Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa

DreamMore Resort sits right in Pigeon Forge and honestly, the main reason we stay here is the shuttle to Dollywood — no fighting for parking or walking miles from your car. You get early Saturday park entry too, which is huge during summer when the park hits capacity. The family suites work well if you've got kids since there's actual separation between the bunk bed room and the king bed area, plus enough outlets to charge everyone's devices.

The outdoor pool has decent mountain views, but the indoor one gets packed when it's raining and half of Pigeon Forge shows up. We've learned to use the pools early morning or late evening.

Camp DW keeps kids busy with activities, though it's an extra cost on top of already premium room rates. The s'mores by the fire pits are free and honestly more popular with our kids than some of the paid activities. Oh and they've got Dolly's actual tour bus permanently parked here now as a suite, which is pretty cool even if you're not staying in it.

The dining gets expensive fast — we usually do breakfast at the resort since we're rushing to early park entry anyway, then eat lunch in Dollywood where you've got more options. One thing though — book way ahead for any Dollywood festival weekends or you'll pay double what we paid in March.

The resort runs higher than standard Pigeon Forge hotels, but if you're doing multiple Dollywood days, the shuttle service alone saves you $25+ per day in parking. Just don't expect bargain rates during Harvest Festival or Christmas season.