Our Family Trip To Titanic Branson for Christmas

As Chief Purser at the Titanic Museum Attraction, our Captain gave me special approval to bring my family in to get a sneak peek at all of the Christmas decorations inside the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. After all, if I haven't seen them, I can't tell all of you about them. I have to say that the crew really outdid themselves this year. The decorations are absolutely breathtaking.

My boys were really looking forward to seeing the iceberg. It is a REAL living, growing iceberg. They were curious to see if it had gotten any bigger.

Parents, this iceberg provides a perfect learning opportunity. How are icebergs formed? How big can they get? We have a few science lessons available on our website at http://www.titanicattraction.com/titanic-education-science.php . If you do one of these lessons before your tour and then talk about the lesson as you go through the museum, it will bring the lesson to life for your children.

My oldest son loves the giant Titanic model. He is fascinated by it. When you are there, ask a crew member to shine a light in on the windows of the model. I won't tell you what you'll see. I want it to be a surprise. It took the artist 2 years to build this ship. It is just amazing and we are very lucky to have such an exhibit.

If you love dogs, you'll love this next part of our tour. By the way, this next part is only in Branson, Mo. Our Pigeon Forge location doesn't have a dog exhibit. Now, you ask, "Why dogs?" Well, there were 10 dogs that traveled on Titanic in 1912. Molly and Carter are our 2 King Charles Spaniels who represent the 10 dogs. Their kennel, pictured here, cost $1M to construct. They will be turning 5 on Thanksgiving weekend and we will have a giant birthday celebration in their honor. Click here for details. 


If you would like to teach your children about the 10 different breeds of dogs that were on Titanic, visit our Molly and Carter page. It is very interesting to see what kinds of dogs people had as pets, 101 years ago. Again, your children will learn so many valuable things, but because the museum is set up as an interactive attraction, they won't realize that they are learning.

After we spent time with Molly and Carter, we were off to see the Grand Staircase. I couldn't wait. It's my favorite part of the museum. Mostly because it really makes me feel like I am a passenger on the ship, on my way to a fancy party. My children look at it as a competition - who can reach the top first. Did you know that our Titanic Museum Attraction owners built the Grand Staircase from original Harland and Wolfe architectual plans? I can't explain to you in words the beauty of this Grand Staircase. The Edwardian Style Christmas decorations are exquisite and the atmosphere is truly magical.
Titanic didn't sail at Christmas, but if she had, we believe she would have looked like this. We decorate at Christmas to honor the 2,208 passengers and crew of Titanic in hopes that their legacy will go on.

The tour continues up the stairs where you will see a 1st class stateroom, Molly Brown's Gallery which will be leaving Branson at the end of the year, and you will see several interactive rooms full of learning opportunities.

 Your family can enter the Captain's bridge and learn about all of the equipment it takes to run and steer such a huge ship. They can actually put their hands in 28 degree water and see how long they can withstand the frigid temperature. They can feel how steep the ship decks became as Titanic descended into the water. They can sit in an actual size lifeboat and hear actual Titanic passengers tell their stories. And, what kid doesn't want to learn how to send an SOS signal? You can do that too. Also, available online are additional educational lessons to back up what they learn in these interactive rooms.
At the end of your tour, you can meet Polar. He is an interactive digital bear. He talks to the children about Titanic and they can actually talk back to him. This is a high tech interactive feature that my boys really think is entertaining. On your tour, you can find out why Polar came to be. It is a history lesson straight from Titanic and its sure to pull at your heart strings.

At the end of the tour is the gift shop brimming with one of a kind original gifts and collectibles. It's especially beautiful at Christmas. My children especially love the toy section. Our favorite is the coby blocks available in the gift shop. They built the ship last year and it is on display in our house. These are blocks that are compatible with legos.

We spent almost 2 hours touring the Titanic Museum Attraction. We stopped for a few more photos outside the ship. There are some really pretty Christmas props outside perfect for photo opportunities.

As you can see, this is a history lesson full of interactive exhibits decorated beautifully for Christmas. We have amazing events planned including fireworks and snow in Pigeon Forge, Tn. and a Fantasy Princess that will make her rounds at both locations. Oh and we are open year round!  The only days we are closed are Christmas Day and January 6-9, 2014 in Branson and January 13-16, 2014 in Pigeon Forge. We close for those 4 days each year so that we can clean the ship from bow to stern and install new galleries and exhibits. We change every year. So, each year, there are new reasons to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction - a continuous history lesson in honor of the 2,208 passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic.

Peace and Blessings be with You and Yours this Holiday Season, 

Chief Purser

Erin Wicker

  and family. :)

P.S. write me and tell me about your Christmas trip to Titanic. I would love to hear from you!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Titanicmuseumattraction
Email - erin.wicker@titanicattraction.com
Comment below.

Jewelry! One of my favorite subjects!

Who out there in Cyberspace shops for jewelry on JTV? If you don't, you should. They truly have

some great deals on high fashion, high quality gems and if you don't know what to get your loved one for Christmas, you can't go wrong with jewelry.

Tune in to Jewelry Television this Thursday, Nov. 21st at 8pm (est) and Friday, November 22nd at 1pm and 10pm (est) for a very special #Christmas shopping opportunity. Titanic Museum Attraction and Jewelry Television will present an exclusive line of high-quality jewelry, reminiscent of the kinds of pieces actually on the Titanic's maiden voyage 101 years ago.

Click here to get a sneak peek at the collection. 

And, it is an honor to announce that Our 1st Class Titanic Museum Attraction Maid Jamie will be a co-host on both evenings. Jamie will be sharing Titanic stories with JTV's viewing audience. The reason this jewelry collection is special is because it represents specific woman passengers who actually sailed on Titanic. By purchasing one of these pieces, you will be wearing a piece of history. It is a great way to continue to honor the women who sailed Titanic and a great way to pass on the history of Titanic so that she is never forgotten.
If you have purchased Titanic Jewelry on JTV, I would love to hear from you. What did you purchase and why? Were you pleased with your purchase? Have you been able to share Titanic history with your friends and family because you are wearing one of our pieces?

I will be online during both evenings this week. Follow me on Twitter @TitanicUSA to talk about each piece as it is presented.



Talk soon!

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attraction

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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Branson during Christmas 2013

I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Wait. I can't believe I only have 39 more shopping days until Christmas. I love Christmas. It's a bit overwhelming, but what better things could we be doing with our lives than blessing each other in honor of our savior? 
Besides shopping and giving, I have a top 10 list of my favorite things I like to do with my family during Christmas in Branson, Mo. 

Another Drum Roll Please.....

10. Experience The 25th Annual Ozark Mountain Christmas as Branson transforms into a Holiday Wonderland.

It's so beautiful. Christmas is the busiest time of year in the Ozark Mountains. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy all of the holiday lights, shows, shopping, and entertainment that Branson, Mo. has to offer. Why? Because every square inch of Branson is decorated.

9. Drive through the Branson Area Festival of Lights that includes 175 holiday displays. 



Now through December 31, 2013, Gather your family and drive over to the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through off of Shepherd of the Hills Expwy, where you will see thousands of holiday lights in a 1-mile drive complete with Christmas music. Make this one of your family's holiday traditions. Spolier alert - Santa is at the end of the lighted tunnel with a special treat for all good little boys and girls, so be on your best behavior.

8.  Shop the Branson Landing and the Tanger Outlets of Branson for the best Holiday gift selection.  


November 28th, 2013 at 10pm - Black Friday look out. Branson, Mo. is home to so much shopping, you will be able to get gifts for everyone on your list! Branson Landing, located next to Downtown Branson on lake Taneycomo, has over 100 specialty stores, and our favorite, the Bass Pro Shops. Tanger Outlet Malls will have an after Thanksgiving Moonlight holiday sale at 10pm on Thanksgiving night. Get there early. The parking lot is packed. I like to go and people watch with my husband. It's very entertaining.

7. Stay at the 5-Star Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa and eat Breakfast with Santa. 

Enjoy 4-star hotel accommodations plus on Saturday, December 21, 2013 will be the 16th Annual Breakfast with Santa event at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa. They have chosen this year to support a local 
 charity with ticket sales - Options Pregnancy Clinic. Click here to visit their website and make reservations. 
My kids love meeting Santa and eating the delicious breakfast. Who wouldn't?

 6. Attend An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. 

We go every year. Visit Silver Dollar City this Christmas, one of the WORLD's TOP 10 Amusement Parks. You will enjoy 5 million holiday lights, a Christmas Parade complete with Santa himself, and a train ride that shares the True Meaning of Christmas, not to mention all of the rides. The new wooden roller coaster, Outlaw Run, is the very first wooden roller coaster to twist upside down! Visit their website here for tickets. 
 

5. See Branson's 65th Annual Adoration Celebration & Parade in Downtown Branson. 

A tradition in Branson, Mo. the 65th Annual Adoration Parade begins with the lighting of a nativity scene on the top of the hill overlooking Taneycomo. It is a time to celebrate Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Click Here for parade information.  We like to bring hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows.



4. See the Miracle of Christmas production at Sight and Sound Theater 

Away in a manager, no place for his head...You know the song by heart. It's the story of the birth of Jesus. It's a very visual way to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. My children love the live animals that they bring on stage! Find out more here.  
 
 
3. Browse the Titanic Gift Shop brimming with Classic Christmas gifts and ornaments. 

Now through December 31, 2013 - The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas Click Here to see it.

lights and decorations. In the gift shop, you will find children's toys, collectible hand-painted Christmas ornaments, beautiful jewelry, and gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  Have you seen the Titanic ship that you build out of blocks that are compatible with legos? It is awesome. My boys built it last year.


 
2. Fly direct to Branson, Mo. via Southwest Airlines now landing at the Branson Airport. 

I obviously don't have to fly, but this is a big deal for Branson. This makes travel a hop and a jump! Fly direct to Branson, Mo through Southwest Airlines. Enjoy low fares and an airport with a hometown feel. It's easy to get in and out and you are minutes away from the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebrations. Click here for rates and dates.  

AND...the #1 reason to visit Branson, Mo. during Christmas 2013....
 

1. Meet The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess,  this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland. 

If you like fantasy and the magic that surrounds the Christmas holidays, this is for you! The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

Well, if you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help. If you have any photos of your family visiting Branson during Christmas, post them to our facebook page - Titanic Museum Attraction.  Share the Christmas spirit with us!

Yours Truly, 

Chief Purser Erin Wicker

 

I need help on Black Friday - My Christmas Shopping List

Shhh. I decided to write a post about My Christmas Shopping List, but if you read this and you know anyone on this list, MUMS the WORD. You see, I have to be really creative about how I purchase, hide, wrap, etc all Christmas presents. Last night, at a friends house, my husband already guessed his present. It is November 9th and my husband already guessed what I got him. Now, I didn't fess up to it, but come on...we've been married for 14 years. He knows me. Stinker.

Ok, so here's the deal. I don't know how to shop on Black Friday. I have never watched for ads and put together a plan of attack for midnight on Thanksgiving. I have gone out on Black Friday, but just for the fun of it.

WHERE SHOULD I PURCHASE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS? BEST DEALS? ONLINE OR IN STORES? HELP!!


1. My 11 year old son - mountain bike, watch, Messi away jersey
2. My 8 year old son - Skylanders Swap Force for the Wii and Under Armour clothing
3. My husband - Watch, Oakley sunglasses, IPad

 As you can see, if I were to pay full retail for all of these items, it would cost a fortune. I need to find some good deals. Any ideas???

Happy Shopping!

Erin
Chief Purser, Titanic Museum Attraction
www.titanicattraction.com

24 Christmas Trees, Holiday lights, and a Fantasy Princess

Each year, the Titanic Museum Attraction decks the halls for a magical Christmas Celebration.  This year, the Titanic Crew worked for 4 days with 12 people working each night, to complete this year's holiday lights and decorations inside the ship. 

You see, the Titanic didn't sail during Christmas, but if she had, we imagine that she might have looked like this: 

There are 24 trees on display throughout the ship, along with thousands of glittering holiday lights! Here is what else you can expect on your tour of the Titanic Museum Attraction during November and December 2013. 

1. Walk the Grand Staircase - Built from original blue prints – for the first time you are able to walk the Grand Staircase. It cost this museum over one million dollars to build this most famous staircase – Titanic’s hand-crafted, wooden inlayed, Grand Staircase, which led First Class passengers into the heart of shipboard society where the rich and richer mingled before dinner.

2. See 3rd Class Cabin and First Class Suite -  What was it like to travel on Titanic? How many shared a room? Was there a bathroom? What did it cost in today’s standards to travel in third class verses first class? Learn the answers during your voyage at the museum.

3. Touch a Real Live Iceberg! - Step into the Captain’s bridge and steer the ship. Learn of Titanic’s voyage from Ireland. Feel the chill of that starry night when Titanic met her destiny. You can steer the ship, will you miss the iceberg? Touch the iceberg. Feel how cold the water was by sticking your hands in 28 degree water. 

 

4. Discover Titanic in 2013 - What does Titanic look like now, on the bottom of the ocean? Our owner, Mr. John Joslyn takes you on a journey of discovery 2 miles below the oceans waves to the resting place of the RMS Titanic. Take a virtual tour, see photos of the wreckage, hear stores from the research crew.

5. Honor the passengers - 2,208 names of Titanic's passengers and crew line the memorial wall at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. Here, we give voice to them all by telling their stories and honoring their memories each and every day.

6. Meet the Titanic Fantasy Princess - she will make special appearances throughout the Holiday season to embody the holiday season’s magic and mystery shared by children of 1912 and today. You can have your photo taken with her too. This is really special for little girls and boys. 

7. And...if you visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. on Thanksgiving Day, you will see a Grand Titanic Fireworks Display that will knock your socks off. 

We hope you will come share the magic of the season with us. We have 2 locations, Branson, Mo and Pigeon Forge, Tn. For additional Christmas photos, please visit our media page or our pinterest page.

See you soon!

Chief Purser, 

Erin Wicker

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Pigeon Forge, Tn during Christmas

Ok. So maybe I learned this on David Letterman? I like lists and wanted to share this list with you because it's all about Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. You can't go wrong!
This list has been talked about, tweeted, shows up on search engines, etc. It's on its way to becoming famous! This list is also enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Smoky Mountains each year and this is YOUR year!


Drum Roll Please!

10. See five million shining lights while you're on the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights.

November 13th - January 10th, 2014. Enjoy viewing 5 million holiday lights from the comfort of a heated, enclosed trolley. Complete with your own personal tour guide, sharing stories about the history of Pigeon Forge and it's Winterfest displays. Tickets are just $5.00 per person.

9. Enjoy Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

November 9th through January 4th, 2014. Headlined by this year's production of a Christmas Carol, Dollywood shows why it is a five time award winner of America's Best Christmas Event. Featuring over four million holiday lights, more than 20 Christmas themed rides and holiday attractions, Dollywood reamains a Christmas must see for your family's holiday vacation. Click here for more information on Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

8. Stay at the Inn at Christmas Place and enjoy 4 star accommodations while being surrounded by everything Christmas

Located on the Parkway right in the middle of the Christmas action, you will be surrounded by everything Christmas the moment you step in this World class Inn. Guest amenities include an indoor pool, gameroom, fitness center, and of course, a singing Santa. Click here to see a photo gallery.

7. Participate in the 3rd annual Salute to Veterans Parade

Join the city of Pigeon Forge as they honor all veterans through a "Salute to Veterans Parade" on November 12, 2013 at 4:30 PM. And if you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, the Grand Marshall of the parade this year is Rocky Bleier who is also a Vietnam Vet. 
 
6. Attend the 24th Annual Sevierville Winterfest Kick Off with Music, Lights, and Magic

After the Salute to Veterans Parade on November 12, 2013, stop by Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge where you will enjoy holiday music, lights, and entertainment to Kick off the 24th Annual Winterfest celebration. Bring the kids to meet Santa!

5. Attend the 24th Annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff

On November 13, 2013, Vote for your favorite chili recipe during the 24th annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff, complete with millions of LED Christmas lights and a holiday festival with food, family, and friends.

4. Shop the Titanic Gift Shop brimming with Classic Christmas gifts and ornaments.

The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas lights and decorations. In the gift shop, you will find children's toys, collectible hand-painted Christmas ornaments, beautiful jewelry, and gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. 

3. Watch it Snow Each night, Thanksgiving and every Saturday in December, at the Titanic.

Each night, Thanksgiving and every Saturday in December, the Titanic will produce real, falling snow off the bow of the ship. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this event. 

2. Celebrate Thanksgiving during Titanic Museum Attraction’s second annual fireworks extravaganza.

On Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2013 at 7:30pm, the night sky will be ablaze in colorful bursts of light and fantasy during the Titanic Museum Attraction’s second annual fireworks extravaganza honoring the lives and legacies of the ship’s passengers, crew and rescuers. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

AND...the #1 reason to visit Pigeon Forge, Tn. during Christmas 2013....

1. Meet The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess, this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland.

The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

Well, if you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help. If you have any photos of your family visiting Pigeon Forge during Christmas, post them to our facebook page - Titanic Museum Attraction.  Share the Christmas spirit with us!

Yours Truly, 

Chief Purser Erin Wicker

Fireworks on Thanksgiving

Well, it's has been quite some time since I was able to write in my Titanic journal, aka this blog. I have so many things to tell you! First, I hope everyone has had a fantastic Fall 2013. Daylight Savings time ends on November 3, 2013 so the night sky will sneak up on us very quickly each day.
It's not really my favorite time of the year in that aspect. But, don't worry...I have good news.

Fireworks on Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving evening, after your bellies are full of Turkey and dressing and you are gearing up to shop until you drop, make plans to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. For the second year in a row, we will Kick-Start your Black Friday shopping extravaganza with the most spectacular fireworks display Pigeon Forge has ever seen. And of course you can follow it up with a tour ...the entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas lights and decoration.

Snow at Titanic

AND...SPOILER ALERT..The forecast is calling for SNOW and we will deliver. The Titanic will produce real, falling snow off the bow of the ship. If you haven't seen this yet, you need to make plans and bring your children. It is so much fun.

Ok. So I wanted to save the best for last. I know you must be thinking that I have already given you 2 GIANT reasons to visit Titanic Museum Attraction on Thanksgiving evening, but I have a third.....

This one is for YOU MOMS out there! Gather up all of your girls (and boys) OF ALL AGES and come meet the most beautiful Princess you have ever seen. That's right, she is the Titanic Fantasy Princess and she will be at Titanic on Thanksgiving evening to make her Christmas debut and to greet all little girls and boys and help make their holiday dreams come true.
(Perfect photo opp too)

Titanic Fantasy Princess

Don't forget, we have a gift shop brimming with one-of-a kind selections for all ages. My favorite Titanic Toy this year is the electronic boat. Another perfect gift idea for any family on your list is our Titanic Family Pass. Buy one for your favorite sister so that she can take her family to experience Titanic.

Remember, we are only 1 mile down the road from the Tanger Outlets of Sevierville, so your night will be fun and efficient! I'm all about efficiency. Moms learn to be efficient if they want to get it all done in a day. I digress...

I have missed you all.
I hope to see you soon at the Titanic Museum Attraction!
I wish you all the most memorable Thanksgiving ever.

For additional event details, please visit our website www.titanicpigeonforge.com .

Chief Purser,

Erin Wicker