PIGEON FORGE, TN – Millions of people visit Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville every year, and for good reason. The wholesome attractions, entertainment, and outdoor adventure are among the best in the country.

Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, is the biggest tourist attraction in Tennessee. Tennessee’s largest water park, Splash Country, is just next door. Comedy shows, magic acts,  music concerts, and dinner theaters are just part of Pigeon Forge’s charm.

Gatlinburg is home to a number of Ripley’s attractions, museums, mirror mazes, comedy shows, and an aerial tramway. It is a family vacation destination for millions of people.

Sevierville is an outdoor adventure play land. Tennessee Smokies baseball (Chicago Cubs – AA affiliate), Rainforest Adventures & Discovery Zoo, NASCAR SPEEDPARK, Adventure Park Ziplines, and Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park are just a handful of the exciting things awaiting you.

You have been thinking about your upcoming vacation to the Smokies for months. The kids are excited and they can’t wait for the appointed day. You already reserved a cabin, researched all the attractions and entertainment options, and picked out the shows you don’t want to miss.

Now comes the next big decision; do you download and print discount coupons to take to the ticket office, or do you buy discount tickets in advance online?

Discount Coupons

Many websites in the Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg areas provide discount coupons for attractions and shows. The process is simple: visit their website, go to the coupons page, print a coupon, then take it to the ticket office and buy a ticket. You receive a discount off the retail price and the website where you downloaded the coupon gets a small commission.

Discount coupons are a good option if you want to save money on attraction, entertainment, and outdoor adventure tickets. The coupons are fairly easy to find and the discounts are good. Another benefit of discount coupons: some attractions do not offer advance discount tickets, they only use discount coupons.

What is the downside of using discount coupons? Showing up at the ticket office and the show is already sold out. Also, some venues only offer advance purchase discount tickets. They do not distribute discount coupons.

Discount coupons are a great way to save on tickets, but are they the best way to receive discounts on your tickets? Let’s take a look at another option.

Discount Advance Tickets

Some attractions and entertainment shows often sell out, especially during the peak travel seasons. A few of the popular entertainment venues are quite small, and seating is limited. Other venues, like Dixie Stampede, are very large, but demand for seating is high. Getting a ticket within a day or two of a show can be challenging sometimes.

You don’t want to walk up to the ticket counter with a discount coupon and be told that the show is sold out. Discount coupons are great when tickets are available. However, they are useless when tickets are sold out.

Another option is advance purchase discount tickets for shows and attractions in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville. You can choose the show, the date, and the time, then print your E-Ticket at home. This way, you avoid long lines at the ticket office altogether, and you have tickets in hand. You don’t need to wonder if you are going to get a ticket.

Purchasing advance tickets from an authorized seller for shows and attractions is a snap. My Smoky Mountain Guide partners with Tripster to sell discount tickets for attractions, shows, and outdoor adventure. Savings vary, but you can expect to save $1.00 to $25.00 or more per person, per ticket.

The savings add up when you buy discount tickets to a number of attractions and shows. A family of four purchasing tickets to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel will save a total of $8.00. Visit the Laser Port Fun Center and save $27.00 per person for the Blue Park Hopper Pass. The savings totals more than $100.00 for a family of four.

The downside to buying advance tickets is that not every attraction or entertainment venue offers them. In addition, if you change your mind about an event, you have a deadline to make changes or cancel altogether.

Discount coupons and advance purchase discount tickets are both great options for saving money on entertainment in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville. Now you know some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Know before you go. Buy when the opportunity strikes. Always have fun. What are you waiting for? The Smokies are waiting for you; and at a discount!