Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The ZORB is a Thrilling Smoky Mountain Adventure

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe ZORB Smoky Mountains is a thrilling experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Offering the Zydro (wet ride) or Zorbit (dry ride) the ZORB in Pigeon Forge will get your adrenaline pumping. The rides take place in a giant, inflatable, 12ft globe that sends you rolling down a specially designed hill. The ZORB globes are essentially a globe inside a globe. You, the Zorbonaut, are placed inside the inner globe and rolled down the hill while cushioned on a 3ft pocket of air.

When I arrived at the ZORB headquarters, I checked in and received my ZORB S.T.A.R.T. Certificate, which meant I was ready for my adventure. After that, I headed outside and took a look at the hill that I would soon be tumbling down. The hill doesn’t seem that long until you reach the top. That’s when you can really see how far you’re going to roll – the length of six football fields. All the same, I was amped to experience the ZORB. I choose to do the Zorbit ride, which promised a head-over-heels adrenaline rush that’ll have you coming back for more.

After strapping into the specially-designed safety harness, I was ready to become a Zorbonaut. At first tumble, I realized this was going to be a blur of blue, green, blue, green. The ride down the hill kept a smile plastered on my face the entire time and even though my eyes remained open during the entire journey, I witnessed only a beautiful mosaic of blues and greens, only aware of what was sky and what was earth. While zorbiting I had the feeling of weightlessness and g-force.

ZORB employees take photos of your adventure that can be purchased once your ride is complete.

I highly recommend becoming a Zorbonaut to anyone that visits Pigeon Forge. I can’t wait to try out the Zydro on my next trip!

Luxury Cabins, Stunning Mountain Views Featured at Dollywood Vacations Cabin Rentals

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comDollywood Vacations Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge is a luxury cabin property located just minutes from Dollywood and surrounded by the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. The cabins featured at Dollywood Vacations Cabin Rentals offer guests the absolute best in upscale amenities and they all have stunning views. Plus, the cabins at this resort can accommodate groups of any size, from units that sleep four to units that sleep fourteen, they have something to fit your vacation needs.

When I visited, I stayed in a One Bedroom Cabin and had the pleasure of also viewing a Four Bedroom Cabin. The One Bedroom Cabin (sleeps 4) exceeded my expectations. It featured a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors throughout, a large living room with stone fireplace and exceptional case goods, along with a large flat screen TV and large windows to highlight the fantastic view. The upstairs area was home to the master bedroom with king bed and large master bath with walk-in shower and oversized Jacuzzi. The upstairs also featured a large flat screen TV, pool table and air hockey. The cabin’s relaxing elements were highlighted by two rocking chairs and a hammock on the lower level porch, and a hot tub on the second level, accessed through the loft area. All cabin units are also equipped with a washer/dryer and come with a gift for guests. When I visited, the gift was a Dollywood blanket.

The Four Bedroom Cabin was loaded with amenities and featured plenty of things for your entertainment, including two 55" Wide Screen Televisions, TV’s in each bedroom, six VCRs, a Stereo System with Surround Sound, a PlayStation II, a Game Table, Pool Table, Air Hockey, Fireplace, Gourmet Kitchen and Jacuzzi. The tri-level deck was equipped with rockers and hot tub for guest enjoyment. Plus, the three story cabin was so spacious that it could sleep up to 14 people, with two of the four bedrooms being master suites.

A swimming pool, children’s playground and Wi-Fi access is also available to guests.

A stay at the Dollywood Vacations Cabin Rentals in Pigeon Forge TN is the perfect place to stay for a mountain getaway.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Bear Run Falls Pigeon Forge an Easy Choice for Smoky Mountain Vacationers

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comBear Run Falls Pigeon Forge is a condominium resort offering a great location just minutes from Dollywood. The property has Hillcrest and Tower units available, with the Hillcrest units being the newer-style condos. Guests have full access to the indoor pool open all year, the outdoor pool, hot tub and outdoor picnic area with tables and grill. A spa is also located on the property.

The two bedroom hillcrest unit features nice case goods, a medium sized kitchen with granite counters, and an open layout that combines the dining area and spacious living room, which featured a large stone fireplace, leather furniture, 50” flat screen TV, sleeper sofa and access to the outside balcony. The first bedroom is located near the entrance and it connects to a shared common bath. The second bedroom, which is the master suite, was elegant in its décor, featured a comfortable bed and master bath with larger jetted tub and walk-in shower. The tower units are similar in layout but feature slightly older case goods and furnishings. All units come standard with a washer and dryer.

The three bedroom units, which are available only in the hillcrest section, are very spacious and are highlighted by upgraded amenities like a flat screen TV in every bedroom and stainless steel appliances. Some of the three bedroom units are townhouse style, although the one I toured was all one level. One bedroom condos are also available at Bear Run Falls Pigeon Forge TN, and they featuredthe same design as the two bedroom units, only with a smaller amount of square footage. They were, however, very cozy and accommodating. All condos at Bear Run Falls include a patio or balcony, are located right of the golf course and feature wireless internet access.

Two bedroom and three bedroom cabins are also available, in a resort setting, for roughly the same price as the Hillcrest condo units.

Choose Bear Run Falls for your next Pigeon Forge vacation.

Hotel Pigeon Forge Offers Great Rates, Convenient Location to Guests

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Hotel Pigeon Forge is a budget-friendly property offering a great location and southern hospitality to guests. The hotel has double/double and single king units, all of which are decorated in the same floral motif and include the same in-room amenities. The hotel amenities found at this property include a continental breakfast, served from 8am-10am, in a medium-sized breakfast area located in the lobby, which includes biscuits and gravy on the weekends. Plus there is an outdoor pool that is open from 9am-10pm (seasonally) and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The double/double room featured at this hotel includes basic in-room amenities like alarm clock radio, coffee maker and iron/ironing board plus all rooms have mini-fridges. Microwaves can be requested on a first come-first serve basis and are free of charge. A 27” TV and desk with chair also come standard in the rooms. The case goods are a bit dated, but the new carpet found in all rooms is a nice update. The bathrooms feature tile and an outside vanity. The king units are very similar in design, although they include a recliner.

Visiting Pigeon Forge is easily affordable when you stay at Hotel Pigeon Forge.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Fully Renovated Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge Offers Comfortable Affordability to Guests

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge Pigeon Forge is undergoing extensive renovations and the large property is in the process of being thoroughly upgraded. From the amenities to the rooms, everything at Spirit of the Smokies offers something new.

The amenities at this property are extensive. They offer a small sundry shop open 24 hours, a large arcade with pool table and 10 games open from 9am-1am, and a large indoor pool with hot tub as well as outdoor pool, also open form 9am-1am. The indoor and outdoor pool connect and offer plenty of sundeck space as well as a very clean swimming environment. Plus, there is a restaurant on-site called the Wood Grill Buffett. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property.

Rooms at this lodge come in three varieties: Double Queen, King Jacuzzi and Kitchenette with Fireplace. The Double Queen room features two comfortable pillow top queen beds with all-new linens, a lodge style décor with all-new case goods, a flat screen 32” TV, mini-fridge and microwave. New carpet has also been installed, with tile in the foyer. The bathroom features a curved shower rod, granite vanity and new sinks. Plus, the unit has access to a large balcony. The King Jacuzzi Suite had the same layout as the aforementioned unit and same in-room amenities, but had an upgraded large Jacuzzi tub with new hardware, a lounge chair and French doors that opened to a balcony. The third room type, the kitchenette with fireplace, is equipped with a full kitchen, dining table, and sleeper sofa. The bathroom in this unit type is an exact replica of the bathrooms in the other room types and it also features the same in-room amenities.

The Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge is a great choice for any Pigeon Forge vacationer.

Park Place Condominiums Gatlinburg Offers Perfect Mix of Seclusion and Location

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comPark Place Condominiums in Gatlinburg Tennessee is located on the edge of town, right on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. The tranquil setting is highlighted by lots of foliage, creating a relaxing place to stay while you visit The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which is just minutes away. The property also offers a small fitness center and medium-sized, secluded outdoor pool to guests.

The units available include two and three bedroom condos. The two bedroom condo I stayed in had the same layout as the three bedroom unit, although the three bedroom has a loft which houses the third bedroom and third bathroom. The loft area of the third bedroom is accessed by a spiral staircase.

Upon arriving at my condo, I was pleased with its spaciousness and open layout. The fully equipped kitchen opens to a dining and living area, which features a mountain stone fireplace and has access to a balcony overlooking the river. The master bedroom also has balcony access and a large master bath with dual sinks, extra large Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. The case goods are in moderate condition and the entire unit is very clean. Near the entrance of the condo is the second bedroom, which is furnished with a king bed, and shares access to a shared common bath. A washer/dryer is also included in the unit. All of the condos are decorated in a unique fashion, although they all provide a good mix of at-home comforts.

A stay at the Gatlinburg Park Place Condos provides the perfect mix of seclusion and location for the Gatlinburg vacationer.

Be Amazed at the Cirque De Chine show in Pigeon Forge

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comCirque De Chine Pigeon Forge is an entertaining show that packs a lot of action into its two hour production. The talented performers combine movement and music for a one-of-a-kind display of Eastern arts. This show amazed me from start to finish, as these performers defy gravity, pushing their skills to new heights and generally do the impossible with their bodies.

A few of the highlights of this Pigeon Forge show included the human statue routines, during which the performers twist, turn and manipulate their bodies into statue like positions. The athleticism displayed is truly impressive. The Chinese dance segment, which feature a boy and girl performing aerial acrobatics was beautiful and highlighted the grace found in acrobatics. A balancing routine, featuring female cast members, was also a standout as the performers balanced flower torches, while dancing, in their mouths. Another spectacular stunt featured the males of the group jumping through hoops, literally! They would run, jump, flip, or somersault into a stand of hoops, and at one point the hoop was five circles high which totaled 10 feet! The way these performers gracefully swooped through these small circles, and at such a height, was unbelievable. A beautiful sash routine was another highlight. The story is based on a Chinese legend, similar to Romeo and Juliet, and the artistry of the man and woman during the sash segment was truly breathtaking. From swinging high above the crowd to seamlessly working together to perform artful moves, this segment truly brought the show to new heights. Other acts during the show included extreme juggling, chair/vase balancing at unheard of heights, human catapulting and martial arts.

The incredible finale of Cirque De Chine featured the famous flying motorcycles. A giant globe filled the stage and at first one motorcycle climbed inside driving up, down and all around. Then two filled the globe, then three, then four, then five! Watching five motorcycles spin, twist and go and upside down was a great finish to the show and still has my companions and I asking “How’d they do that?”

Young and old alike are enthralled by this show. It’s an easy choice for your next Pigeon Forge vacation.