Non-Disney Vacation -TN, Pigeon Forge and area

[khertz]

We stayed at that resort a couple years ago, and loved it! The waterpark was a lot of fun. We did the Dixie Stampede show and had a great time. My DH had done it before as a kid, but it was a first for me and DS (2 at the time) and we all enjoyed it. We went horseback riding at Walden Creek Stables, which was a lot of fun as well. DS was too little for a lot of the museums and stuff at the time, but it sounds like your kids are at the right age for them! Cade's Cove was nice, but I'm a sucker for historical buildings so I loved it.

We had great meals at Old Mill, the Apple Barn, and Mama's Farmhouse.

 

[Lady V]

I live here in Sevierville and there is a lot to do! The resort you are staying at is actually not on the parkway at all. It is about 5 miles from the parkway. The resort is really nice-I have both stayed there and worked for them. Be prepared for a hard sales pitch. When you check in they will invite you to a meal for free. (it's a 2 hour sales pitch-there is a special department exclusively marketing to guests that book discounted vacations) Dixie Stampede is a great show! Dollywood actually isn't really known for thrill coasters so I would think your little ones would really enjoy it. There is a kids section and lots of great shops, shows, and food! The Old Mill is amazing. If you get there, and are SEATED, before 4 you can get the lunch menu pricing. Titanic is breathtaking! If you decide to do Titanic you can prepay online and get your boarding passes (this is the time you get to enter). They only let a certain amount in at any given time so a pre-booked timed is awesome so you don't have to leave and come back.