While there are lots of ways to save money in the Smoky Mountains, locals know that the absolute best bargains can usually be found on Groupon.
But first things first, here are some frequently asked questions for our first-time Grouponers out there:
What is Groupon and how does it work?
Groupon is a website that partners with local merchants to offer deals and discounts on attraction tickets, shopping, dining and more.
Consumers can pre-purchase these deals online and redeem them just like a regular coupon.
Also like coupons, Groupon deals are usually in finite supply. Many are only available for a limited time or in limited quantities.
Most Groupon offers last anywhere from 30-120 days after purchase. Always read the fine print before you buy.
Is Groupon legit?
Groupon is considered to be a safe company with over 50 million active users. Groupon makes its money through commissions on each “deal” purchased.
Without further ado, here’s our roundup of the best Groupon deals for attractions, lodging and dining in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
Editor’s Note: While we do our best to keep this list updated, offers are subject to frequent changes and availability. May the odds be ever in your favor.
13. Wild Gals Old Time Photo – 90% off
This is one of the craziest deals in the Smokies.
Wild Gals Old Time Photo is a professional portrait studio that specializes in vintage-themed photography.
There’s no greater rite of passage than snapping an “old time” photo when visiting Pigeon Forge for a memorable souvenir.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering an unbelievable 90% off deal for a weekday photoshoot for up to 10 people (or as little as $9 for a single shoot).
This Groupon deal covers the sitting fee and a courtesy 8×10 print. Additional prints, digital images and frames are available for an extra charge.
12. Smoky Mountain Llama – 42% off
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks is a feeding and petting zoo located in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Llama hikes are also available. At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering package farm visits for as much as 42% off, or $12 per person.
11. Foxfire Mountain Adventure – 43% off
Foxfire Mountain Adventure is one of the highest rated zipline and adventure parks in the Smokies.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering All-Day Discover Foxfire and Swinging Bridge Pass Packages for as little as $17 per person, or 43% off. This pass includes all-day access to the park, bridge access and miles of hiking trails.
10. 7D Dark Ride Adventure – 36% off
Located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, The Interactive 7D Adventure Ride features an interactive 3D adventure with light, sound and wind effects.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering up to 36% off tickets for this attraction ($14).
9. Governors Crossing Movie Theater – 34% off
There’s no better way to relax with the family than catching a movie while on vacation.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering a combo deal that includes one movie ticket, one medium drink and one medium popcorn for 34% off (as little as $14).
8. The Escape Game – 14% off
The Escape Game, conveniently located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, offers guests a way to work together with their friends to escape a room by solving puzzles and finding clues.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering a variety of packages for groups of six to eight for as much as 14% off (or as low as $214).
7. Outdoor Gravity Park – Up to 17% off
This Outdoor Gravity Park is one of only a handful of places in the United States where you can go Zorbing.
Zorbing, a sport invented in New Zealand, involves rolling downhill in a water filled orb. Sounds terrifying, but it’s actually a ball. (Get it?)
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering up to 17% off one Zorbing ride and one video ($34).
6. Gatlinburg Space Needle – Up to 22% off
The Gatlinburg Space Needle, a distant cousin of the Seattle Space Needle, opened in 1969.
It was once the second tallest tower in Tennessee. Today it ranks fifth, but it still offers incredible views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smokies.
At the time of this writing, The Gatlinburg Space Needle is offering up to 22% off general admission (or just $12.95) on Groupon.
Read Also: The Space Needle in Gatlinburg: 9 things you didn’t know
5. Rowdy Bear – Up to 25% off
There’s so much to do at Rowdy Bear that they couldn’t even pack it all into a single Groupon!
There are three deals available for the attraction at the time of this writing: 16% off the Laser Gun Coaster Ride ($15.94), 16% off tubing (or just $15.94, sans-snow), and 25% off the Rowdy Bear Mountain Gravity Coaster ride ($14.25).
4. Wilderness at the Smokies – Up to 40% off
Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort is essentially a hotel and massive waterpark, all in one. Also available on-site are two additional outdoor waterparks, an adventure ropes course, mini golf, an arcade, laser tag and a variety of restaurants.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering up to 40% off rooms (as low as $99 per night) at Wilderness’s Stone Hill Lodge plus a $50 arcade voucher. Wilderness at the Smokies outdoor and indoor waterpark access is included with your stay.
Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the sister park, is available for a discounted rate for Wilderness guests.
Read Also: Soaky Mountain Waterpark: What’s new in 2021?
3. Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster – Up to 27% off
You haven’t really visited the Smokies until you’ve tried at least one of our popular mountain coasters – and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster is one of the best. At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering a two-ticket combo for just $26 (or 27% off).
2. Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud – Up to 20% off
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park is located at the Shops at Lumberjack Square. The show features two feuding families as they compete in a variety of competitive events in an outdoor amphitheater.
The Adventure Park features a one-of-a-kind zipline roller coaster, interactive experiences and more. At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering up to 20% off admission to the Adventure Park (as low as $23.75) and 20% off show tickets (as low as $12.25).
1. Beyond the Lens – Up to 23% off admission
Beyond the Lens is a walk through attraction ripe with pop culture references, interactive games and photo-ops.
At the time of this writing, Groupon is offering up to 23% off general admission tickets for children ($12.99), and 18% off for adults ($21.99).
Have you tried any of these offers? Let us know in the comments.