pigeon forge insider, Author at Inside Pigeon Forge TN

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.

Zorb in Pigeon Forge

Zorb is one of Pigeon Forge’s most exciting high adventure attractions. Picture yourself in a giant inflatable ball racing downhill to the finish.

Several years ago (late 2007) Pigeon Forge got one of its first extreme attractions. This was prior to the zip line craze. This extreme sport started overseas and is the first and only location in the US. Basically, when you come to Zorb, they are going to put you in an inflatable globe and roll you down the hill. They are going to make sure that you have everything you need, and make sure you know what to expect, but the basic concept is a human in a master ball – and it is a blast!

Zorbing or globe riding is the act of going downhill in an inflatable orb. This inflatable globe provides you with plenty of protection as you slide around the inside of the globe either with water or without. In fact, this ball is so big that you and a couple of your friends can actually ride down together – in perfect comfort – downhill. In fact, there are two different options for your downhill run at Zorb.

Zydro

The Zydro is you and up to two friends, water and the Zorb. The water is warm in winter and cool in the summer and is described as a water slide and roller coaster all rolled up into one experience. This is the most exhilarating adventure at the Zorb Park in the Smokies. At Zorb Smoky Mountain you get the choice of the straight track or the zig-zag track for your Zydro fun. You can take people with you in the more tame straight track, but if you are in for the thrill ride of your vacation then you want to choose the zig-zag track and you ride alone. This course is full of twists and turns that will have your rolling all over the inside of the Zorb ball – all by yourself, on a wet and wild adventure.

Zorbit

In the Zydro ride, you slide around as the ball moves with the water taking care of the friction. In the Zorbit you are stationary, harnessed into the Zorb itself and you spin with the ball as it travels down the track. The Zorbit is for those that always wanted to be an astronaut. You get to experience the weightlessness and g-forces of the ride. And though this ride is only allowed on the straight track it is no less exciting and fun.

With two different rides and plenty of ways to have fun, it is no wonder that Zorb is winning over the hearts of the many people that flock to the Smoky Mountains each year. Whether you choose to Zorbit or Zydro down the hill, you are guaranteed to have an exciting and wonderful time each trip. If you are planning on riding the wet version of the Zorb, make sure that you bring proper clothes or plan to buy some Zorb-ware while you are there. Next time you are in Pigeon Forge, make sure that you spend some time Zorbing down the Smokies.

Zorb
203 Sugar Hollow Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-428-2422

Free Show Tickets for Pigeon Forge

This contest has ended.

If you haven’t heard of the Inside Pigeon Forge Getaway Giveaway yet, then you’re just in time! The final details are going into place for this exciting contest that will give you the chance to win an incredible entertainment package that will get you and your family into many shows in Pigeon Forge, TN for free! I can’t release the exact shows, but it’s more than 1… more than 2… more than 3… not 4… keep going! I can also tell you that if you have a family of 4, you won’t have to spend a penny to get into these shows! If there are only two of you…you can go twice! If it’s just you, well, go see each show four times! This is simply too good and too easy to pass up.

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings

Blue Moose Burgers & Wings in Pigeon Forge is your place for the NFL Sunday Ticket, delicious wings, as well as numerous specials throughout the week.

With the University of Tennessee being in such close proximity to the Smokies, you’d imagine that Pigeon Forge would have its share of Vol fans. And you’d be right. As well as NFL fans who support the Titans to Steelers followers. You could probably find someone who’s a fan or follower of every NFL team if you looked hard enough. So, you’re probably wondering what all these people do on gameday…. Where do they go? For the past few years, quite a few have made the Blue Moose in Pigeon Forge the place to watch a game, grab a beer, and eat a basket full of wings.

Blue Moose specializes in burgers and wings, and they’re mighty good. Their Angus beef burgers, award winning jumbo chicken wings – which you can get in 16 different flavors, and beer on tap make it the ideal place to catch a game, or just bring the family in for a great meal.You’ll have to come back at least a few times just to make sure you’ve tried each wing flavor, just to find the one you like the most.

Think you’ll have a problem catching the game you want to watch? Blue Moose has you covered. Their 20 flat screen televisions mounted around their restaurant make it hard for you to miss any of the action. Plus, they offer the NFL Sunday Ticket which means every Sunday they have every game playing and can switch between televisions to better accommodate you. Blue Moose wants to make sure you get to watch your team wherever you want in their restaurant.

That’s some great service if you ask us, but we haven’t even touched on their specials yet. Monday through Friday they run a happy hour from 3-6 pm where select draft beers are $4, and house wine is $3 a glass. Mondays, get $2 off appetizers. Tuesdays and Thursdays, burgers are $1 off. Wednesdays you can get a 12-piece order of wings for the price of 8.

If you’re looking for a fun time, a place to watch your favorite team, or a casual dining experience that fits what your family is looking for, give Blue Moose Burgers & Wings a try in Pigeon Forge. They’re located right off the Parkway at 2430 Teaster Lane, right behind Bullfish Grill.

Dollywood’s Mystery Mine

In March of 2007, Dollywood invited its guests to take a ride on the Mystery Mine, its haunted mine car roller coaster that, at the time, was setting records and was the first roller coaster of its kind in the US. This steel Euro Fighter style coaster features inversions, loops and at the time the steepest drop in the country. Mystery Mine is still packing the people in with the wonderful theme-ing and the fact that it is one of the fastest rides in the park. Located in Timber Canyon, it is on the hill as you walk toward Adventure Mountain and River Battle and it is just right up the hill from Thunderhead.

Mystery Mine is a Euro Fighter style roller coaster. This design of coaster is the invention of the Gerstlauer corporation. They build roller coasters all over the world and the trademark of this type of roller coaster is the beyond vertical drop. In other words, one of the drops along the track will descend at greater then 90 degrees. This type of drop really pours on the speed and the g-forces, making the excitement and thrill for the passengers even greater. At the time Gerstlauer installed this ride for Dollywood it actually had the steepest drop in the world, though that spot has now been taken over by the Steel Hawg at Indiana Beach.

The theme of Mystery Mine is that you are entering an abandoned, condemned and haunted mine shaft. You start your journey with a quick drop and several tight turns before the lift kicks in and pulls you straight up the main climb. After this drop you are sent outside the mine building over the walking crowds below and into an Immelman style u-turn and then back into the mine. Inside the mine shaft there is an explosion of dynamite as the car sets off through the last pieces of the track: a 95 degree drop, after which you are pitched back into the outside world to a camera flash, taking your picture, before you start a barrel roll and a final half loop. After the loop, you arrive back at the station. The whole trip took you 2 and a half minutes, you reached speeds of 48 miles per hour and you were inverted in the safety of your car twice. This is a stunning roller coaster that is still calling to thrill seekers from around the world.

Awards:

Best New Theme Park Attraction for 2007 by Theme Park Insider
48th on Amusement Today’s Best 50 Steel Coasters for 2997
#2 New Ride of 2007 by Amusement Today

Mystery Mine is one of those rides you have to experience to believe. The line does get long, the ride is not very long but you will see people get out of line after riding it and get right back in line to ride it again. This is still one of the biggest thrills at Dollywood. Combining aerial acrobatics, great theme-ing and of course, plenty of safety. Mystery Mine promises to bring on the thrill for decades to come.

Dollywood’s Blazing Fury

Fire in the Hole!

Blazing Fury is one of the oldest rides at Dollywood. Built in 1978, this ride has been in operation since Silver Dollar City took over the park but before it even became Dollywood. This steel enclosed roller coaster tells the story of a small mining town that is on fire and the people of the town are, comically in some cases, trying to put it out. This enclosed ride is one of the few rides in the park that can be ridden in almost any weather. It can be pouring buckets of rain outside, and you can still ride the Blazing Fury without fear of getting wet… almost.

The premise behind the Blazing Fury is that you are on a ride, in a mine car, through a little mining town in the mountains. The mine and the town have caught faire and you are watching the people of the town try and put out the flames. The ride was built in the 1970s and some of that nostalgia and style are still evident today. Dollywood, due to the popularity of the ride, has done little to attempt to change it over the years. At times, the crepe paper flames, the mannequin like denizens of the town and voice acting still speak to the time when the ride was opened, but that is part of the fun. Also, if you have been to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO then you might have ridden its sister ride: Fire in the Hole.

The ride itself is very simple. The cars that you ride in are powered. They pull themselves up the winding track with the help of tires on the track to move them along on the steeper sections. The cars take the drops with the assistance of gravity. At the end of the ride, the culmination of the ride, is an 18 foot drop into pitch blackness. The suddenness of the drop and the fact that the ride gets darker as it progress leaves you wanting another go on the Blazing Fury as soon as you get off. You will see people all day rushing to get back in line for another trip.

The Blazing Fury is located in the Craftsmens Valley section of the park. If you are headed up the valley toward the Tennessee Tornado, you will pass the Blazing Fury on the way. If you have gotten to the Tornado by way of Adventure Pass, continue down the valley and you will pass the Blazing Fury on the right as you head down away from the Tornado and the games area at the top of the valley.

So, when you are at Dollywood, the next time you are vacationing in Pigeon Forge, take a ride on the only completely enclosed steel roller coaster at Dollywood, the Blazing Fury. Watch for the nostalgic props that were used to create this ride in the 1970s. Listen for the throw back to Silver Dollar City at the end of the ride when you here the lineman shout: Fire in the Hole. Take a ride back to a simpler time in the parks history.

Santa’s Workshop at Dollywood

If you ever want to see a child’s face light up with happiness and anticipation take them to Santa’s Workshop at Dollywood. It’s a magical place where wishes come true and smiles are in no short supply. One look inside at all the toys and you’ll see why families flock to this spot every year.

As one of the more popular stops during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Santa’s Workshop in Celebration Hall sees quite a lot of foot traffic every night during December. Step inside this giant toy store and its immediately evident – larger-than-life-sized toys greet every visitor as they walk in the shop. Fun, interactive activities await around every corner, such as gazing through the over-sized ViewMaster. But don’t forget the most important reason for stopping by…. Visiting with Santa! Have your picture taken and be sure to tell what you really want for Christmas. It might be one of your only chances so make it good.

Meet Santa and take part in some Christmas fun with the entire family. From ornament decorating to sand art and other holiday games, there’s something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit at Santa’s Workshop.

When you leave, don’t be surprised to see Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge wandering around during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. He needs some good ole-fashioned Smoky Mountain holiday cheer. As one of Charles Dickens’ most enduring characters, he spreads his own brand of Christmas cheer throughout the park. Look for Tinker the famous Christmas tree. Tinker is larger than life and shares fun holiday stories sure to captivate youngsters who can’t believe their eyes or ears. The entire family will enjoy Tinker’s hilarious antics.

No matter where you’re from or why you’re here, you’ll find something to about Santa’s Workshop and especially Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. The yearly December event features such renowned shows as Christmas on Ice, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, A Smoky Mountain Christmas, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, and much much more. Come to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge this Christmas season and experience the holidays like they were meant to be.

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

Majestic Mountain Vacations – Luxury Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge TN

Discover luxury cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN at a great price. These Pigeon Forge cabins are among the highest rated and best-praised cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re looking to stay in cabins in Pigeon Forge, TN then definitely look into Majestic Mountain Vacation Cabins!

When you visit Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, TN and are planning to stay in one of the many cabin rentals in town, then we definitely suggest Majestic Mountain Vacation Cabins in Pigeon Forge, TN. Majestic Cabins describes themselves as “luxury log cabins” and we highly agree. They have some of the nicest, cleanest, and well-equipped cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN and even Gatlinburg. The breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and quiet surroundings all work together to make Majestic Mountain Vacations an extremely popular choice for lodging.

Majestic Mountain Vacation Cabins have some of the most amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Imagine yourself pulling up to your cabin in Pigeon Forge and being able to see the mountains perfectly clear with no tall hotels or attractions blocking your view. This is only one of the major benefits of renting a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN and this is only the outside of the cabin! Keep reading to find out what surprises await on the inside of these amazing Pigeon Forge cabin rentals!

Majestic Mountain Vacations in Pigeon Forge Tennessee At Majestic Mountain Vacations Cabins, you will find modern conveniences in a rustic, yet modern setting. In most of the cabins you will find a floor-to-ceiling stacked-stone fireplace, fully stocked kitchen, corner jacuzzi tub, wrap around decks, and even fireplaces in the master suite! Talk about the perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon in Pigeon Forge! You may find yourself spending the entire vacation inside your cabin!

Majestic Mountain Vacations Rentals in Pigeon Forge Tennessee If you’re looking for a little entertainment or you’re the competitive type, you won’t have to pay extra or even leave your cabin as you will have your very own game loft! Majestic Mountain Vacations come equipped with pool tables along with an amazingly beautiful view of the mountains…everyone is a winner in the game loft!

Majestic Mountain Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge TN Finally, after a long day exploring Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smokey Mountains head out to your back deck of your cabin and soak in the hot tub while taking in the breathtaking mountain views. This is the ultimate end to a perfect vacation day! Then on the following morning, brew a fresh cup of coffee, head out to the same back deck and watch the mountains come to life as the sun rises over the Great Smoky Mountains. There aren’t words to describe the view…you have to experience it for yourself!

Here are some comments from recent visitors:

“We had a great time at the cabin on our vacation. Our kids loved the area. We had a blast at Dollywood and Splash Country and plan to go again in the future. Anita was very helpful and patient with all my many questions. Thanks again!”

“Everything was great!! Your cabin is very nice with all the amenities (Hot Tub, grille, etc…) The weather & view were great!!! I will definitly come back for another stay very soon. Thanks for everything.”

“Beautiful cabin…highly recommend! Great location between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You won’t be disappointed! Beautiful view, loved the hot tub and sitting on the deck! Great vacation spot!”

Majestic Mountain Vacation Cabins is currently offering great discounts when you book online through their website. With the rising gas prices and weak economy, this discount helps a lot…plus the cabins are amazing! This is honestly a great deal for some of the best cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Majestic Mountain Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge Contact Info:

Tell them that Inside Pigeon Forge sent you!
Visit the Majestic Mountain Cabins website.

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