Titanic Experience Museums: Pigeon Forge, TN vs. Branson, MO?

[brionboyles]

What are the differences between the two?
Which would you recommend?
Having been a devoted TITANIC-ophile since the age of 8 (now 62), I'd prefer a more accurate replica experience over artifacts (many which I've seen on touring TITANIC exhibits).
I am planning a trip through the south, but would have time/$$ for only one museum.

 

[William Oakes]

What are the differences between the two?
Which would you recommend?
Having been a devoted TITANIC-ophile since the age of 8 (now 62), I'd prefer a more accurate replica experience over artifacts (many which I've seen on touring TITANIC exhibits).
I am planning a trip through the south, but would have time/$$ for only one museum.

I haven't been to the one in Branson, but I have been to the one in Pigeon Forge.
It is excellent in every way. I'm 60 and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

[Jason D. Tiller]

There appears to be no major difference, between the two museums. Both are owned by the same owner; they are simply sister museums. I haven't been to either but after consulting the museum's website and reading trip advisor reviews, I see that both have 400 pre-discovery artifacts, you can walk through an exact replica of the Grand Staircase, touch an iceberg and feel 28 degree water and several other interactive exhibits. Although I have been told and people who have visited posted online that the one in Pigeon Forde is 'slightly better', in terms of historical accuracy. In fact, I have heard more positive reviews on Pigeon Forde, than Branson. So if it were me I would recommend Pigeon Forde, for a more accurate retelling of Titanic and her story.

Just be sure you make a reservation in advance, as most days they are sold out.

 

[L Noelle]

I've been to both and I like Pigeon Forge better. The staff was friendlier, more stuff in the gift shop (though that could also be supply chain issues), etc. The one major thing Pigeon Forge had that Branson didn't, was a better representation of 3rd class and a sickeningly cool crew staircase behind a gate and glass wall that was filling with water. I'll never forget that!
Branson may have a few more museum artifacts...
Bottom line: if I get a chance to go back to one, I'd choose Pigeon Forge.

 

[Bill Willard]

There is a Titanic Conference in Pigeon Forge in late August. You should experience that conference - they go to the Pigeon Forge Attraction ofr several events, and much more! See TitanicCon 22 on Facebook, or on the www.VoyagesExploreTitanic.com site.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

I've been making the trip to Pigeon Forge at least once and sometimes twice a year. Mary Kellog and the people who work there such as staff historians Paul Burns, Crystal Hopkins and Jodi "Stewardess Jodi" Justus are great friends to the Conference Group. They all work very hard to make it as accurate as possible and bring the era itself to life.

As history is always being revised in the light of new information, it's always an ongoing work in progress, but they work diligently to keep it on point and also to keep it fresh.

 

[Steven Christian]

I hope to make it there one day as I've only heard good things about it. Plus a good excuse for me to be a glutton. I've lived in the south twice and really miss the food there. Cheers all.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

I hope to make it there one day as I've only heard good things about it. Plus a good excuse for me to be a glutton. I've lived in the south twice and really miss the food there. Cheers all.

I have to hit the arc trainer at the gym and do at least the equivalant of ten to eleven miles a day on the arc trainer or I'd bloat up like the Goodyear Blimp!

The Apple Barn and the Sunliner Diner in Pigeon Forge are incredible!

 

[Steven Christian]

I've seen their website and once saw a video of some gentleman giving a tour there. He was quite the entertainer. I know I would like the place. I will make a note of those diners in case I ever get there. My family was stationed in South Carolina when I was a lad and later I went to A school in Tenn. Some of the small diners I found I was in hog heaven. Not just good southern BBQ but the other stuff you can't find out here where I live. Pork chops with fried green tomatoes, catfish, collard and other greens. Even grits were good the way they made them. Ok I'll stop...getting hungry now. Cheers

 

[Steven Christian]

I have to hit the arc trainer at the gym and do at least the equivalant of ten to eleven miles a day on the arc trainer or I'd bloat up like the Goodyear Blimp!

The Apple Barn and the Sunliner Diner in Pigeon Forge are incredible!

I'll make one more quick comment as it is sort of off topic. Although one needs to be fueled up to go on a proper Titanic tour.... I got curious and went and looked and found those places websites. Looking at their menus I would be spoiled. And the prices were very good. Not that that matters too much. I've found the best way to deal with temptation is to just give in...*L*. Both those places have everything I miss. Even fried Okra. Cheers.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

I'll make one more quick comment as it is sort of off topic. Although one needs to be fueled up to go on a proper Titanic tour.... I got curious and went and looked and found those places websites. Looking at their menus I would be spoiled. And the prices were very good. Not that that matters too much. I've found the best way to deal with temptation is to just give in...*L*. Both those places have everything I miss. Even fried Okra. Cheers.

Steven, when I go there for the conference next month, I'm off of anything that might bear even a passing resemblance to my diet.
Indulgances? Bring it!

 

[Steven Christian]

Steven, when I go there for the conference next month, I'm off of anything that might bear even a passing resemblance to my diet.
Indulgances? Bring it!

Sounds like a cool trip. Have fun. I haven't been there in decades but I really liked Tennessee when I was there. From a few clips I have seen of the place I'm guessing besides just the fun it would be educational. Especially for someone who isn't already a Titaniac. Cheers.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

Sounds like a cool trip. Have fun. I haven't been there in decades but I really liked Tennessee when I was there. From a few clips I have seen of the place I'm guessing besides just the fun it would be educational. Especially for someone who isn't already a Titaniac. Cheers.

If you're on Facebook, drop in on my page and check out my albums. I have several dedicated to the annual Titanic Conferences. Some pages showcase some other museums as well. It's all public access, so whether you friend, follow, or lurk in the background, you can still see them all.

 

[Steven Christian]

If you're on Facebook, drop in on my page and check out my albums. I have several dedicated to the annual Titanic Conferences. Some pages showcase some other museums as well. It's all public access, so whether you friend, follow, or lurk in the background, you can still see them all.

Ok thanks. I'm not on FB but will check it out. Just heading out right now so will look later. I looked at the link that Mr. Willard posted. Looks like a good time. Cheers.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

Ok thanks. I'm not on FB but will check it out. Just heading out right now so will look later. I looked at the link that Mr. Willard posted. Looks like a good time. Cheers.

If you set up an account, just do yourself a favour and ignore the political grandstanding that's all pervasive on social media. I try to be a popularizer of history and science by showing that both are actually pretty cool.