Dolly Parton's Dollywood And ReserveDirect Encourage Travel By Offering Discount, Lodging-Inclusive Vacation Packages To Save Customers Money

Earlier this spring, Dollywood introduced their new vacation packages program to aid families during difficult economic times. These money saving packages, developed by reservation technology company, ReserveDirect, were created to combine the award-winning theme parks, Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country, with an assortment of approved Pigeon Forge, Tennessee area lodging, allowing guests to reserve their vacation package with a twenty percent discount in comparison with walk-up prices.

The all-inclusive design of the Dollywood vacation packages allow customers to reserve park tickets and lodging in one convenient, money-saving package— something Tim Berry, Marketing Director of the Dollywood Company, was searching for. “We needed a system to communicate directly with our in-house ticketing system to provide seamless transactions. So, now that ReserveDirect’s system is speaking to ours, we are able to provide our customers a great added value of money-saving, lodging-inclusive packages.”

John Johnson, President of ReserveDirect, added “Even though these are tough times, economically speaking, we felt that by partnering with Dollywood, we could offer families a way to save money and still go on vacation. With our service, you can get your Dollywood tickets and hotel for a lot less money and have the same amount of fun.”

ReserveDirect has been providing online reservation technology since 2001 with the launch of their destination website, ReserveBranson.com. In 2004, ReserveDirect also launched ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com to service the Smoky Mountain family vacation destinations.

A St. Louis based company, ReserveDirect has provided similar solutions for lodging associations and destination marketing organizations in markets like Branson, Missouri; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Orlando, Florida. ReserveDirect also operates its own consumer booking engines in each of these destinations, as well as services for Polk County, Florida, Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and Springfield, Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Country Tonite Welcomes Ronnie McDowell, George Jones

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is known for family entertainment, the Great Smoky Mountains and Dolly Parton. Country Tonite is an integral part of the family entertainment presented in Pigeon Forge, and they have had continued success performing country’s hits, from yesterday and today. They have also brought some of the biggest stars to the mountains of Tennessee, and this July, they are bringing two more stars to the stage.

In July, Country Tonite is opening its doors to both Ronnie McDowell and George Jones.

Ronnie McDowell is scheduled to perform Friday, July 11, at 8pm. Ticket prices are $30.00 plus tax.

George Jones is scheduled to perform Friday, July 25 & Saturday, July 26, at 8pm. Ticket prices are $43.95 plus tax.

Both performers are legendary in their own right, and each show will feature the hits these singers are known for. Once you have your tickets, be sure to make Pigeon Forge lodging reservations in advance. It’s the best way to save money and have a guaranteed room waiting for you when you arrive. A few Pigeon Forge properties to consider include The Resort at Governor’s Crossing, RiverStone Resort, Country Inn & Suites, The Water Resort and Governor’s Inn.

Pigeon Forge Promises More Family Fun During Patriot Festival

Something old and something new will take the stage this July 4th weekend in Pigeon Forge, with the 18th Annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival rocking the city from July 4-6.

This year's theme, "A Family Affair-Then and Now," features music for the kids and their parents. Friday night's concert event will feature big name contemporary, rock and alternative bands like Good Charlotte, Metro Station, Menudo and Boys Like Girls. American Idol lovers can expect an appearance from finalist Ace Young as well.

The concert has been booked in Patriot Park and is free of charge to anyone who plans to attend.
Last year the city joined with Star 102.1, a Knoxville radio station, as part of their StarJams concert series, according to Deanna Sorge, special events supervisor with Pigeon Forge.
"This totally changed our demographic of what we normally do; traditionally we go with country acts. Now we can capture the younger families to patronize more of the Pigeon Forge attractions," Sorge said.

The bands will start their show around 5 p.m., Sorge said until about 9:45 p.m., when fireworks will fill the sky.

"This is an awesome event for the residents and tourists. It totally showcases our town to various groups who might not have otherwise come here," Sorge said.

With this year's event, Sorge projected around 60,000 to 70,000 people in attendance, based on crowd numbers from last year.

"We are offering the fireworks and concerts free of charge as a thank you to the citizens and tourists from Pigeon Forge," Sorge said.

During the day parents can take the children a little early for good seats and parking spaces around 1 p.m. when the Kids Karnival begins. The carnival will include a rock-climbing wall, a mechanical bull, a moonwalk, and bungee run, and other games and activities.

"We've received many calls from different states on this concert. A listener's concert from the radio station is win-win situation for both parties," Sorge said.

Festivities for the adults begin Saturday, July 5 at the Old Mill and Old Mill Square from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be tours of the Old Mill, built in 1830 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, also pottery demonstrations at Pigeon Forge Pottery will provide a glimpse of the traditions, crafts and heritage of East Tennessee.

The Carolina Bluegrass Boys will perform at 6 p.m. and there will be "old-time" activities for children including ring toss, seesaws and much more.

"Family Community Christian Day" begins July 6 with a free concert event starting at 4 p.m. at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater scheduled to feature the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and the Everette Hills Baptist Church choir from Maryville.

A concert will be held around 7:30 p.m. at the Miracle Theater feature Voices of Lee from Lee University in Cleveland. Tickets can be purchased through the theater by calling 1-800-768-1170.

Those attending the festivities are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for sitting. There will be food and refreshments available at the park.

Information courtesy of The Mountain Press

7 Ways to Save on your Pigeon Forge Vacation

The summer season has arrived, ushered in with warm weather days and endless play for children throughout the country. Many families choose this time of year to hit the open road and enjoy the always needed family vacation. Even though gas prices are high, and budgets are tight, there is still one vacation destination making it easy for families to get away together. The Smoky Mountains, home to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, provide the perfect way for outdoor fun to combine with family entertainment, creating a one-stop, have-it-all type destination. So fill up the family car, stock your cooler with drinks and snacks and gear up for a vacation full of memories.

Here are 7 ways to save while visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1) Use the Trolley System. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system has over 100 stops throughout Pigeon Forge and the Parkway, including Dollywood. It’s a good way to see all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions and sights, without having to pay for gas. The Trolley fare is only 50 cents. Plus, there is a new addition, connecting Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, a convenient connection making both destinations easily accessible.

2) Cut corners by cutting into Pigeon Forge Coupons. Coupons for Pigeon Forge are available, as well as Coupons for Gatlinburg, for restaurants and shopping. A few of the restaurant coupons featured are Hard Rock Café, Great American Buffet, Alamo Steakhouse and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The shopping coupons include discounts at Tanger Outlet, Belz Outlet, The Old Mill and Christmas Place.

3) Discover our Direct Deals page on our websites ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com. There are discount Pigeon Forge tickets and discount Gatlinburg attractions available, including deals on Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show, The Track, Ripley’s Museum, RainForest Adventures and Ober Gatlinburg.

4) Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages and Gatlinburg Vacation Packages are also great ways to save on your family getaway. On ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com there are several discount packages available featuring Country Tonite, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Tennessee Shindig.

5) Reserve a Dollywood Package. The 2008 Dollywood Adventure Packages allow guests to conveniently one-stop shop. Families can book their Dollywood Tickets, Splash Country Tickets and lodging all in place and one great price! Only Dollywood and ReserveDirect offer these great Dollywood deals!

6) Explore the Great Smoky Mountains! While in the area, discover the most visited National Park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains. Full of things to do for the whole family, take advantage of the hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife for a truly memorable experience. It’s a free and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and your family.

7) Take advantage of discount Pigeon Forge show tickets for children. Shows like Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show and Black Bear Jamboree are offering deals where children get in free with a paying adult! With prices like that, families can’t afford not to go!

Celebrate 4th of July at Pigeon Forge's Patriot Festival

The 18th Annual Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge is July 4th-6th, and promises to be a great celebration for friends and families to attend. Located at Patriot Park on Old Mill road, the Patriot Festival is providing free concerts and free activities with food vendors on site and an end of the night fireworks on July 4th.

The first day of the Pigeon Forge festival, July 4th, begins at 1pm with free concerts. The featured performers include Ace Young, of American Idol fame, Metro Station, Good Charlotte’s Joel and Benji Madden, Menudo, and Boys Like Girls.

July 5th offers free activities for the family at Old Mill Square, with Tennessee Traditions demonstrations. At 6pm, there will be a concert by the Carolina Bluegrass Boys.

July 6th, the final day of the festival, features free admission to two great shows. At 4pm, you can attend the Family Community Christian Day Choral Concerts at the Smoky Mountain Jubilee Theater. Then, at 7:30pm, The Miracle Theater is hosting Lee University’s “Voices of Lee.”

Be sure to bring your friends and family to Pigeon Forge’s 4th of July Celebration!

Kratt Brothers bring their 'Creature Adventures' to Pigeon Forge

Self-named "creature adventurer" Chris Kratt has met thousands of animals living on every continent but Antarctica. He's nearly fallen off an elephant's back while filming tigers in India. He's munched on big ants to experience a chimpanzee's diet and relaxed in a volcanic hot tub with snow monkeys in Japan.

Now the co-star of the animal-focused, child-oriented television series "Zoboomafoo," "Kratts' Creatures" and "Be the Creatures" is excited about spending his summer at Dollywood.

And it's not the lure of the Pigeon Forge amusement park's famous water rides. It's the call of the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The man who's explored the Amazon and spent time around polar bears in Alaska plans to take time to explore the national park that straddles Western North Carolina and East Tennessee. He's been to a part of the park before, briefly, visiting older brother Martin Kratt and helping to find a "really cool" hellbender salamander species.

"It's a great place if you like salamanders. Actually there are more salamander species in the Smokies area than anywhere in the world," says Chris Kratt.

And Chris and Martin Kratt, known in the television and animal world as the Kratt Brothers, like salamanders. And frogs. And about every other animal that they have - and have not - met.
"There are still plenty of animals I've love to meet - giant pandas, red pandas. Gosh, I've love to see a blue whale, a sperm whale, emperor penguins."

Animals and adventure are cornerstones of the brothers' live show at Dollywood during the park's KidsFest. The festival begins today and ends Aug. 3.

Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers includes live animals native to the Smokies plus animals like a baby kangaroo and baby zebra. There are other animals too, Kratt promises, but he wants to keep an element of surprise.

The show's premise is that Dolly Parton herself called in the brothers for help after she noticed animals that she's never seen before in East Tennessee. The siblings must rescue the creatures and restore order to the animal kingdom.

Growing up in suburban northern New Jersey, Martin and Chris Kratt always loved animals. They studied zoology and biology in college and decided to combine science, nature and entertainment by creating animal programs for children. They packed a camcorder, backpacks and surfboards and headed to Costa Rica. They edited their video in the basement of their parents' home.

The children they showed the film to at school assemblies loved it. The television producers and officials hated it. But then a new director of children's programs at PBS watched the video with children. The result was their first series, "Kratts' Creatures." That was followed by "Zoboomafoo," a Kratt-created word to sound like it was original to Madagascar; and "Be a Creature." The brothers are working on a new series.

The brothers call themselves "creature adventurers" because that embraces their educator-entertainer-scientist roles. "We are scientists; we do like to teach kids. I guess we are entertainers but that's the last thing we think of ourselves really," says Chris Kratt.

The Kratts have established Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children help animals. Through that, they've bought land in the western United States and set up the Grizzly bear Grizzly Gulch refuge. An environmental message is subtle but present in their show.

"We just think the natural world and animals and nature are just really exciting, really fun. With our shows, we are trying to show our own excitement and ignite it in anybody we can. … People can decide if they want to do something to continue to have these things in the world."

Information courtesy of Knoxville News Sentinel

Image courtesy of Dollywood

Dollywood's KidsFest Offers Family Fun starting June 13

Go wild this summer at Dollywood’s KidsFest with Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers, the original creature adventurers, and all of their amazing animal friends! See Chris and Martin Kratt, stars of PBS’ popular Zoboomafoo series, as they introduce a fascinating cast of creatures.

Be on the lookout for everyone’s favorite veggies—Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber—alongside the pirates who don’t do anything as VeggieTales® LIVE! returns to Dollywood in the most hilarious stage show ever.

Over at Dolly’s Imagination Playhouse, the Penguin Players are back with three fun-filled sing-along stage shows.

Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers
Go wild this summer at Dollywood’s KidsFest with Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers, stars of the popular PBS Zoboomafoo series. See Chris and Martin live as they introduce an amazing array of their animal friends in this spectacular...

Kamp KidsFest
This summer, you definitely want to plan a trip to Kamp KidsFest featuring Kreatures, Kritters & Krafts. Located in Dollywood’s Valley Exhibition Hall, Kamp KidsFest is crawling with animal encounters. Animal handlers from the Knoxville...

Sandscapes
If you think sand sculptures are something you only find at the beach or in a sandbox, you’re in for a surprise at KidsFest. Sandscapes, the 12-time World Sand Sculpture Champions, creates large-scale, three-dimensional sand sculptures. ...

VeggieTales® LIVE
Kids will be begging for their veggies this summer as VeggieTales' Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber star in the VeggieTales LIVE stage production! Audiences will be drowning in laughter during this boatload of fun as Bob and Larry match wits with...

Cas & Walker (Roving Characters)
Be on the lookout for our cast of friendly roving KidsFest characters as they bring smiles and laughs to guests throughout the park. Meet legendary outdoorsman Cas and his trusted companion Walker, the bluetick hound, as they live their own Smoky...

Miss Penny & Patches the Scarecrow (Roving Characters)
Be on the lookout for our cast of friendly roving KidsFest characters as they bring smiles and laughs to guests throughout the park. In Country Fair, you’ll find Patches the Scarecrow who sneaked away from the Piggy Parade ride and is now strolling...

Penguin Group USA presents Dolly's Imagination Playhouse™ featuring the Penguin Players
It’s the most fun playhouse anywhere—Dolly’s Imagination Playhouse featuring the Penguin Players! See three children’s classics—The Little Engine That Could, The Gruffalo, and Hank the Cowdog—come to life onstage.

Information & Image courtesy of Dollywood

Dollywood Hosts Thrills in the Hills Event June 6-8

Roller coaster fans from across the country will converge on Dollywood this weekend for the theme park’s first-time Thrills in the Hills event set for June 6-8.

“Thrills in the Hills is a much-anticipated opportunity to see some very unique rides from a really up-close perspective that isn’t ordinarily available,” said Matthew Lambert, American Coaster Enthusiast member, “but everyone is really looking forward to enjoying the warm Southern hospitality that Dollywood is known for.”

Approximately 70 attendees will enjoy exclusive ride time and behind-the-scenes tours of the park’s coasters, including Thunderhead, twice named the best wooden coaster in the world by the Golden Tickets Awards, and Mystery Mine, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 best new themed attraction, as well as the Tennessee Tornado and Blazing Fury. Participants also will see two of Dollywood’s award-winning stage shows—the 2006 international Heartbeat Award winner Dreamland Drive-In and the 2007 winner, The Great American Country Show. The weekend’s itinerary also offers opportunities to visit Dollywood’s Splash Country and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner attraction.

“It’s an honor for Dollywood to host Thrills in the Hills and showcase all that our properties have to offer,” said Pete Owens, Dollywood Public Relations Manager. “We hope Thrills in the Hills is the first of many events of this type.”

Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 21, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009), Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region.

Information & Image courtesy of Dollywood

Two Award-winning Shows Highlight Dollywood's 2008 Live Entertainment

Dollywood’s 2008 entertainment lineup treats guests to two international Heartbeat Award-winning stage shows—Dreamland Drive-In and The Great American Country Show— along with a roster of entertainment that showcases bluegrass, Southern gospel and mountain music.

Awarded by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Heartbeat Award recognizes the show that demonstrates superior overall ability in reaching the hearts of its audience. Candidates are judged on the cast’s commitment, the production’s quality and content, and the effectiveness on the part of the producing organization in seeking to create a special connection with its audience. Annually, more than 100 shows from around the world compete for the honor.

“Being recognized by IAAPA’s Heartbeart Award two years running is an honor that we at Dollywood are extremely proud of,” said Director of Entertainment Paul T. Couch. “It really speaks to the quality and commitment of our performers, crews and creative teams that work so hard to produce shows that go the extra mile in connecting with our audience.”

Dreamland Drive-In, the 2006 Heartbeat Award winner, premiered May 13, 2006, and showcases the much-loved music of the ‘50s and ‘60s. The show’s setting is a drive-in diner where the local radio station holds live broadcasts every Saturday afternoon. The production’s storyline takes audiences on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as a 15-year romance unfolds between the show’s two central characters—“Danny the DJ” and “the girl in the green dress.” Bridging the gap between 1956 and 2006 is a video montage of the years’ biggest hit songs. Dreamland Drive-In features a 12-member cast and a fully-orchestrated musical score highlighting the eras’ most memorable hit songs including “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” “Yesterday,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “California Dreamin’,” and many more.

The Great American Country Show, the 2007 Heartbeat Award winner, originally premiered May 16, 2007 and features a six-member cast and a six-piece band who perform 45 minutes of contemporary and classic country hits including “All-American Girl,” “If You’re Reading This,” “When I Get Where I’m Going,” “Picture To Burn” and “Small Town Southern Man.” A special segment honoring Dolly Parton includes a video performance of Parton singing her chart-topping hit “I Will Always Love You.”

A 30-foot-wide video screen above the stage allows hosts from GAC’s most popular shows to introduce each show segment and interact with the The Great American Country Show’s performers. Various GAC cable programs define the performance segments of The Great American Country Show, including GAC’s Top Twenty hosted by Nan Kelley; Edge of Country hosted by Kylie Harris; The Year hosted by Mark Wills; and Master Series host Bill Cody.

Each performance of The Great American Country Show is highlighted by a special 10-minute guest appearance by a country artist. This year’s lineup includes Jim Ed Brown (May 16-19), Jimmy Fortune (June 2-7), Jan Howard (June 10-14), Paulette Carlson (June 24-28), Baillie & the Boys (June 30-July 5), Marty Raybon (July 8-12), Tammy Cochran (July 22-26), Linda Davis (July 28–Aug. 2), Pirates of the Mississippi (Aug. 5-9), Mel McDaniel (Aug. 11-16), Jean Shepard (Aug. 18, 20 & 22-25), Mandy Barnett (Aug. 27-Sept. 3), John Berry (Sept. 5-10), Tammy Cochran (Sept. 19-24), and T. Graham Brown (Oct. 17-22 & 24-25).

Dollywood’s live entertainment roster also includes Country Crossroads, The Kingdom Heirs, The Gem Tones, The Kinfolks Show, Naomi & The Wood Brothers, and The Smoky Mountain String Band.

Dollywood is a 130-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 21, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009), Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region.

Information courtesy of Dollywood

Pigeon Forge Offers Unique Vacation Options for Visitors

This summer, make some Smoky Mountain Memories of your own.

Whether it's checking out Dollywood's new $5 million River Battle or tumbling down the side of a hill (on purpose) at Zorb, Pigeon Forge boasts some of the most unique and varied options for vacationing couples, families and seniors.

"Pigeon Forge has fundamental appeal on multiple levels. It's wonderful for families because of the variety of activities. It's great for people who really love the outdoors because our next door neighbor is the most visited national park in the country. It's fun for couples looking for a getaway because there are places you can hide out," said Tom Adkinson, spokesman for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. "Those three attributes alone, laid on top of the fact that it's accessible and convenient -- only 287 miles from Huntington, W.V. and all interstate highways until you get about 15 minutes from our door."

Most people know about the live entertainment that Pigeon Forge is known for, including more than 70 shows by Lee Greenwood this year and other performers in genres ranging from country to gospel to pop. A varied list of restaurants -- including seafood, steakhouses and hibachis -- grows from year to year. Lodging choices in Pigeon Forge are extraordinary, Adkinson offered, ranging from independent and chain hotels and motels to cabins, chalets and condos that feel private, but still maintain their accessibility to the attractions of the area.

The newest additions to the entertainment scene include family-friendly comedy shows at the Comedy Barn and an elaborate magic and illusion show called "Magic Beyond Belief." A favorite of families is a Biblical production called "The Miracle."

"This is one of the most elaborate shows you'll see anywhere in the country. It's staged in a 1,700 seat theater with a very large cast and 100 animals," Adkinson said. "It's the classic battle of good versus evil and the story of Christ."

A new segment at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede features a charging herd of Texas longhorn steers.

And, speaking of Dolly, Adkinson offered, the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in Tennessee -- Dollywood -- has been growing and expanding nearly every year.

"This year, they have a new $5 million water adventure ride called 'River Battle,' in which the passengers have access to giant soaker guns they can battle with and pedestrians can get into the act as well," he said. "Last year, they added a $17.5 million roller coaster called 'Mystery Mine' that is one of the best in the country."

One of the most exciting additions to the Smoky Mountains is the New Zealand innovation called "Zorb." More details can be obtained at www.zorb.com/smoky.

"It's a silly Web site, but it's the only way to tell a silly story," Adkinson said. "Imagine a beach ball 11 feet in diameter and suspended inside is a beach ball six feet in diameter. If you climb into the inner ball through the tunnel, they'll push you over the side of the hill."

Never fear, though -- those brave enough to try it are either strapped into a harness called a "Zorbit" or enclosed with five gallons of warm water called a "Zydro." Even Adkinson has his "Zorbonaut" certification.

"It's funny to watch and funnier to do," he explained. "It's the only location in North America. You can't do this anywhere else without flying a long way."

If it's less physical challenges you're seeking and perhaps more mental, take the family to "WonderWorks," billed as "an amusement park for the mind." Featuring more than 150 interactive exhibits contained in 55,000 square feet of space, WonderWorks is easy to spot. It's upside-down.

"The building façade is upside-down and inside are all manner of activities. You can get in a simulator and try to land a space shuttle. You can experience an earthquake and a hurricane. You can ride a 360-degree bicycle that if you pedal fast enough will go completely over the bar," Adkinson explained.

Many Pigeon Forge Web sites recommend getting a free Value Card with discounts on lodging, entertainment, shopping, attractions and restaurants before visiting. Visit www.mypigeonforge.com to secure yours.

"One of the reasons we have 11 million visitors every year is because Pigeon Forge is a place of permanence -- you know you're going to enjoy these mountains, but it's also a place of change because we're evolving every year," Adkinson said.


Information courtesy of The Herald-Dispatch
Image courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism