When the calendar flipped to November, my family drove up to Pigeon Forge so we could be among the first to see the Smoky Mountain Adventures Christmas Dinner and Show. Since we’ve seen Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction before, the bar was high in terms of our expectations (if Dolly’s name is on it, then you can bet your bottom dollar that the quality will be superior). And yet, we were still completely blown away by the magic we witnessed.
When families commit to attending this type of experience, there’s a desire to be sure you get the very best bang for your buck, and I want to help you do exactly that! I’ve got some tips for you that will help make your evening one your family will never forget.
Pro Tip #1: Arrive Early
Doors open to the lobby at 4:30 p.m., even though the show begins at 6 p.m. Why in the world would you want to get there 90 minutes early? Because there’s plenty of entertainment to be had before the show even starts! There are games for the children to play, snacks to enjoy, and a mailman (who will turn out to play a role in the dinner show!) making his rounds to the children. He’s got letters to Santa that the kids can fill out and leave in a special mailbox!
Pro Tip #2: The Secret Drinks Menu
Prior to the show starting you can get a fun, festive drink if you purchase a souvenir mug (Get one! It has a mountain inside of it, making it the coolest mug EVER!). The Candy Cane Cocoa is AWESOME if you want a hot sweet beverage, but if you prefer cold drinks, like me, ask for a combination of Strawberry and Peach Mango. One is sweeter and one is tarter, and the mixture of the two flavors is perfection!
When it’s time to give your drink order during dinner, if you are avoiding carbonation or caffeine, you can request lemonade (it’s available even though it isn’t officially offered). I think that’s an option many children would like but that parents might not know to request. Now you know!
Pro Tip #3: Put Down Your Camera
You will be absolutely DAZZLED with the lights and the theatrics of the show. The performers move quickly, and that means that you will have a lot of blurry photos to show for it if you spend the entire time trying to get perfect pictures. If I had to do it all over again, I would have taken 90% fewer shots and simply relaxed and enjoyed the performance! Try not to get too preoccupied with capturing the memories that you forget to be present for the magic!
I proudly serve as a Dollywood Insider and received complimentary admission to this performance. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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