Category: Family Attractions

Go-carts, mini-golf, and other entertainment in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

MagiQuest

MagiQuest is good family fun in Pigeon Forge packed into large castle right on the parkway. By entering into the MagiQuest kingdom, you’re immediately cast into a realm where fantasy and illusion rule the day. A magic wand is all you’ll need here.

At MagiQuest, your adventure begins in earnest as you search for treasure, battle dragons and goblins, all while searching for secret passages to give you a leg up in the game. If that’s not your style or have someone else that wants to explore the castle, they can play MagiQuest’s 18 hole SpecialFX Pirate Golf course, explore the world’s largest mirror maze in the Odyssey, or race through the Vault laser challenge.

When you visit MagiQuest in Pigeon Forge, you determine the course of your day. It’s your adventure, however you choose it. At MagiQuest, you’re an integral part of the game. You live it.

Everyone is issued a Magic Wand at MagiQuest. It’s yours. It knows your name and records everything that you accomplish during the game. You’ll come to be amazed at the wonderful creatures and characters you meet during the game. Test your bravery, as well as your skills and knowledge.

The MagiQuest Pigeon Forge Ultimate Package includes the following: a MagiQuest wand and 90 minutes of game play time. You’ll also get to play a round of Special FX Pirate Golf, Odyssey – the World’s Largest Mirror Maze and The Vault laser maze.

MagiQuest is unlike anything you have ever experienced. You begin by selecting a Magic Wand that is yours to keep, forever! You’ll use clues and hints to go on quests, battle dragons and embark on adventures. When you return you pick up where you left off on your last visit.

MagiQuest
2491 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 686-5586

Dolly’s Christmas Chapel

One of the most picturesque scenes that occurs every Christmas at Dollywood takes place at Dolly’s Christmas Chapel. The peaceful chapel stands out among the other park buildings and rides as its draped in thousands of Christmas lights and offers special services throughout Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

Dollywood’s country church, complete with just one room, simple wooden pews, and hardwood floors serves as a Christmas memory for many who come to Dollywood during the holidays in order to experience Christmas in the Smokies at its finest. Experience the chapel at Christmas, named in honor of Dr. Robert F. Thomas who delivered little Dolly Rebecca Parton, for services each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. during the Christmas season.

The chapel itself is found nestled in behind all the rides, attractions, and restaurants at Dollywood. Each is lit up in their own special way during the Christmas season, but none as magically appealing as the chapel. From its chiming bell to the wreathes and garland hung around its windows and doors, its the perfect holiday setting.

The Christian Christmas service starts at 5:30 on the dot and lasts for a half hour. Church-goers can light candles and step back and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas amongst all shining lights and musical performances of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.

As mentioned, the Robert F. Thomas Chapel is named for the doctor who delivered Dolly, he also helped deliver a number of her siblings. He served as pastor of the chapel which bears his name until his death in 1981.

According to Dollywood Chaplain Joey Buck, God has been at work in Dollywood and continues to be through the many people who come to the chapel during the park’s Christmas celebration and throughout the year.

The chapel is also a wonderful opportunity to people traveling to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood to attend church services even while they’re on vacation. Many people choose not to go to church services while they’re out of town, this is just an opportunity for those looking to continue that aspect of their lives when they’re in Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.

“People come from around the world, from across the country, and many different backgrounds, many different traditions and together we meet and call ourselves a church. And what we can do is celebrate what we have in common and that is Jesus Christ,” Buck said.

Dolly’s Christmas Chapel hopes to see everyone that comes through the park this Christmas season. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to stop by.

Tennessee Shindig

The Tennessee Shindig is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular theater attractions featuring live music, dancing and celebrity impersonators.

Tennessee Shindig has closed. Information below remains for historical purposes.

When it comes to live shows, Pigeon Forge can line them up with anyone short of Broadway. Next time you’re coming into town, make sure that at least one show you see is the Tennessee Shindig. This is by far one of the best Pigeon Forge has to offer. You’ll see one of the best stage bands in the area as well as a great quartet and a host of celebrity tribute artists. Looking to grab a meal while you’re out? Well, just sit tight. The Wood Grill Buffet is tied in with the show, so purchase a combo ticket for the show/dinner combo.

The celebrity tribute artists are the bread and butter of the Tennessee Shindig and what keep the guests coming back year after year. From Ray Charles and Reba McIntyre to Garth Brooks and Stevie Wonder, the theater has seen its share of celebrity performers over the years. All these performers are professionals who are known the world over for their talents. You won’t find the Blues Brothers on the same stage with Marilyn Monroe at many places, if at all. At the Shindig, it’s one of the most popular shows.

The Soundsations – a men’s quartet, star in the Tennessee Shindig each night. Their “1,000 Moves” show is worth the price of admission alone. These four guys can cover any type of music and their voices leave nothing to the imagination. Their convincing country, 50s, and gospel performances are just the start. The Soundsations mix harmony with their ability to entertain. And one of the members doubles as a part of the band. The Shindig’s band is one of the most impressive in the area. They easily slide from country to bluegrass to rock and roll without missing a beat. You’ll be amazed at the band’s ability to keep the show blazing along.

Right next to the Tennessee Shindig is the Wood Grill buffet. They have discount packages that feed a group for next to nothing. The combination of a great show with great food that the whole family will love and at a great low price is just another aspect of the Tennessee Shindig that keeps people coming back every time they visit the Smokies. Though it’s not a dinner show, there is the option of eating dinner before the show at a restaurant right next door to the theater. After dinner, just leave your car parked where it is and walk to the theater.

The Tennessee Shindig is a show that you don’t want to miss while you’re in the Smoky Mountains. Located at the corner of the Parkway and Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge at traffic light No. 2, they’re easy to find and just a short walk from some of the town’s most popular attractions, restaurants and hotels. And don’t forget the rest of Pigeon Forge while you’re here… Grab dinner and a show ticket and watch one of the best shows in the area. Spend a great evening with the cast of the Tennessee Shindig.

Tennessee Shindig
2385 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
1-888-908-3327
www.tnshindig.com

Wonderworks’ Wonders of Flight

Wonderworks’ Wonders of Flight is a 10-minute helium balloon attraction right over the parkway in Pigeon Forge.

Ever wanted to experience the thrill of riding in a hot air balloon? Experiencing the feeling of just yourself, and possibly a few others, as you float high above the trees among the clouds? Now’s your chance as WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is now offering a new hot air balloon attraction called Wonders of Flight…. And it’s literally floating right over the parkway!

WonderWorks wants everyone to experience the thrill of soaring to unexpected heights nearly 400 feet in the air.

Sounds like something you’d be interested in? Once there, you’ll board a gondola under the large blue and green helium balloon situated on the landing platform just behind WonderWorks. Manufactured by Aerophile, the balloon is made to hold up to 30 guests in the gondola at a time.

You’ll notice that the balloon is unlike most hot-air balloons in that it is silent, without any vibrations due to its permanently inflated helium envelope and a hydro-electric winch. As for the gondola, WonderWorks says it’s almost like you’re taking off on a flying balcony. Guests are privy to a 360-degree panorama view of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

WonderWorks’ Wonders of Flight is one of only two attractions of its kind in the Southeast. As previously noted, the Wonders of Flight balloon (the Aero30NG) was manufactured in France by Aerophile, the world leader in tethered gas balloons. The Southeast’s other tethered balloon is located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., while others are featured in some of the world’s biggest amusement parks including China’s Ocean Park and Oct East Amusement Park and France’s Disneyland.

Wonders of Flight provide their guests with a unique and affordable experience. WonderWorks’ Wonders of Flight is a 10 minute flight experience offered daily, with daytime and evening hours, weather permitting.

WonderWorks’ Wonders of Flight is a great Smoky Mountain attraction perfect for large groups, weddings and people of all ages looking for fun in the Smokies. For additional information call 865-868-1800.

Smoky Mountain Car Museum

The Smoky Mountain Car Museum is one of the oldest attractions in Pigeon Forge. They have been presenting vintage and celebrity cars since 1956.

The Smoky Mountain Car Museum closed in 2012. Information below is maintained for historical purposes.

One of the oldest and longest running attractions in the Smokies is the Smoky Mountain Car Museum.  This family run museum has one of the best collections of cars and Americana memorabilia that you will ever see.  From the cars that started the automobile craze in the US to cars that have become icons of the hot rod era and of course some celebrity cars as well, this museum is a roadside attraction that you have to see at least once while you are visiting Pigeon Forge.

The Smoky Mountain Car Museum opened in 1956 on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and though the area around the museum has changed over the years, the museum has remained a staple attraction, year after year.  The collection that you see inside has been selected to represent cars from different eras of history and the collection does change occasionally so you never know what you might get to see.  Cars that feature a change in the making or driving of cars.  They have also managed to pick up cars that were once owned by celebrities – throughout the years they have one of Elvis’ Mercedes, a James Bond Aston Martin and Hank Williams Jr’s Silver Dollar Cadillac.

Here are just a few of the cars in the collection:

  • 1910 Brush Model D – Runabout
  • 1915 Harley Davidson
  • 1947 Indian Chief
  • 1959 Ford – Custom Police Interceptor
  • 1970 Plymouth Superbird Winged Warrior
  • 1915 Ford Model T
  • 1930 Dussenberg – Model J
  • 1937 Packard – V-12 Convertible
  • 1971 Mercedes Benz Model 280 SEL – owned by Elvis Presley

Along with the cars there is also an ever-growing collection of Americana.  Burma Shave signs to lit gas pumps, you will take a walk down memory lane as you browse through all the advertising pieces and vintage signs on the wall.  If you are a collector of tin signs and advertising pieces from early in the 20th century, there is no other place for you to go in the Smokies, except for the Smoky Mountain Car Museum.

If you have a gearhead in the family or if you would just like to take a trip down memory lane, you need to make sure that you are in line to see the Smoky Mountain Car Museum.  They are open from early spring through late fall so there is always plenty of time to visit.  Right next door to Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf and seconds from outlet mall shopping, there is always plenty to do in this part of Pigeon Forge.  It is also a good idea to call ahead of time, because their schedule does change from time to time.  Take a step out of the ordinary for your next visit to the Smoky Mountains.  Give the Smoky Mountain Car Museum a try and walk amongst vintage cars, motorcycles and history.

Smoky Mountain Car Museum
2970 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-453-3433

Belle Island Village in Pigeon Forge TN

Information, tips, coupons, and more for Belle Island Village in Pigeon Forge, TN. Find out everything about one of the hottest new attractions in Pigeon Forge Tennessee!

Belle Island Village was sold in 2009. Original information is below is maintained for historical purposes.

Belle Island Village in Pigeon Forge, TN is determined to be the ultimate family attraction in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Belle Island Village will feature places to stay, eat, shop, play, and more all in one place! There’s no need to hop in the car, ride the trolley, fight traffic, etc. Belle Island Village has it all. It’s one of the few places in Pigeon Forge that can entertain people from ages 2 to 102…seriously! There’s something for everyone!

Just take a look at some of the things that Belle Island Village offers:

  • 300 resort-quality rooms. Some will feature jacuzzis and fireplaces.
  • Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum
  • Darrell Waltrip’s Racing Experience
  • Otter Cove featuring one of the largest collections of river otters in North America! Great attraction for the kids!
  • Kids Corner with amusement rides, arcade games, and games of skill and redemption.
  • Casual, upscale, and riverfront dining with an assortment of restaurants
  • An Old South shopping strip with retail stores, specialty shops, and local craftsmen

Belle Island Village in Pigeon Forge had a “topping off” ceremony at on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 and we were the first to break the news of this super-secret event that included celebrity appearances by Debbie Reynolds and NASCAR star Jeff Hammond. It was basically a press event to give details and grand opening information for Bell Island. The attraction is set to open this fall of 2008.

Here’s the address for Belle Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee:
One Island Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 429-6425

WonderWorks

The Pigeon Forge Insider reviews WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge, TN and gives the best tips and tricks to have a great time and save money with discounts and coupons!

What the Insider Says:

What do you get when you cross a science museum and an arcade? If you said “a mess” you’re half right! If you also said “WonderWorks” then you’ve got it! The “mess” is that the building is built to look like it has landed upside down in Pigeon Forge. You simply cannot miss it as it is arguably the most unique building in the Smoky Mountains. WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge, TN says it is “Tennessee’s only upside down attraction. An Amusement Park for the Mind, featuring over 150 interactive exhibits. It’s 55,000 sq feet of Family Fun…and don’t miss the most anticipated Dinner Show – Hoot ‘n Holler” according the WonderWorks home page.


This is an extremely entertaining attraction that is well worth every penny. Unlike a dinner show or theater where you have a specific amount of time to enjoy them, the WonderWorks in Tennessee is a go-at-your-own-pace attraction that lets you try out every single exhibit as many times as you want! There are no limits (that I know of) to the amount of times that you can play interact with the exhibits. Wonder Works will honestly keep an entire family of every age entertained for hours! I spent close to two hours going through and trying out everything that I could. I got to feel the winds of a hurricane, experience what an earthquake feels like, ride some bicycle thing that flips you completely upside-down, throw a baseball, design and ride my own virtual roller coaster, lay on a bed of nails, and so much more! WonderWorks is definitely one of the best attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Insider Tips:

  • Pick your times. It can get crowded, so choose wisely when you go. The best times are early morning or late after dinner. Try to avoid Fridays and Saturdays if at all possible.
  • Use coupons. Get Wonder Works coupons and discount tickets.
  • Watch when you eat. There are rides that spin and flip, so eat either before or after you go depending on which doesn’t make you sick!
  • Bring your camera! There are so many photo opportunities at WonderWorks. Take a picture of someone in a spacesuit, on a bed of nails, flying through the air, etc.
  • This is a great place for birthday parties, youth group trips, reunions, etc.

The only disappointment that I had with WonderWorks was that some of the exhibits weren’t working. With so many people interacting with them, it’s understandable that some exhibits will tend to take the day off. I tried messing with a computer that could supposedly read my mind by asking me 20 questions, but it wouldn’t even ask the first question…I guess my mind is hard to read! There was also a spaceshuttle simulation on a plasma screen that wasn’t working. I messed with an exhibit that was supposed to show me what I will look like in 20 years, but it simply made me look like I do every morning! With so many things to do, these were easily forgiven. I still give WonderWorks a big 5 star rating simply because of the bang for the buck entertainment. WonderWorks also has the Hoot and Holler Dinner Show, which is a turn-of-the-century vaudeville style dinner show with family-style Italian food. It sounds like a lot of fun with a ton of audience participation.

If you have tips that you would like to share about Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, TN then please post a comment below!

Website:
http://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge/

Prices:

Adults – $25.99
Children – $17.99

Phone:

865-868-1800

Address:

WonderWorks
100 Music Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
View a map

Tips for Visiting Dollywood

Dollywood coupons, discounts, and tips in Pigeon Forge, TN. Get inside information on the hottest of Pigeon Forge attractions – Dollywood theme park!

So you, your family, and friends have decided to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN for the day and you’re looking for some tips on making the experience more enjoyable. Well you’ve come to the right place as we’ve compiled the best tips on Dollywood coupons, the best days to visit, what to wear, ways to save money, and more! Here’s our list of 10 tips that will make your day at Dollywood much more enjoyable!

  1. It’s Dollywood…not Dollyworld or Dolly World – Many people mistakingly call the theme park “Dollyworld” I suppose since it sounds close to “Disneyworld”. Dolly’s theme park, though, is named Dollywood as a play on words to Hollywood. So now that you know how it’s pronounced, spelled, etc you don’t have to come to town asking for information about Dollyworld. This should save you at least a laugh or two!
  2. Ride the Trolley – Parking is $6 for a standard-sized vehicle and $9 for RV’s or anything larger. A trolley ride is .50 per person and it will take you right to the entrance of Dollywood. So yeah, you would have to have 24 people riding the trolley to equal the cost of parking! You can park at Patriot Park for free and then hop on a Dollywood trolley that runs every 15 minutes.
  3. Eat Before You Go – This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember. Food at Dollywood can be pricey, so try to fill up before you enter the park and then try to make it through the day on snacks purchased at Dollywood or a single meal. A local favorite is Red’s Diner in the 50’s section. The burger, fries, and shakes are great!
  4. Dollywood Provides Water – You are not allowed to brink snacks or liquids into the park, but Dollywood does provide free cups of water in their restaurants and plenty of water fountains. If anything, this keeps you from carrying bottles around all day. Keep this in mind as water is a good thing if you’re in the heat.
  5. Dress for Action – Dress according to how you plan to enjoy Dollywood. If you plan on riding lots of rides (especially the water rides), plan on wearing light clothing that will dry quickly. Sandals are a good choice as well if you have a comfortable pair…and be sure they attach to your feet with velcro or other straps in order to keep them from flying away on certain rides!
  6. When to Visit – Wednesdays and Thursdays are typically the least busy days. Saturdays are nuts and should be avoided…unless you like waiting in lines.
  7. Purchase Tickets at Home – If you need to buy tickets, then purchase them at home. Information can be found on Dollywood’s Ticket Page
  8. Consider a Season Pass – If you’ll be spending more than one day at Dollywood or if you plan on going back at least one more time during the year, then get a season pass…it’s cheaper, plus it comes with extra benefits…like free parking if you don’t like the trolley.
  9. Get Dollywood’s Latest Info – Dollywood provides downloads of the latest schedules, maps, guides, etc on their website – Dollywood.com.
  10. Dollywood Coupons: One of the biggest questions we get asked is where to find coupons for Dollywood. Unfortunately, Dollywood doesn’t broker out discounts to third parties much any more, so if you see discounts from other places then it is probably timeshare bait. McDonald’s and Wendy’s restaurants in Pigeon Forge often have $5 off coupons for Dollywood or Splash Country on their bags. It’s definitely worth a look when you roll into town to stop at either of those restaurants! The official Dollywood website is the main source of Dollywood coupons. There you can find the official list of current special offers and coupons for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

The following tips were provided by “Charlie” in the forums in his winning entry into the Inside Pigeon Forge Getaway Giveaway where users submitted their best tips for visiting Pigeon Forge, TN.

Charlie’s Tips for Visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN

  1. Wear a fanny pack/belt bag to hold items such as keys, camera, money, sun screen, sun glasses, lip balm, first aid kit (details later) and whatever else you may need.
  2. If you are taking a digital camera and are parking in a large lot, take a photo of the row/section sign so that you can easily locate you vehicle after a long exhausting day.
  3. Don’t carry bottles of water around all day, they offer free cups of ice water at most all of the restaurants
  4. (probably my best tip!) Take several small zip lock type baggies with you for your camera and any other valuables you need to protect from water. They will take up little room in you pack/bag and will protect your camera should you visit any water type attractions. I have seen so many people looking forlornly at their cameras after a water ride, please protect yours. Whether it is an expensive digital camera or an inexpensive disposable one, nothing is worse than losing cherished vacation photos to water.
  5. Get to the park early and head straight for the back. It will be a lot less crowded and you will be working your way back toward your end destination. The front of the park always fills up first.
  6. To save money on eating if you have a large group, pack a picnic lunch. You can have your hand stamped at the gate, go find a nice, quiet, relaxing spot in the forest and eat your lunch, then return to the park.
  7. As I’m sure many others have mentioned, if you can, take advantage of Dollywoods’ After 3 PM, Next Day Free option.

We also have information on ways to visit Pigeon Forge on a budget, so be sure to check that out as well!

Bandmaster’s Violin On Display at Titanic Museum

The violin on which Titanic bandmaster Wallace Hartley reportedly played “Nearer, My God to Thee” as the ocean liner sank April 15, 1912, is currently on exhibit at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge.

The violin will be on display from May 22-July 27, then it will be taken to the Titanic sister museum in Branson, Mo., for show Aug. 1-15.

On Oct. 19 the British auction house Henry Aldridge and Son will put the instrument, which was discovered seven years ago in an English attic, on the auction block. It’s expected to fetch a six-figure price from the winning bidder.

Hartley was one of the 1,517 people who died when the Titanic sank. Survivors recalled him leading musicians in performing on the ship deck as passengers boarded lifeboats in the North Atlantic.

Hartley’s body was found 10 days after the ship sank. The violin was not listed in an inventory of belongings found with the musician. But three newspaper accounts reported his body was found with his violin’s case strapped to his chest.

Aldridge and Son spent seven years having experts examine the instrument and working to trace its history. Their research shows the violin was mailed in July 1912 to Hartley’s fiancé Maria Robinson. While some people interested in the Titanic have disputed that the violin could have survived the watery tragedy, other experts vouch for its authenticity. Among the pieces studied on the violin is a silver plate engraved with the words “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria.” Robinson gave Hartley a violin in 1910.

When Robinson died in 1939 her sister gave the violin to the Salvation Army to use. The organization’s commander then gave the violin to a musician who deemed it virtually unplayable. That teacher gave the violin to a student in the early 1940s. The descendant of that student is the instrument’s current owner. He discovered the violin in his mother’s attic in 2006.

A portion from ticket sales while the violin is shown at Pigeon Forge and Branson goes to Strings Crossings. Belmont University’s School of Music hosts the summer camp for eighth- through 12-grade violin, viola, cello and bass students.

Shaped like the doomed ocean liner’s forward half, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge opened in 2010. Its interior includes re-created sections of the ship and hundreds of artifacts.

Southern Gospel Museum

Pigeon Forge is not only known for its major attractions like Dollywood theme park and a number of renowned dinner shows that now align the parkway, it’s also a town that welcomes in a number of gospel enthusiasts each year with a handful of conferences and events. So it’s only right that Pigeon Forge is also home to the Southern Gospel Museum.

The museum gets more than its share of foot traffic during the year with more than 1 million coming through the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s doors to observe the information and displays about the legends of gospel, gospel song writers and gospel musicians. The museum offers more gospel music memorabilia than you can shake a stick at and is located at one of the most traveled to parts of town – Dollywood, the state’s most visited theme park.

gospelhalloffameLearn about such legendary Southern gospel performers as the Vaughan Radio Quartet, the Stamps All-Star Quartet, the Speer Family, the LeFeveres, the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Rangers, the Sunshine Boys, the Happy Goodmans, the Statesmen, the Harmoneers, the Florida Boys, the Oak Ridge Quartet, the Weatherfords, the Rebels, the Gaither Vocal Band, the Martins, the Isaacs, the McKameys and many others. In fact, more than 350 artifacts are on display at the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame, representing more than 100 groups and individuals.

Stop by the gift shop at the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and check out one of the largest selections of gospel music in the United States. For more information about the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.sgma.org.