Dolly Parton is known throughout the South as having some of the best entertainment venues around. Though I've never been to Dollywood, it continues to be rated highly. Dixie Stampede is no different.

Guests are offered the option to arrive a bit early for the "pre-show" which consisted of a comedian/juggler type guy who was quite fun to watch. Non-alcoholic drinks are offered at $4 apiece (unless ordered ahead of time with American Express, then only $3.50 each) and served in a "souvenir boot mug" (which turned out to be even cheesier than I had imagined). The drink was "eh" - bland and watered down. I think there was free popcorn, but we weren't hungry.

If you don't get to the preshow early enough, there's not the best seating for it; we were stuck upstairs fighting to see around structural columns (pretty, but putting seating there is not bright). But, that's not what we came for.

The actual "Dixie Stampede" is essentially a somewhat Civil War / South / this is America themed Medeival Times dinner and show. When you buy your tickets you choose to root fro the North or the South. We had fun as the family - seven of us aged 6, 9 ,16, 31, 37, 61, and 65.

You sit side-by-side in an arena format and the food is served without utensils; we found the roast chicken, creamy veggie soup, cheese biscuit, pork loin, and sweet tea (or pepsi) very tasty, with a huge apple turnover to round it out.

The show was not too bad - some horsemanship, a pig race, ostrich racing, and more. Each has a competitive edge where you holler for the dise you're on, or stomp you feet to cheer. A bit of signing, comedy, amd glittery costumes were finished off by a video of Dolly Parton singing her song about "This Is America."

The only downside I walked out with was that it all felt short and rushed. It is touted as a 90 munute show, but we got out 15 minutes ahead of that schedule. When asked at dessert for another cup of coffee (smaaaaalll cups go fast) to wash down the turnover we were told "If I have time, we're on a very tight schedule." I understood, but wasn't aware based on the listing of shows I chose from that were was another after ours.

When you are ussered into the building, you're sat down to get a few photos snapped. During the show people come around to show you your pics and sell them for $30 as a set. Really not too bad a price when it's a family gathering, and you can't take pics inside anyway.

Dixie Stampede is a dinner show with the audience being involved. Similar to Medieval Times, it has the different sides of the theater cheering for different teams, the North and South. There are no utensils provided, you will be eating with your hands or drinking soup with bowl. The Vegetarian food is lacking and it takes a lot longer to prepare even if you ask in advance. The regular meals look great. There are no limitations on the number of times you can get drinks. There are no alcoholic drinks available.

The show is a tad bit boring, so the kids will love it, but the adults are not that amused. There is a pre-show which is very good, the person performing there, does a very good job. There is also a stable for the horses, so the kiddies can view the horses prior or after the show.

Children under 3 are free only if they sit in a parent's lap and eat from their plate. For the kid to receive a seat or a meal they will have to pay for it (regular children's admission).

When you call ((800) 433-4401, or (843) 497-9700 for show times or dates) for reservations, they will ask where you are from for the seating (North verses South). Reservations are recommended because this is a popular show, and even though they have a large dining and showroom, you may not be able to get seats together at the last minute, or even tickets with the tour buses they have coming to the show.

When you first get there, they have an opening act/show in the carriage room that is pretty funny. This lasts for around 45 minutes, and then you are led into the main showroom and your seats. While the pre-show is going on, you can browse through the Dolly store, which has mostly Western-themed items.

The dinner is decent enough, with chicken and barbecue pork loin, potato, corn on the cob, a roll, dessert, and all the Pepsi (in a mason jar) you can drink, which is included in the price. If there is a vegetarian in the group, they also can have a meal made without meat and veggies instead.

As you eat, the show is going on and the audience is encouraged to cheer on their side as the races and the competitions go on. They have horse races, buffalo, and ostrich races. There is some comedy and also some audience members who are brought down to compete as well. The show is pretty entertaining, the food is good, and most people go out smiling, so this is really one for the whole family. For the price, you do get a show and dinner, and the kids get to make all the noise they want. For more info, go to their website at http://www.dixiestampede.com.

You enter the building after seeing the horses in their stalls outside, and you enter a pre-show area where drinks (of course, with souvenir mugs available) and goodies are available for purchase. The pre-show is a juggler who does a very good show. The main show is a battle between the North and South. The audience is broken into a North side and a South side for cheering, which is promoted highly. The yelling is fun, and the kids love it. They have events like ostrich racing and pig racking, and they choose some audience members for some events that are very funny!!!! There is good lighting, and the performers stay after the show to sign autographs and take photos, which the kids enjoy!!!! The food is actually good, and the whole evening is well worth it!!!!

Phone: 843-497-9700

There is a warm up act (jugglers) before you enter the room where you sit in a U arrangment of benches around the area where the horses, singers, and other animals perform. This production did employee a huge number of college age people riding the horses, etc. There was a mock type of war between the N and the S.

Lovers of horses and children probably would enjoy this attraction more than I did.

I would not return even if the productions change.

I had a discounted ticket that was given by a timeshare presenter.

The dinner was unique because you ate it with your hands. The food quality was fair although many others sitting around me were very impressed.