Gatlinburg Tn advice needed About This Page:

[hoosiermomma2]

My family and I are planning a spring break trip to Gatlinburg...since we don't have the funds to do disney and haven't had a vacation in 3 years....we want to go somewhere we can afford.

We are probably renting a cabin....there are 4 of us. Dh-43, Me-40, DD 16, Ds 10. We are going to drive from just west of Indianapolis, Indiana and I need to know of things we might want to see or do along the way as well as things around Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge.

What shouldn't we miss? What should we avoid?

Is Dollywood worth the money?

DD would love to hit Nashville on our way home--is out of the way but only around 1.5 hours--it becomes around instead of straight through. Are there inexpensive things to do around Nashville.

I've done some research. We plan on doing Ripley's Aquariam and maybe Dixie Stampede--although my ds does not do loud well--he has adhd, ocd, spd, and is on the autism spectrum.

Any special needs advice for the area would be appareciated?

We plan on doign breakfast and most nights, dinner in the cabin.

travel dates are April 1-5

thanks

[Disneybine]

I did some research on Gatlinburg as we had considered going there this year as part of our road trip (we decided against it in the end because it is too far out of the way). Eventually, though, we'll get there! Here's my to-do list for Gatlinburg:
- Gatlinburg Sky Ride
- Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
- Smoky Mountains NP (nature great if you don't want to spend a lot of money)

[PixieMichele]

Oh gosh, this brings back memories! We used to spend EVERY Thanksgiving vacationing in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. I haven't been in quite a few years but just hearing the name brings back fond memories!
Dixie Stampede is loud, I'm not sure if you're familiar with the set up/story of it but there are live animals, they ride horses, race pigs, etc so if animals are a problem then avoid it. It is loud but sort of in a controlled environment...if that makes any sense...Everyone is seated in the "North" or the "South" and the show takes place in front of you in the arena. It's stadium style seating and a meal is served in courses but you aren't allowed to have silverware, in fact...don't ask...they won't give you any! (at least they didn't when I was there). So it's a lot of rootin' and hootin' for your "team" in the activities in the arena. I'm sure you can find some YouTube videos and maybe see how your son reacts to it. It's a very particpation focused sort of thing so if he can participate maybe it wont bother him as much? Or ear plugs and request a seat on the end so you can easily exit to a more quiet area if it's something you think you really want to try.
There used to be discounts if you went to Dollywood and Dixie Stampede, not sure if that's true anymore or not but it's worth looking into or asking around once you get there. Dollywood was still fairly new when we went but there are some attractions and shows and things i'm not sure what the prices are now but ask around and see what you think if it's something your family would be interested in. We always had a good time there, it's not Disney World but hey...what is?!

The Ripley aquarium is amazing, there are a ton of arcades, etc. Laser tag and go-karts were huge back in the day i think they still are. Let me know if you have any other questions....i'm digging through my memory bank

[MsPeggySue911]

We went on a short trip to Gatlinburg but it was in the middle of December and we spent one whole day trying to learn how to ski on the mountain with man made snow they created so they could start the ski season early. But it was butt huggin cold outside.

We spent on whole day going up one side and down the other side of the main drag through Gatlinburg with all the shops and museums. You can park in a parking lot (paid lot) down by the ski lift office at the end of the drag, then walk up one side going into the shops and museums then half way through the day head back towards your car going down the other side of the road.

We didn't go into the aquarium just because we didn't have enough time but we did go to several of the little museums like the car museum and I think we went into something to do with Ripley's.

We ate at a restaurant right there by the parking lot. I think it was supppose to be a BBQ place but DH had steak and I had a salad and baked Potato but it was so good we ate there 2 days in a row.

They have dozens and dozens of pancake houses around there and we had pancakes at a different place every day for breakfast. I refuse to cook on vacation. And since it was just DH and myself we could eat breakfast for about $15, lunch for about $20 and dinner for about $30. It was not a very expensive trip but we were only there for a few days.

We plan on going back some time when it is warmer and we have more time so that we can go to Dollywood and Dixie Stampede and maybe even the water park depending on how warm it is.

We loved it there.

[dutchdisneyfamily]

This is a trip we've looked into taking as well, so I'm following this thread. I wish they had a Passporter for it! For every vacation destination actually!

[cdnmickeyfan]

We are going back to Gatlinburg, TN in April. My husband and I went there last year without the kids now the whole family is going back before our Florida trip. We will be stopping on the way down.

You can't miss the Pancake Pantry. It's the best place for breakfast in Gatlinburg. Its been there forever.

For us there was a lot of stuff to do just not a lot of stuff we wanted to do. We live by Niagara Falls so we have cheesy up here and we found a lot of things there to be cheesy as well. We did enjoy Cades Cove. The driver through there was great. We found some nice restaurants and the hiking in the Smokies can't be beat. But be prepared if you go hiking with proper shoes and lots of water.

We didn't go to Dollywood due to time constraints. We enjoyed just walking the strip so to speak and looking in the shops. We went up the hill on the chair lift and that was a lot of fun. I like just being amongst the smokies which are so beautiful.

Have fun in Gatlinburg!!!!

[Katara81]

You've gotten great tips already! I grew up in east TN, and live near Nashville now, so I can help you a bit with both areas.

Gatlinburg area:
Dollywood is one of the nicest small parks in the US, very clean and very good food.
I think Dixie Stampede is pretty lame and stereotypical, but someone who is not constantly surrounded by Southern culture might not find it to be, lol.
The Natl. Park is a must do, some of the most beautiful scenery on earth - don't miss Cades Cove!
The Titanic Museum is ok, I consider it overpriced but it's definitely worth at least one visit (fyi, it can be crowded on rainy days, even in low season).
The Aquarium is nice, but it can be tight quarters in busy seasons, so if your son has issues with crowds, I would suggest calling Ripley's and asking what can be done in terms of special needs accomodations.
For more off-the-beaten-path stuff with children, we enjoyed Parrot Mountain (an exotic bird sanctuary and gardens) and Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo (neither of these are very crowded or loud).
If you haven't chosen your accomodations already, I suggest checking out Fireside Chalets, or Jackson Mountain Homes cabin rentals. We've used both several times, and have been very satisfied with them.
Best restaurants in the area: the Pancake Pantry, Mellow Mushroom Pizza, The Partridge and Pear, and the Cherokee Grill.

Ok, on to Nashville. Honestly, you could spend several days in Nashville and not be bored. There is an abundance of wonderful historic attractions in and round the city, but it would be difficult to do any of them if you are simply passing through. It sounds like you're just planning an afternoon at most, so you could go downtown and do a walking tour of the areas around Broadway. I'm sure a quick Google would come up with a great itinerary. The Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Riverfront Park would all be good stops in that area. Also, close to downtown is Antique Archaeology, which will be familiar to History Channel viewers as Mike Wolfe's shop from American Pickers. VERY COOL.

I hope that helps!

[Straitlover]

I like Dollywood. It's no Disney, but it's better than Carowinds and Kings Dominion, LOL.

Length of Stay Tickets at Dollywood | Smoky Mountains

Dolly wood is doing this length of stay pass for cabin guests. Wish they'd done that last time I was there!!!

You'll be there right after they open and on Easter break, so it might be kind of crowded.

What else - I love the Arts and Crafts Loop, Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, riding the trolley just to sightsee. I'm guessign the river will still be too cold to go tubing unless they're having a hot spell.

Food - loved the Alamo steakhouse (one in G'burg is better than PF); go for lunch if you can, same food but better prices. There's an Italian place that's supposed to be good, Gatlinburg Best Italian Restaurant Pizza Local Favorite Downtown Dining in the Smokies . Haven't made it there yet, but it's on the list for next time. Everybody goes to the Old Mill and the Apple Barn, but the line's alwasy been too long for me. Calhoun's is good, too, great baked potatoes . Breakfast - we at at Flapjack's. Great food, and the line is way shorter tham Pancake Pantry. Got a great donut from the Donut Friar.

Have fun! I can't wait to go back.

[hoosiermomma2]

thanks for the ideas...will check back and update with what we decide to do.

[karadisney]

The Dixie Stampede is fun! When you go in they ask if you live in the north or the south and that's the side of the stadium you sit on. You eat your food with your hands and it's such a fun place to go! No Way Jose's Cantina is right by Ripley's Aquarium and it's so good!!!! Hillbilly golf is also a fun place to go you take a little tram to the top of the side a hill play at the top of it. Then when your done you come back down on the tram.

[Teresa]

We did a fall vacation in Gatlinburgh once. We really loved it.
Couple of things to keep in mind: Crowds. Are. Major. However, it isn't like a crowd at WDW where you're shoulder to shoulder. WE were never compressed, we just had some things we chose not to do because it was crowded. Usually, we went back a little later and were able to get in with no problems.
I will second the idea of Deer Park - still one of the best things we did that week!
Dollywood - YES!! Way worth it! They used to have where you could buy tickets and if it was past 4pm, you could get in that day and then all of the next day. Not only are there rides and attractions, there are artisans set up around the place (blacksmith, glass blower, candle maker, lace maker, woodworker, etc.) They also have a sanctuary for injured Bald Eagles within the park!!

Dixie Stampede: yes, it's loud. But it's not overwhelming loud - it ebbs and flows. If your son may be upset by the noise, can he wear noise-canceling head phones?

If you go into Pigeon Forge, Old Mill Restaurant is very good.

[guitardiva]

I have been going to Gatlinburg since I was a little girl. The last time was last September,
You will LOVE the aquarium. Your son will too. My DD has ASD also and she did'nt want to leave. Stay away from the little muesums like World of Illusion (tourist trap stuff). If you are not going to stay in Gatlinburg gwt there early in the day. Parking is crazy.
Dollywood is awesome. We love it. As far as sensory issue, It can be very loud in spots. Loud music, etc.. That bothers my DD a bit. Take soothing items with you is always a good idea. DD keeps an ipod which keeps her calm when she feels stressed.
Dixie Stampede. IDK , but my Dad says it is nice.
If you like Elvis there is a cute little museum called the Heartbreak Hotel.
Cades coves is a beautiful place to see
Tips. If you have a AAA card flash it . It discounts alot including the Aquarium. Also pick up the little coupon books all over the place down there. There are lot of food discounts in those.
For dinner there is a Shoneys on the strip in Pigeon Forge . A decent no frills place to eat breakfast and dinner (buffet). They have coupons in all of those booklets too.
Corky's BBQ is a good place to eat . It is also on the main strip.
In the old Mill area there is a really good ice cream shop. I hear the restaraunt is good.

As far as expense it is a tourist town, so everything is pricey. Do your homework online and grab some discounts, just like you would WDW.
Nashville is where you will spend the $$.
Have fun

[thenewsmiths]

Nashville idea: Tour the Opryland Hotel. It's really pretty inside and doesn't cost anything to walk around in there. There are restaurants and shopping too.

Gatlinburg: Go walk out on the trails. Take the skylift up (I think the yellow one is cheaper - I think there are 2). There's ice skating up at OberGatinburg. Traffic is a bit of a pain, so take advantage of the shuttle buses that run up and down the strip if that's an option.

[DMAC91]

We went to Dollywood last summer on a family trip. We went right after we had spent 2 weeks in Disney so we were trying to keep the cost down (we had spent a lot of money in Orlando!) We managed to keep the vacation in the $700 range. We stayed at the Ramada Inn (it was okay) accross from Dixie Stampede. This was way cheaper than the cabins I think I got it for around $70 a night we stayed 4 nights. Okay it was no disney hotel but it was clean. We went to Dollywood 2 days, if you buy a day pass they second day is free. I would have spent both days all day in Dollywood but the other family we were with didn't want to be there all day. I am and open to closer at parks so I was dissapointed. But we did go the the Titanic museum which was really neat and worth the trip. The only other thing we did was Dixie Stampede. It was good but they do rush you through the meal which I am not crazy for. My ADHD son was fine during the show, he looked a little unsure during some of it but I just held his hand and he was okay. If you have a child (Autistic or ADHD) that chews their fingers as a nervous habit you may want to bring a chewy with you. If find them needed at WDW too as it can be overwhelming. All in all for a quick vacation we had a good time. Next time I go there we are going our family only so we can do what we want because there were a lot of other shows and activities I would have done that the rest of our party didn't want to pay for.

[chillepepa]

We drove through Gaitlinburg one July on our way home from Disney. Yes, I know it doesn't seem like a logical route - Orlando to Denver but we were in Savannah after Orlando. We had hoped to be there early enough to get in to Dollywood for a few hours to ride the roller coaster. They have like a set of wooden dueling roller coasters that are like in the top 10 coasters in the US to ride.

All I can say is, I thought it was worse than Vegas in trying to get around. the sidewalks were packed shoulder to shoulder, parking was non-existent and expensive, You couldn't get around and that was just the main drag. We left and didn't even bother trying to find Dollywood or the Zorb (human hamster balls).