Dixie Stampede is one of the many Dolly Parton-owned and -operated venues in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Our children named Dixie Stampede as the highlight of their trip. The food is good, but the real draw is the spectacular show.
The huge arena/dining area is filled for two shows a day most days from March to December. In November and December, they also add a Christmas show. Be sure to call ahead for reservations because they regularly sell out. You can make reservations at 800-356-1676, 865-453-4400, or www.dixiestampede.com.
When you first come in, they arrange you into family and/or dining groups and take your picture. Later during the show, they find you and offer the pictures for sale.
Next there is a preshow with a bluegrass band. They sell popcorn, serve non-alcoholic mixed drinks in a boot-shaped mug. Arrive earlier than the stated time to avoid difficult parking and standing room only in the preshow.
My 8-year-old daughter was uneasy at first because it was a little dark. The waitress took a minute and gave her some personal attention, and that eased her fears. A little kindness goes a long way.
The food was excellent and there was a lot of it. Only my 16-year-old son (on a growth spurt) could finish the food. There was creamy vegetable soup, a whole rotisserie chicken, smoked pork loin, corn on the cob, biscuits, potato slices, apple pastry, and all the Pepsi, tea, or coffee you could drink. The children’s meal was less expensive, but they were served the exact same meal as the adults. There is no alcohol served here at all because it bills itself as a family-friendly experience.
The tip was not included in the price of the meal. Also, they do not give out eating utensils. We didn’t understand that – I guess they were shooting for Southern ambience.
The show incorporated multimedia, special effects, and lots of skilled performers and trained animals. The show was conducted by a master of ceremonies that encouraged audience participation. The opening was a small herd of buffalos. They had trained them to pose as part of the story line. Who ever heard of a trained buffalo? My kids loved the pig races and the ostrich races. They used fireworks and a release of Doves of Peace. They had 32 trained horses. It was a lighthearted approach to a patriotic event. It was the highlight of our children’s trip. It is hard to find something that my two 8-year-olds and my two teenagers all like.