Are you thinking about a trip to Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner attraction and wondering if it would be good for your whole family? Our family recently experienced the Dolly Parton Stampede with our extended family, with members from age 2 to 75. The dinner show takes place in both Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri. We had a fantastic time and came away with lots of tips for other families. Keep reading to find out more!
Where is Dolly Parton’s Stampede?
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is located in Pigeon Forge, Tenneesee and Branson, Missouri.
Is Dolly Parton’s Stampede good for kids?
Our kids thoroughly enjoyed Dolly Parton’s stampede. Be sure to get to the stampede building early to take a horse walk to see the open-air stables with the magnificent horses. Our kids loved seeing those horses later during the horse riding stunts of the main show while eating a four-course meal with their fingers!
They still talk about the pig races, the music, and the stick horse competitions during the main show. They also really enjoyed spending time with the performers of the Dixie Stampede. You get the rare opportunity to get close to the cast of top-notch riders and the equine stars of the show at the conclusion of the stampede show. My four-year-old still talks about petting the horses and talking to the “fancy people.”
What food does Dixie Stampede serve?
The Dixie Stampede serves a “mouth-watering four-course feast”, as their website reads. The food is pretty good, especially considering they are preparing for hundreds of people each night. It is a classic delicious, home-cooked meal based on American favorites.
Our personal favorite was the Stampede’s Original creamy vegetable soup. It was a fantastic creamy soup, that you drink right out of the soup crock!
You also get a hot homemade biscuit and then for the main course, an entire tender whole rotisserie chicken for each person! Your server also brings around slices of pork loin, hot-buttered corn, and a tasty herb-basted potato. To finish off, their specialty dessert includes a delicious apple turnover. Our kids also loved the unlimited Coca-Cola. My husband and I enjoyed the unlimited tea and coffee.
- vegetable soup
- biscuit
- rotisserie chicken
- pork loin
- hot buttered corn
- potato
- apple turnover
- Unlimited beverages
Are there allergy-friendly meals available?
A vegetarian meal or gluten-free meal is available. Just call and make a note on your reservation when you purchase your tickets. The vegetarian meal features a hot homemade biscuit, veggies with quinoa and rice, corn on the cob, roasted potato, apple turnover, and beverages.
The gluten-free meal includes a fruit cup, gluten-free dinner roll, whole chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob, potato, a snickerdoodle cookie, and beverages. You can also note other food allergies to your reservation. They truly want everyone to enjoy the dinner part of the dinner theater!
Does Dolly Parton’s Stampede have a kids’ menu?
There is not a specific kids menu at Dolly Parton’s Stampede (formerly the Dixie Stampede.) Instead, kids just get the same meal at a lesser ticket price. You can get a takeaway bag for leftovers, as the portions are quite large.
Do you eat with your hands at Dolly Parton’s stampede?
You do eat with your hands at the stampede show! Our kids had a good time eating with their fingers, but you can ask for silverware if it is easier to handle. Our four-year-old did request a spoon, and our server was happy to bring it to us. It’s a rare chance to eat with your fingers, so have fun with it!
What is the show like at the Dolly Parton Stampede?
After you meet your server, the show starts! The show takes place in a main arena of 35,000 square feet. The show features live animals like horses, dogs, pigs, and even bison! The premise is a McCoy dinner feud with a friendly competition between the North side and the South side (or the North Pole and the South Pole during the Christmas show.)
Dolly’s stampede is basically a series of rodeo or “whoadeo competitions” and a patriotic salute of red, white, and blue pride. Trick riders and competitions do a great job of keeping all age groups pretty well entertained! The main event features new music like Dolly’s “Color Me America” song, mountain ruckus games, spectacular special effects, and animal and ride showmanship. The end of the show features an emotional musical conclusion and is filled with family fun for everyone.
Is the Dolly Parton Stampede good for toddlers?
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction is great for toddlers if they enjoy animals and cowboy tricks. Families are seated in a row, facing the arena. I would suggest bringing along a bib, wipes, and your own toddler cutlery. You can request a high chair, but these are only available on the top row.
Dolly’s Stampede also provides a Sassy Seat/Booster seat that can attach to the table in rows 1 to 4. Those seats can hold children up to 34 pounds. You will be charged for a child’s seat with these options. Be sure to ask about these when you call in for your reservations.
Is there accessible seating at Dolly Parton’s stampede?
There is accessible seating available at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. You can notate this request when making your reservation online. You can also make this request by calling in for your reservation.
Is there a dress code for the Dolly Parton stampede?
There is not a specific dress code for the Dolly Parton stampede. Remember, you may be taking a leisurely stroll through the horse barn beforehand so consider comfortable shoes. The arena has stairs and the show is casual, so most people wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
Can you take leftovers home from Dolly Parton’s Stampede?
You can request a box and bag for leftovers. You get plenty of food, so you may want to take some home!
Is there a gift shop at Dolly Parton Stampede?
Yes, there is a gift shop at the Stampede and visitors will exit via the gift shop at the end of the show. You can even grab some of that delicious vegetable soup mix!
Is the Dixie Stampede loud?
The Dixie Stampede (Dolly Parton Stampede) does feature loud music and some sound effects, so prepare children or those sensitive to loud noises.
How much are Dixie Stampede tickets?
You can find Dolly Parton Stampede tickets here. Prices vary according to the date. Children’s pricing is from ages 3-9 and adults for those 10 and up. Babies and young toddlers not requiring a seat are not charged.
Are there assigned seats at Dixie Stampede?
Yes, seats are assigned for the Dolly Parton Stampede. Guests are assigned to the North or South Side. Be sure to call if you are booking a group to ensure you are seated together.
Are holiday shows different at the Dolly Parton Stampede?
Yes! During the fall, the arena is decorated with festival fall decorations. During the Christmas season, the arena twinkles with lights, evergreens, poinsettias, holiday costumes, and holiday music. The Christmas show tells the Nativity story, featuring wise men and shepherds.
What is the Dolly Parton’s Whoadeo?
Fun fact! If you live in the Great Smoky Mountains area of Tennessee, be sure to check the Pigeon Forge Chamber of Commerce site to find out more about Dolly Parton’s Whoadeo. Food City usually sponsors this free event, featuring many local guest storytellers. This a free outdoor carnival featuring costume contests, stick horse competitions, complimentary snacks, and cowboy costume content.
The stick horse competition is divided into age brackets. Each Whoadeo participant receives a free Stampede admission ticket to that afternoon’s show.
There is also a celebrity storytelling stage that highlights Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. In the past, local Knoxville TV personalities and Stampede Emcee Jay Teter have made appearances on the stage. Each child receives a Kid’s Club backpack while supplies last.
I hope this post helps you know what to expect on your next trip to Dolly Parton’s Stampede with kids. Keep reading for more great travel info and sign up for my free packing newsletter!
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