A Rootin' Tootin' Review of Dolly Parton's (Dixie) Stampede in Pigeon Forge

Well howdy there, folks! It's your gal Sara, back in action after our good ole adventure at Dollywood. But hold onto your cowboy hats, 'cause we ain't done yet with Pigeon Forge! I reckon it's about time we saddled up for a rambunctious rodeo of a time at none other than Dolly Parton's Stampede (it was actually called the Dixie Stampede when I went!)

Now, what's the Dixie Stampede you ask? Well, it's an extravagant dinner and show attraction that's about as American as apple pie. We're talkin' horses prancin', riders leapin', wagons racin', and buffalo roamin' - all this and more while you sit back and feast on a delicious four-course meal. Sounds like a hoot and a holler, don't it?

TA, as they stand on TWO HORSES! Whilst going through a ring of fire, you think to yourself, how can I get this job?!

The staff, they're as warm and welcoming as a Southern sunrise. They make you feel right at home, always there to keep your belly full and your spirit high. Now, let's talk about the food - oh lordy, the food! Smoky rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked pork loin, creamy vegetable soup and the star of the show - a fluffy, hot homemade biscuit. All of this served with your choice of drink, and a specialty dessert to round off the experience.

Embrace America and all the beauty it holds! Especially when it's good food, a good time, and horses and pretty people!

And now for the part we all wince at - the price. Let me tell you, it ain't as steep as you might think. For an adult, you're lookin' at around $50-$60. And for the young'uns? Just about half of that. Given the sumptuous meal and the high-energy, two-hour spectacle of a show, I'd say it's worth every penny.

But sugar, it ain't all sunshine and rainbows. Like any experience, there were parts I wasn't a fan of. The seating arrangement can be a little tight, especially if you're sharing a row with a big group. And if you're a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, their menu might not be to your likin'. The action, while thrilling, can also be a bit loud for some.

So I just HAD to buy a cowgirl hat! There's tons of cool stuff here, so bring the dollars, but remember, they add tax on the end, so a crisp top being $19.99, might not actually be!

But that's all part of the experience, isn't it? Dixie Stampede is a rollercoaster ride of fun, food, and frontier adventure. So, join me, as we dive deep into this Southern spectacle and see if it's the right fit for your Pigeon Forge adventure. SaraJourneys, over and out!

Goodness I was looking FIRE! And right before the entrance, the sun was beaming, and I was ready to find out who I was, the North, or the South!

The Duelin' Delight of Dolly Parton's Stampede: A North Vs South Showdown in Pigeon Forge!

Apart from me having a massive crush on this woman! Can I dress like a princess for my job too! You’re met with a classic American dress they said, I really loved it!

Well, bless your hearts and giddy up, y'all! We're about to take a rollicking ride into Dolly Parton's Stampede, a wild world where the North meets the South in a friendly competition that's chock-full of thrilling horse-riding stunts, stunning special effects, and music that'll get your toes tappin'.

Picture this, y'all - you're seated in an arena, surrounded by the infectious energy of the crowd, the lights dim, and a spectacular show unfolds right before your very eyes. This ain't just any show, mind you. It's a duel between the North and the South - a showdown as thrilling as they come, with magnificent horses and skilled riders pulling off stunts that'll have you on the edge of your seat.

Tripadvisor, and also, WOW, loving the red, white and blue! Did you know? The shortest inaugural address in U.S. history — 135 words — was given in 1793 by George Washington. Rumor was his dentures hurt, and he wanted to get it over with.

My stunning sister! What you can’t see, is that her dress is hedgehogs with top hats on! Literally so amazing!

As the horses gallop and the riders dazzle, you're served a mouthwatering four-course feast that'd satisfy even the hungriest cowboy. We're talkin' creamy vegetable soup, fresh-off-the-oven biscuits, tender rotisserie chicken, smoky barbeque pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, and a herb-basted potato. And for the grand finale? A flaky, hot apple turnover that's as sweet as a Southern belle's smile.

And let me tell y'all about the Horse Walk. It's a chance to see the stars of the show up close and personal. You'll marvel at the beautiful array of horse breeds, each one prouder and more elegant than the last. It's an experience that starts even before you step foot in the arena.

Me, just before the show was about to start!

Now, if you're gatherin' with a big group - say 20 or more - there's special discounts waiting for y'all. Whether it's a family reunion, church group, sports team, or even a whopping party of a thousand folks, the Stampede's got you covered. They can even cater to exclusive events, turning their arena into your own personal playground for a night you won't forget.

And come the holiday season, Pigeon Forge turns into a winter wonderland at the Christmas Show. The arena is transformed with twinkling lights, evergreens, and holiday music that brings the spirit of the season to life. There's playful elves, North and South Pole competitions, and a festive feast to boot.

My sister Amy and I, all ready to watch one of the best shows in the world in my opinion, and you can see her dress more!

Dolly Parton's Stampede, co-owned by the Queen of Country herself and the Herschend family, has been charming visitors since 1988 in Pigeon Forge, and later in Myrtle Beach and Branson. They used to have a spot down in Orlando, too, where the Southern charm was just as sweet.

So there you have it, folks. Dolly Parton's Stampede is more than just a dinner show. It's a true Southern spectacle that's packed with action, entertainment, and downright delicious food. It's a chance to cheer for your side, North or South, in a toe-tapping, hand-clapping show that'll leave you hollerin' for more. Now, let's ride on into the next adventure, y'all!

Before you even see the Stampede, be prepared for some of the best country and pop covers ever! Enjoy a drink, or 7 and have a good time, and eat some biscuits, not the digestive kind I learned, but really yummy with honey!

That’s right, I still have that plastic Dolly cup! A bit of fizzy pop is always a yes from me!

Picture this: we were part of the North, our voices hollerin' with pride and energy against the playful rivalry of the South. And our side, well, it was packed with brave veterans - the very soul of this beautiful country.

Y'all, I had the honor of sittin' next to Stanley, a Vietnam vet with a heart as big as Tennessee. Sharing his stories, both the inspiring and the tough ones, brought home the realities our brave men and women face. Stanley, if you're out there, we salute you, and we thank you for your service.

The arena before the show starts!

In the midst of the hootin' and hollerin', we were treated to a show of Native American culture, bursting with colors and energy, bringing to life the rich tapestry of our history. And, of course, there was the dinner and show - a feast fit for a cowboy, and entertainment that'd make Broadway blush.

Now, hold onto your hats, 'cause the Stampede serves up a whole chicken, piping hot and juicy, alongside the fluffiest biscuits this side of the Mississippi. You'll see majestic bulls, I reckon even buffalo, amidst the spark of fire and the gallant prance of horses. The reenactments, y'all, they'll whisk you back in time and fill your hearts with pride.

Now, the south, the reds, and the north the blues, sing, dance, and act AMAZING! You have a great view no matter where you sit, so it’s definitely worth it!

But here's the kicker - it all came down to a tie, 3 to 3, North and South. So, what did we do? We let loose a war cry, tryin' to out-holler a school trip from the South. And y'all, those kids could holler!

The joy of doing things as a family, the stories shared, the colorful salute to America, it all made for a night to remember. The staff were as sweet as peach pie, filling up our glasses, dancing, and singing along. They served smiles faster than they served the soda - or 'pop' for us Brits!

And don't forget the merch, darlin'. It's the perfect memento of your visit. Be sure to carve out a couple hours of your day for this gem, 'cause it's worth every minute.

Ah! I remember this part, we had to boo the other side! Come on North!

In my book, the Dixie Stampede gets a big ol' 10 out of 10. Y'all, I'd go back every night if I could! The blend of country and pop, Dolly Parton everything, a feast that'll satisfy even the hungriest of cowboys, staff that make you feel like family, and the company of great folks like Stanley - well, it just don't get better than this. Yeehaw!

Now I know it's blurry, as if it was mid jump! But a flaming ring of fire?!

Stampeding Through the Reviews: The Dixie Delight and the Few Misses

If you can’t see through my terrible photography, (*I get better*) That’s a woman, standing on two horses, about to jump through a flaming ball of fire. That's right, I can barely survive the morning without a coffee!

Alright, y'all, let's rustle up some thoughts on Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede based on the reviews from the good folks who've been there. Now, we've got a mixed bag here, but let's see what the general consensus seems to be.

On the sunny side, we've got families tellin' tales of how the Stampede swept them off their feet. They're raving 'bout how it had their kiddos all wide-eyed and whoopin' with excitement. I mean, even the pickiest eaters are falling head over boots for the food. There's talk of it not being your average 'rubber chicken', but rather, a deliciously tender and perfectly cooked feast. Heck, one family's teenager declared it as their favorite meal of the trip, and that's sayin' something!

BUFFALOS

But hold your horses, because we've got some folks who reckon it ain't all sunshine and rainbows. They felt the North vs South theme was a bit too much given the current political climate, and they were hankerin' for more horse ridin' and less audience participation. And then there's the food. Now, while many enjoyed the carnivorous delights, the vegetarian option seems to be missing the mark. With boiled veggies and plain black beans, they reckon the Stampede could up its game in this department.

Picture this, a sing along, a dance, and classic southern old country style duel, now I’ve seen it in person, but the person to person was WORTH it!

As for the seating, we have some folks who weren't too pleased with their perch. They reckon the railings obscured their view and interrupted their enjoyment of the show. One reviewer even referred to it as a 'money grab,' feeling that the high cost wasn't justified by the overall experience.

And let's not forget about the smell. Some found the top row to be less than pleasant due to the carpet capturing all kinds of odors.

So, there you have it. For some, the Stampede was a rollicking good time, while others reckon it's got room for improvement. It seems the show scores high on entertainment but could perhaps work on their vegetarian options and the overall comfort of their seating. But as always, y'all, it's about what you make of it!

I think the detail to costuming is amazing, it really takes you through history, and despite the negative reviews, I really urge people to go and find out for themselves, as I LOVED it!

Signing Off From the Stampede: An Unforgettable Night, Y'all!

Well, as the night/ afternoon drew to a close, we waved and clapped them all away!

Well, darlin', as we say our goodbyes to the Dixie Stampede, let's take a moment to appreciate the joy, laughter, and heartwarming sense of history that it brought us. Sharing a hearty meal and foot-stompin' good times with the incredible folks of Pigeon Forge has truly been a blessing, and what a fantastic introduction to the American spirit it's been!

The beautiful horses, the energetic show, the friendly staff, and the filling food...it all left a sweet taste of Southern hospitality that'll stay with me. I'm sure as the sun rises, I'd love to share this experience with my dear Calum next time around. Y'all, I left with my heart full, my tummy satisfied, and a big ol' smile that could light up the Tennessee night.

HAHAHA ladies and gentlemen, MY CHICKEN!

But hold your horses, our journey ain't over yet. Tomorrow, we're headin' over to WonderWorks and the Titanic Museum. We'll be dipping our toes into a whirlwind of quirkiness and history, both joyful and somber. So, stick with me, y'all, and let's continue on this exciting journey.

Now, if y'all are plannin' a trip to the Dixie Stampede yourselves, you can find more information and ticket prices on their official websites. The one in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee can be found Tenesse Pigeon Forge and for those headin' towards Branson, Missouri,Montana , Branson stampede Tickets

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As of my knowledge the ticket prices were approximately $55 for adults and $30 for children (ages 3-11) for the Pigeon Forge location, and similar prices for Branson. But, please check the official websites for the most accurate and updated information.

And with that, darlin', it's time for this Southern Belle to bid y'all farewell. Keep your eyes on the horizon for the next adventure. Till then, stay blessed, stay curious, and as always, keep on journeyin'!

Until next time! See you later!

That's all for this post! If you've visited Dolly Parton's Stampede and discovered any hidden treasures or have tips to share, I'd be thrilled to hear about them. If you're in the process of planning a trip and have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Assisting fellow travellers is always a pleasure, and I make it a point to respond to every email I receive (sara@sarajourneys.com). Until we meet again, journey safely!

P.S. For those curious to see more, you can find all our travel photos on the SaraJourneysMore Instagram page.