5 MORE Fun Things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge

After visiting the new but incomplete entertainment center in Pigeon Forge known as The Island, I wrote about the Top Five Things To Do there at the time. After going back more than a year-and-a-half later, it was exciting to see how much The Island has grown since then. So here are five MORE things you can do at The Island right now.

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1. Even more shopping and eating

The biggest change from last spring was a ton of new shops and eateries are now open. The shopping avenue located under the Margirattaville Hotel was blocked off last year because it wasn’t finished. This year, we were able to take a stroll down the street and gaze into all the unique shops. In fact, there’s more than 35 retail locations where you can shop for gifts, souvenirs, adult apparel, jewelry, framed artwork, housewares, sweet treats and more.

shopping at the island

Every time I go to Pigeon Forge I just so happen to visit when a celebrity is in town, whether it’s Dolly Parton, the Property Brothers, or Paula Deen – who we saw signing books in the gift shop under her new restaurant. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is now open and features a brand new 4,000 square foot Paula Deen Retail Store and a full-service dining area. Tiered seating provides each guest a unique view of the Island’s Show Fountains, along with the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance. It’s one of 17 places to eat at The Island.

 

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2. Margaritaville Island Hotel is now open

One of the more unique hotels I’ve ever seen is the Margaritaville Island Hotel. The rooms are mostly on the second floor above all the shops I mentioned earlier. The hotel’s pool is even situated on the roof of a building, and can be seen from the Smoky Mountain Skywheel. Staying at the hotel comes with several unique perks, from upgraded amenities such as fireplaces and private balconies along the Little Pigeon River, to the “Frozen Concoction Maker” available in every room for creating your own signature drinks. The Island is a great location to base your Smoky Mountain vacation out of. It’s toward the Southern end of the Pigeon Forge “strip” with Gatlinburg and the national park just down the road.

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Here’s a map of the hotel:

the island hotel map

3. The Escape Game

The Escape Game is a fun, new entertainment concept on The Island designed for small groups of 2-8 people. The goal of the game is simple:  you work together as a team, testing your wits and skills, to escape from a locked room.  While the goal is simple, the game is challenging. Getting through the locked door will require finding clues, solving puzzles, and working together as a team to see if you can escape from the locked room in less than 60 minutes. These type of attractions are becoming more and more popular. I didn’t get a chance to try it this time but I would love to in the future.

the escape game at the island pigeon forge

4. 7D Adventure

Another one of The Island’s sixteen attractions, and perhaps the most intriguing new attraction for theme parks fans, is the 7D Adventure. Advertisements says you will “Experience the thrill of a roller coaster and the excitement of an interactive shooting gallery — all without leaving your seat!” The adventures includes a 3D movie with lights, sound, wind and an interactive game. The game part keeps score so that you can show off your skills. This is another attraction I didn’t get to do but would love the chance to try it.

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5. Climb The Island’s Ropes Course

Another new addition to The Island is the brightly colored Ropes Course. The towering structure is situated at the end of the complex, sandwiched between the Ferris wheel and Mirror Maze. Even if you’re not into climbing, it’s still fun to sit near the structure and watch the more adventurous ones make their way through the course. There are two different courses for you to choose from. One course, called Sky Tykes, is for anyone less than 48”  tall who seeks a challenge, but may prefer to be just a little bit closer to the ground. This course has nine different elements and parents can walk on the ground beside their child for encouragement and help whenever necessary. Just like on the big course, participants are in their harness and attached to a sling line and carabiners, so they are safe and secure at all times.

For adults or children wanting a little bigger challenge, there is the three-story Sky Trail Explorer course. Anyone over 42” tall can tackle the course, but if you are under 48” tall, you will need a taller chaperone to go with you. With thirty different elements, two zip lines, and one simulated free fall (Quick Jump), participants have many options! There is no time limit and when you are ready to finish either walk back down the stairs or use the Quick Jump. Sounds like fun!

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6. Everything Else!

All the fun things I mentioned in my earlier “Must-Do” article still apply: ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, watch the show fountains, get lost in a  mirror maze, and eat spaghetti ice cream.

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Have you ever been to the Island? If you’re making a trip to Dollywood for Smoky Mountain Christmas you can easily make a five minute diversion and stop at the Island – trust me, it’s well worth it! To discover more, read Things to Do in the Smokies.

Slow motion fountains at @theislandpf

A video posted by Nick (@ntweisen) on

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