alternatives to Branson, MO with the multiple shows per day aspect, closer to southeast ( specifically metro New Orleans)

[katilac]

My parents love Branson, and I'd love to find an alternative that isn't ten hours away from metro New Orleans. Multiple venues with multiple shows is the critical factor; they do three shows a day, every day. It can't just be a city with good musical offerings in general - we already live in one! Musical performances for sure, but some variety as well (magic shows, acrobats, anything).

Scenery unimportant. Other activities unimportant. It does need some decent restaurants, but presumably that is going to co-exist anywhere that has multiple shows that attract tourists. If it has interesting aspects for me to explore while they are at three shows a day (because no, not happening), that's a bonus, but honestly I'm happy to sit with a book in between ubering them around. I'd like to be closer to home because they're in their 80s, so not A+ travelers and some health concerns. 

Hit me up! 

[Slache]

Gatlinburg will save you 15 minutes...

I'm really only posting to find this later. Good luck.

[MEmama]

I don’t have any suggestions, but you’re a good daughter! 

[Katy]

I can’t think of anyplace with shows like that except Vegas or NYC. Which might be a faster flight, but don’t have that family atmosphere that Branson or Gatlinburg do. Unless the shows at the amusement parks in Orlando count.

You have my sympathy. We have a few branches of the family that love Branson too. 

[kristin0713]

What about a cruise? Carnival has pretty good entertainment.  And everyone can do their own thing.  

 

[Scarlett]

I have  nothing to offer , but now I want to go to Branson.

[Wheres Toto]

Isn't Nashville like that?  I haven't been in years but I remember staying at the Opryland Hotel and going to the Grand Ole Opry and a couple other shows.  

Otherwise, I agree about New York City or Vegas.

[Slache]

What about Destin?

[katilac]

5 hours ago, Katy said:

Unless the shows at the amusement parks in Orlando count.

Definitely not. Plus it has to be indoors. 

I would be much happier taking them to Orlando 😄

5 hours ago, kristin0713 said:

What about a cruise? Carnival has pretty good entertainment.  And everyone can do their own thing.  

I don't think they would do a cruise, but maybe if the entertainment was good enough? I can't imagine they would have enough, though. They literally do 3 shows a day for about 5 days, so 15 distinct shows (and they want choices). Are any cruises like that? 

5 hours ago, Scarlett said:

I have  nothing to offer , but now I want to go to Branson.

With my parents? Because we could make a deal. 

4 hours ago, Wheres Toto said:

Isn't Nashville like that?  I haven't been in years but I remember staying at the Opryland Hotel and going to the Grand Ole Opry and a couple other shows.  

Otherwise, I agree about New York City or Vegas.

I don't really know. I know there's tons of music, but I'm working under the requirements of being more of a show in a theater-style setting with early start times vs clubs and bars, plus some added variety of the occasional non-music show. They're in their 80s and don't do things like bars, House of Blues, or music festivals anymore. 

I will bite the bullet and go to Branson before bringing them to NYC or Vegas, lol. Plus those might be a tad, uh, sophisticated. 

 

[katilac]

1 minute ago, Slache said:

What about Destin?

Destin, FL? They have shows? Tell me more. 

[Slache]

1 minute ago, katilac said:

Destin, FL? They have shows? Tell me more. 

It's not Branson. There are 2 magic shows, but I haven't picked one yet. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park where you can interact with dolphins and stuff, sunset dinner cruise, Harbor Walk Theatre. They have festivals with live music. I have a trip planned but we have different priorities than you. It just came to mind.

[Slache]

I read your need for 15 shows and retract my Destin suggestion.

[katilac]

1 minute ago, Slache said:

It's not Branson. There are 2 magic shows, but I haven't picked one yet. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park where you can interact with dolphins and stuff, sunset dinner cruise, Harbor Walk Theatre. They have festivals with live music. I have a trip planned but we have different priorities than you. It just came to mind.

It would be my dream alternative, lol, but I don't think there's going to be enough shows. I have sad restrictions such as no dolphins, no festivals. They want a very slight amount of variety, say one magic show or one acrobatics group, but mostly music, mostly country. Branson is perfect in their minds, I'm just . . . finding it very hard to get motivated. And not loving the thought of being that far away in case of medical emergencies, but I suppose Branson would be prepared if anyplace would. 

2 minutes ago, Slache said:

I read your need for 15 shows and retract my Destin suggestion.

Right, this is not a normal vacation I'm trying to plan 😂

[katilac]

Just to keep the wheels turning, talking them into 10 different shows rather than 15 is a possibility, but the shows are very much the point. Live human performances; no animals, no art museums. 

[KungFuPanda]

How many shows do they do at Dollywood?  I've never been, but it seems like something they should offer.

[Pawz4me]

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg

Myrtle Beach

[MEmama]

35 minutes ago, katilac said:

Just to keep the wheels turning, talking them into 10 different shows rather than 15 is a possibility, but the shows are very much the point. Live human performances; no animals, no art museums. 

I’m just so intrigued by your parents. I mean, no dolphins? Is that really a requirement? Lol. 

You are a much nicer person than I am for giving them the gift of your company on such a…specific…vacation. 🙂 

[Scarlett]

2 hours ago, katilac said:

Definitely not. Plus it has to be indoors. 

I would be much happier taking them to Orlando 😄

I don't think they would do a cruise, but maybe if the entertainment was good enough? I can't imagine they would have enough, though. They literally do 3 shows a day for about 5 days, so 15 distinct shows (and they want choices). Are any cruises like that? 

With my parents? Because we could make a deal. 

I don't really know. I know there's tons of music, but I'm working under the requirements of being more of a show in a theater-style setting with early start times vs clubs and bars, plus some added variety of the occasional non-music show. They're in their 80s and don't do things like bars, House of Blues, or music festivals anymore. 

I will bite the bullet and go to Branson before bringing them to NYC or Vegas, lol. Plus those might be a tad, uh, sophisticated. 

 

Ok, that made me lol

[BusyMom5]

I cannot imagine 3 music shows a day!  I don't know anywhere else that would fill that requirement.