Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Dollywood

They opened up a new attraction at Dollywood in May: a Dolly Experience museum. I stayed at her Heart Song Lodge. I was able to see her when she was doing press. She visits the park 3-4 times a year.

Not saying Disneyland is overrated, but I think Dollywood is far more deserving of the title The Happiest Place on Earth. It's beautifully kept, every staff member is incredibly nice, and they have a great mix of rides. Whether you're looking for the more classic carnival faire or shiny new thrill rides, they've got you covered. As other reviewers mentioned, Blazing Fury is a must. A bizarre and unique ride experience for sure. The line moves quickly -- we went on it at least 4 times during our day at the park.

I'd recommend visiting during their Halloween festival. They really go all out with the theme, and the park is beautifully lit once the sun goes down.

Blazing Fury is a holdover from pre-Dollywood days when the amusement park was called Silver Dollar City.

RoadsideAmerica.com appears to have written off Dollywood as being overly corporate and mainstream. For the most part that seems to hit the nail on the head, however while visiting last time I noticed a hidden treasure. A diamond in the rough: Blazing Fury.

Blazing Fury is a dark ride where you drive through a flaming village while aging "animatronic" hillbillies shout things at you. Apparently it is a holdover from the days before the place was even called Dollywood. It almost made the money we spent on Dollywood worth it (almost).

Dollywood has become very commercialized, but so has everything else in P.F. You should expect it when coming. But to be fair, it is quite entertaining -- live shows, the "new" Festival of Nations in the Spring, and of course all of the good food!

Dolly does not even own the park anymore, they pay her for her name. It is said locally it is not even American owned anymore. (I grew up in P.F.) Otherwise, the whole town is changing daily, out with the old, in with the new. I go monthly and see something new every time I go! A new 4 lane road is under construction after coming off the interstate to get to Dollywood without driving through town...