🟡 More Experiences and another Tour Announced At Dollywood 🟡

Hi Everyone,

 

Dollywood has announced a second tour and some new experiences that may be of interest to you!   Just the other day Dollywood announced details about the IWALY Tour - read about that here on my blog.

Here's what has been announced so far.  Click each one for more information from dollywood.com.

• TOURS
• IWALY TOUR
• Dollywood VIP Tour
• EXPERIENCES - Make-your-own-Crafts
• Dip-Your-Own Candles
• Make-Your-Own Blown Glass Ornament
• Customize-Your-Own Custom Belt, Ornament, Bracelet and more
• Forge-Your-Own Knife

These are very popular Experiences for Dollywood.  I have a friend that insists on always dipping a candle every time we go.  How about you, which experiences do you or your family and friends insist on doing each visit?  Let me know in the comments.

🔵 Changes are Coming to Exclusive Ride Time🔵

Hi Everyone,

New year, new changes at Dollywood.    I'm working on another article making note of all the changes to Dollywood in 2024.  One of the bullet point items will be about changes to the Exclusive Ride Time program beginning with the Flower and Food Festival on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.  Until that time, the ERT program will operate as it did in 2023.  The schedule (below) does list each week's ride for each Saturday from 3/9 to 4/13, 2024.

Let's dig into this!

Click here for direct link to dollywood.com . I recommend you double check any information against the website as changes to ERT dates and rides can change at any time, and at the last moment.

So, instead of an ERT event each week, it will move to a ''once-per-festival'' event, with multiple attractions available for ERT.  Also do notice the earlier start times of 8:30am & then 9:30am on days the park opens at 11am.  

Note that Splash Country will have its own schedule released later.  If it was mentioned, I did not see any announcements of changes at Splash, so stay tuned for more on that front.

This is a pretty big change from the past.  How does that make you feel? Will it impact you positively or negatively?? Let me know in the comments!

🟢 Trip Advisor's Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge! 🟢

Hi Everyone,

Let's dig into Trip Advisor's list here, of budget friendly hotels in Pigeon Forge.

While these properties have excellent guest ratings on TripAdvisor (all 4.5 stars or higher!), they may be pricier than some budget-minded travelers would prefer. The actual list has 192 properties in Pigeon Forge, so I am sure there is something there for everyone.

You can see the list here.  

Here is Tripadvisor.com's list of Top 10 'budget-friendly' hotels in Pigeon Forge.

Click each link to take you to the TripAdvisor entry for each property, in a new window.

1. Margaritaville Island Inn
2. Arbors at Island Landing Hotel & Suites
3. Margaritaville Island Hotel - Pigeon Forge
4. The Inn on the River
5. The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center
6. Margaritaville Island Inn
7. Best Western Plaza Inn
8. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa
9. Creekstone Inn
10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pigeon Forge

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area.  I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet.  Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
• Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.

What do you think about this Tripadvisor list?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments!