Budget Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg trip

[PiRSquared]

I HIGHLY recommend the Comendy Barn. It is good clean fun!! Any age above 4 or 5 will have a blast. It is put on by people who own it who wanted clean entertainment for their families. We've been twice and loved it.

I also recommend the magician. Can't remember his name, but he has matinees and night shows. We took the kids to the matinee. The theatre was nearly empty. He is a great magician and at the end of the show he comes out and meets the audience.

We also did a day at Ober Gatlinburg. It is an old fashioned amusement park pay as you go, or do a wrist band. We loved the alpine slide (my kids were 10 and 13 at the time) Little ones can't do the slide.

While Dollywood is certainly not Disney, we still had fun. Last time we went we voted not to go and spent extra days in the National Park and Cherokee instead. We enjoyed the Indian Village in Cherokee, but little ones would probably get bored.

Hope you enjoy yourselves. We did! It's not Mickey, but we can't go every year.

 

[DianeV]

Sheila

I guess our problems with Dollywood started when it took us over an hour at an almost traffic standstill just to get inside the gates..and then it took another half hour to get to the parking lot which was way in the back so we had to catch a "ride" to the entrance to the park. We were all a little cranky then (yes it was a busy time there but not acceptable in our opinion)

Many of the things were not open (and this was a holiday week) and we didnt see many shows unless you count the one you have to pay extra for because its supposed to be better..which we werent paying extra for a show

All we saw were stores and food (and our food at the restaurant we ate at was ice cold)..

I will say our kids went on the little cars you can drive about 20 times since that was the only thing they liked.

After all that the letter I sent after we got home prompted them to give us a refund. I guess we just were not impressed with the place.

 

[rickdeni]

It has been many years since I have been to Dollywood but reading your posts it doesn't seem to have changed. We took my son and his girlfriend (now his wife) who were 17 and 18 at the time. They just loved it and talk about going back and bringing their children. I remember it being a very inexpensive vacation. I enjoyed shopping at the outlet malls and the Christmas Stores (I remember at least 2 big ones). We went to Ober Gatlinburg and I was petrified on the tram. My son and GF loved the ice skating and the other rides. They also enjoyed the pool at the hotel and the freedom they had at night to go to the arcades which were within walking distance. I am real picky about restaurants and I remember that we went into Gatlinburg each night to eat (restaurants were great) and we would then walk around and play miniature golf or go on the ski lifts. Everyone still laughs that I bought my husband and son tickets to go on inner tubes down the river. The only problem was that it was during a draught and it was hard on their posteriors. It was not Disney World but it was a fun but inexpensive vacation.

 

[believe]

Our family goes to the area 2 times a year, usually. We spend the days in the mountains and the evenings in town. One evening is usually putt-putt in Pigeon Forge and the other evening is Shopping in Gatlinburg. Although last time we weren't in Pigeon Forge at all.

If you go to the Apple Barn there are 2 restaurants. The front one is regular restaurant style, the back one is family style. Most of my siblings prefer the family style one. Don't forget to shop in their store. There is also an apple barn store, not a restaurant, in Townsend, TN.

If you go to Cherekee there is a wonderful waterfall not far from the city that is only 1/4 mile walk each way.

We have been to almost all the waterfalls in the Smokey's that are 8 miles or less round trip. PM my DH, shep, if you want more information on them.

That are little specialty shops in Townsend, TN and in Gatlinburg (off the beaten path) if you are looking for something different.

If you are staying in Pigeon Forge and are going to the Mountains you may want to go through Wear's Valley to avoid traffic.

Biking through Cades Cove is awesome. You need to go early in the morning or as the sun goes down to really see nature.

We haven't been to Dollywood, just never have time with the hiking we like to do. We have been to Dixie Stampede. For us it was okay to do once, but not something we would do again. My sister did the Jamboree Bear thing and loved it.

The Disney outlet is there. It is at the beginning of Pigeon Forge, the end farthest from Gatlinburg, on the left-hand side.

The last time we did Obergatlinburg you got a stamp for the weekend and could go as many times as you liked. I am not sure if they still do this.

When shopping, price things, then go back to the cheapest store...especially for shirts. The prices vary from store to store.

We don't shop much or do the 'in town' things too much, sorry I couldn't help you there.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[swilshire]

Sheila

I guess our problems with Dollywood started when it took us over an hour at an almost traffic standstill just to get inside the gates..and then it took another half hour to get to the parking lot which was way in the back so we had to catch a "ride" to the entrance to the park. We were all a little cranky then (yes it was a busy time there but not acceptable in our opinion)

Many of the things were not open (and this was a holiday week) and we didnt see many shows unless you count the one you have to pay extra for because its supposed to be better..which we werent paying extra for a show

All we saw were stores and food (and our food at the restaurant we ate at was ice cold)..

I will say our kids went on the little cars you can drive about 20 times since that was the only thing they liked.

After all that the letter I sent after we got home prompted them to give us a refund. I guess we just were not impressed with the place.

I agree traffic is just awful in the whole area. We go in the "back way" to Dollywood and usually avoid the Parkway (the main drag) altogether unless we want to go to the outlet stores or the Apple Barn for the best donuts ever. They have been working on a new road through the area (sad to see the farm land paved over), so maybe things will improve. It seems to be taking an unreasonable time to finish, though.

Dollywood also falls short in running transportation to the parking lots. They could take lessons from Disney, for sure. I've had to wait several minutes for trams at the end of the day, which is not usually what anybody wants after a long, hot day. We usually try to get there early in the day so we can park within walking distance of the entrance.

I also agree that Dollywood could use some improvement in the dining department. I've had a couple of meals that I was disappointed in and only have a few things that I really enjoy eating there. The booths where they cook potatoes and a chicken/onion/pepper concoction in huge iron skillets are usually quite good. They also make a decent Fried Green Tomato during the harvest fest.

I've never been there when there wasn't a full page schedule of shows, so I can't imagine what happened when you were there. They seldom do the extra ticket shows any more. I've been to a couple of them and found them usually a good value. I've also seen some wonderful free entertainment. A couple of years they had BIG names in for the Bluegrass weekend. Years ago we sat on hay bales and listened to Allison Kraus for free. Usually it's more local talent, but quite good overall. And the stage shows are excellent, too. If you enjoy gospel music, the Kingdom Heirs are wonderful.

Sadly the little cars (which was my son's FAVORITE) were removed this year to make room for the new rides. There are several rides for the little ones now.

To the poster that mentioned they didn't like the whole area, I tend to agree that the tourist hoopla is a bit much, but they seem to rake in the money, so I guess somebody likes it.

I also agree that the Comedy Barn is fun. It is VERY corny, but the whole family liked it. We go to Dixie Stampede about once a year. Haven't tried the Black Bear Jamboree yet, but it looks yummy. My DS11 auditioned for a job there a couple of years ago, but didn't get the part.

Sheila

 

[mommytobug]

The Dixie Stampede is a must....I LOVED it as did dd and dh. She still remembers it and she was 3.....now 6..................

also love the putt putt in Gatlinburg that was on the side of the "mountain"

also loved Ripleys...


I love that area!!

 

[believe]

The side of the mountain putt-putt is called Hillbilly Golf. It is at the 'bottom' part of Gatlinburg. This is one of DH's favorites.

I think I would have like Dixie Stampede more if it wasn't for the food. I just don't like an entire chicken sitting on my plate, I usually eat boneless. If you are a picky eater it may not be the place for you since everyone is served the same thing.

 

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

My family and I have been going to the Smokies since I was 4...I am 26 now. We usually go down at least 5 times a year. It is about a 2 1/2 hr. drive from our house.We love DollyWood! They have a new water park, which we aren't fans of water parks, but have other relatives who highly recommend it..Splash Country is the name. Outlet shopping is very big in the area too.Gap, Old Navy, Coach, Nike...to name a few. Dinner theaters have become popular in the last couple years. Dixie Stampede and Black Bear Jamboree are 2 of my favs. Although the price is $36.00 + tax each for adults.To me the shows are better than the food. I highly recommend staying at Eagles Ridge Resort. These are log cabins just 2 miles off the main parkway with all the amenties of home If a motel is more of the stting you want and if you want to stay "down town" we recommend the James Manor. Again we have stayed there and have had no complaints...other than saying no to our dog Up in Gatlinburg there is Ripley's Aquarium, which we have been to several times...but to us 1 Ripleys is the same as the others.If you have anymore questions, please personal message me or email me

 

[debbiedoo]

I am surprised no one has mention our favorite rest. The Park Grill. Southern Living has givin' it a 5 star rating and is awesome!!! And for the kids meals up to age 11 or 12---half the price of their age. Beautiful restaurant and a must do for us.

 

[westjones]

We love it in that area, and we like Dollywood when we visited (but it has been about 7 years since we were there).

They had a neat policy that if you go into the park after 3:00 pm one day, you can come back the next day free. Here is the info from the website:

March 26 - October 28, 2005, our "After 3:00 PM" program allows you to enter Dollywood after 3:00 PM and get in FREE the next operating day. Parking fees are not included. This program is valid on one-day Dollywood® admission tickets March 26, 2005 through October 28, 2005. It is not valid during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

It was nice because we had small children when we went, so we could go for 3-4 hours the first evening, and then back the next day for another 3-4 hours. The kids didn't get exhausted that way.

If you go, see if they still have the antique merry-go-round running. It was neat to see one of those still working. Also, the train actually runs on coal like in the old days.

If you get the Travel Channel, they do have a special on Dollywood that airs from time to time. You may want to check that.

DJ

 

[AspiringCindy]

Does anyone have any info on new "Belle Island"?...or the new Jurassic Ride?

 

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

If I am remembering correctly Belle Island is a shopping complex....to be...right? Also I think it is going to be located around light number 3. Behind the Family Inn Twin Malls .I looked at the plans....can't remember where and it looked something like a shopping center around a lake...think Broadway at the beach in Myrtle Beach , SC. As for Jurassic Ride I have never seen anything on it. I agree with Marthachick...Pigeon Forge is Myrtle Beach without the ocean.A for a great round of putt putt....try Lost treasures..I think is the name at the farther end of town.

 

[westjones]

The Dollywood special is going to be on in late May on the Travel Channel:

Dollywood


Amidst the beauty of the Smoky Mountains lies an unnatural wonder of the Southeast—Dollywood! Tour this down-home theme park with its heart-stopping thrill rides and bawdy fun with Dolly Parton herself, one of America's best-loved performers.
tv :: g
cc :: cc

On Air (et):

May 29 2005
@ 09:00 PM

May 30 2005
@ 12:00 AM

 

[swilshire]

If you go, see if they still have the antique merry-go-round running. It was neat to see one of those still working. Also, the train actually runs on coal like in the old days. DJ

Sorry to say they removed the antique carousel and replaced it with a more modern one. The only good thing is the old one went too fast and always made me dizzy. The new one is more gentle, though not nearly as beautiful.

The trains are still running. They are a particularly nice ride in the Fall when the leaves have changed.

Sheila

 

[Disney_1derland]

Our kids love to do the panning for gems. You buy a bucket of dirt and then sift through it with water and shaker pans to find the stones. They will tell you what each of the stones are and they are a neat souvenir. They will try to sell you jewelry made out of your stones but you don't even have to go inside for that part, we always skip it. My girls love their pretty rocks and it's the first thing they want to do everytime we go. Can't remember what the going price is, but ours always split a bucket and have a great time doing it.

The aquarium is expensive but well worth it in our opinion. You can sometimes find coupons for a few dollars off. It will take the better part of a day if you take your time.

 

[mommytobug]

Our kids love to do the panning for gems. You buy a bucket of dirt and then sift through it with water and shaker pans to find the stones. They will tell you what each of the stones are and they are a neat souvenir. They will try to sell you jewelry made out of your stones but you don't even have to go inside for that part, we always skip it. My girls love their pretty rocks and it's the first thing they want to do everytime we go. Can't remember what the going price is, but ours always split a bucket and have a great time doing it.

The aquarium is expensive but well worth it in our opinion. You can sometimes find coupons for a few dollars off. It will take the better part of a day if you take your time.

Where do you do the panning for gems?? Thanks

 

[Straitlover]

We were there two years ago and did the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg. What an awesome drive! I have a photo of the Place of a Thousand Drips (on the trail) hanging in my living room today!

Ooh, my sis and I did this (did not have time to get to Cades Cove and through it before dark), and it was scary!!! Actually, the abbreviated version where you stay on the 2 lane blacktop would be fine. We decided to do the whole thing, though. Where you turn off, the road goes up, up up and is one lane. If you are not used to mountain driving, you might wnat to skip that part. It was drizzly and overcast the day we went, and it got dark before we finished. Great sights, but as I said, the driving was scary!! The road on the driver's side was a sheer drop w/ no kind of railings.

On another subject, I have some tips:

1) To save money and time parking at Dollywood, drive over to Patriot Park and take the trolley. Unless they have changed the price, we paid only 50 cents each way, and they drop you off right at the front gate. You can also take the trolley to Gatlinburg and back for I think either 75 cents or $1 each way. If you are not staying in downtown Gatlinburg, parking is kind of scarce.

2) In downtown Gatlinburg across the street from the aquarium, there is a little shop called The Lemon Tree. This is a great place to get quilts for a really good price. They're not Amish quality, but good for the price.

3) Be sure to check out the Thomas Kinkade gallery. Even if you don't buy anything, it's neat to see the paintings under the low light conditions.

Where are you staying? We stayed at the Shular Inn in PF. Nice place for a great price! I want to go back soon as I spent way too much time shopping at the outlet malls and not enough time sightseeing.

 

[Disney_1derland]

Where do you do the panning for gems?? Thanks

There are several little places along the main drag in pigeon forge, you can't miss them they have huge signs!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

I very much like the idea of taking the trolley's, esp to Dollywood since some have commented on the terrible parking there. We are staying at the Super 8 across the street from Dollywood. I picked there because we are going to be doing more in P.F. Plus the price is right and they offer a free continental breakfast, which will be fine for us.
I really appreciate everyone's ideas. I had gotten some brochures sent to me but you were MUCH more informative. You are really going to make our trip much more fun!! With all there is to do, I wish we had more $$ to stay longer. I am going to try to come back with money we didn't have to use so that I can start my Disney fund. I want to go back the beginning of next June again.

 

[marthachick]

Two things I forgot to mention in my previous post:
1- Some motels sell Dollywood Tix where you can get in 2 full days for the price of 1. Check with your hotel on this.
2- If #1 not available stop by a local convenience store & check out the Coke cans. Sounds crazy I know, but last time we went to PF, we were on our way home & we stopped for a Coke and guess what was on our cans?!? We could have saved $30. Worth a look anyway!