I would agree to this, I have been to both, there is not a whole lot to do in Maggie Valley. I remember going to an amusement park there called Ghost Town in the Sky but if its still in business, it probably isn't open for the winter. i would check out the Ashville scene, or Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg area- they are more geared to tourists if that's what you are looking for. Definitely check out Great Smoky Mtn National Park.
If you don't want to go that far north, try north GA mtns, they may still have snow on the ground, I remember my grandparents taking me to a place called the Dillard house in Dillard, GA- it is a really great family style restaurant and they have cabins, hotel its situated in the north ga mts. Have Fun!!
Shea