Dollywood is a major reason to visit Pigeon Forge, TN. Dollywood is hardly ‘just another theme park.’ When I think of theme parks, I think of crazy kids (Especially under-dressed teenagers), rude college-break employees, and expensive french fries. Dollywood is ANYthing but normal in that sense.
Dollywood takes a totally different approach to their theme park: From the beautiful large trees, classic store fronts, and home-made treats – Dollywood had me in awe the entire day.
I went on as many roller coasters as I could that day – and rode Dollywoods new ‘winged’ roller coaster – the Wild Eagle, and by far the best wooden coaster I’ve ever ridden, Thunderhead – it gets up to 55mph, and doesn’t throw your head around so much that you get a super-headache. I also loved the Mystery Mine roller coaster – which has an 85 foot vertical drop – and lots of hairpin turns to keep you screaming. 
But I think the thing that blew me away the most was the variety of shops and the employees. Shops like Woodworking, blacksmith, and glassblowing – home made breads and food that was good southern, home-cookin. The employees were SO friendly. I have never before seen so many people happy about their job, and being so outwardly helpful to the customers!
We ate at a great spot – enjoying pork, beef, mashed potatoes, beans, coleslaw, and collard greens. I’ve never before had collard greens, so I was a little nervous to try them –but I ate them all up!
We learned about the care that Dollywood uses in taking care of people with special food needs – and how they really go out of their way to help them eat well while they’re at Dollywood. So generous.
I got to ride the Dollywood steam train as well – which was probably one of my favorite things I did at Dollywood that day! I took a video of the steam engine playing a song for us:
After the day was done, I was certainly ready for a nap – but I left with awesome memories of a really fun day with friends. I’m definitely looking forward to returning to Pigeon forge with my family so we can spend days enjoying the parks and activities that Dollywood and Pigeon Forge offers!
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Dixie Stampede
We also visited Dixie Stampede during this trip for a dinner show. And boy – I was totally in for a surprise! I had no idea what to expect when I got there (so much for me paying attention to what we were doing on Brandcation!).
I loved the costumes that the wait staff had – so beautiful!
We sat in the main waiting area, where we had some (NA) beverages, and enjoyed some Bluegrass music performed by these guys: They were SO funny.
Then we went in for dinner. I guess I missed the warning about bringing silverware with me – because everything is eaten by hand, and delivered quickly across rows – it’s quite entertaining to watch! – and the food was absolutely delicious. One of my favorite meals of the whole trip.
We were even lucky enough to get some creamy vegetable soup and a color-changing Dixie Stampede mug to take home with us – I can’t hardly wait to cook it up. YuM!
The show was great: Very fun to watch. I loved how they got the audience, especially the younger audience involved in playing some of the games.
A special thanks again goes out to Carpet One for sponsoring this trip for me, making this trip possible! Check out their great selection of flooring products at www.carpetone.com.
Dollywood Provided the tickets for the theme park as well as Dixie Stampede free of charge in hopes that I would write about the fun times that I had. I definitely was impressed and would highly recommend your family visit both locations.
that food looks yummy looks like fun!
I WOULD LOVE TO GO THERE. I LOVE THE CIRCUS AND THE WOODEN SPOONS, LOOKS LIKE SO MUCH FUN:)
I Wish I was so close I would get in the car so fast,Food looks good,company looks friendly,and they are having so much fun.hope i will be able to go some day.
The shops sound interesting, and that plate of food looks scrumptious! I have to convince hubby for next years road trip that’s where I want to go
One day I hope to take everyone and visit Dollywood. Your photos are great and I wish I was there! Love Dolly Parton
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Wow, you did a great job on Dollywood! The food looks amazing, I didn’t realize they had all that shopping, and unique shops, and it just looks like a really fun and fabulous place to visit, thank you for the great review!! Now I want to go and visit Dollywood!!! Like right now…. LOL
oh my word haha. I like the spoons and the train ride. I have never been to that part of the “South”, but it looks a lot more inviting than the West coast.
we are planning to take my mom to dollywood looks like fun
Thank you for all the great information about Dollywood. I have always wondered what it is like there and you have made me want to go! The shops and food sound wonderful and our little grandchildren would love the train!
Do you live near Dollywood? I live about 3 hours away, we just went about a month ago me & my best friends took our grandbabies, we had a great time.
I’ve been by there but haven’t made it there yet. Dolly also has books she will send to the kids for free each month. Awesome!
I can’t wait to take my little one to Dollywood, we only live about 45 mins away and have heard it is great for younger children. We have never been to a show up there though, I think it is worth considering though!
Lookd like do much fun.
I would love to go to Dollywood because it looks like so much fun! I really liked the meal that you ordered! It looked delicious! I have heard that this is a really fun place to go! Maybe someday I will make it there!
I have always wanted to go-my family and I are such big Dolly Parton fans-we watch ‘A Smoky Mountain Christmas” every year, around this time!
Hi Amy,
My name is Jane and I’m with Dwellable.
I was looking for blog posts about the Pigeon Forge to share on our site and I came across your post…If you’re open to it, shoot me an email at jane(at)dwellable(dot)com.
Hope to hear from you 🙂
Jane
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