Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, TN

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

I can't imagine spending time in Branson without the shows so I guess it is a lot like Gatlinburg except one has the park and the other has the shows.

After your description, I am positive now that we will stay in Knoxville. What does Dollywood have to offer for adults?

Think Silver Dollar City with more modern buildings and more asphalt. The train I thought was interesting as it was a steam locomotive that once ran on the White Pass railway in Alaska vs the normal kiddie park locomotives. It at least had some history and was a HUGE locomotive. There is a Bald Eagle preserve that works on breading, rehbilitation and release of bald eagles into the wild that was interesting. The rides at Dollywood are more adult/teenager appropriate and give the park more an amuesment park edge than theme park edge. Dollywood also has a good selection of shows if you prefer to be indoors watching entertainers rather than out in the sun.

While I found the park interesting I really didn't find it much more unique than any other amuesement/theme park and wouldn't venture to pay the price to get back in unless we had kids with us. Our Silver Dollar City season passes got us in for half price, which was just under $50 for the two of us. I can't imagine paying close t $100 for two adults plus $5 for parking just to go to an amuesement park but that seems to be the going rate anymore.

Personally, I don't care for Gatlinburg but if it's the national park you want to see then Gatlinburg is probably the place you want to stay. As mentioned in the post before mine, the further out you are the more traffic you'll have to contend with to get here. Late May or early June shouldn't be to bad. At least we didn't find the traffic all that bad when we were there but, if you're making a commute of 30 to 45 minutes each day just to get to the park rather than 5 to 10 minutes it would sort of wear on my nerves after a couple of days.

Gatlinburg Town Square was not the greatest resort we've ever stayed in but it was very close to the park and offered very easy access to the park every day we were there. Since the park was the big attraction for us, driving to the outskirts to see anything else was easier than drivng in to see visit a diffferent area of the park every day. There was another brand new resort going up right next to Gatlinburg Town Square. I believe it was called Crown Plaze or Crown Park. It trades through RCI and most of our trades are done through I.I. I have yet to give SFX a try since Interval has done well enough for our wants, needs or desires. SFX should give you access to either one.

Westgates Smokey Mountain resort or Bluegreens Mountain Loft both looked like nice resorts with good locations AWAY from town and more up into the mountains/foot hills. When we do go back those are the two resorts I'll probably attempt to trade into first. They are a little more of a drive to get into the national park but not that much and they are away from the tourist trap strip that is much of Gatlinburg. They should offer a more relaxed stay, slightly away from town but close enough to the park to keep the dirve in traffic to a minimum.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

Think Silver Dollar City with more modern buildings and more asphalt. The train I thought was interesting as it was a steam locomotive that once ran on the White Pass railway in Alaska vs the normal kiddie park locomotives. It at least had some history and was a HUGE locomotive. There is a Bald Eagle preserve that works on breading, rehbilitation and release of bald eagles into the wild that was interesting. The rides at Dollywood are more adult/teenager appropriate and give the park more an amuesment park edge than theme park edge. Dollywood also has a good selection of shows if you prefer to be indoors watching entertainers rather than out in the sun.

While I found the park interesting I really didn't find it much more unique than any other amuesement/theme park and wouldn't venture to pay the price to get back in unless we had kids with us. Our Silver Dollar City season passes got us in for half price, which was just under $50 for the two of us. I can't imagine paying close t $100 for two adults plus $5 for parking just to go to an amuesement park but that seems to be the going rate anymore.

Personally, I don't care for Gatlinburg but if it's the national park you want to see then Gatlinburg is probably the place you want to stay. As mentioned in the post before mine, the further out you are the more traffic you'll have to contend with to get here. Late May or early June shouldn't be to bad. At least we didn't find the traffic all that bad when we were there but, if you're making a commute of 30 to 45 minutes each day just to get to the park rather than 5 to 10 minutes it would sort of wear on my nerves after a couple of days.

Gatlinburg Town Square was not the greatest resort we've ever stayed in but it was very close to the park and offered very easy access to the park every day we were there. Since the park was the big attraction for us, driving to the outskirts to see anything else was easier than drivng in to see visit a diffferent area of the park every day. There was another brand new resort going up right next to Gatlinburg Town Square. I believe it was called Crown Plaze or Crown Park. It trades through RCI and most of our trades are done through I.I. I have yet to give SFX a try since Interval has done well enough for our wants, needs or desires. SFX should give you access to either one.

Westgates Smokey Mountain resort or Bluegreens Mountain Loft both looked like nice resorts with good locations AWAY from town and more up into the mountains/foot hills. When we do go back those are the two resorts I'll probably attempt to trade into first. They are a little more of a drive to get into the national park but not that much and they are away from the tourist trap strip that is much of Gatlinburg. They should offer a more relaxed stay, slightly away from town but close enough to the park to keep the dirve in traffic to a minimum.

We would only be interested in the shows at Dollywood. My days of going on amusement park rides are long over. They hold no interest for us. What type of shows do they have at Dollywood? I would imagine they would be country music. Being indoors, especially if it is humid, is fine for us. We are out in the sunshine all year here at home. I have sort of decided against a timeshare in Tennessee because we want the flexibility to go where we want, when we want. I am not a big fan of timeshares for just the 2 of us, unless they are luxury resorts with all the amenities that you would find at a resort hotel. Your description of Gatlinburg has really turned us off because it appears to be similar to Branson. I don't mind touristy if it is attractive and not junky. We have many touristy areas here in California but they are attractive and interesting places in themselves.

I am still going to go with Knoxville and if that proves to be the wrong choice then we will simply find something in Gatlinburg. Chattanooga is not on our way nor near the park.

Nashville and Charleston are the 2 most important locations to us. The rest of it, we will fit in as best we can.

I eliminated the Westgate as a choice based on the reviews on TUG.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

We would only be interested in the shows at Dollywood. My days of going on amusement park rides are long over. They hold no interest for us. What type of shows do they have at Dollywood? I would imagine they would be country music. Being indoors, especially if it is humid, is fine for us. We are out in the sunshine all year here at home. I have sort of decided against a timeshare in Tennessee because we want the flexibility to go where we want, when we want. I am not a big fan of timeshares for just the 2 of us, unless they are luxury resorts with all the amenities that you would find at a resort hotel. Your description of Gatlinburg has really turned us off because it appears to be similar to Branson. I don't mind touristy if it is attractive and not junky. We have many touristy areas here in California but they are attractive and interesting places in themselves.

I am still going to go with Knoxville and if that proves to be the wrong choice then we will simply find something in Gatlinburg. Chattanooga is not on our way nor near the park.

Nashville and Charleston are the 2 most important locations to us. The rest of it, we will fit in as best we can.

I eliminated the Westgate as a choice based on the reviews on TUG.

If you didn't like Branson then I'm certain you're making the correct decision not to go with Gatlinburg. It's Branson on steriods in a much smaller setting (not as spread out).

To be honest, we didn't take in any of the shows at Dollywood. They all appeared to have a C&W theme to them. They did have a service (for an additional fee) for pre-booking your shows so you would not have to stand in line. If we had decided to spend time going to the shows that's what we would have done.

I'm certain that the list of shows and their descriptions can be found on the Dollywood homepage. As we didn't go to any other than to see some of the bald eagle preserve show I really don't have an informed opinion. The infomation provided about bald eagles was interesting and entertaining.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

If you didn't like Branson then I'm certain you're making the correct decision not to go with Gatlinburg. It's Branson on steriods in a much smaller setting (not as spread out).

To be honest, we didn't take in any of the shows at Dollywood. They all appeared to have a C&W theme to them. They did have a service (for an additional fee) for pre-booking your shows so you would not have to stand in line. If we had decided to spend time going to the shows that's what we would have done.

I'm certain that the list of shows and their descriptions can be found on the Dollywood homepage. As we didn't go to any other than to see some of the bald eagle preserve show I really don't have an informed opinion. The infomation provided about bald eagles was interesting and entertaining.

Doug,

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it. I was hoping we would have been able to meet up in Nashville this past June, but we had to change our plans when our son moved from Tennessee to Texas. Are you going to Las Vegas this fall. We are planning on going in October or November to see Celine Dion again before she leaves. Actually my wife is the big Celine fan. I like to listen to her but don't like to watch her, especially when she tries to dance. We will not be staying at a timeshare but instead will be using one or two of our many invitations from Caesars or Paris, etc.

How did you like the Country Music Festival in Nashville? We saw it on TV a few nights ago. It looked great.

[JuneB Member Find all posts View Profile Close JuneB]

Dollywood has some very good shows. Most are country, one is southern gospel, they have a 50's style rock show. I find when we go in the fall, the shows are better for us. In the summer they have some shows more for children. My grandchildren even preferred the more adult shows. If you arrive at the park after 3:00 then you can go back in the next day without charge.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are definitely big tourist traps. If you go in knowing that, it isn't so bad. We enjoy walking the streets people watching. I don't care for the restaurants in either place, other than the Park Grille in Gatlinburg.

Our favorite resort is Wyndham Smoky Mountains. They have several activities at the resort. I enjoyed their music shows as much as some of the shows you pay for.

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

Doug,

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it. I was hoping we would have been able to meet up in Nashville this past June, but we had to change our plans when our son moved from Tennessee to Texas. Are you going to Las Vegas this fall. We are planning on going in October or November to see Celine Dion again before she leaves. Actually my wife is the big Celine fan. I like to listen to her but don't like to watch her, especially when she tries to dance. We will not be staying at a timeshare but instead will be using one or two of our many invitations from Caesars or Paris, etc.

How did you like the Country Music Festival in Nashville? We saw it on TV a few nights ago. It looked great.

Actually yes. It will be our first October visit in the last several years. We'll be staying at our unit in the HGVC LV Strip from Oct. 12th thru the 19th. The 14th is our aniversary and we have tickets to see Love at the Mirage and have dinner at Samba before the show. Other than that date our plans will likely remain open for this trip.

We ended up not spending any time at the Music Festival. We did go downtown and it was quite the mess. Instead we hung out at the Opryland and just relaxed for a couple of days. Two days was not nearly enough time to attempt to do much of anything at the music festival and we were just to worn out from running all over the national park to really give it much effort. We have decided to go back to Nashville next fall, probably Sept. on an exchange into the Wydham resort just up the street from the Opryland.

[tonik Member Find all posts View Profile Close tonik]

Galinburg/Pigeon forge

Robin,

Thanks for the info. We will only stay in a hotel in Gatlinbuerg if our request from SFX for a timeshare week does not come through. It will actually be more convenient to stay in a hotel because it will be much easier to coordinate with our stay in Nashville. I have talked to the good folks at the Opryland Hotel and they will notify me in December when their 2008 packages are available.

Gatlinburg is such a charming little town whereas Pigeon Forge as mentioned previously by another poster better for kids with bungy jumpling and rides like a small amusement park.

Warning: Parking in Gatlinburg is a hassel so if you do stay in the middle of it you could walk to may placs. Town Square is convenient area. As far as a non timeshare hotels, Hampton Inn when staying in town.

There is also a timeshare in Seviervillek Wyndham Smokey Mountain that might work for you. Stay in a cabin if you can if you do not have a timeshare as it is romantic and they have many 1 bedroom cabins. On top of that, many cabins are situated at the top of the mountain and you can ride the ski slope down.

Hope this helps, e-mail me if you have questions.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

Gatlinburg is such a charming little town whereas Pigeon Forge as mentioned previously by another poster better for kids with bungy jumpling and rides like a small amusement park.

Warning: Parking in Gatlinburg is a hassel so if you do stay in the middle of it you could walk to may placs. Town Square is convenient area. As far as a non timeshare hotels, Hampton Inn when staying in town.

There is also a timeshare in Seviervillek Wyndham Smokey Mountain that might work for you. Stay in a cabin if you can if you do not have a timeshare as it is romantic and they have many 1 bedroom cabins. On top of that, many cabins are situated at the top of the mountain and you can ride the ski slope down.

Hope this helps, e-mail me if you have questions.

Thank you for your help. Unfortunately our trip to that area has been postponed for awhile but we will make it one of these days.

[jsharlan Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jsharlan]

bumping this thread because I will be going to Gatlinburg next month. Anyone have any must see attractions or food places I should go to? Also any reviews of the westgate smokey mountains resort as thats where we are going.

[tonik Member Find all posts View Profile Close tonik]

piggeon forge

Not sure it is still there but we love Maxwell's (seafood). Also always ate breakfast at the Pancake Pantry with many different kinds of pancakes.

If you like to picnic, Chimney Top is a Serene place to picnic with tables by the creek in the Smokey Mountains. If you are physicall in good shape, Clingman's dome is a nice hike to the top and see the mountain from the top.

Have a nice time.

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Westgate's resort is my favorite in the area. I've also stayed at the Wyndham, which was fine but didn't give me that warm fuzzy feeling late at night when I pulled into the lot..

Attractions will be easy. The region is packed with so many choices it's almost overkill! Run the gauntlet of the tourist traps in town, or drive fifteen minutes to be surrounded by wilderness. Whatever you like you'll find plenty to do. When you head into town, be sure to bring your walking shoes, as parking can be problematic. Bring your appetite for pancakes and fudge- there must be a local law that these two items are sold at every commercial establishment!

If you head into the arts and crafts community, visit a shop called the Rose Pedaler (Scented rose petal bead jewelry made from your dried roses or from ours.). Crafty lady that makes beads from rose petals. I bought my wife a strand about six years ago and evertime she opens her jewelry box you can smell the fragrance.

Have a great time!

[jsharlan Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jsharlan]

thanks for the ideas guys, Im looking forward to the vacation.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

When we were there several years ago, Louise Mandrell (the pretty one) still had her theater open (now closed). The show was wonderful. I don't know if there has been anything to replace it. It was right on the main drag of Pigeon Forge.

If you like adventure, try the rafting trip. Not sure if it will be running because of the time you will be there, but keep that in mind for a future trip.

We did the drive through the Smokies. Not too bad of a drive but lots of twists and turns. Again, with the time of year you are going, I don't know what may be seasonal and closed at that time.

There is also a post under the Bluegreen section about Laurel Crest and Mountainloft. There is some of the same or new information on there that you should review.

I have plopped in the link to take you to that thread.
http://www.timeshareforums.com/forum...periences.html

[jsharlan Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jsharlan]

Does anyone know of any public places where I could do some offroading? I'm thinking of bringing my 4x4 up with me.

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Re: food places. We had dinner at the Old Mill. Tourist trap, but in a good way. Tons of food, prices are fair (not cheap, but not exorbitant.)

The Old Mill - Tradition on the Little Pigeon River

We love Dollywood---one of the few theme parks that really works for guests of all ages. Thrills to keep the kids occupied, but plenty of more genteel passtimes for the non-riders.