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.

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

Mom Bloggers enjoy Titanic's Christmas Kickoff!

Last Friday night, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. hosted a special MOM BLOGGER event to help the museum kickoff the Christmas in a Winter Wonderland Celebration. Mom Bloggers from Knox News, Knox Moms, and other local Tennessee Moms with noteworthy Blogs attended this private event with their families. The Titanic Museum Attraction's owners John Joslyn and Mary Kellogg-Joslyn wanted to recognize these special women for their continued support of the new museum and wanted the moms and their families to experience this Grand Christmas celebration.

This event proved to be a huge success! I enjoyed meeting all of these amazing women and their families and was privileged to welcome each aboard our ship! All of the Mom bloggers enjoyed a private self-guided tour of the museum to see the ship adorned in Christmas decorations from the Edwardian period. Although the Titanic went down in April 1912, she had many Decembers planned and the museum decorates as a tribute to Her.

At 7:00pm, after each family enjoyed their private tour, we all met in the parking lot for the BIG event. We were joined by Rick Laney of Ackermann PR and many others from local news stations, newspapers, and magazines!  The Christmas Tree, set up in front of the fountains was magnificent. There were gifts stacked up under the bow of the tree which made for a perfect photo opportunity. The affair began with a Christmas ensemble choir, maids handing out candy, the lighting of the tree, and camels with wisemen of coarse! Then, music began to play and we all waited in anticipation for SNOW. Without delay, REAL snow began to fall from the bow of the ship produced from the same machinery that Disney World uses! Children and adults alike loved it. They danced to the music and tried to catch snow flakes on their tongues. Jaynee, our First Class Maid, waved from the BOW of the ship with a beautiful young "maid in training" Madisson and "Polar" the Titanic Bear.

As the snow began to build up on the museum's sidewalk, a fireworks display commenced, filling the sky with radiant colors. This event was done in Grand Scale just like the museum itself. I heard several guests proclaim that the fireworks display was better than anything they had seen during the 4th of July! Our Mom Bloggers and their families loved the experience. Some of their children were interviewed by the media which I believe they viewed as a huge honor.

I would like to personally thank Ali James of Knoxnews.com and Knoxmoms.com. She assisted me in reaching these wonderful moms who represent the families of Eastern Tennessee! Our ship and crew love being nestled in our new home in the Great Smoky Mountains and I would like to encourage all Moms reading my blog to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. this holiday season. It is truly a Family Interactive Experience that you won't want to miss. Although you will not be able to see fireworks, it will snow each and every Friday and Saturday night at 7:00pm from now until January 1, 2011! Traffic is crazy on the Parkway so leave early and I strongly recommend that you pre-purchase your tickets on our website as the museum sells out very quickly each day!


Three Cheers and 1,000 Thank You's to Tennessee's very special MOM Bloggers and their familes!