Laughing Lindsay

Travel Reviews, Giveaways, & More!

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta Review with Tips

By Leave a Comment

Last month, I was lucky enough to experience Astra Lumina at Anakeesta while visiting the area. Today, I thought I would provide an overview of that experience to help others decide if it’s worth their time and money.

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta

Let’s start by going over the basics of this event. Anakeesta is a mountain top adventure park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While I’ve never done a post dedicated to Anakeesta, I have mentioned it in Spring in Pigeon Forge, TN, What To Do in Fall in Gatlinburg, TN, and Christmas in the Great Smoky Mountains posts as a place to visit during those seasons. In the springtime one, I even mentioned Astra Lumina when it first arrived at Anakeesta. So, it was nice to finally be able to return to the location and see this event for myself.

Astra Lumina bills itself as “an enchanted night walk amongst the stars.” Astra Lumina has set up various night time lighting shows around the world for over 10 years. Back in 2022, Astra Lumina arrived to Anakeesta. Currently, they have installations in Gatlinburg, Istanbul, and Gold Coast.

Considering this is an event put on by an outside company, this is an upcharge event at Anakeesta sold as an add-on to your regular day ticket. A regular ticket to Anakeesta costs around $33-40/adult. Astra Lumina costs an additional $18.99 per person and you purchase a ticket for an arrival window. Arrival windows begin around sunset.

The Night Walk

Astra Lumina at Anakeesta features 9 different light experiences. Each one tells a part of a story about stars falling to Earth, regenerating, and rising back up. Each installation has additional music or sounds with a short show. Most of the stations have seating for you to enjoy the show. It took us about 50 minutes to see all 9 spots, but we could have taken longer.

My mom and I weren’t sure what to expect with this experience. However, we both really enjoyed it. I think our favorites were the Stardust Rays and Stellar Visions. Each part was enjoyable and unique. My mom initially compared it to viewing Christmas lights, but I think that’s an over simplification. It’s a chance to connect with nature and enjoy being outdoors. It’s a chance to think about how vast the universe is and how small we are. This experience can be enjoyed with loved ones or alone. It was the perfect ending to a hot summer day.

Tips

  • Take a break – Most sections have benches to sit on. I highly recommend sitting down to view the shows when you see a bench. It’s also great for folks who tire easily since you don’t have to walk too far to the next area. Bonus: no stairs.
  • You can purchase tickets ahead of time – We didn’t buy tickets online because we weren’t sure of our plans. In fact, we ended up at Anakeesta because I got a text message at 4 PM notifying me that the restaurant we were supposed to eat dinner at was closed due to technical difficulties. We pivoted and ended up going here. I’m so glad that we did.
  • You can enter early – Anakeesta allows you to enter Astra Lumina 30 minutes prior to your arrival time. Since we bought tickets the day of, we ended up with the last time slot of 9:45. However, they allowed us to enter at 9:15 PM.
  • Take your time – I was worried that things would be crowded since we had the last time slot. However, I think it worked out to our advantage. Most of the people had cleared out by the time we came through. There were some people around, but it definitely wasn’t crowded.
  • Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes – I wore sneakers and was very happy with that decision. While you are on walking paths, you are still out in nature. Plus, there was a bit of an incline at the end.

Is Astra Lumina at Anakeesta worth it?

I think Astra Lumina at Anakeesta is worth the added cost for most folks. I think it’s perfect for older children and adults. Young kids may not get the story or get bored. Younger folks may get tired as well with the event taking place at night. Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and were happy we experienced it.

Greystone Lodge on the River Review

By Leave a Comment

Last month, I stayed two nights at the Greystone Lodge on the River in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. So, I thought I would do a review of that experience.

Greystone Lodge on the River

Greystone Lodge on the River

When we booked our Pancakes and Penguins experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, we wanted to stay somewhere close to the aquarium. Well, it doesn’t get any closer than the Greystone Lodge on the River! It’s located directly beside the aquarium! It also had some affordable rates when we booked in late May for our August trip. So, it seemed like a no-brainer.

The Queen/Queen Executive Room

At this hotel, they refer to a standard room as an executive room. We managed to snag a rate of $155/night, which we thought was a great rate! We were delighted with the hotel’s location as it gave us easy access to the Aquarium and Anakeesta. The hotel itself is older but has a few recent updates. My bed left a little to be desired. A spring would make a noise every time I moved. The tub was pretty deep and my mom had some issues getting in and out since there wasn’t a grab bar. However, I really enjoyed the balcony with a view of the river! We felt the room was adequate for the two night stay.

We were tickled to discover that we could remain parked at the hotel on check-out day until 3 PM. So, we left the car parked at the hotel while we visited the Aquarium. It worked out nicely.

Pros

  • Location – This is located on the main drag of Gatlinburg and beside the aquarium! It’s also directly across the street from Anakeesta! It’s perfect for exploring the town.
  • Affordable rates – I think anything under $200/night is considered a good value.
  • Free breakfast – While the area is known for its pancake houses, it is nice to have breakfast included. That way you can start your day without looking for food or waiting in line. I enjoyed a biscuit with gravy.
  • Free parking – Anyone who’s been to Gatlinburg knows what a hassle parking can be in Gatlinburg. So, it’s great to not have to worry about that when you stay here. Also, the parking is very close to the rooms, so it’s easy to carry things in and out.
  • Good housekeeping – We only stayed two nights, but they still made our beds and replaced our towels. I can’t say that happens everywhere these days.
  • Balconies overlooking the river – Many of the rooms here have a great view of the river. I only wish it had been cooler so we could have spent more time on the balcony.

Cons

  • Older hotel – While most things have been updated recently, it’s still an older hotel.
  • Deep tubs – It can be difficult for older folks to get in and out of these deep tubs without a grab bar.
  • Low garage – The garage for the hotel has low ceilings. So, no big vehicles can park here.

Is the Greystone Lodge on the River worth it?

I think the value of things tends to be subjective. However, I think this hotel is worth it if you are on a budget and want to be in this area. Its location is ideal for exploring Gatlinburg and the free breakfast is perfect for families. If you want something a little more modern or upscale, maybe pass on this one.

Pancakes and Penguins at Ripley’s Aquarium Review

By Leave a Comment

Last week, I was lucky enough to do the Pancakes and Penguins experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! Today, I thought I would review it and help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

Pancakes and Penguins

Pancakes and Penguins

Pancakes and Penguins is a new-ish addition to the offerings at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For $99 + Tax for Ages 3+, it’s an early morning activity that includes admission to the aquarium. Held once or twice a month, you are served a buffet breakfast and are allowed to see some penguins!

We booked this experience back in May for August. A few months out, the event was booked up. However, when I checked back later, there was additional availability. So, if you want to book this experience but it appears full, keep checking back as people may cancel.

The Breakfast

Before the event, every group is assigned a table number. You are told your table number and its location when you check in. At the table is a bag containing a penguin painting for each guest! So, that was a nice start to the meal.

Breakfast was a small buffet of items. It included: pancakes (duh!), eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, fruit, coffee, apple juice, and orange juice. The pancakes were seemingly frozen and heated up. I highly recommend using some butter and syrup to make them good. The friend potatoes were pretty good. The eggs weren’t bad. I had a piece of bacon, but I typically eat turkey bacon. So, I probably shouldn’t judge that. Haha! I got a bottle of orange juice, which was as expected. Overall, the food wasn’t bad. It was probably about what you would expect from a hotel’s free breakfast. While not groundbreaking or gourmet, the meal was basic but filling.

The Penguins

In addition to the breakfast, you get to see two penguins. We got to take a photo with a penguin too! They attempted to begin the breakfast with everyone getting a photo with a penguin. However, the penguins weren’t initially interested in sitting for photos. So, they allowed everyone to eat breakfast first and come up by table/group to take pictures during the breakfast. Afterwards, the penguins walked around the tables as an employee told us facts about penguins. Towards the end of the hour, they had the penguins go around for some additional photos with guests.

Ending

At the conclusion of the program, you are free to explore the aquarium at your leisure! Having just visited the Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach last year, we knew what to expect here. We picked up our included free photo prints with the penguin and started touring the aquarium at the beginning. This way, we ended our visit back at the Penguin Playground. It was neat to spot one of the penguins we met (Tessa) in their habitat. Then, we exited through the gift shop where we both purchased a penguin ornament and t-shirt to commemorate the experience.

Is the Pancakes and Penguins experience worth it?

At $99 per person, this experience is not cheap. However, it typically costs $42.99 for aquarium tickets. This also includes breakfast, a picture with a penguin, a penguin painting, and some information on penguins. My mom and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We both felt that the price paid was more than worth what we got in return. It’s not everyday you get close to a penguin! If you have a penguin fan in your family, then I think you should book it.

Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant Review

By Leave a Comment

Having eaten at Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant several times now, I thought I would give a review of it.

Dollywood's Ember & Elm Restaurant

Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant

For those who don’t know, Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant is located at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge! It is the primary sit-down restaurant located at this newer hotel at Dollywood. I stayed at HeartSong for two nights back in 2025 and enjoyed several meals here. I’ve also returned once more to get the cinnamon bread French Toast with my mom on a separate trip when we weren’t staying here! In this review, I will look at both breakfast and dinner.

Note: I have not posted my review of the hotel yet, but feel free to look at my DreamMore Resort review.

Breakfast

During breakfast, you can have the buffet or you can order a la carte from the menu. I have done both options. The buffet, lovingly called the Heartsong Breakfast Table, is currently $24/adult. It includes a variety of options including pastries, cereals, eggs, sausage, waffles or pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and an omelet station. I thought the breakfast flatbreads were a unique and tasty option. I also liked getting an omelet made to order. Overall, it’s definitely a great way to kickstart your day with lots of choices for everyone. I truly think there’s something for everyone on this buffet.

The other morning of my stay, I tried the chicken and waffles. I liked that they have the option to make it spicy. However, I went with the classic. I found it to be sweet, but not overly so. I enjoyed the chicken for some protein.

I also must mention the Cinnamon Bread French Toast that you can only get here! It was very good. In fact, it wasn’t on the menu when I stayed here, so my mom and I made a trip over here when we visited the area on a separate trip just to try it. If you like the cinnamon bread found in the park, then you will like this. It is sweet, but very good. Although, I recommend getting a side of some protein for balance.

Dinner

While the breakfast menu tends to remain roughly the same, the dinner menu switches up seasonally with the park’s festivals. However, you always begin the evening meal with some biscuits, butter, and pepper jelly. I really enjoyed those biscuits with jelly and think about them whenever I think about eating dinner here.

For dinner one night, I selected a festival item that consisted of a piece of fish wrapped in pastry. It was so good! It was accompanied by asparagus and potatoes. I really enjoyed this meal. In fact, it was some of the best asparagus I’ve ever had. However, it was a lot of food. I took the leftovers back to my room.

The other night of my stay, I tried a brick oven-fired flatbread. I believe it was the Margherita one. It was a basic pizza flatbread, done well. The edges were a little too crispy for me, but it tasted good. I would love to try some of the seasonal options in the future.

Should you eat at Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant?

I have enjoyed everything I’ve ever eaten at this restaurant. I think it’s a must do, particularly if you are staying at this resort. It’s so convenient to go down a few floors for a meal and then walk back to the room. I don’t know that it’s worth going out of your way to try this place though. Although, the cinnamon bread French toast is unique and good. So, if you want a breakfast that screams Dollywood without much wait, then this might be a good option for you.

Are Dollywood Guided Tours Worth It?

By Leave a Comment

Today, I want to examine if the seasonal Dollywood Guided Tours are worth your money and time.

Dollywood Guided Tours

Dollywood Guided Tours

Last year, I was lucky to take several guided tours while visiting Dollywood. I already posted my I Will Always Love You Tour at Dollywood Review, Dollywood Summer Festival Tour Review, and Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour Review. Today, I want to talk about those experience more generally and to help others decide if they should book a guided tour.

What the Tours Include

You can see which tours are available during your trip and what they include on the Special Experiences page on the website. However, in general, the tours attempt to include some festival entertainment (like reserved seating for a show during IWALY or reserved standing viewing of the drones/fireworks during the summer) along with a snack and/or beverage. They also sometimes include rides where you can skip the lines. All of them come with a tour guide or two that tells you about the park and the offerings you get.

I will say these are best for people without mobility issues. They tend to involve a good bit of walking and Dollywood has a few good hills. I also don’t know that I would recommend them for children as there can be lots of listening.

Pros

  • You get a brief guided tour of the park – It can be helpful for people who don’t know much about the park or its offerings to learn from a park employee.
  • Skip some lines – It was awesome to ride the train during the Christmas tour without waiting in line. You have to read the fine print though as not all tours offer rides and it seems like the rides offered can differ from year to year.
  • Some reserved seating – Again, you have to read the fine print to see what the tour includes. However, you sometimes get a reserved (near the front) seat for shows that you don’t have to stand in line for.
  • Snack and a drink – Often, it’s a festival goodie. However, at Christmas we received a mini cinnamon bread and hot chocolate. I’d consider it an added bonus, not exactly a selling point.
  • Adds something for experienced visitors – It can be a fun way to do something different if you have visited the park before.
  • Can be good for solo trips – If you are visiting the park alone and feel more comfortable in a group, this is the perfect opportunity to join a group.

Cons

  • Added expense – These tours are an added expense on top of a park ticket. Plus, they went up $10 from 2025 to 2026. Currently, they are $89/person with a small discount available for some passholders. So, not exactly a budget friendly event.
  • Takes up time – If you want to visit the park at your own pace, this isn’t for you. You don’t really have much time to stop and enjoy the scenery or take pictures. I don’t recommend this for people who are visiting for the first time on the first day. Maybe the second day or return trip.
  • Limited offerings – The specific rides/shows offered varies from festival to festival and even year to year. So, read the site carefully to see if you are interested in most of the things listed before spending the money.
  • You can do most of the things on your own – Most of the tour experiences can be had on your own. The real perk of these tours is the guide and the ability to skip the line or have reserved seating.

Are Dollywood Guided Tours Worth It?

I think the value of any purchase is subjective. However, if you have children, are a first time visitor, have mobility issues, or on a tight budget, then I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are a return guest who navigates the park easily with room in the budget, then go for it! So, have you ever taken a tour at Dollywood? Did you think it was worth it?