Gatlinburg Tennessee Trade

[LindaDVC]

We keep considering trading and were looking at the resorts in Tennessee listed in the guide book.

Has anyone stayed at any of these facilities?

We keep thinking about a trade and always end up going back to WDW or HH!!!

Linda

 

[jbthi]

We own 2 weeks in Gatlinburg at a not-so-great resort. We have stayed in most of the others. There is not any that I would even think about trading my DVC for. You would be much better off renting a hotel in Gatlinburg where you would be within walking distance of downtown.

 

[brudnic]

What didn't you like about the resorts in Gatlinburg?

 

[BeckyV]

We went to Gatlinburg the last two summers and really enjoyed it. I looked at most of the resorts and can offer suggestions or go to www.tug2.net This site has reviews with lots of pictures and info. You have to join to access the reviews, but it is worth it. Email me if I can be any help. This summer we will go to Lake Lure, NC instead of Gatlinburg and a short Disney trip, too.

 

[jbthi]

I don't have anything against most of the resorts in Gatlinburg. We just live 7 hours away so we have been going to Gatlinburg every year for the last 30 years. Sometimes we stay at TS and sometimes in hotels. If you own other TS its reasonably easy to get a trade and sometimes you can get an escape through RCI.With the exception of one, none is within walking distance of downtown. If you go in the summer it can be a problem parking. It is interesting just walking around downtown and its so much easier to stay within walking distance. Also traffic is backed up bumper to bumper so much of the time. Walking is easier. I have either stayed or toured every time share in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The majority are nice but none can compare with DVC, in quality or rental price. Its also easy to get 2 or 3 days free or practically free in Gatlinburg in the backs of travel magazines. If you decide to go and want advice on attractions or restaurants I'll be glad to help.

I'm not putting Gatlinburg down--I love going. If fact we'll be going again this year, probably in September. I just don't think it's worth trading DVC for.

 

[LindaDVC]

Which one is within walking distance-
How is the traffic and weather in the spring.

Linda

 

[jbthi]

Gatlinburg Town Square is the one within walking distance. spring is a great time. We have been there the latter part of April and also the first week in May. Traffic is not heavy, the weather is good and there is spring foliage in bloom. Some things may not be open except for weekends. (possibly Dollywood, Sweet Fanny Adams Theater. Not really sure.)

 

[mrsdon]

I have traded out for Gatlinburg Town Square and am curious..
Is it any good?

 

[mrsdon]

I have traded out for Gatlinburg Town Square and am curious..
Is it any good?
We are going July 12-19th and are staying in a 2 bedroom.

 

[LindaDVC]

Did you trade DVC points for Gatlinburg Town Square?
Do you mind sharing how many points it cost?

Thanks Linda

 

[RobDoc]

Gatlinburg Town Square is OK. It's definitely not the same as DVC, and is an older resort, but is still nice.

We've been going to G'Burg for almost 20 years now and own at Tree Tops, but have recently been exchanging our time there to stay at Sunrise Ridge- a Gold Crown in Pigeon Forge nearby. We were there last weekend and always enjoy our time in the Smokies.

Gatlinburg has lots to offer for all ages. There are lots of nice dining options and the park is great at this time of year. We've been to Gatlinburg in all seasons and enjoy the area a great deal.

Enjoy!

 

[BeckyV]

We loved Treetop and stayed there both years. We never found traffic or parking to be a huge problem as long as we avoided the main drag in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on Saturdays. We bought a map and traveled the back roads when possible. Parking in Gatlinburg was also no problem in July. Maybe we just went a good week.

 

[Dean]

I have had family either stay or tour at 3 of the four. Westgate is new so no info there. Mountain Loft, Treetops and GTS should all be nice albeit below DVC standards. My family really liked GTS and it was in a great location for them since it's in town by the convention center. You should be able to pick up a trade easily with a non DVC exchange, do a direct exchange or rent fairly cheaply.

 

[TnRobin]

The fall is a great time to visit too. The Fall folage is some of the most beautiful in the Nation. Granted the weekend in the fall can be very busy, but the weekdays are not too bad. the Craft Fair at Dollywood is not to be missed.

I probably can help much with the lodging, since we just drive there and back from my Mom's house.

 

[Lisa P.]

Dean, have you seen the new Fairfield Smoky Mountains Resort? I understand that so far, only two buildings are completed, along with the main clubhouse and pools. I've read a couple good reviews, saying the location was good (near theaters and walking distance to the Tangers Outlets in Pigeon Forge) but haven't read opinions from anyone I know (to gauge their reaction).

We're staying for a few nights in September and a few in December to see the lights. Would value your opinion, if you've seen it.

 

[Dean]

Lisa, I hadn't looked at it either in person or kept up on the net. I have heard good things though. I was just wondering tonight related to this thread how that was working out in Sevierville, being a ways out. There are acutally other places to consider in the area that are not on the DVC list and in fact, many not in II at all. I'd also look at Pigeon Forge at the top resorts there. Gatlinburg is not my favorite place but my mom loves it.

I digress by saying that I sent my family (Mom, GM and Step Father) to GTS a few years ago, seems lik it was 1998. When I called to see if they got in all right, my GM got on the phone and was crying. She was so happy with the accomodations and said "this is the nicest hotel I've even stayed in". While I found that hard to believe since she traveled for 30 years as an Avon Manager, I was pleased that she felt that way. I sent my sister and family to Tree tops on a getaway and they said it was "OK" meaning good but not great. I was disappointed because I had the impression it was likely the best resort at the time, even better than Mountain Loft, which they toured and liked. They keep talking about buying at Mountain Loft and I keep reminding them about resale.

If anyone is interested in going to this area or other Fairfield's particularly, it may be that Lisa can work out a deal that would be much less points than going through DVC-II and also give you access to more resorts not in II.

 

[brudnic]

We own at TreeTops and have actually been using it in the Fall rather than exchanging. By Disney standards, we found our unit to be impeccably clean, well built (sound proof, quality furnishings, roomy, etc.). The staff is extremely helpful and friendly.Though it doesn't have a huge amount of amenities, what they do have is adequate for our needs and the type of vacation that it is meant to be. We love it since it is nestled in the hillside at the end of one of the National Park's road tours and the surroundings are beautiful with wildlife abounding. We would rather be away from the busy downtown area.There are backroads to avoid the town traffic jams at busy times and the Park has fantastic programs that are both fun and educational. In Fall the colors are spectacular, but it is an extremely busy time. The resort is well run by the board of directors who really keep the resort in great shape.

 

[mrsdon]

We used 163 points for a 2 bedroom July 12-19.

 

[LindaDVC]

We appreicate all the info. you all are sharing!

Linda and Danny