Do you guys know how long it's been for me to score tickets to the hottest dinner show in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Several years because this dinner attraction is always sold out, you have to purchase tickets far in advance.
Finally, last week my family and I got tickets to Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, and now I see why this high spirited adventure is always overflowing with guests; it's the Smokies most fun place to eat!
Before I arrived, I thought the show would be similar to Medieval Times. But I was wrong, it's bigger, better, and offers a lot more! You get a lot for your money, that's for sure!
Dolly's Stampede Dinner Show is more than just the show itself; the attraction starts the minute you get there with lots of things to see and do. It's highly recommended to arrive over an hour early before the main event begins.
First up, you get to see some of the horses inside their stables down the Horse Walk outside. There are a total of 32 majestic horse performers, and you'll get to meet up to seven of them.
Stepping inside the building is like walking into a big saloon. You'll see some visitors decked out in their country western outfits, and there is a reason for this since all guests will get their pictures taken and have the option to purchase them later in the evening. There are a variety of different backdrops to choose from to suit your liking.
Next up, the pre-show with a live country band singing favorite country tunes, and some pop hits, but in country song renditions. While you're enjoying the pre-show in the two-story saloon, you can order some snacks like popcorn, nachos, drinks, or browse the gift shop.
And lastly, you step inside the big 35,000 sq ft arena that is shaped like a horseshoe. The stadium has five large rows, with a total of 1100 spacious pull-out seats. On your ticket, it will tell you where you'll be seated, and each section has a dedicated, friendly server that serves you throughout the whole dinner show.
I came to the dinner show prepared to eat, A LOT, but couldn't finish the four-course feast of the homemade southern kitchen favorites (You can take a to-go bag). Here is what food is served:
- Dolly's Stampede Original Creamy Vegetables
- Tender Whole Rotisserie Chicken
- Hickory Smoked Barbeque Pork Loin
- Buttery Corn on the Cob
- Herb-Basted Potato
- Hot Homemade Drop Biscuit
- Stampede's Signature Dessert (We were served Apple Pie Turnovers)
- Unlimited Coca-Cola Products, Tea, or Coffee
Everything served to us was fresh, hot, and well-prepared. It was like a delicious Sunday meal gathered around the table with your family. Oh yeah, forks are provided too, along with a hot wet napkin.
While eating our meals, we watched the fantastic world-class performances. The show is an American celebration of the Smoky Mountain Heritage. The state of the art visuals sets will have you starry-eyed! There is more than just horse trick riding; however, those are cool too, we got to enjoy friendly competitions, musicals, hi-jinks, romance numbers, and there is even miniature pigs and horses, longhorns, and buffaloes that make appearances in the show too!
What I enjoyed the most is that the audience got to participate in the competitions. Half the arena audience was divided north and south, but in the end, we are all winners! There were times when audiences members were called down to the main floor to participate in games.
It's all a slappin', hootin', tootin' good time! And at the end of the show, you get to meet some of the performers and their horses as well.
I was curious and asked one of the horse handlers a couple of questions:
Do the horses and other animals live there at the Stampede? Yes, they do, however, they do go off property often to a ranch.
Do all the horses perform each dinner show? No, they rotate. Even the busiest horse only perform up to 15 minutes during a two-hour show.
The most important, all animals look well taken care of and happy in their environment!
We loved every minute of Dolly's Stampede, and it's a must visit when visiting the Smokies. It's an experience you'll never forget!
Dolly Parton's Stampede has two locations, Pigeon Forge, TN, and Branson, MO. Remember to reserve your tickets early!
Disclosure- I was provided comped tickets, all thoughts and reviews are my own.
Have you ever been to Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction?
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Now this looks like a fun place to visit and the food sounds a-mazing! Love seeing both of your girls too. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou need to take your family Sis! They'll love it!! ❤
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