Prior to attending a Dixie Stampede show I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have been to rodeos and other similar venues so I expected a dusty arena with the smells from a barnyard. But that wasn’t how it was at all.

I was pleasantly surprised by the clean air and the down home charm of everything from the friendly faces in the crowd to the showmanship of the performers. It lived up to its saying of “The most fun place to eat!” The best part of this first experience was the Christmas at Dixie Stampede Special they perform during the Christmas season.

Here are a few tips on what you need to know if you plan on seeing a show any time of the year.

Tips for Attending the Dixie Stampede

Six quick tip essentials you should know before attending the show.

TIP 1: Strollers are not allowed in the arena. If you do not purchase a ticket for your child under three then you will have to hold your child the entire time. There isn’t any room for a highchair, stroller, or pumpkin seat if you do not purchase a ticket for your child. If you can afford to purchase a ticket for your under three child, I highly recommend it. You can always take the food with you if your hotel has a refrigerator and eat it for lunch the next day (or for a midnight snack!).

TIP 2: If you have small children (under eight) you may want to sit in the normal seating closer to the top and ask for a seat next to the stairs. The restrooms are located at the top and there is only one way up for your entire section. If you sit near the top then you will miss less of the show for your child’s restroom breaks.

TIP 3: If you simply don’t like touching your food then you should bring your own plastic fork and knife to the show.

TIP 4: Vegetarian meals are available upon request when you make your ticket reservations.

TIP 5: If the chicken or pork loin is slightly dry, grab a packet of barbecue sauce off the condiment holder on your table.

TIP 6: Stay seated until after the dinner is served because the show continues while the food is being served. This can create a little confusion if you haven’t been in the arena before.

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Our family has traveled to Pigeon Forge, TN on many occasions at different times of the year and have made several attempts to purchase tickets for the Dixie Stampede once we arrived and settled in at our hotel. We were unable to attend a show because they were all sold out. This time we purchased tickets prior to leaving home and that was all we needed to secure our seats.

You can purchase tickets two ways:

• On-line using the Dixie Stampede secure web site to order the tickets equipped with a “Live Help” option
• Call the company’s box office at 1-865-453-4400

Keep in mind the company has an “all sales are final” policy and “there are no refunds or exchanges” so you may want to check with your travel insurance to see if events such as this are covered.

Tickets are available for adults and less expensive tickets for children 4 to 12 years of age and children under 3 are free (no seat or meal–must share with an adult). Everyone is served the same meal in practically the same portions and a doggie bag is provided at the end if you cannot finish everything.

Arrive to the Show Early

Arrive early to look at some of the show horses, pick up your tickets from the box office, and attend the pre-show. The pre-show is held in the “World Famous Carriage Room” and is currently a band called Mountain Rukus. The band is a trio that plays Bluegrass and Country music. During the holidays they play seasonal favorites and lively holiday tunes.

During the pre-show you can purchase popcorn, peanuts, and drinks. Try not fill up your stomach with too much before dinner because the dinner is a fabulous four course meal. Simply sit back and enjoy the music.

Dinner Tips for the Dixie Stampede

Each dinner item is served separately with the wait staff doing an excellent job to keep everything moving and enjoyable. You’ll be provided a  bowl of the Dixie Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable soup. The soup is served in a bowl with a handle and a biscuit. Did I mention they don’t provide you with silverware, plastic-ware, or any other type of cutlery? Don’t worry, the food is prepared in a way that allows you to enjoy it with your fingers.

After the soup you receive a whole rotisserie chicken, a barbecued pork loin slice, corn on the cob, 1/2 of an herb-basted potato, and for desert you will receive an apple turnover. If you have a large appetite then this may just wet your lips, but for a typical appetite this will be more than enough and you will be taking leftovers to your hotel.

Exit Quickly from the Dixie Stampede

Towards the end of the show everyone will rush to leave. The exit leads right to the gift shop creating a bottle neck. If you aren’t in a hurry to go somewhere, you can stay to meet the riders. In the arena the riders from the show line up around the sides and you can meet them (and their horses), have your picture taken, and get autographs on Dixie Stampede flags ($2 sold at the start of the show). This is fun for children and it makes a great trip souvenir.

Photography

The company does not allow any type of photography once the show begins. You can take pictures of the arena before the show and after, but not of the show itself. The company will take a souvenir photo before you enter the Carriage Room and you can purchase the photo during dinner. The cost was $30 and it was similar to a photo you would get from an amusement park ride or at the zoo.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Show was truly an enjoyable experience. The fun and excitement is worth the cost. The Dixie Christmas special really brings the spirit of the holidays to you with their manger scene and giant toys. Take time during your next visit to Pigeon Forge to experience this great event for yourself.

Do you have any stories or tips on things to do in Pigeon Forge? Our readers would love to hear what you have to say. Please feel free to post your stories or suggestions.