It's pretty good right up until the end - then, it's GREAT!
My understanding is that Celebration City (CC) is a new park. It just opened last year (2004) and I could probably have guessed as much based on the attendance, or lack thereof. It's a much smaller sister park of Silver Dollar City (SDC), owned by the same company, and in general, a nice place.
While SDC is a full-fledged, all day, top-of-the-line amusement park, CC is really more of a park-you-go-to-when-you-can't-get-to-SDC park. It's just a tier lower on the "fun scale" compared to SDC...that is, with one exception.
That exception is the every night event that CC puts on, with a little help from Kodak, lasers, lights, music (loud), pyrotechnics, and the side of a nearby hill cliff called NightFire. CC has what I have to say is one of the best out door laser light shows I've ever seen. In fact, to simply call it a laser light show is a gross understatement as the laser show is but one component. That oversimplification glosses over the music, enormous video display, fireworks, and overall production that makes up this entertaining event.
However, beyond NightFire, CC is a relatively run-of-the-mill park that has a few kinks to work out before it really hits its stride. For example, we ecountered a COMPLETELY different staff at CC that was not engaging, seemingly unhappy with their job choice, and at times, unfriendly. It was a stark contrast to the folks at SDC who were extremely friendly at all times whether they were a central entertainer or sweeping up cigarette butts.
Next, CC needs to work out it's own personality. Is this a for-real park for all ages, focused on young kids, middle aged kids, or adults. Yes, they say they're for the whole family, but we found that message confusing. For example, at their go-cart ride, at least 90% of the patrons in line were of the dual-rider variety in that they had a young person with them that couldn't drive the cart themselves. However, the ride attendants had 18 single carts available with only 6 dual carts. We waited for over an hour to move only 4 feet. My guess is that it would have been 2 more hours before we could have ridden. That's not knowing your audience. That's not paying attention to what rides are going to appeal to what riders. That's thinking you're attracting one type of person while getting an entirely different one.
In any case, it's a nice park. It'll continue to get better, grow, and refine itself. I'm sure it's there to stay and will be a central attraction of Branson.
Later.