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Dollywood for the slightly handicapped

Dollywood: Dollywood for the slightly handicapped.

From Eleanor Devereaux
Posted June 6, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Hi all. First time poster, here.

My family wishes to drag me to Dollywood this summer. I used to love to ride all of the rides when I was younger but I now have moderate arthritis in my knees and have to be careful about how much walking I do. I use a cane when it gets to be too much and I will be bringing my Celebrex, which helps a great deal. However, I am one who believes in backup plans so, does Dollywood offer little electric carts for its handicapped customers to scoot around in? Is it really spread out and hilly? Should I plan for half days, perhaps? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and have a great evening.


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From hannah caller
Posted June 7, 2008 at 8:17 AM
if u go to the dollywood website there is a disability guide u can download in pdf format im sure that would help! i would have to be dragged there too im not dollys biggest fan!!

From Eleanor Devereaux
Posted June 7, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Thanks, Hannah! I'll look into that. BTW, do you know if it's better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? Our party will be made up of adults (ages 20 and up) with mostly couples. Isn't Pigeon Forge more family oriented? I myself would love a nice, quiet, adult place to stay after spending a couple of days in an amusement park. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again for your help. :)

MS

From Melissa Faulkner
Posted June 8, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Yes Dollywood has carts and wheel chairs for rent. It is extremely hilly, pretty much up hill in every direction. It is very tiring even without a handicap, so a cart or wheelchair is an excellent idea. Most of the rides shouldn't be a problem as long as you think you can handle them, i.e. Tenn. Tornado. The rides will have to be at your discretion to what you think you are comfortable with. But it is VERY HILLY.

My family prefers staying in Gatlinburg over Pidgeon Forge because you can walk to any store or restaurant where as in Pidgeon Forge it is very spread out and hard to walk to anything. You just about have to drive to anything you wish to see or do. They have trolleys but in high season, they become very crowded. So we prefer Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is roughly 12 miles from Pidgeon Forge. So its a personel preference.

From Eleanor Devereaux
Posted June 9, 2008 at 4:12 AM
Thank you, Melissa, for your post. This is great info for me. :)

I think that the "powers that be" in our group have finally whittled the lodging decision down to the Greystone, Glenstone, or the Riverhouse Motor Lodge in Gatlinburg. I wanted to rent a couple of cozy cabins, as I love staying in cabins, but got voted down. Oh well, that's the way it goes, sometimes.

Thanks again for your help. Have a great day.

From Melissa Faulkner
Posted June 9, 2008 at 6:39 AM
Oh, I HIGHLY reccomend the Riverhouse Motor Lodge. It is very nice. It sets off the road and all the balconies ar over the stream. Its nestled back in the woods, so you have lots of privacy while still being close to every thing. My husband and I spend many an anniversary there. Very romantic. Its the closest thing to a cozy cabin in the middle of downtown you can get.

From Eleanor Devereaux
Posted June 9, 2008 at 2:18 PM
Ooh la la, Melissa! Thanks so much for the head's up - on my way to make the reservation now. :)

From Betty Rohrer
Posted June 10, 2008 at 8:12 PM
just got back from DOllywod. heads up for you the train is down with no idea of return date. i have a bad knee and use the carts a lot. they help a lot.

From Eleanor Devereaux
Posted June 11, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Thank you Betty for posting your update for me. I appreciate it.

Ya know, this family of mine are now talking about WDW next year - sheesh! I told'em I'm taking my old and lame carcass off to Italy next spring - wanna see Venice before it sinks the sea for good. They told me they were gonna work on me all year so I will go. I wish them luck with that! :-)

Have a great afternoon.

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