Just returned from 2 nights hotel stay in P.F.
Went to Dolly Parton's Stampede- very enjoyable. We got there for the 5pm pre-show opening and had difficulty finding parking since the 3pm show was leaving then. Don't recommend rushing to get there for this- it takes place in a large room with a raised stage, where a trio performed for @20 minutes. There were not enough seats for all. Drink prices are quite high. Just before 6 we were led into the huge arena for the show. Dinner was a small chicken, creamy vegetable soup, mashed potatoes, small corn on the cob and a small portion of bbq pork. Choice of a chocolate dessert or apple turnover.
Dollywood the next day. We opted to visit here because my sis and her adult kids were here from Portland OR and this was a chance to be with them; however, they wanted to ride some coasters so we only were with them for the train ride and bubble show. It was an expensive day, but worth the $ and braving the heat/humidity. The exhibits on Dolly are air-conditioned as was the theatre for the bubble show. We had lunch at the Front Porch (even though wait-service, felt like dining in a cafeteria to me) and picked up a loaf of the famous cinnamon bread for another day (yum).
I recommend parking at Pigeon Forge's Transfer station to catch the shuttle from there to Dollywood. $3 buys a day pass for all Pigeon Forge Trolleys. Parking at Dollywood is $20 so do the math.