Category: Attractions

Reviews and tips of the best theaters, dinner shows, mini golf, and other Pigeon Forge attractions and what to do in 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

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.

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

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

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater

Full concert schedule and information for Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater closed in 2009. Information below is for historical reference.

Some of you may remember the Boyd’s Bears Country at the south end of Pigeon Forge or may have seen the building (it was the enormous red barn at the end of town closest to Gatlinburg just past the Log Cabin Pancake House). If you have never been, you missed your chance as it shut down and has now been turned into Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. I imagine locals will call it something creative…like…big red barn (not to be confused with the Comedy Barn). Pigeon Forge became home to a brand new music venue with some popular artists performing in concert. They had a handful of artists lined up to perform that appealed to a broad range of people.

Other areas of this new music complex will be a tribute to Dick Clark (most likely a museum-style area with the story of his life with memorabilia) and a restaurant. It’s definitely going to be a great place to stop if you love music of any era. This would even be a great place to bring the kids or grandchildren to show them what you listened to when you were their age. The goal is to keep this a very family-oriented venue so that people of all ages can visit and go to the concerts.

Dixie Stampede Soup Recipe

Get Dixie Stampede’s Cream of Vegetable Soup Recipe and learn exactly how to make it. If you love the soup at Dixie Stampede then you’ll love this recipe for Dixie Stampede’s creamy vegetable soup!

If you’ve ever been to the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge TN then you’ve had their famous and amazing cream of vegetable soup. The Dixie Stampede soup is just yummy! Have you ever wondered if you could make it at home yourself? Well, now you can!

The following Dixie Stampede soup recipe has received rave reviews as to how much it tastes just like Dixie Stampede’s creamy vegetable soup. It takes about 15 minutes to make with about 5 minutes to prepare.

Dixie Stampede Soup Recipe

Ingredients
* 3 tablespoons margarine (Some use salted butter)
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon corn syrup
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 1/2 cups water
* 3/4 cup finely chopped cooked vegetable (Some people use diced canned potatoes and canned carrot slices diced very small, Veg-All will work)
* 1 pint half-and-half cream (Some people use a heavy cream for a richer taste)
* chopped fresh parsley

Directions
1. In a 3-quart sauce pot, melt margarine. Add onion, garlic, and corn syrup. Simmer 1 minute. Do NOT brown.
2. Add flour, white pepper, salt, chicken broth, water, and vegetables. Simmer 3 minutes.
3. Add half-and-half. Simmer until desired consistency. Stir constantly – do NOT bring to boil.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

It’s just that easy! This Dixie Stampede soup recipe is sure to impress all of your friends and family. So, even after you leave Pigeon Forge, you can have a little bit of Dixie Stampede at home with you!

Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show

An insider’s review and tips of The Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Save money with discounts and Black Bear Jamboree coupons and have a great time at this excellent dinner show in Pigeon Forge!

The Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show is Now the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. Information below is for historical purposes.

What They Say

Are you hungry as a bear and want to see a great show too?

Then don’t miss the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! The 10 million-dollar theatrical extravaganza includes extraordinary sets, elaborate costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, colorful lasers, surround sound and a large award-winning cast. The show tells the story of the Legendary Black Bear Jamboree. It is said that once a year, all the black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains gather together in a secret mountain cave, where they celebrate with food, dance and song.

Black Bear JamboreeJoin these amazing creatures for a fabulous Country feast and fantastic variety show as you watch the Black Bear Jamboree‘s ultra-talented cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians entertain the bears. If you listen closely, you can hear their favorite music from High-flying Country to Bluegrass, as well as Gospel, 50’s and Broadway tunes all while enjoying a fabulous country feast in Pigeon Forge, TN.

What The Insider Says
I drove by the Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge for three years until I finally decided to go to this Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge one evening. I had this vision of Chuck E. Cheese and entertainment suited for children and was never interested in going. Fortunately I was very wrong as this Pigeon Forge Dinner Show ended up being one of my favorites! What I like about this dinner show is that it provides an “experience” more than anything. As you enter the building, you hear bluegrass music along with birds chirping and even a flowing waterfall inside. Before you enter the actual theater, they take your picture in front of a “green screen” and then place you into a mountain scene that fits the season. They take your picture for free, so why not do it? It may end up being your favorite picture of you and your family in Pigeon Forge!

As you enter the Black Bear Jamboree Theater, you’re seated at your reserved table by a friendly host or hostess. At this point, you can stay parked in your seat for the entire dinner show (2 hours) as the staff takes care of everything! Unless of course you need to go to the bathroom…then you’re on your own. Your waiter or waitress immediately takes your drink order and brings hot rolls…followed by an incredible vegetable soup…followed by a plate full of ribs, chicken, green beans, potatoes, and corn on the cob…and finally followed by a chocolate dessert. If you don’t eat meat (gasp) you can request their vegetarian plate. You’re missing out though! The food is amazing!

As you eat your meal, the Black Bear Jamboree Band plays some tunes you’re likely to know. They are a talented group that gets the evening started off on the right foot. Just about the time you finish dinner, the band wraps up and you’re given a 15 minute intermission to do whatever you do when you finish eating a huge, tasty meal. Once intermission is over, the show begins!

As I said, I was expecting a show geared towards children, but there is literally something for everyone in this show. There are the bears for kids, a good-looking & talented cast, a story line, and music from the 50’s, broadway, country, gospel, and more. I don’t want to give everything away, but this show would please the entire family from grandchildren to grandparents. The food is excellent and the show is icing on the cake as it is my favorite among Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows. Do not miss this one! Also, they tend to give discounts to their other shows such as The Comedy Barn when you purchase tickets, so be sure to ask if they have any specials or coupons!

If you’re going to see any Dinner Shows in Pigeon Forge then make this one of them! The Blackbear Jamboree Dinner Show is located right beside WonderWorks.

Good for ages

3 & up