Diane

Travelling through Pigeon Forge on our way to
South Carolina in April and only have time for either Dollywood or Dixie Stampede. We will be taking our 17 year old daughter. Any recommendations as to which you think we would enjoy the most?
Thanks,
Diane

Marie

Dear Diane, Dollywood may not be open in April. I believe it opens the end of April, or beginning of May. Dixie Stampede is really just a place to eat, with entertainment provided. Takes about two hours, including eating. Given a choice if I only had a couple of hours I'd choose Dollywood. Enjoy. Marie

Karl

Been to both. Just keep driving and enjoy the extra hours you'll have in South Carolina.

angie

Went to dollywood about 10 years ago and have never been to dixie Stampede. I do however go to the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge area almost everyother year in the fall for the turning of the leaves. There are many BETTER things to do in the area than these two choices. I wouldn't keep driving but i wouldn't stop for these either. Try Ober Gatlinburg very fun, also in the Smoky Mtn area about 30 min from Pigeon Forge is Cherokee, North Carolina with an interesting Indian Reservation to visit and a little toen with some attractions and shopping such as antiques good for a few hours of pleasure. Have fun.

Diane

Thanks for the responses. Yes, Dollywood will be open in April but on a limited schedule. Sounds like there's not too many fans of Pigeon Forge out there. We'll be traveling from Ohio so,
after 8 hours of driving, we'll be ready to take a break. Thanks again, Diane

Cathy

Personally I love Gatlinburg..Pigeon Forge is just too commercial for me...so would drive through Pigeon Forge and stay in a hotel right in town in Gatlinburg where you can walk to rest. or shops. Have been there numerous times and it is one of my favorite places in the world to be - but that is just personal preference....the drive through Cades Cove is neat..I do like the Dixie Stampede in PF but it is just a rest. with a good show like she said...very expensive, though...food was great - you eat with your fingers. My kids had a really good time at Dollywood.
There is another place in N.C. called Biltmore Castle which they say is awesome but takes 1/2 day to go through it...that is one of the places on my list..it is in Asheville, NC - I am sure you can look up its website...

Jeannie

Diane, from reading this forum for the past two years, my conclusion is that the posters don't like Pigeon Forge, Gatlinnburg, o Branson, MO. I think this forum attracts a different "clientel" so to speak. That having been said, I loved the Dixie Stampede. It is fun. I think there is also a Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach, SC. There are also lots of shopping outlets in Pigeon Forge. Have fun, whatever you choose.

stan

One dayin dollywood worth checking out

Diane

Thanks for the feedback. Has anyone taken the trolley from PF to Gatlinburg?
I'm thinking we could spend most of the day at Dollywood, rest up at the hotel for a couple of hours, then take the trolley to Gatlinburg for dinner. Would this work or is it too far?
Diane

Sheila

Sometimes you have to wait forever for a trolley and during that time of year it would probably be just as easy to drive over to Gatlinburg. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes when the traffic is not bad. Dollywood has about 6 or 7 music shows from country to gospel to rock and roll. It is fun just to walk around and catch some of the shows. They have a fun simulated ride in the fifties area. The Dixie Stampede has a western theme and my family enjoyed it. You could spend the day at Dollywood and then have your dinner at Dixie Stampede. I think she would enjoy both. We go to that area about once a year. We love driving out to Cade's Cove to watch the wildlife and we almost always see bears. Hope you have fun.

Cathy

When we were in Gatlinburg at a hotel for a few days my daughter and her friend took the trolley from there to Dollywood and had no problems...I am not sure if there is a limited schedule for them to run during that time of year, though...we have always driven but depending on the time of day it might be 10 mins. or 30 mins...would not imagine that you would hit much traffic in April, though. But to avoid having to find a place to park you might want to take the trolley...
We are going to be there again in April also - they are running some specials and so are staying the 12th, 13th and 14th of April...$182.25 total at a two bedroom condo...can't verify what they are like but for that price and what little time we will be in our condo it is a great deal. They are within walking distance of downtown Gatlinburg.

Kathy

Hi! I live in South Carolina and we have a place in the mountains so I go to Pigeon Forge regularly. I like it very much and prefer Dollywood over Dixie Stampede. The suggestion from a poster about Biltmore House in Ashville, N C, is an excellent one. This is something you and your entire family would enjoy and would give you a nice break. We never tire of going there.

Diane

Cathy,that IS a great deal for a 2 bedroom condo! Can I ask the name of the condos? We will be there on April 12 & 13 and have made reservations at the Best Western Toni Inn but we can always change it.

Thanks, everyone, for the great feedback!
Diane

Cathy

Diane,
I would be happy to send you the info on the condos in Gatlinburg...there are two of them that Gatlinburg Condo Management Company operate..one is the Chateau and the other is the Towers...
I can't verify what either are like since I have not stayed there myself but for the price we could not pass it up..we live in Ky so are only 4-5 hours away from there. I emailed to get info from the Chamber of Commerce a few months ago and got on his mailing list so he sends me email specials and updates on stuff.. When I emailed he said that it would be at either of those places but they would fill the Chateau up first for some reason...the phone number is 1-800-874-0233 and you ask for their 3 for 1 special - the mans name that I emailed is Bill Parton and he is the manager I guess...
They have a website www.gcmngt.com
I used my email address this time so you can email me at home if you would like any more info...

Cheryl

Dollywood is an amusement park for both adults and children. The park varies from many shows to various rides. This can be an all day event vs Dixie Stampede is a dinner show (which provides no utensils). Of course that is part of the fun (depending on your 17 yr old). I would recommed Dollywood for Value. As for hotels- book in advance. I recommend the Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express.

carolyn

We sometimes rent a house for a large family get together in the mountains at Pigeon Forge. We like to eat at the Old Mill restaurant. The chicken salad-fruit plate is excellent and so is the creme brulee.

X

Dolly was on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night. Dollywood opens in April. Don't rememember the date. They've got another big deal opening in May - I think she said it was a waterpark. And I think it opens the weekend before Memorial Day.

Diane

Thanks everyone--this has been a great help!

Lenore

Diane- We have been to both Dollywood and the Stampede with our daughter about the same age. My suggestion would be Dollywood - much to do there also rides for your daughter. If you arrive after 3pm at the park, the next day is free to the family. The park is open April but every other day - check on the internet for specific days. Happy travels