Who knew choking each other would earn us fastpasses?

[mickeystoontown]

I think if they go with those themed rooms (which are neat looking, but not for me), they will be at the moderates.

I thought you had decided on Pop?

The first thing I thought when they said Haunted Mansions was Port Orleans since the movie is supposed to be based there.

I thought I had decided on Pop too but then somehow I saw pictures of All Stars Music. John thought it looked nice and Hunter loved it since he's a music nut.

 

[shelbys mommy]

The first thing I thought when they said Haunted Mansions was Port Orleans since the movie is supposed to be based there.

I thought I had decided on Pop too but then somehow I saw pictures of All Stars Music. John thought it looked nice and Hunter loved it since he's a music nut.

All Star Music was really nice. We loved it.

 

[3LittlePirates]

We have stayed at every value resort except for All-Star Music. Our favorite so far has been All-Star Sports (wouldnt you know it...I do have 3 boys..LOL!). We really like All-Star Sports becuase the rooms had been redone and they were really nice. The dining area at the Sports resort was really small, but was ok with us because we only ate 1 or 2 meals there. Pop is our next favorite, and they by far have the best food court!! I have heard that Pop is in the process of remodeling all the rooms...if we stayed in a remodled room at Pop..I am sure that that would be our top choice for a value resort! We are staying at Pop in December..so hopefully we will get a remodled room!! Hopefully this helps some...or maybe I just confused ya even more..LOL!!

 

[kaileighbug]

We've stayed at both pop and ASMu. ASMu was in December and we stayed in the family suite and it was very nice. They had activities for the kids at the pool. They played wii games and watched movies. We stayed at pop in july and it was very clean and had a refurbed room. We are looking to go back in July and I am looking at ASMu for this trip as I will have my 14 yr old(15 for trip) with me and the stuff at the pool will help with entertainment at night because I also have a 5 yr old (6 for trip). I was looking at CBR for our next trip but its not in our budget right now. We could stay but that would mean a shorter trip. I would rather have more time at Disney.

 

[mickeystoontown]

When I left off on my Georgia/North Carolina/Tennesse trip report, we had just traveled through the Smoky Mountain National Park and were on the lookout for the turn to go to Dollywood. It was one of the first highways on the right and we soon saw this sign:

Just a few more minutes' drive and we were pulling into the Dollywood parking lot. Here's their parking fee booth thingies:

Notice how cheap their parking is compared to Disney's. We paid our parking fee and followed the other cars in front of us because we had no idea where we were going. There were two attendants working the entire parking lot. One waved us down to another attendant who waved us back up a lane to park. It was really odd because they made us drive to the middle of the parking lot and then turn back to the left and drive to the left of the parking lot. Okay, so that may not have made sense to you but it did to me and, believe, me, it was odd....actually dumb.

We all got out and started looking for a way to tell where we were parked. I am so used to parking at Disney having some kind of lane numbers and signs. I didn't see any for the area we were parked in. We walked towards what we thought was the tram stop and that's where we saw we were at section D&E. But, there were no lane numbers so I guess you just have to remember where you parked or go wandering around the parking lot for your vehicle.

A tram pulled up right before we got to the tram stop and there was plenty of room for us to get on. The Dollywood trams only open on the right hand side. That means you have to walk in front of the tram in order to get on. There were a couple of cars driving by and they both came pretty darn close to all of us getting on. I don't know if that was unusual or the norm.

Soon, we were off and on our way to the front gate. The castmember (do they call them castmembers at Dollywood?) on the back car gave us all the information on the park times and things to visit at the park. We were dropped off at the front gate where we found our way to the ticket booth. We were all purchasing one day tickets.

I took these pictures walking into the park:

As we made our way a little further into the park, we saw all sorts of really cute flower pot animals and creatures:

The first section of the park that we came to had the Journey to the Center of the Earth and Dolly's bus in it as well as other stuff. We felt a few drops of rain on us and we hoped that's all it would rain for the day. We got in line to see Dolly's tour bus along with about two or three dozen other folks. There were more and more drops or rain and somebody came out and said the bus tour would close if it rained any more. We all looked at each other and said "let's do Journey to the Center of the Earth".

We entered the building and there weren't very many guests in front of us. It wasn't long before we were walking up the steps to the theater entrance. That's when John and Hunter realized they didn't get 3D glasses. What? Didn't they see us twirling our 3D glasses? Hunter wiggled his way through the line, got two pair of glasses and wiggled his way back. Thank goodness it wasn't too terribly busy.

We were shown into a pre-show room that had, of all things, two Disney posters hanging on the walls. I tried my very very best not to compare Dollywood to Disney World but it sure was hard. The screen in the pre-show said "Video loading" on it for several minutes and then I guess somebody thought to push Play and the video started showing. It was, basically, the trailer for the movie "Journey to the Center of the Earth". Once we saw the trailer, we were let into the theater.

Since we were a party of 5 and the vehicles only sat 4, we split up. Mama, Lacey and I sat in one. John and Hunter sat in another. The castmember walked around and made sure everybody was strapped in. I looked behind me and the entire section behind us was empty. Hopefully, the crowds would stay that way. The lights dimmed and the 3D film began. And, so did the jerking! Our ride vehicle jerked a lot! Think Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom! It hurt my back like the dickens so I leaned forward a bit so I wouldn't keep bumping my back. Once I did that, the attraction was cool. I did worry a little bit about Mama being knocked around but, when the ride stopped, I asked her how she was and she said okay.

We left the Journey building and decided to just skip Dolly's tour bus. When we were looking at the park map, Mama said she would do the zipline which Lacey thought was the funniest thing ever. She laughed all day long about that. I told Mama that I thought there was an extra charge for the zipline. She said if it wasn't too much, she'd do it. Our goal for the day was to tour the park as we made our way to where the zipline was.

***Gosh darn it! It's taken me about 2 hours just to type up this little bit. I've been answering the phone and making copies in between typing. Now, I've got to go pull some files.

 

[teedee]

Happy (early) Anniversary to you and John. People say getting married young is a mistake, but I've always been glad I did. And it's definitely worked for you and John as well. Sadly I lost my husband at a young age and if we hadn't married so young, I was also 18, we wouldn't have had the time together we did.

I loved the Dollywood update, you're right, it's hard not to compare it to Disney.

I've stayed at All Star Music and Sports and was happy with both. I'm curious about how Pop is going to compare next month. I got my wonderful blue envelope today, it sure makes the trip seem more real to me!

Terri

 

[KatMark]

Enjoyed the Dollywood update. Congratulations to you and John on your anniversary (you are still a baby!). Hope you get to go away for the weekend.

 

[jusero]

We looked around in the store a little but didn't find anything that caught our eye. Hunter's at the age where the majority of the toys are too kiddie for him. I remember when he was younger though. We had to buy a ball from every store we went in. I'm glad those days are over.

Wait! What? I remember when my DH was younger and we had to buy him a ball from every store. But, he was 60! And the only reason we don't buy them anymore is because they don't sell them anymore.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey! Lisa
so sorry I have been very MIA!

Hope your summer has been a full and fun one! can't wait to catch up!
I have a lot of catching up to do...I just checked out what page you were on and cringed but, decided to see if you started a table of content
Thank you! Thank You!
I should be able to catch up in no time, now...I was so excited to see...so I hope you don't mind if I skip some of the chatter to catch up with you guys...and I'll be back in a day or two once I catch up

Connie

 

[jusero]

Congrats on Lacey's graduation, engagement and moving home. I am also planning a wedding with my daughter and we are going to her first dress appointment on Friday.

I think it would be a lot of fun if you started a TR about your wedding planning experiences.

You know, during your "stopping making me laugh" TR, I had a feeling Lacey was very close to an engagement. Every time you wrote that she went down to the water to "check in on her peeps," I thought "this girl is in love."

So happy for her and Jesse ... and all of you.

 

[Angies1274]

Great pictures of the Smoky Mountains! And I have enjoyed reading about Dollywood! But, I definitely agree about how hard it is not to compare it to Disney. We went to a theme park this summer and although I tried not to I was constantly comparing the two. There is just nothing like Disney.

Oh and Happy Anniversary to you and John! 26 years...that's wonderful!! DH and I are celebrating our 15th this Thursday. I don't know where the time has gone!

I'm anxious to hear where you decide to stay next year. We've always thought about All Star Music...but the boys (and us too) enjoy Pop too much! I have read that they play movies by the pool at night at ASMu.That would be really cool!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

First....Happy Anniversary.

I am convinced that Disney ruins you for other theme parks. We went to a small one this summer (just close to home) and spent the day comparing. It was our joke..."we are SO not at Disney!" No fastpasses, employees who don't care, horrible landscaping (ie: giant thorns growing out from behind the benches where you are supposed to sit), having to figure out how to get your whole party on the same roller coaster train without help....UGH! Spoiled, I tell you!

Can't wait to see if Mama goes on the Zipline! Good for her!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Hey Lisa!
back again...I am all caught up on the links in your first post...Thanks! that was a great help...I will need to go back and find where you start your Dollywood post but that will be super easy now! I was able to get caught up with while waiting for Chloe this morning--I think I going to try and start doing my dissing while waiting for her. I want to start back up with their lessons this week so I need to organize my time a little better than I have been doing...

Great picture of the Dis meet...you need to photoshop you guys into it! and it will be a perfect shot!

sounds like a great day at Epcot and what fun to keep running into to Dana and family!

on to Lacey's graduation: I hate driving and riding in the rain so I feel for you! I have never driven in Atlanta (my sister lives just north of there) but my dad said he prefers to drive out of his way a little further north almost to TN and drive in the back way just to stay off the roads there. So, again I am happy to read you guys made it through safely. Helen is a beautiful little town! and I love seeing all the tubers on the river...how fun! Lacey and Jessie look great and Hunter is so sweet you can see how happy he is to see her.

Looking forward to keeping up and hearing about Dollywood...we love Dollywood; no, its not Disney...but my kids have always loved visiting in fact Danny and I were talking about the need to go back soon. So, I need to see where I can fit that one in along with Dayne's schedule (I know he will want to join us) if and when we do go.

Have a great day! and a very wonderful anniversary to you and John!!!

Oh! and I noticed you ticker...the PoP! we loved it there; we have stayed so far at POFQ, ASSp, and PoP...we loved POFQ and PoP. ASSp was very nice but loved having the bus system all to the PoP and not having to share with the other resorts! and the themeing was just so Disney...looooved it!
can't wait to hear what you guys decide...
Connie

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

I just joined and am so happy to see so many members from Louisiana! I loved seeing your location, bc I grew up in Paradis/DesAllemands! Looking forward to reading more!

 

[francis6306]

Yay wedding in Georgia!!! MAYBE I'm happy, since *I* got married in Georgia. I know some good photographers that are affordable if you need any suggestions. Big Lots is also a good place to look for wedding stuff... you can get cheap decorative things there... Oh, has she seen the unity candle replacement thing with the sand??? Since she's thinking of a "beach theme" that might be pretty cool. If you don't know about, but the pastor will take white sand and pouring it into a vase as a base (Representing God as the foundation of your marriage) then each of them having a color of sand to represent them, then then the pastor and the couple all pouring their sand in the vase together. Now the vase is full and you can't separate the sand, just like you can't separate a man and woman in a marriage- they are one. Its really awesome. Then, you take a white candle and melt down wax to seal the top of the vase.

Okay... sorry for the hijack! I can't wait to see if Mama did the Zipline! And what is your boss thinking?? Doesn't he know your public is WAITING!!?!?!?!! ?

 

[aprilisis]

Oh and I forgot to mention that I am starting a new business.......DisneyDesigns. I've sold items on ebay for years and years. I thought why not combine my love for Disney and love for crafting/sewing? So, I'm going to start selling Disney themed items....aprons, totes, drawstring backpacks, shopping cart covers, etc. It'll take me a little while to get the items made and ready for sale. Like I've always said.....a extra dollar made is another dollar I have to put towards my Disney vacation.

Don't forget to give us a link to DisneyDesigns! Are you going to create a "store" within Ebay or are you going to set up your own online store?

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!

I would definitely read a blog about Lacey's wedding plans.

Did Mama really do the zipline?!?!??!

 

[Believeinfairytales]

I am enjoying your Dollywood update so far. I don't think we did Journey to the Center of the Earth when we were there. We'll have to look into that next time... and remember to lean up, too!

You didn't miss much on the tour bus. It is neat to look at, but not the end of the world if you had to skip it. Much more fun things to do!

I know what you mean about comparing Disney to Dollywood. There is no comparison, but we always have a good time there because it is usually slower paced and a lot less crowded. Still no Disney, though!

Can't wait for more!

 

[Believeinfairytales]

Oh, and happy anniversary!

And one more thing: I can't wait to see what you put for sale on Ebay. I love Disney themed stuff!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I don't have the Dollywood park map with me so I am unsure what certain "sections" of the park we were in. I have my pictures in order though so I know where we went next.

I took pictures as we walked:

The hanging baskets were just as pretty as the ones hanging in Disney World.

Instead of topiaries, there are lots of sculptures throughout the park. Like this one:

We looked up and saw this cute little guy/girl on a zipline:

About this time, I had to take a pee break (as usual) and, conveniently, there was one right there. Again, I guess I am comparing Dollywood to Disney but the bathroom was definitely not kept up as well as the ones at Disney. There was trash on the floor and it had a funky smell to it. When we came out, John said that the men's bathroom was extremely nasty. I won't go into the details but let's just say there was "stuff" all over the walls and floor. Which reminds me, I was going to shoot an email or note to Dollywood letting them know about that but I forgot.

We continued on with Lacey being the official "map reader" leading the way:

There was a guy who had a table set up and he was selling "canjos" and "can guitars". They looked so simple to make. They were cans attached to the bottom of what looked like a yardstick. He had strings on them like a banjo or guitar. Both Lacey and Hunter wanted one but, if I am remembering correctly, the cheapest one was about $25.00. None of us could see paying that for something we could possibly make:

A store with bright flags and metal sculptures caught our eye so we went in to have a look around. Just outside the door, there was this t-shirt. I loved it:

Inside the store was a waterwheel which I thought was neat:

There were some really pretty things in the store but there were also some extremely gaudy things too. I found a clearance shelf and almost bought a beautiful platter but decided I'd come back later if I really wanted it. Apparently, I really didn't want it because I didn't go back.

The next thing we came upon was a replica of Dolly's childhood home:

We had heard the train since we had gotten to the park and we knew that we wanted to try and find it. The official map reader found the depot so we headed that way. We had to wait a little while before they would let us get on. Once we did, we were glad to sit down in a bit of shade:

Periodicially, they would make announcements that this was a something or other (ooops, I forgot what it burned) burning train and that you would get cinders and soot on you but it wasn't anything that wouldn't come out in the wash. However, if you got a cinder in your eye, you needed to immediately go to a First Aid station and they would remove it for you.

They also said that someone would be coming by the railcars selling refreshments. I don't know where that person was because he/she never made it to our car.

I was sitting on the right hand side of the train and had a good view of the engine. You can see how much black smoke was coming out:

Soon, we were chugging our way up the mountain and being covered in little flecks of soot and cinders. The view wasn't anything spectacular but it was a nice ride nevertheless:

***I need to stop here. I have a client who is supposed to be here at 11:30. I hope to post more this afternoon.

 

[dismagiclover]

Very interesting to see these details of Dollywood. Can you imagine raising 10 kids in a cabin that side? I'm sure they all spent plenty of time outside!