Has anyone been here before that can elaborate as to what all there is to do there, besides the rides? Are there shops? How similar or not is it to Disneyworld/land? Tx.

Pigeon Forge has huge numbers of outlet malls as well as a lot of touristy junk stores. If you go in April, the hotels are very affordable (about $29-49/night), but the weather can be iffy. In the summer and especially holiday weekends it is extremely crowded. I would go during the week if possible-arrive on a Sunday or Monday. Check with the tourist board before you go to make sure there are not any special events when you go. Haven't been to Dollywood lately. THe Smoky mountains are beautiful, you can hike and picnic or just drive through. Lots of places to eat-all very affordable. My favorite, although a bit of a tourist trap is the Applewood rest for breakfast. Lots of mini golf and childrens activities. Have fun, it's an excellent place for young kids.

Dollywood is smaller than Disney World. There are several music shows, rides, restaurants, shops and craftsmen. It is a nice place to spend the day especially if you have children.

I don't do rides but I loved Dollywood.

They had plenty of demonstration areas from blacksmithing to glass blowing.

Their eagle area was interesting.

The train ride up the mountain was corny but kinda fun.

Mike Honeycutt

Like you Mike, I don't do the rides, but I thought it would be fun to walk around and enjoy the shops and crafts they have going on. Thank you and thanks to all who responded.

Have not been to Disneyworld, but Dollywood, I think, is on a smaller landbase, and is more compact, so it's easier to navigate. As previous poster notes, there are several craft demonstrations, which are fun to watch if you enjoy such work. My main tidbit of advice is plan for a long car trek from the highway to the park on peak fall weekends when the leaf peepers are out- it took us almost an hour to get from the highway into the parking lot at Dollywood the third weekend in Oct. a couple of years ago. The dollywood.com site has good info on the park.

By the way, they're building a Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede in Orlando right now.

Been there, done that. Pigeon Forge is the gaudiest tourist trap I've ever experienced. There are a few good places to go. For instance, try a meal at the Old Mill Restaurant, it's beautiful, rustic, and the food is great. It's just off the main drag.

Dollywood is OK, it is primarily kid-oriented but it can be fun, especially if you're into rides. The restaurants and shops and very expensive so it's a good idea not to plan a meal there. You will need at least a full day to "do" Dollywood, but you can often get two day passes through your hotel at a discount.

For pure cornpone fun and tacky souvenirs, make a stop at Hill-Billy Village on Pigeon Forge's Parkway...it's has to be seen to be believed.

As for shopping...well, it will be obvious to you long before you hit town...watch for billboards along the way.