Day 5 - Dollywood

So the original plan was to hike on Thursday.  After the horseback ride and the white water I didn't know if my aching joints could take the hike.  So I opted to go to Dollywood instead.  Partly because this too may give me the time to meander through shops and allow me some distance from teenagers, allowing them to go their separate ways.  Another thought in the equation was it's rained almost every night (thankful once we were safely tucked in for the night) and judging by the trails on Monday on the horseback ride (before 2 more nights of rain) it would have been a muddy mess. 

So we splurged on something not in my well laid plans or budget.  My kids love roller coasters and we vaguely discussed the possibility last night, they all seemed on board.  Well no one mentioned until AFTER we paid for 6 tickets that Marie (Cianah's friend) doesn't like rides.  Marie always the trooper was fine to walk around and look at things and see shows and whatnot, but Cianah was a little less of a good sport.  (Surprise?) 

And that is how she was for the rest of the day!!!  Aren't teenagers a joy?  So Bree and Tati went on to enjoy the rides as did Karl and I. 



Karl and I rode the mystery mine and didn't get the picture, that was a very cool ride.  Then we rode the Tennessee Tornado and I was done for awhile.  Karl liked it a lot, I however got an immediate headache from the twists and turns.  Lots of turns.   So we went on to ride the train (let down compared to Silver Dollar City)  We did eventually ride the Blazing Fury, which is almost a replica of Fire in the Hole in Silver Dollar City, down to the FIRE IN THE HOLE before the last drop.  That I liked.  As a child that was the only roller coaster at SDC and we rode it over and over again. 

Tatiana and Bree on the Tennessee Tornado.  I do have to say, Dollywood sells flash drives to load the pictures at a discounted price and with a copyright release, this I like!! 

This with the fist on chin and cheesy smile, is called the "Grace Face" and they have been trying to achieve this on the whole trip.  They tried on white water and didn't get it done...they finally made it.  I still am not sure the significance, but nonetheless, mission accomplished. 



Karl and I enjoyed a little alone time and it was NICE!!  He hates crowds and yet he didn't bat an eye to go.  He's such a good man!

About Dollywood.  I was totally expecting to be visiting Silver Dollar City, but in Tennessee.  It was not the same at all.  Sure there were a few people in period costumes and there was country music playing, but that is where the similarities end.  In Silver Dollar City you can spend days walking around watching blacksmiths, glassblowers, fudge makers, and on and on.  I have fond memories of the girls making wooded trains and rag dolls and watching shows in the streets and in the saloons. 

At Dollywood, there are plenty of stores but they are all filled with crap.  T-shirts, hats, the occasional leather store but not filled with handmade stuff, just more crap.  There were shows, but only a handful and all were just musicians.  Overall I was not impressed.  Silver Dollar City is way better and much closer. 

This train was even originally in Silver Dollar City.  They didn't have a "skit" on the train ride as they do at SDC either.  :( 

We stopped after Dollywood to do an old time photo.  This too was disappointing.  This is just a shot with my camera, I'll scan it when I get home and replace it.  Can't even see the kids in the back....BOOOOO!!

The shop in Dollywood was way over priced.  This place was $20 cheaper but not sure it was worth it at all.  :( 

If you are planning a trip to the area - Gatlinburg is much prettier than Pigeon Forge.  (and has fewer confederate flags) - you will have to pay to park there. 

For sure do the white water rafting - such a rush.  If you love Silver Dollar City - don't waste your money on Dollywood.  If you are going for the rides, also don't waste your money on Dollywood. 

If you want to horseback ride - prepare to have your butt hurt! 

Don't waste your money on Cirque de Chine.

If you don't like narrow mountain roads, make sure your cabin has "no mountain roads"

I wish we had more time because I would like to hike, the view from the top of Gatlinburg's Skylift was beautiful. 

I wish we had more time to walk around and enjoy Gatlinburg.  All in all not a huge hit, but not a miserable failure either. 

Off to bed, leaving bright and early tomorrow morning. I am sad that we are leaving TN on a low, but Karl and I enjoyed some alone time today, so it wasn't all bad.