Model trains are just one of those things that transport people back to their childhood. Whether it be memories of playing with their own trains, someone in their family, or a friend’s train, it always bring back memories of the good ole days. With that in mind, Dollywood has set up their own model train set in Craftsman’s Valley.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Miniature Railroad is specifically located in the Wings of America Theatre and spans 1,000 square feet of theater space. For those train enthusiasts out there, the garden-scale train runs on a multi-level platform. In all there are 6 total trains that run over bridges and under waterfalls in this Smoky Mountain landscape completed with houses decorated for Christmas with working lights and all. And all constructed upon six truckloads of natural stone. That’s quite a lot of planning and work for what seems like one of the park’s smaller exhibits. Believe us, when kids see it, there won’t be anything small about it.
The Smoky Mountain Miniature Railroad is a new attraction for 2012 and one that is sure to delight visitors attending the park’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. Dollywood’s other park stages feature Christmas, its sounds, sights, and holiday flare! Among the shows that headline this year’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, there are An Appalachian Christmas, Christmas in the Smokies, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, Dollywood’s Christmas on Ice!, O’ Holy Night, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. If you’re looking at other ways besides live shows and musicals to celebrate the season, stop by for the Carol of the Trees, take in The Polar Express 4D Experience motion simulator and the nightly Parade of Lights (through Dec. 23) that travels straight through the park. Another big draw is Santa’s Workshop where they can come see the magic of toy making and tell Santa himself what they really want for Christmas.
Grab a bite of some of your holiday favorites while you’re there as well. Christmas buffets are offered at The Backstage, Aunt Granny’s and Miss Lillian’s restaurants. These delicious foods mix holiday favorites with new dishes at each park restaurant. Buffet prices are varying at each location. When you’re walking the park, notice the special holiday menu items highlighted along the way including eggnog, pumpkin and red velvet old-fashioned milkshakes at The Sweet Shoppe at Dollywood.