was a trio of brothers who sang amazing Bluegrass music.
They really got the crowd involved and we truly enjoyed the 50 minute show. The dinner bell then rang and we walked into the next room.
My family was in awe when we entered the 35,000 square foot arena. There was a real waterfall and pond, as well as seats all around. I honestly don’t thing there was a bad seat in the house. We found our assigned seats, which happened to be on the South side and were immediately asked what we would like to drink.
All drinks and food were included in the ticket price. Children 3 and under were free if they sat on an adult’s lap. The show began minutes later, and we were absolutely blown away.
Thirty-two horses came galloping out in the arena and were introduced as either being on the North or the South side. We cheered for the South since that was where our seats were. The show lasted over an hour.
In the beginning they gave some history about what life was like back then with real covered wagons, buffalo, and “belles of the ball” singing.
The second half of the show was dedicated to competition between the North and the South. This included trick riding, pig races, dog races, lumberjack competitions, and help from the audience. The finale was phenomenal. It was all about being patriotic and the love for our country. My 3 year old and 7 year old could not keep their eyes off of the show. For me, it flew by. It is definitely a must see show.
While the show was going on, you are served a 4-course dinner that does not include any silverware. It begins with a delicious bowl of soup that you must drink since you have no spoon. Then you are served a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbecued pork loin, corn on the cob, a biscuit, and a potato.
It was so much food I could barely finish half. They do offer to go containers for anything you do not finish. Dessert was an apple turnover that was to die for. The food was absolutely delicious.
I cannot say enough great things about the Dixie Stampede. Not only was the show jaw-dropping spectacular, but the food was incredible, and the service was great. Both of my kids have asked every single day if we can go back to the Dixie Stampede, they had so much fun. We will definitely go back. It is well worth it!
https://www.dixiestampede.com/
