Anyone familiar with Dollywood?

[caribear]

We are getting ready to go to Gatlinburg for Thanksgiving and are planning on going to Dollywood on the 25th....the day before Thanksgiving. I know it will be crowded, but we are used to Disney and I think we should be okay. Looking for recommendations on rides. How are the roller coasters compared to Disney? We all enjoy Big Thunder Mountain and Expedition Everest.....kids like RnR....how do the coasters compare? I am not talking about theming, but scare factor. Anything not to miss? I hear the Christmas lights will be beautiful....so that is one of the main reasons we are going. If we can fit in a few rides to appease the kids that would be great too! Thanks!! Booked the Applewood Farmhouse Grill for Thanksgiving dinner as the restaurant was already booked....not sure of the difference though.

 

[Govols1997]

The wild eagle is awesome, feels like flying. But the first drop scares the pants off me. Thunderhead is cool because it's an old wooden coaster, but too jerky for me. Mystery mine is also a very fun coaster. TN tornado is just so so for me. The barn stormer is fun. Try to check out a show if you can, find one that isn't just music. I don't think you'll have huge crowds that day. Holidays tend to be slower at DW.

 

[caribear]

Thanks for the info! Does the mystery mine have any big drops or go upside down? My kids would enjoy it, but not me. It would be great if it wasn't too crowded!

 

[MinnieMSue]

We loved the mystery mine. I think there is a drop but honestly I cannot remember. They have some very big coasters that look really great. Sadly it rained when we were there and they closed every outside ride - everything! Only ride I did was mystery mine. My daughter did the eagle coaster before rain and liked it. The park looked really fun but do not go if it is going to rain all day! Was a waste of $. I did hear later they give refunds but didn't know at the time unfortunately.

 

[swilshire]

It isn't Disney World but there is definitely fun to be had there. I'm not a coaster person, but my kids like the ones at Dollywood. The shows are very good and the atmosphere is enjoyable. They have some really nice food offerings at pretty good prices. I would definitely recommend it since you're visiting Gatlinburg.

Sorry you couldn't get into the Applewood Restaurant. It's my favorite in the area. The Grill is totally different. I went there once when it first opened MANY years ago and never felt compelled to go back. Check the menu. You might do just as well at one of the local Cracker Barrels.

If you want to venture out of town a bit, the Fantasy of Trees in Knoxville is amazing and runs Wed - Sun of Thanksgiving week. Knoxville also has a great zoo with discounted tickets in the winter. There is also a big drive through light display at the Smokies Stadium. I haven't been since they relocated it to there, but it is probably worth a visit. Of course, the whole towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are dressed up for Winterfest with lots of lights. You may not want to go all the way to Asheville, but Biltmore is incredible at Christmas as well.

Enjoy your visit.

Sheila

 

[caribear]

Thanks! I do not like big drops on coasters...and only do Everest because of my children.

Both the Applewood Restaurant and Grill are serving the same Thanksgiving meal....so hopefully it will be the same quality. Fantasy of Trees sounds great....I need to see how far that is from Gatlinburg. Thanks again for the info!

 

[swilshire]

Over the weekend I saw a television ad for a Gatlinburg version of the Fantasy of Trees going on this week. It sounded like it would be nice, and it would be closer. Someone at your resort should be able to provide details.

Sheila