Robin 48 Posted June 2, 2021 Report Share Posted June 2, 2021 Hi, now that are Disney trip is in the books can start to plan next trip. We have never been to Dollywood and would like to go over Thanksgiving. From what I see the Christmas stuff they have looks really beautiful. I have a few questions and would love any other info and tips. First question is this a good time to go? Will it be really busy? Next how many days in the park 1 or 2? Good place to stay that will not break the bank? Thinking of hotels. How is the weather that time of year? We will be driving from Wisconsin so, it has to be better right? Thank you in advance for your time! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dblr....Rennie 224 Posted June 2, 2021 Report Share Posted June 2, 2021 That is a great time to go and Christmas in the park is really great. Not sure what time the park opens then so if late 2 days might be best to see and do everything. The shows we saw lasted at least a hour if not longer. We stayed in a cabin in a campground that way we actually pre-cooked some meals so only needed to warm them up. Weather wise days will be pleasant but plan for nights to be chilly, also use the trolley system to avoid heavy traffic and also the parking fee at Dollywood, the trolley drops you off right at the entrance. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith_h 420 Posted June 2, 2021 Report Share Posted June 2, 2021 The park will have some days that are closed and others where they will have a late open. I have a link to their calendar below. It is in the mountains so I would prepare for daytime temps in the 50's and 60's. Snow is also a possibility though I wouldn't expect it to hang around long that early in the season. Dollywood Calendar . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted June 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2021 Thank you both. Can I ask what campground your cabin was in? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 3, 2021 Report Share Posted June 3, 2021 On 6/2/2021 at 3:33 PM, Robin said: Hi, now that are Disney trip is in the books can start to plan next trip. We have never been to Dollywood and would like to go over Thanksgiving. From what I see the Christmas stuff they have looks really beautiful. >>>Dollywood is really pretty at Christmas time. Keep in mind the park operating hours are shorter, since it gets dark early and can get quite cold after the sun goes down. I have a few questions and would love any other info and tips. First question is this a good time to go? Will it be really busy? >>>Yes, I think it is a good time to go since you'll get the advantage of the Christmas decorations and festival events. However, Thanksgiving week tends to be quite busy. Crowd sizes will somewhat depend on whether they drop COVID capacity restrictions by then. To this point they have not, and you still need to make a reservation to guarantee you'll be able to access the park on the day(s) you want to. At this time the reservation window opens 45 days in advance on your attendance day. Not sure if that will be revised or eliminated during this operating season. Next how many days in the park 1 or 2? >>>I would definitely advise 2 days. As noted by others, the operating hours are short. Plus you will want to not feel rushed and be able to enjoy some of the Smoky Mountain Christmas specials shows. The entertainment in the park is enjoyable. Good place to stay that will not break the bank? Thinking of hotels. >>>This is hard to recommend, as everyone has a different view of what constitutes breaking the bank. If the budget allows, I recommend the Dreamore resort, which is Dollywood's own hotel. However, during a holiday week, if they even have availability, the rates are probably north of $400/night. We've stayed there once during a much less expensive time and I'd love to do it again, but it would again have to be a less expensive time of year for me...closer to $200/night. So, assuming that's not an option, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in the area at various price points. But I'd also look into a cabin rental through airbnb or vrbo. Cabins are VERY numerous in the area, and if you don't have restrictions like needing one that accepts pets, there should still be plenty of availability for that week. But I wouldn't wait long as the nicer ones tend to book quickly, and then you're left with the ones that sound good in the description but are "long in the tooth". Pay close attention to the ratings and reviews of previous guests and you should be ok. And some are in areas where you can catch the trolley right from the cabin development. It's always nice to not have to drive to Dollywood. Now, having said that, we like to stay at the KOA in Pigeon Forge, which has a bunch of different types of cabins, as it is in walking distance to the main trolley depot by the Old Mill. This is nice because you can get to most places in PF and Gatlinburg without having to connect onto a second trolley. This saves a lot of time. You might want to check and see if they have availability when you are going. How is the weather that time of year? We will be driving from Wisconsin so, it has to be better right? >>>Completely hit or miss. We've camped in the area that time of year and had 60 and sunny, then woken up the next morning to a white ground. Prepare for anything from nice dry fall weather, to cold rain, or maybe snow. On average I would plan for highs in the 50s, lows around freezing, and hope for dry weather. Thank you in advance for your time! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted June 5, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2021 This is very helpful! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted June 28, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2021 One more question is there a place to buy discount tickets? When we went to Hershey I know the local grocery store sold them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith_h 420 Posted June 30, 2021 Report Share Posted June 30, 2021 You might want to check with where you are staying to see what they offer. When we went we stayed at the KOA and they had a discount that was as good as or better than others we saw so we bought our tickets there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted June 30, 2021 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2021 Thanks I will look into that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disneylitch......Debbie 61 Posted July 9, 2021 Report Share Posted July 9, 2021 On 6/2/2021 at 6:35 PM, dblr....Rennie said: That is a great time to go and Christmas in the park is really great. Not sure what time the park opens then so if late 2 days might be best to see and do everything. The shows we saw lasted at least a hour if not longer. We stayed in a cabin in a campground that way we actually pre-cooked some meals so only needed to warm them up. Weather wise days will be pleasant but plan for nights to be chilly, also use the trolley system to avoid heavy traffic and also the parking fee at Dollywood, the trolley drops you off right at the entrance. What campground did you stay in? We are thinking about going this Christmas. The Hallmark movie started us looking into Dollywood and Disney is beginning to get too expensive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dblr....Rennie 224 Posted July 9, 2021 Report Share Posted July 9, 2021 5 hours ago, disneylitch......Debbie said: What campground did you stay in? We are thinking about going this Christmas. The Hallmark movie started us looking into Dollywood and Disney is beginning to get too expensive. Below is the link for where we stayed, it is on the trolley line but we drove to the main hub and took the trolley to Dollywood from there so we only had to take one. We stayed in what they call a Park Cabin which is like a park trailer, it was cozy but had 2 bedrooms and a bath and a half, living area with a kitchen. Pigeon Forge Campground | Riveredge Log Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN (stayriveredge.com) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted July 9, 2021 Report Share Posted July 9, 2021 We just got home this afternoon from spending a few days with Dolly. It was nice as always. We opted to rent a cabin at the Pigeon Forge KOA this time, in order to have easy walking access to the trolley depot and Old Mill. As it turned out that didn’t work this time as the walking path is closed. They are building a new trolley terminal next to the old one. It’ll be great when finished in a couple months, but made it this time so that we drove to Dollywood. No big deal since my annual pass provides free parking, and since they raised the trolley fee to Dollywood to $2.50 each way, with 7 of us that was too expensive even if we did have to pay for parking. One other thing to mention. If you are looking for something else to do in gatlinburg and the weather is nice, we visited Anakeesta and really enjoyed it. If going there, get there early! We tried to go in March and the lines were literally down the street. Got there at 9 am opening yesterday and got right on. The place is very nicely done and beautiful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disneylitch......Debbie 61 Posted July 13, 2021 Report Share Posted July 13, 2021 On 7/9/2021 at 6:05 PM, dblr....Rennie said: Below is the link for where we stayed, it is on the trolley line but we drove to the main hub and took the trolley to Dollywood from there so we only had to take one. We stayed in what they call a Park Cabin which is like a park trailer, it was cozy but had 2 bedrooms and a bath and a half, living area with a kitchen. Pigeon Forge Campground | Riveredge Log Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN (stayriveredge.com) Thank you Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted July 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2021 Thank you everyone! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
disneylitch......Debbie 61 Posted October 7, 2021 Report Share Posted October 7, 2021 We are going to Dollywood December 20 to December 28. There will be eight of us, four adults and four children (19, 8, 7, and 3) Should we plan on 2 or 3 days at Dollywood? Any other activities that we should not miss? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted October 7, 2021 Report Share Posted October 7, 2021 I think 2 days at Dollywood will be enough. However, take a look at ticket prices for 2 and 3 days, and compare to season pass prices, as some years if you buy a season pass in December you get the next year free. Of course if a return trip in 2022 isn't in the cards then that doesn't help you. As far as other things to do, if the weather is cooperative, I recommend Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. We also enjoyed the Titanic exhibit. If you are looking for snow activities, Ober Gatlinburg is worth a look. I'd recommend having lunch or dinner at the Old Mill restaurant, and/or the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant. The menus are pretty similar, so you may only want to do one, but we enjoy them both. If ice cream is your thing, you can't beat the Old Mill Creamery. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
djsamuel 322 Posted October 8, 2021 Report Share Posted October 8, 2021 20 hours ago, DaveInTN said: I think 2 days at Dollywood will be enough. However, take a look at ticket prices for 2 and 3 days, and compare to season pass prices, as some years if you buy a season pass in December you get the next year free. Of course if a return trip in 2022 isn't in the cards then that doesn't help you. As far as other things to do, if the weather is cooperative, I recommend Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. We also enjoyed the Titanic exhibit. If you are looking for snow activities, Ober Gatlinburg is worth a look. I'd recommend having lunch or dinner at the Old Mill restaurant, and/or the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant. The menus are pretty similar, so you may only want to do one, but we enjoy them both. If ice cream is your thing, you can't beat the Old Mill Creamery. Other than the parking, it is hard to find anything wrong with the Old Mill. The restaurant is great, as is the Pottery House Cafe nearby. Never tried the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
twiceblessed....nacole 433 Posted October 10, 2021 Report Share Posted October 10, 2021 On 10/8/2021 at 9:20 AM, djsamuel said: Other than the parking, it is hard to find anything wrong with the Old Mill. The restaurant is great, as is the Pottery House Cafe nearby. Never tried the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant. We really like The Pottery House Cafe. Funny enough, the restaurant Local Goat is ALWAYS busy, but we've never eaten there. On 10/7/2021 at 12:40 PM, DaveInTN said: I think 2 days at Dollywood will be enough. However, take a look at ticket prices for 2 and 3 days, and compare to season pass prices, as some years if you buy a season pass in December you get the next year free. Of course if a return trip in 2022 isn't in the cards then that doesn't help you. As far as other things to do, if the weather is cooperative, I recommend Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. We also enjoyed the Titanic exhibit. If you are looking for snow activities, Ober Gatlinburg is worth a look. I'd recommend having lunch or dinner at the Old Mill restaurant, and/or the Applewood Farmhouse restaurant. The menus are pretty similar, so you may only want to do one, but we enjoy them both. If ice cream is your thing, you can't beat the Old Mill Creamery. I agree on the 2 days, keeping in mind that most of the rides are roller coaster style (for this reason, the park is better fit for our daughter and Tom, but not myself and our son). It's visually a very pretty park (but hilly which can be tough for some). We liked the Old Mill Creamery, but the Apple Valley Creamery comes out ahead for our family Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted October 10, 2021 Report Share Posted October 10, 2021 8 hours ago, twiceblessed....nacole said: We liked the Old Mill Creamery, but the Apple Valley Creamery comes out ahead for our family Well shoot, we haven’t tried that one. Darn, more ice cream I need to eat. 😂 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
twiceblessed....nacole 433 Posted October 11, 2021 Report Share Posted October 11, 2021 4 hours ago, DaveInTN said: Well shoot, we haven’t tried that one. Darn, more ice cream I need to eat. 😂 It's a tough challenge... I know Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith_h 420 Posted October 11, 2021 Report Share Posted October 11, 2021 18 hours ago, DaveInTN said: Well shoot, we haven’t tried that one. Darn, more ice cream I need to eat. 😂 You can never have too much ice cream. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Seals 111 Posted October 14, 2021 Report Share Posted October 14, 2021 It's been a couple of years since we've been at Christmas but we found the most challenging was to get to all the Christmas shows if that's your thing and they have them this year. Had to plan which ones when and include time spent standing in lines to get in. And they used to be all or mostly in the afternoon/evenings. Maybe it won't be as crowded, although a friend went this past Sunday and said it was quite crowded. We used to go to Old Mill years ago and then Applewood Farmhouse more recently and would also recommend both. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted November 5, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2021 Has anyone been in the spring? How is the flower festival? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Robin 48 Posted January 5, 2022 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2022 Has anyone stayed at Creekside Rv Park? Thinking about staying here it looks nice but first hand knowledge is always the best. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dblr....Rennie 224 Posted January 5, 2022 Report Share Posted January 5, 2022 2 hours ago, Robin said: Has anyone stayed at Creekside Rv Park? Thinking about staying here it looks nice but first hand knowledge is always the best. We stayed here about 5 years ago and were very pleased, when you first turn in they do not have a large area to stop, our tail end would have been in the road if we stopped right away. The sites that back up to the main road is where they put us due to size and the road is a very busy road so expect noise. Overall, the park is nice, clean and well run. This is where we always seem to stay now Pigeon Forge Campground | Riveredge Log Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN (stayriveredge.com) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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