My Smoky Mountain Vacations

August 9

 We took the kiddos to Dollywood for the last time before school started (on the 11th). We weren't the only family in the area with the same idea. Apparently lots season pass holders wanted to get in one last summer trip to Dollywood as well as take advantage of the great deals the 'Wood is offering in the month of August. The best deal for our family involves free food for kids. If you eat at Red's Diner , Miss Lillian's, Aunt Granny's , the Grandstand Cafe , or Splinter's and show your season pass, you get one free child's meal for each adult meal you purchase (you must also buy a drink for the adult). You can still use your Gold pass  to get 20% off the total meal cost as well. When our final bill was calculated  our family of five ate at Red's Diner for about $17 - the same as a typical fast food restaurant for us. Dollywood is also offering other incentives to season pass holders in August - every season pass holder is automatically entered into a drawing for a year's supply of free gasoline every time you visit Dollywood in August. Also, every merchandise purchase you make with your season pass in August gives you an automatic entry into a drawing for one of two $500 shopping sprees. That one doesn't excite me as much, though, since I rarely buy anything at Dollywood.

Dollywood was pretty packed this past Saturday, but I expect it to be much less crowded from here on out in August - except maybe on Saturdays when all the local season pass holders visit. Timber Tower was not operating - again. It seems that particular ride is broken almost as much as it is operational. I discovered at least part of the problem this past time, though. Apparently the ride was built in Germany and parts for it must also be shipped from Germany. So when a part needs to be replaced it takes several days to get it.

We watched the Dreamland Drive-In show for the second time this season. That show seems to get better every time I watch it. I especially love Bertha - she has a great  voice as well as incredible stage presence. If you get a chance to see Dreamland Drive-In I highly recommend it. But you'll need to pay special attention to the show schedule when you visit. The show usually only runs twice a day at around 11 am and  1 pm - and I've never seen it play on Tuesdays or Thursdays. You shouldn't  have any problem getting a good seat if you arrive about 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to start - unless it's an especially busy day.

All in all we had a great visit to Dollywood. I'll let you know about our next adventure in the Smokies soon.