As part of our series on providing recommendations for attractions that have disability access for disabled guests, we have a handful of attractions here that have programs and processes for the visually impaired visiting the Smokies. These items include links to their relevant web pages and their official statements.
* The Alcatraz Museum in Pigeon Forge *
“Alcatraz East welcomes the general public to its exhibitions and programs. Tickets are required for admission. Visitors who need special assistance to tour Alcatraz East or participate in its programs should contact Alcatraz East a minimum of fourteen days prior to their visit so that Alcatraz East will have sufficient time to arrange for appropriate assistance. Alcatraz East will make a reasonable effort to accommodate all of its visitors’ needs.
Audio tours are available for our guests with severe vision impairments. Trained service animals are permitted to accompany visitors with disabilities. For guests with lighting sensitivity, a flashlight may be requested.”
See more on their website at:
https://www.alcatrazeast.com/accessibility/
* Wonderworks in Sevierville *
“WonderWorks welcomes the general public to enjoy an interactive experience and will make a reasonable effort to accommodate any special needs. Visitors who need special assistance should contact WonderWorks 72 hours prior to their visit allowing sufficient time to arrange for appropriate assistance. WonderWorks will make a reasonable effort to accommodate all of its visitors’ needs.
Trained service animals are permitted to accompany visitors with disabilities. Exhibits that focus on the sense of touch and feel include: Hurricane Shack, Titanic, Bed of Nails, Pull Yourself Up and Wonder Simulators.
In accordance with the American Disabilities Act, service dogs or service mini horses are allowed. The approved service animal(s) must be trained to perform a specific service. We do not allow therapy animals.”
See more on their website at:
www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge/privacy-and-ada-policy/.
* Titanic Museum *
“The Titanic Museum Attractions are self-guided with an audio guide included in your purchase to enhance the tour. The museum has elevators available for all wheelchairs and strollers.”
See more on their website at:
https://titanicpigeonforge.com/tickets/general-inquiry-frequently-asked-questions/
* The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge *
“The Old Mill property and its businesses are completely handicap-accessible for our guests. Many of the entrances are on the ground level; those that are elevated have ramps.
Walkways are made of concrete, brick, and stone and can be a little bumpy in some places for guests in wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and children in strollers, but they are all passable by wheelchairs. Guests who are visually impaired should be able to navigate the more organic paths with a little care.”
See more on their website at:
https://www.old-mill.com/accessibility
* Ghost Walks of Gatlinburg *
“Most every place we will take you on our tour is accessible by wheelchair. But please be aware that some areas may present a greater challenge than others… such as leaving the paved surface to explore the cemetery (which is also uphill)… as well as other parts of the tour that are a part of the downtown area of the City of Gatlinburg. We will make every effort to assist the handicapped.”
See more on their website at:
https://www.ghostwalkofgatlinburg.com/policies
* Dolly Parton’s Stampede *
“Our family of six recently headed to Sevierville for spring break and decided to check out Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Our family is unique because in addition to multiple ages and stages of life represented, we also have different abilities. Our eleven-year-old daughter is functionally blind and we are always on the lookout for family experiences that feel inclusive for her. Stampede is a wonderful show that includes tons of visual elements, but we observed many great auditory and kinetic elements that made Lola feel included, too. The audience is asked to stomp their feet instead of clapping—mostly because hands are occupied with eating whole chickens!—but the result is much louder than simply clapping. Additionally, the stadium seats literally vibrate when the audience stomps. This is a wonderful element for a visually impaired child to experience. The emcee of the night, who is charismatic and fun, also describes every event in detail. If the pigs are coming out for a race, you know exactly what’s happening without having to rely on sight! Lola was a full participant in every moment and that made the experience even more special for our family. She also loved meeting the performers and petting the horses at the end of the show—all of the kids did, in fact!”
See more on their website at:
https://insiders.dollywood.com/dolly-partons-stampede-a-sensory-and-action-packed-adventure/
