A'Lissa O.
Yelp
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the evening didn't quite live up to it. I love Dolly and I love Christmas so I figured this would be the highlight of our Branson experience.
We got there over an hour early and the parking lot was already filling up. We walked past the beautiful horses in their stalls and entered the unassuming lobby of what looks like a big mansion.
You walk down a narrow hallway to a photo op that they will try to sell you later. Then into a holding area where you can buy drinks and play checkers while listening to an animatronic act.
When they open up the entrance everyone crowds together up a stairway and into their assigned row. The places are set with an upside down plate, bowl, plastic glass, fork and napkin.
The food is served in a very organized but assembly line style. They take your drink orders and come around with pitchers to fill your glasses. The hard working wait staff (dressed as elves in December) then come down your row with a pitcher of soup and fill your bowl with a cream vegetable soup (made with chicken broth) that is mostly liquid, which you drink from your bowl. I think they sell the mix in the gift shop, but I wouldn't recommend it. Next comes a pan of biscuits. They were warm and better than some I've had, but some butter, jam, or honey would be nice. We chose the vegetarian option which was supposed to be Fire Roasted Veggies with Quinoa and Multigrain Rice. It was a very bland but large serving of grains with a few kernels of corn and a couple of beans in it served with a helping of steamed broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. Everyone else got an entire roasted baby chicken. Then came half a potato and half an ear of corn. Salt and pepper? No. Oh and the meat eaters got a slice of pork. Not sure who decided they needed more food. Dessert was a room temperature apple turnover of puff pastry with apple filling. Meh.
So the food (no matter what people may have said here) is average at best. I understand they are feeding hundreds of people but they could improve the flavor, if not the presentation.
As for the show, which was the Christmas version, it wasn't really that entertaining. I mean it was something to look at or cheer for between bites, but I was hoping for something more exciting. The highlights were definitely the animals, horses, camels, goats, chickens, dogs, pigs, a dove. The nativity scene was nice. The snow was fun. They have some impressive set capabilities. The horse competitions were fine. But, I expected more of everything, more horses, more music, more excitement. The music was mostly pre-recorded. I would have enjoyed a live band or more singing. The comedy was canned and juvenile. The whole thing just lacked energy. I mean this has Dolly Parton's name on it. The show should be big and beautiful and flashy.
So should you go? Sure if your expectations are for an average meal while watching an average show. They try, but it seems like they are cutting corners (no horse pun intended).