Tag: Pigeon Forge Attractions

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

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

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!

The Miracle Theater

The Pigeon Forge Insider reviews The Miracle Theater and shares tips, discounts, coupons, and more! Find out exactly what this amazing Christian show in Pigeon Forge Tennessee is all about!

*Now the Smoky Mountain Opry

Information below is historical, as The Miracle Theater is now the Smoky Mountain Opry.

Description of The Miracle Theater

The Miracle in Pigeon Forge, TN is an awe inspiring epic musical production about the life of Christ featuring a huge cast of actors, singers, and dancers, along with live animals. Angels take flight to proclaim the birth of Jesus. Majestic kings in regal attire ride camels through the crowd. Roman Centurions on horseback maintain order. The sights, sounds, celebrations, and drama of 2000 years ago are masterfully recreated in remarkable detail. Experience the unforgettable glory of The Miracle!

What the Insider Says

The Miracle TheaterLet me begin by saying that I am a Christian and that my review is from that perspective. I’m always interested in new and engaging ways to share the Gospel with the world and so I was excited to see The Miracle Theater come to life in Pigeon Forge, TN. This town has historically had very few productions with Christian stories, so The Miracle was a breath of fresh air from the rest of the entertainment in town.

When you first pull in to the parking lot, you’ll notice Roman centurions on horseback, large camels available to ride, shephards tending to lambs, and other characters fully costumed to make this an incredibly unique experience. It’s so entertaining just to watch childrens’ eyes light up when they see these people. It really is an amazing experience that families won’t forget.

The theater is formerly the Louise Mandrell Theater and it has been completely renovated from the lobby all the way back to the back of the building where an “arena” has been built to walk the live animals that are used in the show.

The Miracle TheaterAs far as the show goes, I don’t want to give too much away, but it centers around the life of Christ and the Miracles He performed throughout His life. The Miracle is a two and a half hour production (which includes a 15 minute intermission) that covers Creation (Genesis) and jumps straight into the Birth of Christ and then weaves a completely engaging journey through the New Testament. The Miracle is a Broadway-style production with original songs & music (there are only a couple of songs you will recognize), an enormous cast, special effects (flying angels, smoke, fire, rain, and more!), live animals, and so much more. Much like The Passion of the Christ (the movie), The Miracle is a profitable production rather than a mission. It has the same bottom-line as any other theater or show in town, but it delivers a message that is so much more powerful and beneficial.

The Miracle TheaterOne of the things I noticed while watching The Miracle is that children and adults alike were asking questions to people around them as to what character was speaking, what was going on, and why things were happening the way they were. It became an opportunity to witness to numerous people and gave them many topics to discuss after they left the theater. There’s no doubt in my mind that at least one life is positively changed after each show. It truly is an amazing experience.

The biggest question that people have seems to be the price of admission. An adult ticket is $34.95, which leads many people accustomed to Pigeon Forge shows thinking that it includes dinner! The Miracle is honestly unlike any other production in town. It features so much more for your money and is on such a larger scale than arguably any other show in the area. Also, children under 12 are free! For a great idea on how to save money, read the tips below.

Insider Tips

  • Eat before you go! There are shows at 2pm and 8pm, which is just after lunch or after dinner. Alabama Grill is next door, so you can eat there and just walk straight over!
  • Sit as close to the center of the stage as possible. Also, sit at least 5 rows back…it’s easier to see everything going on than if you’re in the front row catching sweat off the performers!

Prices:

(For updated, official prices visit the Miracle Theater website)
Adults – $38.95
Children under 12 – Free (1 per paying adult)

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.

Dollywood’s River Rush Almost Complete!

River Rush, the new $6 million water coaster slated to open in May at Dollywood’s Splash Country, is nearing the completion stages despite quite a burst of winter weather the past few months.

Officials said recently that it’s 95 percent complete and a Mother’s Day weekend grand opening is right on target. RiverRush will be the state’s first water coaster and will be visible from Veterans Boulevard at the western end of the park

If you’re familiar with Dollywood, and especially Dollywood’s Splash Country, River Rush will lay on over an acre of land in a newly-developed area between Splash Country’s Big Bear Plunge and Bear Mountain Fire Tower.

When it opens, RiverRush will transport riders up a conveyor belt before being propelled up hills and around curves. In all, it’s a four-story ride where riders climb 237 feet before making a 25-foot, 45-degree drop through tunnels, rapids and three more drops. It’s one minute and 20 seconds of thrilling splashes and drops.

Construction on River Rush officially started in August and was initially estimated to run to $5 million before a few unforeseen rocks got in the way causing project costs to increase.

In other park news, details of Dollywood’s 2014 expansion are expected to be announced this summer. It will be located on the site of Adventure Mountain, which closed at the end of last season. The project has been billed as as “a significant family attraction” in scope between the park’s $17.5 million Mystery Mine steel coaster and $20 million Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the U.S.

With Splash Country’s new water attraction and Dollywood’s Wild Eagle addition last year, Splash Country hopes to increase its attendance by about 10 percent to more than 400,000 visitors, according to park officials.

The water park will open a couple of weeks early this year to have Dolly Parton, who will be in town to kick off Pigeon Forge Springfest, present at its launch.

Dollywood opens to the public on March 22, 2013. Splash Country opens May 11, with a special opening on May 10 for season pass holders.

Dollywood Express

Hop Aboard the Dollywood Express!

With the popularity of Thomas the Tank engine, it is no wonder that kids from across the country are thrilled when they find out that there is an actual steam locomotive at Dollywood.  And what’s more… you can ride it up around the park for one of the best rides in the park and one of the best ways to take in the park as a whole.  And it Christmas they take this ride to a whole new level by adding lights and the sounds of the Holiday Season to the ride.

The Dollywood Express, the engine and the track came from theme park owner Grover Robbins.  Robbins had built a theme park n Blowing Rock, NC called Tweetsie Railroad.  After acquiring a new engine for his theme park in Blowing Rock, he placed a second one in Pigeon Forge at a new park called Rebel Railroad.  This train, and Rebel Railroad opened in 1961.  That train that started on the tracks in the 60s is still in operation today.  It is a USATC S118 Class 2-8-2 and came from the White Pass.  Engine #192 from this deal – otherwise known as Klondike Katie – is still in operation today at Dollywood.  Along with this engine, they also have engine #70, known as Cinderella that runs on the Dollywood Express track throughout the year.

The train ride is hugely popular.  There is just something to be said for sitting in the passenger cars being pulled behind a steam locomotive that makes the ride up the mountain even more enjoyable.  People line up more than a half hour before the ride leaves the station to make sure that they get a good seat on the train.  After you board, the station master will give you some brief instructions and then you will start your trip up the mountain.  You ride through the theme park itself for most of the ride.  Yo get to wave at the crowds as you journey up into the mountains.  On your trip you will get to see the backside of Dollywood, dioramas of mountain life including a replica farm and of course, you get one of the best views of Dollywood ever – from the moving grandeur of a more then 75 year old steam train.

Make the Dollywood Express part of your Dollywood experience.  Make sure that you get there early.  Make sure you get a good seat.  Buy some refreshments for the journey.  Watch in delight, the children sitting around you.  Marvel at the way their eyes grow as they listen to the steam whistle out of the train and the music that the train makes on the tracks as it journeys through the mountains.