Dollywood Theme Park Pigeon Forge Tennessee

 

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge Tennessee is one of America's most beautiful theme parks. We spent two days and did not ride all the rides or see all the shows. I'm ready to return with a roller coaster enthusiast!

There are rides for people of all ages. My granddaughter had FireChaser on her list. We got on with hardly any wait time. Thanks to a tip to enter the park by Owens Farm and head north when the line drops.

Watch the video for a quick look at this fun ride--the first coaster in the US that offered dual action--forwards and backwards!

We did add some easy going rides like the Black Bear Trail

And got some arm exercise on the Lumberjack Lift

If you really want to relax, consider a classic train ride.

If spinning is your thing, try the Dizzy Disk...

or spin around when you see something like this...

There's plenty of places to grab lunch and snacks.

The cinnamon bread comes highly recommended--we tried it and liked it.

So after an active morning, we saw some shows.

Our granddaughter tolerated the Dreamland Drive In Show-- but we would see it again!

We all enjoyed the Gazillion Bubble Show--very impressive.

Another show we liked was the Wings Over America program. The birds are amazing and the staff provide brief yet informative talks about several birds. Of course, the final wow is the American Bald Eagle.

Check out the video...

Afternoons get pretty hot in the summer, which is a good time to get soaked.

The River Rampage was a fun ride.

But we liked the action at Daredevil Falls.

Here's a link to a short video of the big splash https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wfenXI98OIg

On the second morning, I decided to treat myself to a coaster. I got on the Lightning Rod with no hassle and no extra fees. Because I was alone, I went up the single rider entrance and ended up having my own car because the man who tried to get in couldn't fit.

In the picture below, we wait impatiently for the doors to open.

Then its up, up, and away.

Here's a video clip showing part of the fast action following the steep climb.

I mentioned that Dollywood is a beautiful park. Here's a few more photos.

By the way, there's some classic cars too-- over by Lightning Rod.

Some notes

We liked getting there early for good parking and getting on the preferred rides.

Perhaps we were lucky, but we did not pay extra for the preferred access plan.

Food is expensive for not as pricey as Disneyworld. There are child meals.

There's plenty of places to refill water bottles at no charge.

The gifts were not overpriced.

There are a lot more rides and shows than I posted--see the Dollywood website. If you're new, I suggest making a list and getting a good sense of the locations.

There are maps on the website but the larger maps at the entrance are great and include the show schedule.

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Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Orlando Florida

 We've been to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida a few times but 2022 was special because it was the first time with our grandchildren and so well organised by our son and daughter-in-law.

I still love roller coasters so it was fun to ride the tame but classic Thunder Mountain with my son and grandson. We actually rode it twice! Note. My granddaughters have reached that age where they ride together without a parent or grandparent.

There are lots of shows, which offer a cool break from walking--especially on hot and humid days.

    For example--

Monsters, Inc-- so many laughs

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress-- a nostalgic throwback to the World's Fair exhibit, which I saw in 1964

The grandchildren loved many of the simple rides too like the Carousel and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin.

The Jungle Cruise was a nice rest break filled with silly puns.

Space Mountain was too dark for me. I like to see the action when on a rollercoaster but we did it anyway. And I'm glad we did.

When you hear the drums, you know a parade is coming.

So, we ate some good meals at the Magic Kingdom.

The Plaza restaurant was very good. My wife and I shared a meal so we could get dessert. The photo isn't our dessert but gives you an idea of a real treat.

On the last day at WDW, my daughter-in-law had reserved a late morning meal slot at Chef Mickey. We took the monorail from the Magic Kingdom, shopped, rested, then enjoyed good food with a great view and good service. We returned to the Kingdom for the long evening to take in the fireworks show.

The 50th anniversary fireworks show was impressive--we're glad we stayed even though we were tired after 5 long days.

Well, we did other things too. I don't have photos of everything.

If you are heading to Walt Disney World, Best wishes!

Learn more at Walt Disney World

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Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri

Notes from our 2022 visit

👉My daughter-in-law booked the park selection and restaurant meal times well in advance. It's hard to get in at the last minute. Friends wanted to join us on the last day but could not enter the Magic Kingdom because it was full.

👉 Getting light meals during the day requires ordering in the Disney Mobile app to get a good time at many food places. For example, book by 10 am for a noon lunch.

👉 My son and daughter-in-law were busy during the day booking us entry into rides and shows using Genie+ We all appreciated their hard work! We bought Genie+ on several days. It is an extra charge but I don't see how you could get a lot done without paying the extra fee that lets you quickly enter the lightning lanes on popular attractions.

👉 It's often sunny! So pack or buy sunscreen, protective clothing and a sunhat, and sunglasses.

👉  It's busy and the wait lines are long- suggestion- study a physical map and the Disney app before you go.

👉  The internet can be a problem. Some visitors reported losing access. Physical maps can be a lifesaver and a battery saver.

👉  In case you hadn't heard, food is very expensive but you can bring food and drink into the park and there are places to fill water bottles.

👉  Our Disney Wrist bands worked most of the time for park entry and entry into rides we reserved on Genie+ but they don't work all the time. Be prepared for short delays while staff sort the problem.

👉  Plan for "rope drop." For example, one day we arrived early and I quickly got in line for Slinky Dog in Hollywood Studios. If you stay at a Disney Resort, you can enter a half-hour early. BUT- not every section in a park is open early so have a couple of options in mind for a last minute switch.

👉  Buying and trading Disney pins is still popular.

👉  You can purchase professional photos for your visit. Look for people with pro-cameras and present your wristband to add the photo to your Disney collection. A group can share photos. It takes extra time to stop and pose but you get a few choices from each session and some fun shots added by the Disney IT folks.

👉  We needed to recharge our phones so you may need a portable charger. My son gave me an Anker for Christmas, which worked well with my Pixel phone. He had a charger that attached to the back of his iPhone.

👉  Attractions and times change. Some shut down during the day. Verify plans the day before and have alternate plans for last minute hassles. We were stuck on a boat ride in Epcot that broke down. Finally pressure on staff let us exit along the pathway and we got to our next scheduled ride.

A few extras from Walt Disney World photos.

I'm shooting whatever  as a Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger

We watched the fireworks near the Walt Disney statue.

Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri

Massive skillet at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City (SDC) is an 1800s themed amusement park in Branson, Missouri USA. My wife and I have visited the attraction many times since 1972.

You will find the most recent schedule of rides, shows, and other attractions on their website. Despite it's old-time theme, SDC stays current by adding new rides--including some serious coasters. You can also download the SDC app for current showtimes and waiting times on rides.

Here's a brief look at The Outlaw Run coaster- I took this after my ride 27 November 2016.

A new and exciting ride is Time Traveler, which I rode several times since this video from 9 October 2018.

The shows vary with the season so if you frequent the area, you will profit from a season pass to see different shows. On a one time visit, I'd recommend Christmas- the lights are spectacular and the productions of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol are well done.

SDC is clearly a family-friendly place. There are separate areas for children's rides and activities. Also, many shows are either child-friendly or designed specifically with children in mind.



One unique attraction for an amusement park is a guided tour underground through Marvel Cave. This is an old photo (1980) but tours still go on.




In keeping with the 1800s theme you will find a candy maker (free samples), glass blower, blacksmith, carpenter, and many more.

Here's a video of an old lathe.

At Christmas time there are two special program events that draw a big crowd near the Christmas tree. The tree lights pulse to Christmas tunes at 5:00 pm for a fifteen minute show and nearby you will see a parade (weather permitting) at 6:00 pm. These events are repeated later. We recently went on a Sunday and the park hours were 1:00 to 9:00 pm. Check online for daily openings and hours.

Here's a video clip showing part of the "tree" show.

About the park- Ratings where 10 is high.

Coasters 8-9; The best are: Outlaw Run a "woodie" (68 mpr) and Wildfire (66 mph), Powder Keg (64 mph)
Food = 6-7- smells great and many items taste good for theme park fare
Food and Drink Prices = 5 - Expensive for the area
Restrooms 8- clean, well-stocked
Shows-hard to rate because they vary in quality, length, and each person has a different taste. Some are worth a 9-10 rating for sure e.g., It's a Wonderful Life.

Nearby Attractions: Many shows and additional activities in Branson Missouri. www.branson.com
Website = http://www.silverdollarcity.com
SDC App =  http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/Guest-Services/Mobile-App

Tips

Lines can be very long on weekends and holidays so choose alternate days if you can.
If you go often, you can purchase a drink mug and save money on refills.
You can bring your own food and drinks into the park. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. Tip- No glass containers or alcohol.
Parking is free as are shuttle rides to the main entrance. There is a fee to park near the entrance.
Changing and nursing stations are available.
Strollers can be rented onsite.
You can enter early for breakfast at 8:30 on open days.