Kiss my grits! I may be going to Dollywood. Who has been there?

[BarryHom]

I will be up in Atlanta next month and I will be probably arriving on a Thursday. It seems the only park open on Friday is Dollywood in the area. I've always wanted to visit, but never been. I just want more coaster credits.

So who has been? What is it like?

BTW, how is the weather in TN and GA then? Will I need to break out the arctic gear?

 

[Dan Murphy]

We were there years ago, Barry, and it is a very nice park. It has grown substantially since then though. You can get in touch with Boots and Buckalew, they live close. Buck's mom, dad and hubby work there part time.

 

[Cindy B]

I think Robinrs have gone there as well.

 

[perdidobay]

Sept in Tennessee? Keep your summer clothes out for this trip
AngieBelle has been there too, I think!

 

[Robinrs]

Originally posted by Cindy B
I think Robinrs have gone there as well.

Yes I went last year! I LOVED it!

It was like if Walt Disney had a 5th park and based it on the Country Bears!

It's really a very nice park, but very wet! I went in July and the Smoky Mountains was rather cool so we stayed wet! The mountains make the weather feel about 20 degrees cooler! Georgia will STILL be hot, you can bet on it!

BTW, my son developed a MAJOR crush on Dolly before we left. I think you'll survive, though...

Come on down, Barry, sweetie, bless your little heart!

 

[Regina]

We were there 10 years ago. We still laugh about it. We really had a lot of fun, but it took some adjusting to see woman using chewing tobacco.

 

[baileybrad]

The weather in Pigeon Forge will be fairly hot. As you actually go up in the mountains, the temps will about 6 degrees cooler during the day. The offer all types of good southern cooking in the park. And although Alan Jackson was referring to Nashville and not the Knoxville area, "folks are really not as backward down there as they used to be". You will find the folks working there quite friendly and outgoing. You will definitely know that you are in the South.

 

[Krisu]

We were there just a few years back and liked it very much. The Smokies themselves were beautiful. I especially like at Dollywood the replica of her childhood home. I don't remember any big coasters though.

 

[DopeyRN]

LOVE it!! Check out Dixie Stampede...a dinner show right outside Dollywood.

 

[Boots]

Hi! It takes us about 90 minutes to get there. My DH and I go to the Smokies quite a bit. Artic gear, no way! It will still be hot, hot, hot. If you are going in late September you might see some leaves changing on up in the Smokies, they are beautiful. Dollywood has one "big" coaster and several water rides that will get you wet. Dollywood has a lot of entertainment. There are several really good shows that you want won't to miss. Buckalew could probably tell you more about Dollywood that I can. I live on down the road a little ways. My area is known for its White Water Rafting. I have never been but both of my grown children go quite a bit. If you do get a chance go to Cades Cove, Townsend, and on up into the North Carolina part of the Smokies too. Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg is another nice place and has an entirely different atmosphere that Pigeon Forge. Also there are several "big"production type shows in Sevierville. Alan Jackson, Alabama, and Louise Mandrell plus several more havel Branson, MO, type shows there. I think you will have a wonderful time. It isn't WDW, but my part of the US is beautiful!
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By the way I have lived here my whole life and know of very, very few women who chew tobacco!

 

[AngieBelle]

I've been there a few times. My friend and I bought season passes this year. I agree- it's wet! There are at least 3 or 4 splashy rides. hehe. You might want to bring spare clothes if you plan to go on those rides. I enjoy that whole area of TN and go there fairly often now that I have a car on campus.

 

[gepetto]

It's fun but I don't think it's an "all day" park. We spent most of the day there and went to the outlet malls.

 

[Buckalew]

I'd have to disagree with that. I think Dollywood is an all day park. Idon't think you need more than one day but if you do the shows and the rides you can stay very busy. I enjoy Dollywood and agree with RobinRS's description about the Country Bears. It is no WDW by any means. It needs fast-pass on a busy day (I hate lines and love fast-pass) It is a well themed park, more than just an amusement park. It has a roller coaster, "The TN Tornado" (I think or twister) It is fun but is small and mild compared to what a coaster guy like you is used to.
A really busy day at Dollywood will have attendance of around 21,000. Keith was told by the paramedic guys at MGM that a busy day there is about 24,000. That surprised me. I thought the difference would have been greater. Sept. will still be hot but less crowded with schools in session.
Let me know when you are planning on going and I'll see if DH might be working then. You never know, he may be able to help you out in some way.

 

[gepetto]

Originally posted by Buckalew
I'd have to disagree with that. I think Dollywood is an all day park. Idon't think you need more than one day but if you do the shows and the rides you can stay very busy.

We just did the rides. My kids didn't really have an interest in the shows or the little shops. They loved the water rides.

 

[mooses41]

Ride the B&M flyer @ Six flags over georgia instead.

 

[olena]

For attire, take shorts and/or jeans. The altitude wil cause the temps to vary. I'd also bring along a light jacket or coat, just in case.