We are thinking of going to Pigeon Forge, yes Dollywood, just before Christmas. My 6 yr old loves Branson & we thought it would be similar, but still a change. I have questions about:
1. Hotels, don't want to fork out $300 for a cabin on this trip. Can anyone comment on the Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn or Laurel Crest Resort. I would like to have a King suite, possibly w/ seperate sitting room w/pullout couch.
2. Activities: Is Dollywood worth visiting in the winter, or is everything closed except the shops? Also interested in snow skiing, How is Ober Gatlinberg(sp), or other ski areas that are close by; and will there be enough snow to ski? Are there music venues? What else is interesting to do locally? How long does it take to get to Ashville, NC from Pigeon Forge?
3. Will it be extremely crowded, (just like to be prepared)?
Thanks for the help!
Need help w/Pigeon Forge at Christmas
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Wow, ski4me, have not seen your post before now and can't comment on all of your questions, but can on some.
1. If you are going after Thanksgiving and before December 19th, you should get a hotel for a really reasonable rate. The Holiday Inn Express is fine as is the Holiday Inn. I have stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites (not on the river..other side of road) and had a 1 br suite that was very large and the separate areas were great. We own timeshare at Laurel Crest and the rates go up drastically on weekends and during Christmas and New Years. Go go bluegreenrentals.com and check out their rates. If you do stay there, be sure to get a 1 BR Deluxe villa, 1 BR Suite or a 2 BR townhouse......do not get the 1 BR standard villa...you will no be comfortable in it. About the only time I stay in the standard side is when we are being nice to guests are letting them have the deluxe side. We have also stayed at The Ramada Inn(which recently came up on priceline) and it was nice and clean and breakfast was included. If you are going on a Sunday or during the week, you can go without a reservation and there are tons of vacancies.
2. I love Dollywood any season and my 6 year old and 5 year old granddaughters love it also. But, during Christmas it is very crowded and not sure many rides are open. They have some great shows during the holidays (the main one you have to get tickets for as soon as you get there)-but it is included in the admission price. The lights are magnificent and there is a parade every night at nightfall that's really cool. Dont know about skiing, but Ober Gatlinburg is cool..ride the tram up there. The music venues are also very good. Our entire family loves Country Tonite, Black Bear Jamboree and The Comedy Barn. Black Bear Jamboree is a dinner show..and run by the same group that runs the Comedy Barn which is hilarious. If you do stay at Laurel Crest, the people at the activities desk will help you with tickets to the shows. Another thing you might want to do is take the trolley tour of lights. That way, you can see the lights and enjoy them instead of just driving. In Gatlinburg, they also have a hayride which is pretty cool..and they have a trolley light tour also..Gatlinburg has a great aquarium and other Ripley's attractions. Asheville to Pigeon Forge is about an hour.
3. Extremely crowded..Depends on when you go. I usually go up the weekend before Christmas and stay until mid week and it is not crowded then. Lots of great shopping.
Have fun.