Since moving to Pigeon Forge, Tim and I have been playing tourist. We’ve done some dinner shows and visited the local attractions. First on the list? Dolly Parton’s Stampede. By far one of the most famous Pigeon Forge attractions, it certainly didn’t disappoint!
UPDATE: The shows name has been changed from Dixie Stampede to Dolly Parton’s Stampede.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Known as the most fun place to eat in the Smokies, you are in for a great night from the moment you step out of your car! With a four-course feast that will make your mouth water and top-notch riders that will amaze you, it is easy to see why this is the world’s most visited dinner attraction. And with Dolly’s name attached to it, you can expect world-class entertainment, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before!
Horse Walk
The stars of the show are ready to be greeted on the Dixie Stampede Horse Walk, so if you stop to pick up your tickets before show day you should stop by and meet them. Each horse is in a personalized stall and they are the cutest things ever. You can read a little bit about each of them and what they do in the show. If you have kiddos, it is a must!
Preshow at Dixie Stampede
Included in your ticket is the pre-show entertainment, so missing it is not something we recommend. It starts 50 mins before show time and will get you pumped for the show to come. Mountain Rukus, the band putting on the pre-show show, is made up of some of Dolly’s old band mates. The award winning members of the group rock out to bluegrass tunes and even bring in some modern tunes to the playlist. While at the pre-show you can also snack! As Tim can tell you, I can’t turn down a slushie drink OR popcorn, so I was in hog heaven!
Dinner Time with a Show!
The arena fills as everyone finds their seats, and honestly there are no bad seats in the house! As you cheer for your respective side (North or South) it is hard not to let your competitive side shine a bit. Tim and I sat on the North side and had our boot mugs ready for a foot stompin’ good time. Is it a little corny? Sure. But we loved every minute of it!
When they say that you get a whole chicken, you really do get a whole chicken! Good news is that they bring you a doggie bag for left overs, which we didn’t need because Tim and Sibling Hames finished off the chicken I left behind. Honestly, there really is no way you can leave this place hungry! I had heard all about the Famous Dixie Stampede creamy soup before the show and I honestly thought “It can’t be that great.” I am here to openly admit that I was wrong and it it that great!
One of my favorite parts of the show was the Native American scene that included buffalo and an areal act! When paired with the backdrop of Dolly Parton’s “Sha Kon O Hey!” the two perfectly compliment each other. Following that are the beloved long horns, back to celebrate Dixie Stampede’s 30th Season in Pigeon Forge.
I don’t want to give too much of the show away, so I will leave you with this: The finale number… WOAH! After the friendly competition, delicious food, and hilarious audience participation, the finale is the perfect way to end the night!
Fun Fact: Dixie Stampede has the largest stick horse collection at the Pigeon Forge location. You can see the collection in shadow boxes as you walk through the building. As you exit the arena, near the elevator you will also find a stick horse made by Dolly herself!
If you loved the soup don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to pick some up to make at home! I also highly recommend the chicken rub and BBQ Sauce!
PRO TIPS:
- Gratuity is not included in your ticket price, so be prepared with cash. No one wants to feel like a jerk come the end of the show when you have no tipping cash.
- If you want a boot mug, buy it ahead of time! It is cheaper if you get it when you purchase your tickets versus getting it at the pre-show.
- Don’t miss the horse walk! It is a great way to get the kiddos excited for the show!
There is so much to do in the area! You can find great hotel options as well as other Smoky Mountain Attractions at Vacations Made Easy!
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