The Dixie Stampede by Dolly Parton is the BEST Dinner show around!
Normally I do not complain about things that have left Orlando. Those things that do leave tend to be worn down, untouched and bland to say the least. This review is not one of those times! I love the Dixie Stampede and hated that it left Orlando! Luckily on a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN I got to relive the days of when the North met the South for a grand time full of Fun and Food at the Dixie Stampede!
The Dixie Stampede is a dinner show that is produced by the one and only queen of Tennessee herself, Dolly Parton! The show showcases live actors, dancing, a beautiful stage show and majestic animals such as horses and buffalo! The storyline puts the classic story of the North vs South in friendly competition involving horseback riding, tricks and more!
The show, which lasts around 2 hours takes place in an arena with seating 3/4 of the way around allowing for a great seat and view no matter where you are in the arena! The backdrop of the arena is a state of the art LED screen that allows the backdrop to take you places you never thought you would be able to go in a split second which heightens not only the dramatic effect but also the pageantry of the show!
The ticket not only includes the pre show, which opens 50 minutes prior to showtime but also includes an amazing meal! The meal includes:
- A Mouth-Watering Tender Whole Rotisserie Chicken
- Delicious Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin
- Dixie Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup
- Scrumptious Homemade Biscuit
- Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob
- Tasty Herb-basted Potato
- Dixie’s very own Specialty Dessert
- Unlimited Pepsi products, tea or coffee
Before my show, I had the chance to sit down with the Master of Ceremonies, Jay Teter from the Dixie Stampede to talk not only about the show, but also about the care that goes on with the amazing animals in the show! He stated that the stars of the show were not the performers, however the 32 animals that perform for the Dixie Stampede.
Teter, who has been with the show for the last 19 years, has a huge love for not only the show but the animals as well. The animals are taken care of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have a schedule just like the performers. Jay said when the performers use the same horses, they have a chance to create a bond which leads to better performance, health and overall happiness of the riders and animals alike.
The animals, who have regular days off like the performers, also get vacation time on a ranch to rest and roam when not being used in the shows.
I asked Jay what the best part of his job was, and his response was simple. The kids. Teter, who is a father of 2, loves to look out and see the look of excitement and exhilaration of the audience! He also loves the fact that as a dad and entertainer, he has the chance to go home to his kids and family each and every night.
In case you have seen the show within the last year, make sure you go back as the show has been revamped and improved. They constantly try to change not only the effects, but also part of the storyline to keep the show fresh for the audience.
One thing is for sure, the tag line, The Most Fun Place To Eat In The Smoky Mountains really lives up to the hype!
I for one, miss the Dixie Stampede here in Orlando and hope that they make their return in the possible future. As for the show in Pigeon Forge, they will be adding another show to the mix sometime this spring when Dolly Parton’s Lumberjack Adventure opens down the street!
We would like to thank Jay Teter, the management and staff at the Dixie Stampede for their southern hospitality! For more information on the Dixie Stampede and to purchase tickets now, click here for more information!
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
