Saving for Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge

[becca_doodl]

Hi,

Looking for any deals for Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge for Christmas this year, first Gatlinburg trip ever and 2nd family vacation ever! Just me, DH, and 2 boys. Looking for:

coupon books

hotel suggestions w/ free breakfast, preferably nonsmoking property (looking at Music Road Hotel/Inn) -don't think we can afford a cabin at seasonal rates, and timing is not flexible since we are teachers and hubby works camps most summers

discount attraction tickets, teacher discounts?

Way to "give" kids trip for Christmas (age 4 & 11, so little one can't read an explanation note by himself). Do have a backup toy so little guy gets to "open" something, big one won't care so much

Anything awesome for hubby to do - wants to go to Disney instead but I just can't see spending that much (my parents are only a couple hours north from Gatlinburg and we'll be at their house for Christmas eve anyway)

comments on your experience at any of these that I saw advertised:
monster truck rides, indoor skydiving, magic shows, hypnosis show

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[samsgal040503]

Hi there. Might I suggest:

Free vacation guide link. Gatlinburg Tennessee-Chamber of Commerce

Smith Family Theater- Personal friend of ours; a wonderful family dinner theater. Printable coupon on their site; kids are 12 and under are free per one paying adult!
Pigeon Forge Dinner Show - Smith Family Dinner Theater

For a Pigeon Forge vacation guide
Pigeon Forge Family Vacation Destination - Visit Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

For a wonderful, affordable cabin, pics don't do this place justice!
Wears Valley, Tennessee vacation rental by owner: 2 bedroom Cabin rental that sleeps 6. Best Little Cabin in the Smokies!!!!!!

I'll post more as I think of suggestions...
Hope this helps to get you started!

[samsgal040503]

Hi there. Might I suggest:

Free vacation guide link. Gatlinburg Tennessee-Chamber of Commerce

Smith Family Theater- Personal friend of ours; a wonderful family dinner theater. Printable coupon on their site; kids are 12 and under are free per one paying adult!
Pigeon Forge Dinner Show - Smith Family Dinner Theater

For a Pigeon Forge vacation guide
Pigeon Forge Family Vacation Destination - Visit Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

For a wonderful, affordable cabin, pics don't do this place justice!
Wears Valley, Tennessee vacation rental by owner: 2 bedroom Cabin rental that sleeps 6. Best Little Cabin in the Smokies!!!!!!

I'll post more as I think of suggestions...
Hope this helps to get you started!

[samsgal040503]

OOPS... posted twice...

[everprincess]

We are going in July and I'm so ready for a nice week away! We always get a cabin away from everyone. I want peace and quiet but you may want to go the cheaper route. I'm sure if you google "Gatlinburg" Or Pigeon Forge" you will get all sort of ideas. I hope you have a great time because we do and it's worth every penny I save each year on couponing!

[Shadowchasy]

can you tell me where you stay? I am trying to find something reasonable for 3 adults and 1 child. Either adjoining motel rooms or a 2 bedroom cabin, we would like to stay at least 3 nights

[Newfun4me]

We go about once a year and always stay in a cabin. The cabin that samsgal mentioned looks to be a very good deal. Cabins can sometimes be a bit more upfront, but the money we save by not having to eat out every meal makes up for it. My suggestion would be to check out Wonderworks. Your 11 year old would probably love it, but your 4 year old might be a bit young. The cool thing is that it is 1 price and you can stay all day. It is very cool. I have an 11 year old and it is one of the things he really looks forward to when we are there. :) Have fun!

[mbcalder]

I agree with WonderWorks(you can leave and come back your ticket is good all day), it is awesome.. and we loved The Comedy Barn.. you can also get discounted prices from those free pamphlets you pick up.. and if you buy tickets in advance you can get front row seats.

they also have Ripley's aquarium, Dixie Stampede and Cade's Cove (free you should check it out!)

this is 2 hours from home and i think it is a money pit, but i think it's where we go more often because it is closer to home.

we always stay at the Red Roof Inn in Pigeon Forge.. its at a red light and easy to get in and out of.. clean and has a nice pool/hot tub. next door to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.. which is a great place to eat and very affordable!

hope this helps :)

[dliver316]

We live fairly close and we have been a gazillion times. I totally agree about Cades Cove. Depending on how much time you have and the time of the year you go that is....it is pretty much a nature loop scenic drive. Very awesome especially if you have never done it. We have seen deer (always) and several times we have seen bears ...twice a mother and her cubs which was neat.
Dixie Stampede is pretty fun...it is a dinner show...kind of expensive though. Of course there is Dollywood and Splash country.
I will keep thinking.

[krazykate]

Becca:

We have been to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge 3 times. This year we are renting a cabin that is in Gatlinburg in the Chalet Village. They have 3 swimming pools and a wonderful playground. We found this years cabin on VRBO. The cabin we are renting is 86936. It is only $95,.00 a night and 2 bedrooms and a loft w/queen bed. They also have a playstation 2 with some games. They have a hot tub on the deck. We stayed last year in another cabin that is booked for the week we want this year. It was also in Chalet Village. We were able to see a racoon every night and a moma bear and 3 cubs visited us on a night that we were grilling out. We did Dollywood last year, but it is a bit pricey, so we are passing this year. They have a go-cart/boat shooting water and kiddie park in town that is worth it. The Old Mill section is also a must for us. Hope this helps.