Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Here's the Deal - Save Money on Your Smoky Mountains Family Vacation.
In a time when everything seems to cost more money, Pigeon Forge is spotlighting ways to save money on a family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Save a little and have more fun. The ideas are simple; the savings obvious.
1.
Park your car. Walk a bit or ride the Fun Time Trolley. Trolley fare is only 50 cents, and routes weave throughout town. Take the trolley to Dollywood and bypass the theme park's parking fee. If your lodging is along the Parkway, scores of attractions, shops and restaurants are only a short walk away. “You’re not burning gas when you’re on the trolley or strolling along the Parkway,” Downey said.
2.
Try a Pigeon Forge Value Card. Discounts on lodging, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and attractions (even indoor skydiving) are on the Pigeon Forge Value Card. Cards are free at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center at Traffic Light #0 near the Miracle Theater and WonderWorks. Shopaholics will get a real buzz by using the Value Card to get a Belz Bucks Bonus Card at Belz Factory Outlet World. The Belz card offers a variety of discounts. Examples: 20% off any item at the Izod store; $10 off a $50 purchase at Camp Coleman; 20% off any purchase at Claire’s; 20% off at Bass Shoes, including sale merchandise.
3.
Get a free day at Dollywood. Yes, it’s possible with the “Arrive After 3, Get the Next Day Free” program from Tennessee’s most visited tourism attraction. To get a sense of extra value, visit the park Dolly Parton made famous on Wednesdays and Thursdays, generally the lowest attendance days.
4.
Purchase a Dollywood season pass. If you’re returning to Pigeon Forge later this year, a Dollywood season pass pays for itself on the second visit. “Many Pigeon Forge visitors come in the summer, again in the fall and again for Christmas. If Dollywood is on their agenda, a season pass is a true bargain,” Downey said.
5.
Buy a theater combo for the family. There are more than a dozen musical theaters in Pigeon Forge and more than 20 different shows. Look for discounted combo tickets if you want to see more than one show. (Example: At Miracle, Black Bear Jamboree, Comedy Barn, Blackwood Breakfast Show and Triumphant Quartet, you get the third show free when you buy tickets to two.)
6.
Enjoy Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your kids. “The national park is our tourism anchor, and it’s free,” Downey said. It is America’s most visited national park and the largest wilderness area in the eastern U.S. Easy hiking trails, picnic grounds and magnificent scenery are adjacent to Pigeon Forge.
7.
Find discounts online. New discounts and printable coupons are posted frequently on the tourism department’s official website.
8.
Reserve a family vacation package. “Packages save you money. It’s as simple as that,” Downey said of programs that combine lodging, shows and attractions into one purchase. The packagers buy their inventory in volume and get better prices than individuals can. Numerous packages are available online.
Make it happen. Information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge may be found at
www.mypigeonforge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
