marlfox_21 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 We are making our 1st visit ever to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge. We will spend a day at the park, and 2 days in the immediate area. For those of you who have been there, what should I absolutely not miss in Dollywood, and what would you recommend for the surrounding area as well? Any input would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkiboy Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 As A second Year Season pass holder to Dollywood DO NOT MISS THE SHOWS they are nothing but A++++ As far as the coasters Thunderhead is a really good GCI. You dont want to miss the new Adventure Mountain I tried it when I went back in March. Also the park has really good food If you plan on going more than once I recomend gettign a Season pass its only 10 more bucks than a Reg ticket. Have fun Ride the train for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOPGUN1993 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Daredevil Falls is one of my favorite flumes. And you hardly get wet (which I like) I was let down with Thunderhead, the train, and esp Mountain Slidewinder. But try them out and see how you like them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DropZone99 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 ^I was also very let down by Thunderhead, and Tennessee Tornado. But Mystery Mine is amazing! Blazing Fury was alot better than I expected. Sadly thats all we got to ride when I was there because I had school the next day and the park was packed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Good reasons to ride everything and see what you like: - I loved Thunderhead and Tennessee Tornado - I was not a big fan of Mystery Mine - Make sure you see a couple of shows In the surrounding area, for Go-Carts - hit The Track, the Aquarium is very good, and we enjoyed Ober Gatlinburg as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast1979 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 ^I was also very let down by Thunderhead, and Tennessee Tornado. ....... Be sure to focus on more then the roller coasters. The park has a level of detail where it has a friendly, inviting nature, and still manages to satisfy an entire days' worth. Eat at a restaurant, go shopping, see a show. Also, don't miss Blazing Fury. That is one helluva dark ride! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordSkippy Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 Blazing Fury is a great ride. One of my favorite dark rides. Try not to miss it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI Kevin Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I haven't been to Dollywood but I've been to Pigeon Forge a couple times. GO KARTS! For Go Karts I like the Adventure Raceway/ Adventure Track or something like that. It's a large helix up then a bunny hill at the top, then a helix down. Also, I really liked WonderWorks. If you're going with your family you really can't miss it. There is some truly awesome stuff there, and even a few flat rides. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 The Log Cabin Pancake House, right outside the park, just south on the main highway, is not to be missed. I, for one, like it much better than the much more famous Old Mill. Calhoun's, in Gatlinburg, has great barbecue. Avoid Bennett's and Corky's, unless you want to be sorely disappointed... The cinnamon bread at the grist mill in the park is not to be missed. The train is fantastic. Blazing Fury, as has been said, is not to be missed. Enjoy your time at Dollywood.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 I too was not too fond of Mystery Mine. But I absolutely love Thunderhead! Note if you are planning on riding the train that it is not like Kings Island`s train with departures every five minutes or so. The Dollywood trains leave at specific times, like every hour on the hour, or at half past the hour. Its not a big deal, but just something to be aware of when visiting the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DropZone99 Posted May 13, 2010 Share Posted May 13, 2010 ^I was also very let down by Thunderhead, and Tennessee Tornado. ....... Be sure to focus on more then the roller coasters. The park has a level of detail where it has a friendly, inviting nature, and still manages to satisfy an entire days' worth. Eat at a restaurant, go shopping, see a show. Also, don't miss Blazing Fury. That is one helluva dark ride! Oh yes, I know. But we only could be there for about four hours and the park was PACKED (full queue+ over flow for everything). It was either get our credits and as we walk from each coaster, try to take in the atmosphere, or not get our credits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 Calhoun's, in Gatlinburg, has great barbecue. Is there a reason you recommend the Gatlinburg location versus the Pigeon Forge location? Either way (having eaten at both), I'll second Terpy's recommendation here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 I would just like to take a moment to thank everyone who has replied. I've printed out everything! Your responses will be taken seriously, and hopefully somebody out there will read this and provide even more. If I may ask another question to add to my topic, For those of you who have been there, What trails would you recommend at Smoky Mountain National Park? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 All of them! Seriously. And riding up Cade's Cove on a bike is only exceeded by getting to ride down it afterward! As for Calhoun's in Gatlinburg, I love the scenic views, and I have found the service there to be better than in Pigeon Forge...I usually stay in Pigeon Forge, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlfox_21 Posted May 14, 2010 Author Share Posted May 14, 2010 All of them! Seriously. And riding up Cade's Cove on a bike is only exceeded by getting to ride down it afterward! As for Calhoun's in Gatlinburg, I love the scenic views, and I have found the service there to be better than in Pigeon Forge...I usually stay in Pigeon Forge, though. Sounds Great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark6495 Posted May 14, 2010 Share Posted May 14, 2010 I have never been to Dollywood but have been down to Gatlinburg many many many times. The go cart track that was mentioned with the helixes is a great one. Check it out, I too have forgotten the name but its on the main drag. Also check out Hillbilly Golf, http://www.gatlinburg-attractions.com/hillbilly_golf_.html, its a great way to relax in the evening. You ride a lift to the top and play mini golf down the side of the mountain/hill. Its always an enjoyable time, but just dont hit your ball out of bounds or you will literally be stuck on the hill with nothing to do. Any trail in the Smokey Mountains, as terp said, is great. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a wonderful day in the woods. Also, sounds like a dumb thing if you are in the mountains, but bring an extra pair of sandles/water shoes, socks, shorts/swimsuit, shirt, and a towel. A few of the trails have creeks near by that you can climb in, walk in. Awesome, time and have a blast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakota2112 Posted July 3, 2010 Share Posted July 3, 2010 I want to offer kudos to Thunderhead for being one incredibly comfortable wooden coaster (compared to what KI and HW has to offer anyways). My back actually feels MASSAGED after riding that thing - it's more like riding in a cushy easy-chair than it is a roller coaster. And while it doesn't offer much in the way of airtime, it is a very fun ride. And if I'm not too late posting this - don't miss the Alum Cave Bluff trail in the GSMNP. Or Chimney Tops, if you're up for a steep climb. Or the bypass trail to Clingman's Dome, if it isn't in the clouds - you will appreciate the cool air up there. I just got back from the area and my truck said 99 degrees in Pigeon Forge. An hour later up over 5000' it said 63 degrees. Natural air conditioning can't be beat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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