Dig'n Zone Theme Park — Attraction in Sevierville

I took my mom and two of my kids (ages 7, 8) today, 03/25/24 (weekday, spring break) to Dig’n Zone. We arrived two hours after opening. I was concerned about maximizing our time against cost, as I would have been with any theme park. I additionally wondered how it would compare to a similarly-themed park we had visited in New Jersey two years previously.

We. Had. A. Blast.

The park is easy to find and self parking was a breeze. I parked further away from the entrance, and it still wasn’t a long walk. Purchasing tickets was fast, and our experience was pleasant with the ticketing sales team member. We purchased the optional bus to crush with the roller, so of course, we had to stop at THE CRUSHER first.

My youngest was embarrassed that he couldn’t drive the GATOR GRAND PRIX well, but the operator was very patient with him. The boys enjoyed the DIG’N PIT, L’IL LOCO, DIGGY BEAR EXPRESS, DIG’N DERBY, PIPELINER, TUMBLE TOWN, the LATER GATOR, corn hole, and the optional DIGGY’S TREASURES. Wait times were short, and ride duration appropriate.

Ride of the day was THE DECIMATOR. The boys rode this at least 8 times. It was made even better thanks to Michael and Matt(?), who made for an awesome experience. They even convinced Grandma and I to ride. Every single team member was fantastic, great with kids, and seems to truly enjoy being there. Each interaction contributed to our special day.

Other takeaways: The layout and flow of the park is easy and parent friendly…especially if your kids want to “cover more ground” without actually walking more ground to the rides. If two parents/adults need to split up for different rides, you still get an overview of the park and whereabouts of each other. The food is standard faire park food. My mom and kids liked the chicken tenders. They have an arcade/game room, but we didn’t go in Facilities are very clean. Bathrooms, dining areas, and the grounds in general are well maintained. Most of the rides are 32-48”, with one (?) requiring a minimum height of 52”. My kids were able to ride everything, so no tears or getting turned away. Safety is a priority. One operator even explained to me how the safety light works after he individually checks each riders harness. Suggestions: when the Southern heat hits this summer, consider adding additional shaded areas and/or misting fans throughout the park. Having been to both parks, I did notice Dig’N Zone put thought into the layout to reduce asphalt smell and heat with grassy areas, etc. Next, it would be nice to have additional seating/viewing areas. Finally, consider a ticket price for individuals not participating in rides/activities. Delineate with a wristband for ride operators. The ticket price is high, but the experience is worth it, and so are the staff. Also, you don’t pay separately for parking. There is an optional fast pass, but we didn’t need it. Dig’N Zone is a uniquely themed park that introduces new skills to participants, empowers kids, and entertains both children and adults alike....

So, this place is awesome, but it's too expensive for what it is, with a lot of pointers that could be taken into account. Firstly, 2 adults, an 11 year old and a 4 year old costs $300+ for entry. Now you can get a stamp, leave and come back, but that's still a lot for 4 people. I get that they have to make sure they make enough for employees and to cover running costs, but they don't even run everything. In some cases, two attractions are run by one person, alternating between the two. We spent 30 minutes waiting on one ride, at the very front of the line. Another issue is that you can have 5-7 attraction vehicles and only 1-2 will be operating, increasing line times and standing in the hot sun. There are no benches in shaded areas. There are no water fountains. Minimum drink price is 3.99. Or you can pay $15 for a refillable cup, then your refills are only $1.50. Their Cafe is expensive too. 3 hotdogs, a burger and drinks was $70. This place is just too expensive for what you reasonably get.

The ONE thing that really made our day at this place was the employees. Everyone was very polite and helpful and instructive. They made it fun and comfortable to learn how to operate all the different machines and tailor how they help to different ages. Our 4 year old had a blast learning things, and while he's normally shy with people, he listened and laughed with the employees. He had issues with a few things and employees were understanding and patient. Never once did an employee make us feel like we were a problem or inconvenience.

While we loved our day, the expense of it all makes it unlikely that we will be back. We want to, it just doesn't seem worth it.

Edit: This is my own fault, so don't blame the business for this edit, but I got a massive, MASSIVE, sunburn while here. I should've put on sunscreen, I put it on my kids, but not myself and now 8 hours after leaving the place, I'm in agony. Please remember to apply sunscreen regularly if you plan to visit, as there are little shaded areas to provide relief. They do have some sun shades up, but for most of the day they do very little to help as the sun travels through the sky and tends to keep the shade where it doesn't help guests. I honestly don't know what else an outdoor business like this could do to reduce sun exposure, so please wear sunscreen, drink fluids, and stay in the shade as much...

So being upfront, this isn’t really a review so to speak. This is more of a “reaching out to ownership” in a kind and respectful way.

We will be visiting from central Illinois this Saturday and staying in the smokies for 7 days.

We were planning on visiting Dig’n Zone as this seems to be something exciting and thrilling for my 5 year old son yet too expensive for my entire family’s vacation budget to want to attend as a whole (wife and daughter 9 years old)

The more reviews, photos and videos I’m seeing makes me think twice of just bringing my son and I as $69 for an adult and $55 for a child seems pretty steep for what you get and what it’s even worth. It is a VERY neat and exciting concept though!

PLEASE fix your prices that allows an adult to come in just to supervise their children. I can probably imagine the majority of your theme park is designated for kids 4-10 (maybe for the exception of the one ride you have that has a 48 inch height limit). But one would feel that you can’t charge a $69 adult price tag for only one adult ride that takes you upside down. Just a thought, maybe you could make your expensive ticket for the kids while making the adult price about half of that. I’m no business owner by all means, but your target audience should reflect the more expensive price. Not saying to raise your prices of the kids, but to accommodate those that are not your target audience.

PLEASE accommodate those that want their kids to have a good and safe time but also for parents that are only there to watch and supervise.

Unfortunately, because of the pricing issue we are making the choice to not come this time since we don’t feel it’s worth the cost.

We are hoping to come back in the next 2-3 years or so and the pricing will be adjusted accordingly as this really doesn’t seem reasonable AT ALL specifically because of the pricing.

Not trying to be competitive nature but a one day pass to Dollywood right down the street from you is $57 if you...