Are you afraid that a vacation in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is out of reach? When people first think about this East Tennessee tourist area they think of expense and traffic.
My family lived 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge. We shopped and played there often. While I can’t do anything about the traffic, I can share my insider’s tips to help make your vacation more budget friendly.
Here are my tips to save money on your Pigeon Forge, TN vacation.
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
There are ways that you can save money at Dollywood. Possibly the best value is to visit Dollyood after 3:00 pm on your first day and go for free the next day. A regular price adult ticket for one day is $53.50. Going after 3pm can result in a substantial savings, shorter lines and cooler temperatures.
My family has also found it to be helpful to eat well before arriving at Dollywood. This tends to make us less hungry at the park so we spend less. Food is expensive at the park but servings tend to be large. A menu is available on the Dollywood website at www.dollywood.com. This helps us plan food purchases.
A refillable mug can be a great value. The mug itself is a little pricey but refills are much less expensive. You are not allowed to bring snacks or your own drinks into the park.
Shopping
There are several name brand outlet malls in Pigeon Forge. These can be great places to pick up souvenirs. Most outlet stores have sale or clearance sections. If you don’t see a sale table be sure to ask. Sometimes these are off of the main floor.
Touring
Some people come to Pigeon Forge and never see the mountains. Pigeon Forge is on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Taking time to drive past the city of Gatlinburg can yield spectacular scenery at a low cost. Take a picnic and enjoy eating lunch from a picnic table beside the river. There are several spots between Pigeon Forge and the nearby town of Gatlinburg to enjoy the natural beauty.
Discount Combo Tickets
Many attractions have partnered together to offer discount combo tickets. Look for coupons at brochure stands and at the attractions themselves. The savings can add up.
Check out the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism website for great deals and coupons. At the time of this writing the Black Bear Jamboree offered their breakfast show for $9.95 (plus tax) with the purchase of the dinner show. You can also find vacation packages and more. View the coupons online at My Pigeon Forge.Com
Dining Options
At many restaurants less is less expensive than dinner. Arriving 15 minutes before the price change may net you a dinner meal for less money. Buffets seem to be more likely to do this.
Ask for a discount. If you are a senior citizen many restaurants will give you a discount. If you are from the Pigeon Forge area or a bordering county ask if a discount applies. Hubby and I were delightfully surprised when a restaurant gave us 15% off for living in a bordering county. It’s too bad that we moved.
Another dining option is to share a meal. Portions are large at many restaurants in Pigeon Forge and can easily be shared. There may be a charge for the second plate. The $1 - $2 charge is a bargain compared with the full cost of the meal.
Eat in not out. Many Pigeon Forge motels will have refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms. Pick up food at an area grocery and dine in or bring your own from home. If your motel offers a continental breakfast they may be willing to give you a few (tiny) plates.
Gas
Gas is usually less expensive outside of Pigeon Forge. Follow prices at Gasbuddy.com or your favorite online gas tracker.
For more ways to save money on your Pigeon Forge vacation, pay attention to there area guidebooks and brochures. These brochures often have coupons that can add up to big savings.
