Are you a theme park lover? Being that Orlando families are surrounded by theme parks galore, you may not have considered traveling outside the I-4 corridor. But if you are a theme park lover and are OBSESSED with a mountain view, I challenge you to consider a road trip to Dollywood!
Recently, Orlando Mom Collective was invited to attend a weekend at Dollywood at the DreamMore Resort and Spa with some of our fellow sister sites from City Mom Collective. We were given a behind the scenes look at the resort, Dollywood, as well as a few other must-experience attractions while we were there. I flew out of the Sanford airport with a direct flight into Knoxville, and the drive into Pigeon Forge, Tennessee was breathtaking!
DreamMore Resort and Spa
Your vacation begins the moment you step foot into the DreamMore Resort and Spa. Around every corner you’ll experience the magic of Dolly, from her wall of LPs to live performers singing bluegrass ensembles. It’s evident that the DreamMore Resort and Spa had families in mind, because you get exclusive park privileges, park transportation, indoor pool, outdoor pool, full-service restaurant, spa/salon, family activities center, storytelling around the wood burning fire pit every night at 8 p.m., fire pits, and more!
Rooms include king rooms with bunks, extended suites, double queen rooms, king rooms with sleeper sofas, reunion suites with adjoining rooms, and YES, the Dolly Parton celebrity suite!
DreamMore’s spa is the perfect place for mommy/daughter retreats, girlfriend getaways and so much more! You’ll receive Southern-style pampering like none other!
Road trip to Dollywood!
I could not believe my eyes while walking through the Dollywood theme park! Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood is situated on 125 acres. The roller coasters and attractions are literally built within nature’s beauty! If you are a roller coaster lover, there are NINE thrill rides to enjoy! The shows and attractions, as well as Dolly’s history is on display around every corner.
2020 Events
Dollywood’s “budding” new event, the Flower & Food Festival (May 8-June 14) features brilliant splashes of spring color with numerous vibrant displays of expertly-manicured flowers and plants created by tremendously-talented horticulturists. This springtime event is blooming with fun and discovery around each corner thanks to a number of iconic displays.
Dollywood’s other events throughout the year include: Festival of Nations, Barbeque and Bluegrass presented by Bush’s, Dollywood’s Summer Celebration, Rock the Smokies, Harvest Festival featuring the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, and Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Dollywood for kids 6 and under
There is an entire section of the park for little ones to ride, play, and relax! You will want to find Wildwood Grove ASAP – this just opened up in 2019. Wildwood Grove was designed for the entire family to enjoy together. The height requirements for these rides are lower than other roller coasters in the park such as Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle. If you’re looking for a place to cool off during the summer months or let your child out of the stroller, Hidden Hollow is for you! Hidden Hollow was designed to let toddlers roam around, climb, and slide all in the safety of an indoor facility.
Children born in 2015 or 2016 can visit Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country for free all season long with a Pre-K Imagination Season Pass. This special 35th Anniversary offer is inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that introduces young children to the joy of learning through books.
The deadline to register your child is now extended through March 15, 2020. Check out their FREE offer until March 15, 2020 for children born in 2015/2016!
Other attractions to consider while visiting Pigeon Forge
Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe
If you are ready for a breakfast to remember, then you HAVE to eat at the Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe! While you sit and enjoy your delicious gourmet pancakes and signature biscuit dishes, you’re surrounded by more than 100 singing animatronic chickens! No lie. Every half hour the chickens begin singing some of your favorite songs, with animated backgrounds. They are named appropriately, for example Oprah HENfry, Kim KardashiHEN, and of course, Dolly PartHEN. Come hungry and then prepare to leave full. OPEN DAILY from 7:00 AM to 1 PM for Breakfast and Lunch!
Tour the Great Smoky Mountains
Mamas, trust me. You MUST take a Pink Jeep Tour to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. The last thing you want to do is navigate this gorgeous terrain on your own. Free up your hands and let someone do the driving for you.
This narrated tour will allow you to take pictures and point out animals to your kids! Pink Jeep Tours even offers convertible car seats for your little ones! We even have a Pink Jeep COUPON good til the end of 2020!
The Gatlinburg Sky Bridge
A road trip to Dollywood wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge and stretches 680 feet across! With a height of 140 feet at its midpoint, the SkyBridge is breathtaking, especially as you cross the glass-floor panels in the middle of the span!
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud
Dinner shows are a must-do when visiting Pigeon Forge! The Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud show is a family-friendly comedy show that serves the yummiest homestyle feast of fried chicken and country pulled pork barbecue, smashed taters, creamy coleslaw, corn on the cob, homemade rolls, creamy vegetable soup and “Granny’s special dessert”.
If you’d like to see my Instagram Story Highlight from the trip,
click here!
So if you love the outdoors, or theme parks, or the mountains or ALL OF THE ABOVE, then I highly recommend a vacation to Dollywood and the DreamMore Resort and Spa! Believe me, you’re going to love it!
