Travel Tips
Pigeon Forge
  • Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Fall is great time to visit Pigeon Forge. The crisp weather, abundance of activities and breathtaking foliage simply can’t be beat.
  • We know you probably have a lot of questions. This easy-to-use guide will provide you with helpful tips as you prepare for your trip and everything else you will need to know about your Smoky Mountain adventure.
  • Guest Services
    If you have any questions regarding your air or hotel arrangements, you can contact Merchants Guest Services between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (CST), Monday through Friday at:

    Phone: (847) 381-1800
    E-mail: guestservices@merchantsfoodstravels.com
Covid
Covid 19 Update
  • There are currently NO travel restrictions in Tennessee. However, should things change, we will update you with any significant information. Below is a link regarding travel to Tennessee:
  • https://www.tnvacation.com/travel-safe
Airline Travel
Flying
  • Photo Identification: All persons over the age of 18 traveling by air within the United States are required to present valid government issued photo identification such as driver’s license or state I.D.
  • Frequent Flyers: It is important that the name listed on your frequent flyer account matches your photo I.D. This will ensure mileage accrual and/or status upgrades (if applicable). Keep your boarding pass in case of mileage discrepancies.
  • Upgrade/Change Airline Ticket:Your trip includes two round-trip coach tickets for travel on group dates. If traveling outside of group dates, any additional cost will be your responsibility. Flight arrangements will be confirmed when we receive your registration information. Once your ticket is purchased, any fees or penalties associated with changes will be at your own expense. Tickets are generally non-refundable, non-transferable, highly restricted and may not allow for any type of upgrades. In the event you would like an upgradeable class of service, any additional cost will be your responsibility.
  • Airline Check-In: We recommend you check in at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight time due to heightened security. Be sure to check your luggage all the way through to McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville (TYS).
Airline Travel
Seat Assignments/Boarding Passes
  • Seat assignments have been requested. If seat assignments are not indicated on your flight itinerary, they were unable to be assigned due to airline availability.
  • Please Note: Although we do our best to confirm complimentary seats as requested in your registration, most airlines block a large percentage for their high-level frequent flyers and to sell as “premium seating” so your preference (aisle, window, seats together etc.) may not be available at the time of ticketing. The program does not allow us to pay for “premium seats”, but you are welcome to go on-line once the tickets are issued to purchase those seats.
  • Check in early at the airport to secure the best seats and keep in mind that airlines sometimes change the type of aircraft shortly before departure. This can result in new seat assignments. Guest Services is not able to predict or prevent this.
  • With an e-ticket, you may be able to print your boarding passes online up to 24-hours prior to departure. Boarding passes may not print if you have been pre-selected for a security check. You should receive passes at check-in for each segment through to your final destination.
Airline Travel
Baggage Information
    Most airlines charge a fee for checked luggage. This information is continually changing. We highly recommend that you check with your airline just prior to travel for the most accurate information regarding allowance for both checked and carry-on bags, as well as any charges.

    For your convenience, we are including some web sites and phone numbers below:

    American Airlines www.aa.com (800) 433-7300
    Delta Airlines www.delta.com (800) 325-2000
    Jet Blue www.jetblue.com (800) 538-2583
    Southwest www.southwest.com (800) 531-6500
    United Airlines www.united.com (800) 241-6522

  • Important Travel Tip: As a general rule, checked bags may not exceed a total dimension of 62 inches (length+width+height) and a weight of 50lbs without penalty. Your carry-on bags must not exceed 43 inches. However, these restrictions are also subject to change, so please check with your airline (see above) for current information.
Airline Travel
Airport Security
  • Test the batteries in your camera and/or laptop computer before your departure; you may be asked by security to turn on electronic equipment to prove that it is what it appears to be.
  • With heightened concerns regarding airport and in-flight security, it is more important than ever to take proper care in selecting what to pack in carry-on luggage. Anything that could possibly be used as a weapon is banned. This includes any kind of knife, most pointed objects, flammable and explosive items and any object that could be used for hitting. The basic rule: If in doubt, stow it in checked luggage. If you attempt to take banned items on board, they may be confiscated and not returned.
  • For the latest on airport security, please check the Transportation Security Administration web site: http://www.tsa.gov/
  • Travel Tip: All liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags must be packed in a container that is 3 oz or smaller and placed in a single, quart-sized, zip-lock, clear, plastic bag. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized, plastic bag from their carry-on to be x-rayed separately.
Packing
Smart Packing
  • Think carefully about what you will really need and leave enough space for personal and souvenir shopping. Remember that luggage will be subject to weight and piece restrictions, as well as hand searching by security personnel at the airport. Keep the number of pieces of luggage to a minimum and remember to label all luggage.
  • Important: Make sure to pack your prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a light change of clothes and anything else you can’t be without in your carry-on luggage. Once in a while a piece of luggage will take its own vacation so, to be on the safe side, keep your most important items with you.
  • Day Attire: For touring and activities, layers, always. Pack slacks, jeans, long and short sleeved T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, light waterproof jacket and, of course, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots and sun visor or hat.
  • Evening Attire: Casual attire is the prevailing dress code but in Pigeon Forge, you’ll also see people dressed up as some restaurants may require collared shirts and nice jeans or casual slacks for men and women. You’ll also want to pack a jacket for the evenings.
  • Comfort on the Plane: It is best to dress in loose-fitting clothing. A light jacket or sweater is handy to combat the cool air on the plane. Easily removable footwear is best as you can take off your shoes in-flight and you will be required to take off your shoes as part of a security check. Avoid metal buttons, buckles, chains, etc., as these may set off metal detectors at the airport and could cause delays.
Packing
We Suggest
    Pack in your checked luggage:
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
  • Dressier shoes (some restaurants may consider sneakers unacceptable for evening wear)
  • Sunglasses, sun hat or visor
  • Toiletries (cold remedy, pain reliever, upset stomach, anti-bacterial, band-aids, sun block)
  • Umbrella

  • Pack in your carry-on luggage:
  • Sufficient prescription medications in the original labeled container
  • Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution
  • Important papers & travel documents
  • Camera gear, film, extra memory cards (digital cameras), extra batteries
  • Valuables

  • Valuables
  • For safety and easy access, carry all valuables in your carry-on bag. DO NOT PACK THESE ITEMS IN YOUR LUGGAGE.
  • Safeguard your valuables! Although they are a minority, pickpockets and purse-snatchers can ruin the unwary traveler's trip. Be especially careful in crowded areas such as stores and on public transportation. It's best to leave irreplaceable jewelry at home and use the complimentary in-room safe for your excess cash and valuables. Keep purses, wallets, money, phones and cameras close to your body at all times.
Airport Arrivals
Transfer to the Hotel
  • Arrangements have been made for your transfer to the hotel. Once you arrive and retrieve your luggage from baggage claim, look for the Merchants Foodservice Travel Staff. You will know them by their smiling faces and Merchants Foodservice signs. It is approximately a 60-minute ride to the resort.
  • Transportation is provided on group travel days only. Please note: If traveling outside of group travel dates, the following transfer options are available:
    • Taxi fare is approximately $75 (for up to 3 people)
    • Uber and Lyft are available and the approximate rate is $50.
Hotel Information
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa
    2525 DreamMore Way
    Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
    Phone: (865) 365-1900
    Website: https://www.dollywood.com

  • Check-in Time: 4:00 pm
  • Check-Out Time: 11:00 am

  • Your Personal Hotel Account: You will be required to present a major credit card upon check-in for payment of incidentals. We do not recommend using a debit card.
  • What About the Resort and My Room? Welcome to your home away from home. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa™ always makes you feel welcome. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, this hotel is a 3-minute drive away from Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and features an indoor and outdoor pool, on-site dining and on-site salon and spa. Every room at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort provides a 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, a small refrigerator and a coffee maker. A safety deposit box and ironing facilities are also included.
  • Internet Access: Complimentary wireless internet included throughout the property.
  • Gratuities & Service Charges: Merchants Foodservice has picked up all the usual gratuities and service charges for the events on the itinerary; however, if someone does something special (like track down a phone charger, aspirin or a Snickers), you may want to add a small tip.
Miscellaneous
Time Zone
    Pigeon Forge, TN is on Eastern Standard Time (EST). So, if it is 12 noon in Pigeon Forge, it is:

  • Central Time: 11:00 am
  • Mountain Time: 10:00 am
  • Pacific Time: 9:00 am

    Weather: Average yearly temperatures range between 67 in the daytime and 40 degrees at night. Known for beautiful scenery and fall weather, conditions can vary per elevation so be sure to check reports before you do any hiking.

  • You can review live weather reports at: cnn.com/weather
Miscellaneous
  • Insurance: Special insurance has not been arranged. However, many homeowner policies provide coverage for luggage loss or damage. Check with your insurance agent for advice on additional coverage.
  • Medical Needs: It’s a good idea to consult your physician regarding your personal needs whenever you plan to travel.
  • Name Badge: As a courtesy to fellow travelers and to identify yourself as a guest of Merchants Foodservice, please wear your name badge to all group activities.  
  • Shopping: Visitors love shopping in Pigeon Forge. With more than 300 boutiques, outlets and malls to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect souvenir or gift. If you’re looking for something unique, you’ll find hand-blown glass, handmade pottery and many more arts & crafts. You’ll even find a store that celebrates Christmas year-round.
Additional Info
Guest Services Staff
    Travel Directors will be stationed at the Merchants Foodservice Hospitality Desk for your convenience. All times, function rooms, bulletins and schedule changes will be posted there. Stop by for help in arranging personal plans, answers to travel questions and to reconfirm your daily activity schedule.

    If you have questions, contact Guest Services between:

  • Hours of 9:00am - 5:00pm (CST) Monday - Friday
  • Phone: (847) 381-1800
  • E-mail: guestservices@merchantsfoodstravels.com
  • Itinerary Notes
    Schedules and activities are subject to change. We appreciate your understanding if changes to the itinerary becomes necessary.

    We're looking forward to seeing you!