Area Entertainment: Truth Traveler opens in Branson

The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting were held on November 18 to a huge group of an enthusiastic crowd. Everyone was treated to a short talk and introductions of the important people behind this huge endeavor, a walk-through, the film and even time travel. We were treated to goodies and time to mingle with the important people to ask questions and visit with. Then we were treated to a take-home goodie bag. What a treat of kindness to this wonderful addition to Branson. 

Let me introduce the team behind Truth Traveler:

Ken Ham, Speaker, Author, CEO, and Founder of Answers in Genesis                              

Ken co-founded AiG in 1994 with the purpose of upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse and sharing the gospel beginning in Genesis. In addition, he provides biblical and scientific answers to some of the most difficult questions people ask about the Christian faith.

Norman (Wes) Wesley Bowen, Partner                                                                                    Wes formed a new venture, Mindscape Creative, in 2023 to expand the Truth Traveler concept, as well as other Christ-honoring stories, into other markets in the United States utilizing similar technologies. Wes had a desire to create Christian content in virtual reality leading to the development of Wes’ brainchild, Truth Traveler, which was launched at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY, in August 2020. The Truth Traveler: Flood of Reality show at the Ark Encounter is an incredibly immersive virtual reality experience that takes guests back to the time of Noah where they witness the building of Noah’s Ark, experience the flood, venture inside the ark to see the animals as they lived on the ark, and finally, enjoy the vista of the ark at rest on the Mountains of Ararat. To date, Truth Traveler: Flood of Reality has enhanced the Ark Encounter experience of over 600,000 guests.

Joe Boone President, Answers in Genesis                                                                                     

Joe joined Answers in Genesis (AiG) in September 2006 and leads the management of the ministry under CEO Ken Ham in executing its vision and mission.

Mark Looy, Chief Communications Officer, Co-Founder of Answers in Genesis                        

In addition to handling AiG’s media requests, Looy’s duties also extend to event organizing and marketing. As CCO, he also interfaces with local and national media, booking speaking and media engagements for AiG president Ken Ham and staff scientists.

A lot of time, effort and money was put into preserving such an iconic theater in town. I do believe Andy Williams would be pleased and thrilled at what has happened with his theater. And, I also believe he would've been the first on the time travel ride, with a smile a mile wide. He was felt still in the theater as I sat watching the film, knowing it would make him very proud that the theater is still being used for joyful memories to be made. 

Truth Traveler has a lot to boast about. Branson has been called the center of the Bible Belt. Well, with an attraction such as this, it's like putting a notch in the belt.

You will find yourself embedded into a journey into Bethlehem, with the short movie, then you can move to the "Travel Room Area" where you find yourself emerging back into time. The virtual ride takes you from literally 'The Beginning, in the Garden of Eden.' You will ride along with Jesus, as he walked on this Earth as a man to the 'The Death, Resurrection to the Ascension' of Jesus! You will see and feel it all, with your travel buddy, P.O.D. The creater-inventer and his tech-savvy granddaughter Rae will explain things to you before entering the cleansing machine to take you through time travel. 

This is an all-new and custom created 5D virtual reality adventure with a unique narrative, offering a fresh experience beyond the Ark Encounter’s attraction. The nine virtual reality “bays” will feature motion benches, haptics and headsets for guests to enjoy a full sensory experience.

You will find a wonderful assortment of gifts and memorabilia to take home with you from the time you spent here. There is a nicely stocked snack area.

I personally would only suggest one thing different, something that could involve Andy in his old theater. But I'm a person who likes memories and I'm very sentimental that way! I am so happy that the theater was not torn down and used for such purpose though. Andy Williams "Mr. Christmas," is such an icon to Branson. And to me!