Making the most of your day at The Island
Families can kick off their visit to The Island by getting their blood pumping at the Sky Trail Explorer Ropes Course, which offers three stories of obstacles of varying difficulties, including two zip lines and a simulated free fall. Younger kids can enjoy the miniature ropes course, Sky Tykes, or the 32-foot ThunderDome, which has three trampolines inside. Next, take a quick rest at the rocking chairs situated around The Island Show Fountain, which dazzles guests with choreographed water and light displays every 30 minutes.
You can get your fill of scrumptious food at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, where you can enjoy classic Southern dishes, or perhaps at Mellow Mushroom, for hand-tossed pizzas. Then, grab dessert at Sweet, a 2500-square-foot candy store packed with every sweet treat imaginable. For more group activities, try finding your way out of Gatlin’s Mirror Maze or The Escape Game. But if hair-raising experiences are more up your alley, hop aboard the 65-foot Tree Fall Drop Tower or the Dance Party 360, a pendulum swing that takes you on a 360-degree spin.
By sunset, make sure to head to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which has climate-controlled passenger cabins to guarantee a comfortable ride as you take in the idyllic landscape surrounding Pigeon Forge. Explore retail shops before heading home to pick up unique items you won’t find elsewhere, including special seasonings and sauces from Pepper Palace, various jerky flavors from The Beef Jerky Experience, and souvenirs from the Hand-Blown Glass Gift Gallery.
Planning your visit
While The Island in Pigeon Forge is open every day, the park has a lineup of events throughout the year that you may wish to align with your trip. Fall is a good time to visit if you want to enjoy some spooky Halloween events and see the park adorned with autumn-themed decor. It transforms into a winter wonderland with the onset of the colder months, and each year, it holds a Winterfest Show around November, where kids can interact with Santa and guests can enjoy a special fountain show with LED Christmas trees. If you want to welcome the new year with a bang, The Island also pitches a yearly NYE bash, complete with live bands and an incredible fireworks display that commences at midnight.
As for accommodation, you can either stay at the Margaritaville Island Hotel or Margaritaville Island Inn, both of which are inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s iconic song. The Inn is the more affordable option, with room prices starting at $159, while the Hotel has suites beginning at $333. Either option has cabins that can accommodate your entire family, as well as amenities like a spa, outdoor pool, and a gym.
It’s also worth noting that while The Island offers free admission and parking, rides and activities require separate passes, with tickets starting at $5.99. But for unlimited fun, you can purchase a $39.99 wristband that grants you limitless access to all outdoor rides for 48 hours.
