We came up through the Smokies to get there from SC. Spent a couple days in Dollywood and really enjoyed it. We spent 2 days there and it kept us entertained the whole time. Nice mixture of rides for kids and wasn't crowded like Disney is.

Also recommend the Titanic museum there in pigeon forge. I didn't understand the appeal of Gatlinburg, we left there fairly quickly-maybe someone can clue me in on that?