pigeon forge family attractions Archives

MagiQuest

MagiQuest is good family fun in Pigeon Forge packed into large castle right on the parkway. By entering into the MagiQuest kingdom, you’re immediately cast into a realm where fantasy and illusion rule the day. A magic wand is all you’ll need here.

At MagiQuest, your adventure begins in earnest as you search for treasure, battle dragons and goblins, all while searching for secret passages to give you a leg up in the game. If that’s not your style or have someone else that wants to explore the castle, they can play MagiQuest’s 18 hole SpecialFX Pirate Golf course, explore the world’s largest mirror maze in the Odyssey, or race through the Vault laser challenge.

When you visit MagiQuest in Pigeon Forge, you determine the course of your day. It’s your adventure, however you choose it. At MagiQuest, you’re an integral part of the game. You live it.

Everyone is issued a Magic Wand at MagiQuest. It’s yours. It knows your name and records everything that you accomplish during the game. You’ll come to be amazed at the wonderful creatures and characters you meet during the game. Test your bravery, as well as your skills and knowledge.

The MagiQuest Pigeon Forge Ultimate Package includes the following: a MagiQuest wand and 90 minutes of game play time. You’ll also get to play a round of Special FX Pirate Golf, Odyssey – the World’s Largest Mirror Maze and The Vault laser maze.

MagiQuest is unlike anything you have ever experienced. You begin by selecting a Magic Wand that is yours to keep, forever! You’ll use clues and hints to go on quests, battle dragons and embark on adventures. When you return you pick up where you left off on your last visit.

MagiQuest
2491 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 686-5586

Tennessee Shindig

The Tennessee Shindig is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular theater attractions featuring live music, dancing and celebrity impersonators.

Tennessee Shindig has closed. Information below remains for historical purposes.

When it comes to live shows, Pigeon Forge can line them up with anyone short of Broadway. Next time you’re coming into town, make sure that at least one show you see is the Tennessee Shindig. This is by far one of the best Pigeon Forge has to offer. You’ll see one of the best stage bands in the area as well as a great quartet and a host of celebrity tribute artists. Looking to grab a meal while you’re out? Well, just sit tight. The Wood Grill Buffet is tied in with the show, so purchase a combo ticket for the show/dinner combo.

The celebrity tribute artists are the bread and butter of the Tennessee Shindig and what keep the guests coming back year after year. From Ray Charles and Reba McIntyre to Garth Brooks and Stevie Wonder, the theater has seen its share of celebrity performers over the years. All these performers are professionals who are known the world over for their talents. You won’t find the Blues Brothers on the same stage with Marilyn Monroe at many places, if at all. At the Shindig, it’s one of the most popular shows.

The Soundsations – a men’s quartet, star in the Tennessee Shindig each night. Their “1,000 Moves” show is worth the price of admission alone. These four guys can cover any type of music and their voices leave nothing to the imagination. Their convincing country, 50s, and gospel performances are just the start. The Soundsations mix harmony with their ability to entertain. And one of the members doubles as a part of the band. The Shindig’s band is one of the most impressive in the area. They easily slide from country to bluegrass to rock and roll without missing a beat. You’ll be amazed at the band’s ability to keep the show blazing along.

Right next to the Tennessee Shindig is the Wood Grill buffet. They have discount packages that feed a group for next to nothing. The combination of a great show with great food that the whole family will love and at a great low price is just another aspect of the Tennessee Shindig that keeps people coming back every time they visit the Smokies. Though it’s not a dinner show, there is the option of eating dinner before the show at a restaurant right next door to the theater. After dinner, just leave your car parked where it is and walk to the theater.

The Tennessee Shindig is a show that you don’t want to miss while you’re in the Smoky Mountains. Located at the corner of the Parkway and Teaster Lane in Pigeon Forge at traffic light No. 2, they’re easy to find and just a short walk from some of the town’s most popular attractions, restaurants and hotels. And don’t forget the rest of Pigeon Forge while you’re here… Grab dinner and a show ticket and watch one of the best shows in the area. Spend a great evening with the cast of the Tennessee Shindig.

Tennessee Shindig
2385 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
1-888-908-3327
www.tnshindig.com

Smoky Mountain Car Museum

The Smoky Mountain Car Museum is one of the oldest attractions in Pigeon Forge. They have been presenting vintage and celebrity cars since 1956.

The Smoky Mountain Car Museum closed in 2012. Information below is maintained for historical purposes.

One of the oldest and longest running attractions in the Smokies is the Smoky Mountain Car Museum. This family run museum has one of the best collections of cars and Americana memorabilia that you will ever see. From the cars that started the automobile craze in the US to cars that have become icons of the hot rod era and of course some celebrity cars as well, this museum is a roadside attraction that you have to see at least once while you are visiting Pigeon Forge.

The Smoky Mountain Car Museum opened in 1956 on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and though the area around the museum has changed over the years, the museum has remained a staple attraction, year after year. The collection that you see inside has been selected to represent cars from different eras of history and the collection does change occasionally so you never know what you might get to see. Cars that feature a change in the making or driving of cars. They have also managed to pick up cars that were once owned by celebrities – throughout the years they have one of Elvis’ Mercedes, a James Bond Aston Martin and Hank Williams Jr’s Silver Dollar Cadillac.

Here are just a few of the cars in the collection:

1910 Brush Model D – Runabout
1915 Harley Davidson
1947 Indian Chief
1959 Ford – Custom Police Interceptor
1970 Plymouth Superbird Winged Warrior
1915 Ford Model T
1930 Dussenberg – Model J
1937 Packard – V-12 Convertible
1971 Mercedes Benz Model 280 SEL – owned by Elvis Presley

Along with the cars there is also an ever-growing collection of Americana. Burma Shave signs to lit gas pumps, you will take a walk down memory lane as you browse through all the advertising pieces and vintage signs on the wall. If you are a collector of tin signs and advertising pieces from early in the 20th century, there is no other place for you to go in the Smokies, except for the Smoky Mountain Car Museum.

If you have a gearhead in the family or if you would just like to take a trip down memory lane, you need to make sure that you are in line to see the Smoky Mountain Car Museum. They are open from early spring through late fall so there is always plenty of time to visit. Right next door to Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf and seconds from outlet mall shopping, there is always plenty to do in this part of Pigeon Forge. It is also a good idea to call ahead of time, because their schedule does change from time to time. Take a step out of the ordinary for your next visit to the Smoky Mountains. Give the Smoky Mountain Car Museum a try and walk amongst vintage cars, motorcycles and history.

Smoky Mountain Car Museum
2970 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-453-3433

Tips for Visiting Dollywood

Dollywood coupons, discounts, and tips in Pigeon Forge, TN. Get inside information on the hottest of Pigeon Forge attractions – Dollywood theme park!

So you, your family, and friends have decided to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN for the day and you’re looking for some tips on making the experience more enjoyable. Well you’ve come to the right place as we’ve compiled the best tips on Dollywood coupons, the best days to visit, what to wear, ways to save money, and more! Here’s our list of 10 tips that will make your day at Dollywood much more enjoyable!

It’s Dollywood…not Dollyworld or Dolly World – Many people mistakingly call the theme park “Dollyworld” I suppose since it sounds close to “Disneyworld”. Dolly’s theme park, though, is named Dollywood as a play on words to Hollywood. So now that you know how it’s pronounced, spelled, etc you don’t have to come to town asking for information about Dollyworld. This should save you at least a laugh or two!
Ride the Trolley – Parking is $6 for a standard-sized vehicle and $9 for RV’s or anything larger. A trolley ride is .50 per person and it will take you right to the entrance of Dollywood. So yeah, you would have to have 24 people riding the trolley to equal the cost of parking! You can park at Patriot Park for free and then hop on a Dollywood trolley that runs every 15 minutes.
Eat Before You Go – This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember. Food at Dollywood can be pricey, so try to fill up before you enter the park and then try to make it through the day on snacks purchased at Dollywood or a single meal. A local favorite is Red’s Diner in the 50’s section. The burger, fries, and shakes are great!
Dollywood Provides Water – You are not allowed to brink snacks or liquids into the park, but Dollywood does provide free cups of water in their restaurants and plenty of water fountains. If anything, this keeps you from carrying bottles around all day. Keep this in mind as water is a good thing if you’re in the heat.
Dress for Action – Dress according to how you plan to enjoy Dollywood. If you plan on riding lots of rides (especially the water rides), plan on wearing light clothing that will dry quickly. Sandals are a good choice as well if you have a comfortable pair…and be sure they attach to your feet with velcro or other straps in order to keep them from flying away on certain rides!
When to Visit – Wednesdays and Thursdays are typically the least busy days. Saturdays are nuts and should be avoided…unless you like waiting in lines.
Purchase Tickets at Home – If you need to buy tickets, then purchase them at home. Information can be found on Dollywood’s Ticket Page
Consider a Season Pass – If you’ll be spending more than one day at Dollywood or if you plan on going back at least one more time during the year, then get a season pass…it’s cheaper, plus it comes with extra benefits…like free parking if you don’t like the trolley.
Get Dollywood’s Latest Info – Dollywood provides downloads of the latest schedules, maps, guides, etc on their website – Dollywood.com.
Dollywood Coupons: One of the biggest questions we get asked is where to find coupons for Dollywood. Unfortunately, Dollywood doesn’t broker out discounts to third parties much any more, so if you see discounts from other places then it is probably timeshare bait. McDonald’s and Wendy’s restaurants in Pigeon Forge often have $5 off coupons for Dollywood or Splash Country on their bags. It’s definitely worth a look when you roll into town to stop at either of those restaurants! The official Dollywood website is the main source of Dollywood coupons. There you can find the official list of current special offers and coupons for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

The following tips were provided by “Charlie” in the forums in his winning entry into the Inside Pigeon Forge Getaway Giveaway where users submitted their best tips for visiting Pigeon Forge, TN.

Charlie’s Tips for Visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN

Wear a fanny pack/belt bag to hold items such as keys, camera, money, sun screen, sun glasses, lip balm, first aid kit (details later) and whatever else you may need.

If you are taking a digital camera and are parking in a large lot, take a photo of the row/section sign so that you can easily locate you vehicle after a long exhausting day.

Don’t carry bottles of water around all day, they offer free cups of ice water at most all of the restaurants

(probably my best tip!) Take several small zip lock type baggies with you for your camera and any other valuables you need to protect from water. They will take up little room in you pack/bag and will protect your camera should you visit any water type attractions. I have seen so many people looking forlornly at their cameras after a water ride, please protect yours. Whether it is an expensive digital camera or an inexpensive disposable one, nothing is worse than losing cherished vacation photos to water.

Get to the park early and head straight for the back. It will be a lot less crowded and you will be working your way back toward your end destination. The front of the park always fills up first.

To save money on eating if you have a large group, pack a picnic lunch. You can have your hand stamped at the gate, go find a nice, quiet, relaxing spot in the forest and eat your lunch, then return to the park.

As I’m sure many others have mentioned, if you can, take advantage of Dollywoods’ After 3 PM, Next Day Free option.

We also have information on ways to visit Pigeon Forge on a budget, so be sure to check that out as well!

Southern Gospel Museum

Pigeon Forge is not only known for its major attractions like Dollywood theme park and a number of renowned dinner shows that now align the parkway, it’s also a town that welcomes in a number of gospel enthusiasts each year with a handful of conferences and events. So it’s only right that Pigeon Forge is also home to the Southern Gospel Museum.

The museum gets more than its share of foot traffic during the year with more than 1 million coming through the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s doors to observe the information and displays about the legends of gospel, gospel song writers and gospel musicians. The museum offers more gospel music memorabilia than you can shake a stick at and is located at one of the most traveled to parts of town – Dollywood, the state’s most visited theme park.

Learn about such legendary Southern gospel performers as the Vaughan Radio Quartet, the Stamps All-Star Quartet, the Speer Family, the LeFeveres, the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, the Rangers, the Sunshine Boys, the Happy Goodmans, the Statesmen, the Harmoneers, the Florida Boys, the Oak Ridge Quartet, the Weatherfords, the Rebels, the Gaither Vocal Band, the Martins, the Isaacs, the McKameys and many others. In fact, more than 350 artifacts are on display at the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame, representing more than 100 groups and individuals.

Stop by the gift shop at the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and check out one of the largest selections of gospel music in the United States. For more information about the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum, visit www.sgma.org.

Hollywood Wax Museum

Come Play With the Stars!

Talk about a building that is hard to miss! The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge is one of the most decorated and one of the newest buildings on the Parkway and it is also one of the easiest to find. Look for King Kong climbing on the outside of the building and you will know that you have arrived, that you are there to see wax versions of some of your favorite celebrities and what’s more – you get to get in the picture with them. You can stand up close and take a picture that you can then make your friends jealous with.

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Pigeon Forge is new. This business used to be located in Gatlinburg, but they have relocated to the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. They are in the same building that used to house the Dinosaur Walk Museum but all semblance of that building is gone and the building itself is where the fun starts. The front of the venue is a throwback to the days of yore and Mount Rushmore with faces from Hollywood’s past decorating one side and of course King Kong climbing it from the back. But if you think all the fun is on the outside, you are wrong. Step through the door and make sure you brought a camera.

Here is the difference with the Hollywood Wax Museum and some other wax museums. In the Hollywood Wax Museum, you can get right up next tot he wax figure. You can step into the scene with your favorite celebrity. You can get your picture taken with the celebrity of your choice and take that picture home with you, post it on Facebook, whatever, the folks at this wax museum don’t care. They have employees that go around to the exhibits to make sure that they look great and that each figure is ready for its next closeup. And if you think you messed up one of the figures hair or their clothes, just let someone know and they will have someone run by and give that exhibit a touch up.

Here are some of the figures that you will get to see at the Hollywood Wax Museum:

Charlie Chaplin
Bradley Cooper
Anne Hathaway
Marilyn Monroe
Brad Pitt
Natalie Portman
Elvis Presley
John Wayne

Like I said, bring a camera. Line your kids up with their favorite star. Get into the action yourself. Strike a pose with a celebrity, all be it a wax one and have a good time hamming it up for the camera. Let the Hollywood Wax Museum get you into the scene.

Hollywood Wax Museum
106 Showplace Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-428-5228
http://www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com/pigeonforge/

The Tomb

The Egyptian Adventure

If you are looking for something completely different for your family to do while you are in Pigeon Forge, you might want to venture into The Tomb. The Tomb is a hands-on, indoor adventure attraction in the heart of Pigeon Forge. You and your family take on the role of archaeologists as you head into the Tomb to discover the secrets and of course, escape with everyone in your party intact. You get to solve puzzles and work together as a team to escape the mysteries and challenges of the Tomb.

If you are a fan of the old mummy movies, then you are going to love The Tomb. You remember the mummy movies from back in the day, black and white movies about adventures going into the tombs of the pharaohs. While they were in the tombs that had to solve puzzles and find a way to escape the tomb while they were escaping the mummy. These serial adventures that played on Saturdays in the middle of the 20^th century were fun for the whole family because they had just enough suspense to keep your heart pounding as you sat on the edge of your seat hoping that the heroes got out alive. That is the feel you get while you are in The Tomb.

Of course, the big difference is that you are in The Tomb instead of watching people that are in a tomb. You get to solve the puzzles. You are your group will have to work together to solve countless puzzles and progress through the mzes and rooms as you work your way out of the darkness and back to the light of day. From mazes involving mirrors to puzzles where getting a beam of light to hit a specific area is what stands between you and freedom, The Tomb might end up being one of the highlights of your trip to the Smoky Mountains. And of course, if it is raining outside this is one of the best indoor attractions in the area.

The Tomb is located in Walden’s Landing in beautiful Pigeon Forge, TN. If you have ever been to Pigeon Forge, you know that all the traffic lights along the Parkway are numbered. So when you driving through Pigeon Forge, start looking for a traffic light and aim your vehicle for traffic light three. If you look across the street from The Track you will see Walden’s Landing and you will probably see The Tomb from your car as well. Park your car, maybe grab something to eat at one of the restaurants in and around Walden’s Landing and then take a trip into mystery, into The Tomb.

The Tomb
Walden’s Landing
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-453-6450
http://www.tombadventure.com/

Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride

A Boat Trip into the Pre-Historic Past

The Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride is a multi-million dollar attraction in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Looking for something different and exciting to fill part of your afternoon? The Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride is going to be right up your alley. The boat ride takes you back in time to the land of the dinosaurs, featuring dozens of animatronic dinosaurs on every side as you take your boat ride through the past.

Located right on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, you are going to see the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride from your car as you head to or from Gatlinburg. If you are headed from traffic light ‘0’ (the beginning of Pigeon Forge) toward Gatlinburg, start counting. When you get to traffic light ‘3,’ start watching on your right for the huge building that houses the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride. It is going to be on your right and it is very hard to miss. Trust me, your kids will see it and let you know that you have arrived.

Imagine a ride through Jurassic Park, but on a boat instead of in a jeep. After you have purchase your ticket to adventure for your whole family, the attendant will help you climb into the boat. Even from the outside of the attraction you will realize what is going on. The t-rex and the velociraptor fighting above the pathway of the boat are a dead giveaway. Once you are in the boat your adventure begins and you journey into the cave and back in time.

Inside the attraction you are surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs. You start in a very peaceful side of the Jurassic period. Herbivores tower over the boat you are in. As you progress the ride takes on a darker side as the carnivores come out to play. Along with world-class animatronices, the sound design in the ride is perfect. From the sound of insects buzzing around to the actual vocalizations of the dinosaurs, the ride becomes immersive and a little bit intense. By the end you will be trying to climb out of the boat to get away from the monsters. This ride will get your heart pounding and bring your family closer together as you huddle for ‘protection.’

Take the family on the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride. Remind the kids that it is just a ride and that they are perfectly safe. Then have your spouse remind you that you are safe and that it is just a ride.

Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride
2806 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-908-7599
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The Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge

The Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN – best tips and how to save money on tickets with Comedy Barn coupons and discounts.

The Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN, is one of the funniest night you’re sure to spend in the Smokies should you decide to take in a show. From jugglers and ventriloquists to clean family comedians and magicians, this show is a hoot! We even throw in some magic, as well as some live country and gospel music to keep your toes tapping through the night. If you aren’t rolling out the door laughing by the time the show ends, well, you might just want to check your pulse. It’s a stop that you’ve got to put on your to-do list next time you’re in Pigeon Forge.
Comedy Barn Theater

The Comedy Barn replaced Hee-Haw in Pigeon Forge, TN over a decade ago for those of you who remember it. Just look for the big red barn as you’re traveling down the parkway, it’s impossible to miss. As mentioned, the Comedy Barn prides itself on its clean comedy show that the whole family can take in and relate to. If you don’t think you’ll laugh, try it. More people have fallen over from fits of laughter in that place that they could ever count. By now, the number would probably stretch around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and back.

Be forewarned, there’s a chance that you could be involved in some of the show should you choose to go. The Comedy Barn makes no bones about getting audience members involved in the show. This way it kind of changes things up. No show is ever the same if you think about it. The Comedy Barn has proven time and time again that they’re one of the best shows going in town. Good for all ages and worth the price of admission. Before you leave Pigeon Forge, stop by the Comedy Barn for a show.

Tips for Visiting The Comedy Barn Theater

Save money by bundling show tickets. Many Pigeon Forge, as well as Gatlinburg attractions, now offer bundled ticket packages. This saves you money on ticket prices while allowing you to see more shows while you’re here.
If you go with a group, be sure to point out who the group leader is when you reserve your tickets. The leader just might end up on stage for you to laugh at! If you happen to be the leader…well…just pick someone that you want to blackmail later!
Buy the DVD. There is so much that happens at The Comedy Barn that you will want to tell family and friends back home. There is no way you can remember it all…plus it’s funnier to watch!

Price

Adults: $19.95
Seniors: $17.95
Children 11-under: FREE

Discount tickets include 2 shows for $64.95

Comedy Barn Theater Website
800-29-LAUGH
(865)428-5222
2775 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN
37863

The Track

Family Recreation Center

Are you looking for a place to spend a great day of family fun in the Smokies? The Next time you are in Pigeon Forge, check out The Track. Now I don’t just mean one of the many go-kart tracks I mean – The Track. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge at Traffic Light 3, The Track is hard to miss. You can walk to it from lots of the hotels and if you are hanging out at Walden’s Landing, you are just across the street.

When you first get to The Track, one of the first things you are going to see is the Wild Woody. This was the first wooden multi-level go-kart tracks in town. You race from the bottom to the top of the spiral and then back down. Feel like some traditional go-karting? You can always take in the namesake track – The Track – which is a classic go-kart track. Or you can take the Rookie or the Kiddie track for those younger members of your family or traveling party. On the kiddie track you only have to be three feet tall to drive.

And while you are at the Kiddie Track you can also let the youngsters play in Kids Country. – carusels, fair rides, swings and much more. Take a break from adult excitement and let the kids go crazy. Put them on the Ferris wheel or the train and watch for the wonder and excitement in their eyes as they play in an area geared just for their age group.

Or maybe you are looking for some harmless collisions. Jump in the bumper boats or the bumper cars. The bumper cars are a classic amusement ride, drive into one another, no lanes, no course just good cushioned fun. Or, if you are looking to play in the water, try the Bumper Boats. And trust me you will get wet! The bumper boats are round inner tubes with an engine and water guns. You pilot your tube around in the water trying to crash into the other bumper boats all the while shooting people with your water gun that is built into the boat. Hours of fun and if you are standing next to the bumper boats, be aware, you might get sprayed as well.

The Track also has a great miniature golf course. This is not your typical minigolf. You take a journey through an exotic jungle, full of wild animals, dark tunnels and challenging holes. The golf course is located next to the river so you also have a wonderful view while you compete with your friends and family.

But if you are looking for the ultimate thrill ride, the Bungee Jump and SkyFlyer are the place for you to start. The Bungee tower at The Track is one of the most visited roadside attractions in the Smokies. The view from the tower is worth the walk up the stairs. At the top you are treated to a glorious view of Pigeon Forge and the surrounding mountains. You step to the edge of the tower and take the plunge. You get to experience the free fall (65 feet worth of free fall) before the cord snaps you back up. Or maybe you want something a little different. Get in line for the SkyFlyer. You and a friend get strapped into the SkyFlyer, you are pulled up to a tremendous height and then… you swing forward as gravity takes control. Your swing takes you out over the parking lot, toward the Parkway. This might be one of the most unique ways to experience the views of Pigeon Forge and it is certainly one of the most exciting.

Put The Track on your itinerary. Take the family for a full day of thrills, rides and much, much more. The Track is a family amusement park for all ages.

The Track
2575 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
865-453-4777
Web