September 2025 Newsletter

Welcome, JGOOT Family Adventurers!

It's September! And that brings us to our new JGOOT Family travel theme: Dreaming of Our Next Vacation While Going Back to School

The back-to-school season is here — but that doesn’t mean travel planning has to pause. In fact, it’s the perfect time to daydream about your next getaway. This month, we’re spotlighting family-friendly theme parks that fly under the radar. They’re easier on the wallet, lighter on the crowds, and every bit as fun.

🍂 Monthly Family Travel Blueprint: Theme Park Adventures Beyond Disney

Forget $200 tickets and 2-hour waits — these theme parks offer big thrills, unique experiences, and plenty of family fun without the chaos.

🎢 Lodging:

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort (Pigeon Forge, TN): Southern charm with family perks like trolley service to the park, indoor/outdoor pools, and nightly s’mores.

Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel (Buena Park, CA): Steps from the park, plus discounts on bundled tickets. Bonus: the Peanuts-themed kids’ wing. Knott’s Hotel | Knott’s Berry Farm

Budget Pick: Nearby cabin rentals (Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg cabins, Anaheim Airbnb) often cost less than a hotel family suite.

🛫 Getting There

Points Sweet Spot: Southwest is your friend here — nonstop flights to Nashville (BNA) for Dollywood and Orange County (SNA) or LAX for Knott’s are plentiful. We found fares starting at 6,000 points each way from major hubs. Southwest Route Map

Cash Option: Under $250 roundtrip from cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Denver.

🎟️ Excursions & Activities

Dollywood

Big Bear Mountain – The park’s newest family coaster winds through Smoky Mountain “wilderness” with a full storyline, making it exciting but approachable for kids.

Wild Eagle – America’s first wing coaster offers smooth thrills with unbeatable Smoky Mountain views — a must for coaster fans.

Craftsman’s Valley – Blacksmiths, glassblowers, and traditional artisans demonstrate Appalachian crafts, giving kids a fun, hands-on history lesson.

Dollywood Express – Ride an authentic coal-fired steam train for a 20-minute tour of the park with stunning mountain scenery.

Music Everywhere – Gospel, bluegrass, and country shows fill the park with Appalachian sound, making even non-riders feel immersed in the experience.

Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill – A legendary Dollywood snack that has become an attraction in itself.

Evening Entertainment – Fireworks and drone shows light up the night sky on select evenings, creating a spectacular end to your day.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Free entry, endless trails, and scenic drives make this the perfect add-on.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop – An 11-mile drive where families can spot deer, turkeys, and sometimes even black bears.

Laurel Falls Trail – A stroller-friendly hike that ends at an 80-foot waterfall.

Clingmans Dome – A short uphill walk to the park’s highest point with sweeping 360° views.

Ober Mountain Tramway (Gatlinburg) – Ride the aerial tramway for alpine slides, wildlife habitats, and winter snow tubing.

Downtown Gatlinburg – Attractions like the SkyBridge and Ripley’s Aquarium make this a fun side stop.

Knott’s Berry Farm

GhostRider – The longest, tallest, and fastest wooden coaster on the West Coast delivers classic thrills.

Ghost Town Alive! – A live-action Wild West story that kids can join — they become part of the adventure, not just spectators.

Camp Snoopy – A Peanuts-themed land with rides and character meet-and-greets perfect for younger kids.

Fiesta Village – Colorful theming, festive food stalls, and rides give the park a celebratory, cultural vibe.

Knott’s Soak City – A full waterpark next door for families who want to add a second day of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant – Where the park began, serving hearty fried chicken and berry pies that have been drawing families since the 1930s.

Seasonal Events – Knott’s Scary Farm (haunted Halloween for older kids/teens) and Knott’s Spooky Farm (daytime trick-or-treating for little ones).

Knott’s – Beyond the Park

Huntington Beach (Surf City USA) – Bike the boardwalk, try a surf lesson, or stroll the famous pier.

Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach) – Over 12,000 sea creatures and plenty of touch tanks for kids.

Los Angeles Day Trip – Easy access to Griffith Observatory, La Brea Tar Pits, or The Getty Center for art, science, and views.

LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad) – A colorful, hands-on park that’s great for families with younger kids.

San Diego Add-On – World-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, and beaches make for an unforgettable extension just 90 minutes south.

💡 Family Travel Tips

Back-to-school schedules don’t mean family travel is off the table. Try this:

Plan a Long Weekend: Use teacher in-service days or fall breaks. Many parks drop prices in September/October.

Skip the Lines: Dollywood and Knott’s both offer skip-the-line passes at a fraction of Disney/Universal costs.

Snack Hack: Pack refillable water bottles and small snacks — most of these smaller parks have more relaxed food policies than Disney.

📊 Industry Trends

Theme Park Ticket Wars: Smaller parks are investing heavily to compete with the big players. Dollywood just hit record attendance after a $500M expansion announcement, and Knott’s added a water park upgrade. Analysts expect these “regional gems” to keep pulling families away from mega-parks as costs rise at Disney/Universal.

❓ Q&A Corner

Q: Is Dollywood really worth it if we’ve already done Disney?

A: Absolutely. Dollywood blends rides with Appalachian culture and live shows, giving kids an experience that feels different, not like a knock-off. Parents love that it’s calmer, cheaper, and comes with a side of Smoky Mountain beauty.

And speaking of questions, don't forget - you get to ask us any questions you want on this month's LIVE Q&A session: Sep 26, 4pm PT/7pm ET. Click here to join the livestream.

Happy Travels!

Julie, Anthony, and Katie

JGOOT Family Experts