Will I be disapppointed in Dollywood/Pigeon Forge?

[ADisneyQueen]

We are thinking of going there this summer, but other places have been a let down for us after Disney. I know we would like the smokey mountains, but what about Dollywood and the water park and the other stuff there? It's a long drive and expensive, so it has to be worth it.

 

[rie'smom]

We enjoyed enjoyed it. There are tons of things to do in that area. Walking down the main st. in Gatlinburg is fun because there are so many cute shops. There's an outlet mall. You can fish. For us one of the great things is the beautiful scenery.
It isn't Disney so don't go expecting it but the better thing is it's real not fantasy.

 

[ChristmasElf]

We are thinking of going there this summer, but other places have been a let down for us after Disney. I know we would like the smokey mountains, but what about Dollywood and the water park and the other stuff there? It's a long drive and expensive, so it has to be worth it.

You will LOVE Dollywood! Of course it's not as big as Disneyworld, but they have great shows that vary depending on what time of year you go. The Festival of Nations is running now. The Christmas shows are fantastic! The lights are amazing too. The water park at Dollywood is only open during certain months-so check before you go. (by the way, the food at Dollywood is all pretty good and the prices are reasonable) (compared to the crap you find at Disney at outragious prices)
We live less than 10 minutes from WDW and our kids still LOVE it when I tell them were headin' to Tennessee.
There are a lot of great restaurants on the Parkway. Applewood Farmhouse and the Old Mill are a couple that we never miss.
Check out the Christmas Place store and the Christmas Hotel across the street.
Gatlinburg has a lot to do as well. Tubing on the river and the White Water Rapids are fun too.

 

[Rora]

I've never been but I heard Dollywood is really a lot of fun!!!

I'd go!

 

[Minnie's Pal]

Although I do love the area, I was slightly disappointed in Dollywood.

At that time (not sure now) the park layout was like the end of a pitchfork. So you would get to a certain point and have to backtrack to go to the next part. (That may be different now - not sure) The shows were not frequent enough and the main attraction at that time (Timber Tower - advertised on all of the billboards around) was broken.

That's not to say that you shouldn't try it. Our family did have fun and we did get to see Dolly Parton in the afternoon parade (she happened to be there that day.) It just, for me, didn't live up to the expectations. Next time we vacation in that area, we won't make Dollywood a priority.

Can't speak for the waterpark - we didn't try it.

Our favorite attraction in that area was Black Bear Jamboree - it was AWESOME!

 

[Lucky'sMom]

We've gone a couple of times, and my kids really enjoy it. Stay in a log cabin rental if you can, it really makes the trip. We like the location of Alpine Mountain Village in Pigeon Forge, available through Cabin Fever Vacations. Definitely see the shows, they are lots of fun. We like the Hoot-n-Hollar (written by the person who wrote the Hoop-De-Doo!), Dixie Stampede, Comedy Barn and the Magic show (I think the magician we saw moved to the Wonderworks bldg). My husband enjoys how this vacation is more layed back than our WDW trips. We can get up when we feel like it (except for our Dollywood day, rope drop of course!), take the day at a slower pace and shop, visit the mountains, etc., and then we see a show most evenings. I will second the Applewood Farms (what was the name?) in Sevierville and the Old Mill restaurants. The Log Cabin Pancake House is great too, so many different pancake flavors/toppings. You will enjoy this trip as long as you don't compare it to Disney. It isn't Disney, but you can have fun here too!

 

[ICF]

If you go in expecting to be disappointed or expecting Disney-level stuff, I am sure you will be disappointed.

If you go expecting to have fun and see new things, then I'm sure you'll have a blast.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

We go to Gatlinburg almost every year, have gone over 30 times. It's been awhile since we went to Dollywood, but it was a nice amusement park. More relaxed than Disney, but still had a few thrill rides. It is difficult to walk in Pigeon Forge as it is so spread out. Gatlinburg is more for walking around town. The kids should have fun in either place.

Eating can be expensive, not as bad as WDW but a close second. There are fast food places if you don't to go to restaurants. Pigeon Forge does not have many places that serve alcohol.

 

[stevenpensacola]

...i just wish there was somebody in Gatlinburg that sold t-shirts and pancakes...

 

[Robinrs]

I loved Dollywood, and I've been disappointed in A LOT of places, including Animal Kingdom, 6 Flags and Busch Gardens!

 

[memster]

I've always wanted to go there, maybe one day.