We're passionate about all things Dollywood and Sevier County, and we want to share that passion with you. Come along as we explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. From Dollywood and Splash Country to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove, there's something for everyone in Sevier County.
We're also big fans of Dolly Parton, and we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on her latest news and projects. We're sure you'll find something to love here.
I'm excited to announce that I've updated my blog post about the top hotels in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! This is one of my most popular articles, and I know you all get a lot of use out of it. I love being able to help you out with practical information, and I hope you find this update helpful.
In the article you will see two new hotel newsy things that I share, but I will share them again here - since you're here and all.
1) A brand new Adult (Marriott Bonvoy) Hotel (Row 39) is scheduled to open in September 2023, and that may be of interest to some of you. Read an article about it here: https://tinyurl.com/4dhh7vaj
From the article:
Get ready to go back in time for your vacation. Way back in time.
The Wayback is a groovy, retro-themed hotel mostly for adults opening in Pigeon Forge between Flapjack's Pancake Cabin and the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride.
Inspired by old roadside motels in Palm Springs, the hotel is hoping to provide a "vibrant escape amidst the high energy of downtown Pigeon Forge."
The 134-room hotel is expected to open in early September, according to general manager Marty Rothchild, and is developed by Sevierville-based company Aatmos. It's a Tribute portfolio hotel, part of the Marriott family.
Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott's loyalty program for frequent guests. This hotel is geared towards its members, who enjoy a variety of amenities as part of their stay. Non-members are also welcome at this hotel, but they do not receive the same amenities as members. I wanted to point out this distinction so that you can make an informed decision about whether to become a Marriott Bonvoy member before booking your stay.
2) Country Cascades - Row 25 on Spreadsheet - Recently announced a new $14 million dollar expansion to its indoor water park offerings. It's scheduled to open in 2025. You can read more and see renderings here: WATE TV news
I see on social media that a lot of Dollywood fans are also big fans of the Wilderness At The Smokies waterpark resort. And now there's going to be even more to love about Wilderness, because they have big expansion plans in the works. They're adding a water coaster, a new lazy river, a ''cloud coaster'' that will go over parts of the Adventure Forest area, and a rooftop pool with a bar and grill. As if that wasn't enough, Wilderness is building twelve 2,600 sq ft villas that can accommodate up to twelve guests.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee’s largest indoor waterpark has announced plans for a $40-million expansion, the largest in the 15-year history of the Wilderness of the Smokies.
The Sevierville resort will add nearly 40,000 square feet to their Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark, offering several new attractions and improvements to existing amenities.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on September 15 with the project expected to be completed by fall 2023.
Headlining the renovations is the ‘Switchback Mountain,’ a three-story water coaster where riders will reach 29 miles per hour and feature a 22-foot drop. ‘
A release from the park said it will be the world’s first slide with Reverse AquaLucent effects, bringing eye-catching colors and patterns to the indoor park.
Other new attractions include the ‘Lookout Lagoon,’ a rooftop pool with a glass edge. The expanded rooftop area will also be home to an entertainment stage, bar and grill, and cabanas.
A new lazy river with LED color-changing kaleidoscope lighting and other visual effects will be constructed. The park will also add 500 seats to the waterpark and additional cabanas on the mezzanine and main levels.
In addition to the waterpark expansion, the resort will add a suspended ‘Cloud Coaster’ called the ‘Rocky Top Glider’ to the Adventure Forest section of the park. A park release said it will be the first of its kind in Tennessee and only the ninth in the world.
It will have a track length of approximately 400 linear feet with two lift hills, launching riders at a starting height of 18 feet with maximum heights of around 25 feet. This project is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2023 and the Adventure Forest will remain open during the construction.
An eight-person theater will also be added to the Adventure Forest, combining three-dimensional graphics and visual effects. The theater will be completed later this year.
The renovations will also expand food and beverage offerings throughout the park.
Lastly, the resort will construct a dozen, three-bedroom villas. These 2,600-square-foot villas will accommodate up to 12 guests, overlook the Sevierville Golf Course and are fully furnished with an electric fireplace, game room and pool table.
We’re super excited to announce that in honor of our 15th anniversary which we will be celebrating in 2023, we have started a 40,000 square foot expansion of our Wild WaterDome.
The expansion will include:
Switchback Mountain, a three-story water coaster which will feature three steep drops, uphill blasts, high speeds and the premier of the world’s first slide with Reverse AquaLucent effects with colorful, spellbinding patterns. These special tubes will also allow light to filter through, adding brightness to the Wild WaterDome.
According to Pete, our Managing Director, “Switchback Mountain is guaranteed to be amazing! To get riders’ adrenaline pumping, the water coaster begins with a heart-pounding 22-foot drop at 29 mph before propelling the riders up into a right hairpin turn inside the first Reverse AquaLucent section. A second drop will follow into an open flume, followed by an uphill blast into a sharp left turn inside another Reverse AquaLucent tube with different patterns. For thrill’s sake, the coaster will repeat a third time into a final set of patterns inside another Reverse AquaLucent tube. To round out the sensations, riders will loop through a dark tube before finishing in an open flume.”
The waterpark expansion will also include Forbidden Caverns Lazy River, featuring an immersive tunnel experience complete with LED color changing kaleidoscope lighting, mirrors and projections.
Finally, the resort will be taking advantage of the waterpark’s expanded rooftop by adding Lookout Lagoon, a roof top pool with a glass edge. This area will also be home to the Peak Rooftop Bar and Grill, three rooftop cabanas and entertainment stage area. For convenience, an elevator will transport guests to and from this area.
Pete adds that per guest’s requests, the resort will be adding 500 seats to the waterpark, six additional cabanas on the mezzanine level of the waterpark and nine additional on the main level.
The anticipated completion of this expansion is fall of 2023. Watch our blog for other developments in the works!
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Wow, well that is a lot to look forward to! With the new Soaky Mountain Water Park and now these new additions to Wilderness, there will be a lot to see and do at this location. What are you looking forward to the most? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Update May 15, 2024, for the 2024-2025 planning period.
Hi Everyone!
I have updated the spreadsheet for the next year. I have double checked all of the ratings from Google and Trip Advisor and updated that information.
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Original Post is Below
Hi Everyone,
I see many requests for hotel suggestions on social media, so I thought I would do some research and create a post that can serve as a good starting point for anyone looking for a hotel near Dollywood.
I began by narrowing the choices to Pigeon Forge to make the list more manageable. I excluded Gatlinburg and included only one hotel option in Sevierville, which is very close to Dollywood. Not every single hotel in Pigeon Forge is listed.
I created a column that averages the Google Rating and the Trip Advisor Rating. This column is sorted by the average rating, so you can easily find the best-rated hotels. I also created columns for the most requested features, such as a lazy river, indoor pool, hot tubs, balcony, fireplace, Trolley Stop, pet friendly, etc. There are also four columns of notes where I have added some info that you might find helpful, and in some cases firsthand reviews that I have seen on social media. There is a column that indicates the distance of each property from Dollywood, if that's important to you. Please though, if your child or child-at-heart are dead set on having a lazy river, as one example, please make sure to follow up with the property to make sure that the lazy river is operational and will be operational during your stay.
Unfortunately, due to the limitations of Google Blogger with creating tables and spreadsheets, it is not feasible to upload the table to this blog post and call it day. Instead, I've created a view-only link to my google spreadsheet. From there, you can sort or filter the columns and results any way you like. Want the places with indoor pools? Sort it that way. Closest to Dollywood? Sort it that way too. Pet Friendly - same idea. You can even download my spreadsheet and make it your own!
I did not include pricing information due to fluctuations with the seasons and even during the season the prices can vary, so that will be one additional step for you in your research.
If you're undecided on a timeframe to visit Pigeon Forge, this article from US News offers a lot of considerations you may want think about - read that here..
Before researching for this post, I had not given much thought to the difference between what a Whirlpool and a Jacuzzi is, but there is a difference. It seems that Whirlpools are not as common as Jacuzzi's are in this area, but people use both words to describe them...and sometimes they say hot tub too, to make it more confusing. I've done my best to differentiate all three in my spreadsheet.
If you would like me to add your firsthand experience about a property, I would be glad to do so. Just email me at whatsupatdollywood@gmail.com. Likewise, if you see any information that is incorrect, email me that too.
Again, please double check to make sure that the pools, jacuzzies, hot tubs ETC are all operational before you book so you'll know - especially if that is super important to someone in your group.
Disclaimer - I am not affiliated with any hotel, inn, motel, lodge, campground, cabin, or Dollywood. I'm a vlogger/blogger who is interested in helping you save time and money on your trip to our area, and hopefully helping you create a great experience that you'll want to come back and have again and again....and growing my YouTube channel and this blog 😁😁😁
Check out my blog for other helpful resources for your Dollywood trip...
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.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain footage.
Check out my YouTube Page and Dollywood playlist for lots of different Dollywood videos, different festivals, walking tours, etc etc. Find us on Facebook too!
Please Like my Videos and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, follow my blog and Follow me on Facebook! You can copy my RSS Feed into your favorite feeder (mine are Feedly & The Old Reader) - paste this link https://whatsupatdollywood.blogspot.com/=RSS
Did you know you can ditch the hassle of driving and parking at Dollywood? The Pigeon Forge Trolley offers a comfortable and affordable way to travel directly to the park's front gate. Say goodbye to crowded entrance roads and parking fees, and hello to a relaxing ride!
Enjoy my Trolley Guide Video below...
Dodging Dollywood's December Dilemma: Your Trolley Ticket to Fun!
Planning a winter wonderland escape to Dollywood during Smoky Mountain Christmas? Be prepared for the festive crowds! Parking can fill up fast, turning your joyful anticipation into a stressful scramble. But fear not, merrymaker! Here's how the Pigeon Forge Trolley can save the day:
Skip the parking pandemonium: Forget circling endlessly for a spot. Hop on the trolley at Patriot Park and enjoy a stress-free ride straight to Dollywood's doorstep.
Beat the capacity blues: Don't get caught waiting outside a full parking lot, potentially missing precious park time. The trolley guarantees your arrival, regardless of peak season crowds.
Save your jingle bells (and cash): Trolley fares are significantly cheaper than Dollywood's parking fees, leaving you more moolah for holiday treats and souvenirs.
Bonus tip: Even if Dollywood offers free parking during peak times (good luck finding a spot!), remember the trolley whisks you away from traffic congestion, saving you valuable time and frustration.
Ditch the Car, Ride the Trolley, Save Big at Dollywood!
Staying on the Pigeon Forge Trolley route and planning a Dollywood adventure? Consider leaving your car behind! Not only will you avoid the stress of parking, but you can also pocket some serious savings:
Skip parking fees: Standard parking costs $22.80, RV parking is $27.35, and preferred parking is a whopping $46. Imagine all the delicious Dollywood treats you could buy with that money!
Gold & Platinum perks: If you have a Gold or Platinum Season Pass, parking is already included. But why not double down on convenience and enjoy a relaxing trolley ride instead of navigating crowded parking lots?
Stress-free travel: Leave the driving and parking hassles behind. Hop on the trolley and arrive at Dollywood's doorstep refreshed and ready for fun.
More than just saving money, the trolley offers:
Convenience: Get dropped off and picked up right at the park entrance, avoiding traffic congestion.
Relaxation: Enjoy a scenic ride and arrive at Dollywood feeling energized, not frazzled.
Environmentally friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener Pigeon Forge.
So, if your hotel is on the trolley route and you crave a stress-free, budget-friendly Dollywood experience, the trolley is your golden ticket! Read on to discover more details and hop on board an adventure!
How Much: $2.50 one-way or $3 for all-day wristband.
When: Every 15 to 20 Minutes, to Dollywood from Patriot Park at 186 Old Mill Avenue.
What:
For the very latest information, schedules and pricing, be sure to double check the Pigeon Forge Trolley official website here: https://www.pigeonforge.com/trolley/.
Pigeon Forge Trolley Route Map. Note that the light blue route to Splash is not in operation at this time - see note below about transferring to a Dollywood Tram Below (in BOLD).
Pigeon Forge Trolley Route & Fare Information
Take Note of the Dollywood Trolley hours. It says it runs 30 minutes before Dollywood opens, and then when Dollywood closes it will run until everyone has returned to Patriot Park. My advice if you're closing the park is to get to the front gate as soon as possible after the park closes.
Splash Country - if you're going to Splash Country then you have to exit the Trolley at Dollywood, and then switch to the Dollywood Parking Lot Tram to go to/from Splash Country. I have heard that only some designated trams run to Splash, so it would be wise to inquire with a host when you arrive at Dollywood, rather than guessing or jumping on the first tram you see. The Tram Attendant at the rear of each tram should also be available to assist. Read more here.
Where:
The Main Hub where you park for Dollywood, and you can transfer to different routes - including transferring to/from Gatlinburg - they all happen at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge. Here's a street view photo of the Hub.
Patriot Park, from Google Maps
Google Street View of Patriot Park Main Hub/Station, AKA Pigeon Forge Mass Transit for Pigeon Forge Trolley System
Easy & Affordable
Visitors can leave their vehicle parked for free at the office at 186 Old Mill Avenue (just beside Patriot Park) and relax on the trolley as they enjoy all the sites and destinations like Tanger Outlets, Dolly Parton's Stampede, the Historic Old Mill, and even Dollywood! All it takes is $3 for a wristband that allows you to ride all day and get off at any of the stops as many times as you like. When looking for a stop, just find a Fun Time Trolley shelter or a Trolley Bear sign at over a hundred locations.
Individual fares paid each time you board a transit. Pigeon Forge Mass Transit drivers will accept exact fare only. Sorry, the transit drivers cannot make change. For a great deal, consider our All Day Transit Pass available for purchase at the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit office. Our safe and courteous drivers will pick you up or drop you off at more than 100 stops throughout the city of Pigeon Forge and and a portion Sevierville. Just wait at a transit bear sign or a transit shelter and we will be there shortly. See the city of Pigeon Forge and a portion of Sevierville in a safe and unique way.
Daily 8:00am - Midnight, early March through October Daily 10:00am - 10:00pm, November and December Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Main Street transit run every 20 to 25 minutes. Wears Valley transits run every 40 to 45 minutes. Dollywood transits run every 15 to 20 minutes.Gatlinburg Welcome Center transits run every 25 to 30 minutes. These times may vary due to traffic flow during peak tourism days, car shows and holiday weekends.
Accessibility:
Many visitors ask, is the Pigeon Forge trolley wheelchair accessible? Most of the Fun Time Trolley cars are equipped with a wheelchair lift. The trolley drivers will even take special care to drop wheelchair passengers off at a flat area of the Gatlinburg Welcome Center parking lot, where you can transfer between the Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge trolleys easily. Read on for more information about the Gatlinburg trolley.
If you're handi-capable, and need the ECV Rental Services at Dollywood, you'll be glad to know there is one ECV Rental location before the Front Gate, as well as the Main Rental Location just inside the front gate, past The Emporium on your way towards Timber Canyon. Just go left once inside the main gate.
Make your Smoky Mountain Christmas merry and bright with the convenient and affordable Pigeon Forge Trolley. Book your ride today and let the holiday magic begin!
I would love to hear your comments and experiences!
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