All in a Day’s Fun at The Island

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At Pigeon Forge’s The Island, you’ll find something for every mix of ages and every style of fun. Below, we’ve put together some ideas for a full day of fun at The Island, but this by no means covers all this exciting attraction has to offer!

Where Your Day Begins
Hungry for a scrumptious Southern-style breakfast in Pigeon Forge? Make your first stop at The Island at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, which serves breakfast every day of the week beginning at 8 a.m. At Paula Deen’s, you’ll find all your “South in your mouth” favorites, including chicken and waffles and their Everyday Breakfast Casserole. And every dish comes with a glass of fresh-squeeze orange juice and a hot, baked cinnamon roll.

If all you’re hankering for is a fresh, hot cinnamon roll, then you might pay a visit to The Island’s Cinnabon shop instead. Specializing in these ooey, gooey treats, Cinnabon operates daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Finally, for all those who really only crave a good cup of Joe in the mornings, head to the Margaritaville Coffee Shop inside the Margaritaville Hotel. You’ll find freshly brewed coffee, signature blends, specialty drinks, and non-coffee options like Chai Tea and Hot Cocoa at Margaritaville Coffee.

Daytime Fun with the Family
For those bringing their family – especially little ones – to the The Island, this Pigeon Forge attraction has plenty of options to keep your energetic crew entertained throughout the day. Outdoor rides at The Island include Lil’ Rabbits, Happy Swing, Funny Cars, and The Flying Horse Carousel. Your kids will love a ride on The Island Express, too! Purchase individual tickets per ride, or if you plan to ride them all, purchase an Unlimited Rides Pass for 24-hour access at an unbeatable price. Other exciting options included in your Unlimited Pass are The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and Thunderdome.

Lunch Break
After all that riding around, your breakfast has surely worn off. So stop for something light at Paula Deen’s The Bag Lady, where you’ll find a selection of homemade sandwiches, salads, and sweets. Or grab a slice of baked-on-the-stone pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Or if you’re only looking for an afternoon snack, Auntie Anne’s has a variety of fresh-baked, served-hot pretzels, and the Yee Haw Snack Shack, open 7 days a week, serves all your favorites, from chili dogs to frozen lemonade.

Afternoon Fun for Adults
Now that the kids have had their fun, it’s time to check out some Island attractions for the grown-ups in your group. If you have between 2 and 8 guests, test your problem-solving skills as a team at The Island’s Escape Game. Or take a ride as a family on the 200-foot Ferris wheel at this Pigeon Forge attraction, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. You’ll love the amazing Smoky Mountain views from these all-glass, climate-controlled gondolas.

For the girls, plan for an afternoon of shopping at The Island’s 60-plus retail and specialty shops. These include Blossom (offering high quality oils and herbs), Bodacious Bags, Emery’s 5 & 10 (the oldest family-owned five and dime in America), Nourish Natural Bath Products, Pepper Palace, and so much more! Then, after you’ve shopped-till-you-dropped, head on over to Dude’s Daiquiris or Changes in Latitude Bar inside The Island for an afternoon cocktail.

Time for Dinner
Besides Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, The Island offers several delicious restaurant options for dinner. Margaritaville is perfect for guests who want to chill a bit after a busy day at The Island—and you’ll really feel like you’re on an island with this restaurant’s Caribbean music, food, and atmosphere. For those wanting a “genuine taste of the mountains,” we recommend a visit to the lodge-themed restaurant Timberwood Grill instead. And for those hoping for some good-spirited humor to be served alongside their entrees, try Dick’s Last Resort, where the wait staff have been known to poke some fun at their guests!

After-Dinner Activities
You’ve had breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ve ridden the rides, shopped the shops, and you’re still not done! The Island has after-dinner fun in store before you head back to your Pigeon Forge cabin for the night. With your Unlimited Rides Pass, take a nighttime run on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel to kick off the evening. You’ll love seeing the lights of the Pigeon Forge skyline and the impressive Island Show Fountain (with more than 89 nozzles choreographed to 14 pieces of music) from 200 feet in the air.

Finally, end your day with a delicious sweet treat at one of several dessert shops, including Island Yogurt, The Island Creamery, or The Fudgery. Of, if you prefer, end your day with something a little stronger at Ole Smoky Moonshine. This 6,000-square-foot barn features an on-site still, a tasting bar, and live bluegrass music every day of the week.

So, you see—no matter when you visit, who you bring, or what you’re into, The Island offers a full day of fun for everyone!