MagiQuest is the best attraction in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg combined. Of course, I am biased because my husband is the owner of the cool castle, which thereby makes me the Queen. But, with all of my time spent there and other places, I can promise that MagiQuest is a must-do if you have children between the ages of 6 and 20. My twins recently had their 7th birthday party at MagiQuest and we ended up with 90 people in the party room. Luckily the party room was big enough to accommodate so many. If the castle is a little foreboding, let me explain what you'll be getting yourself into when you enter...
Description of MagiQuest
Each person gets a wand, goes through the training, and registers for a quest. In order to play independently, a child needs to be able to read the clues in the booklet to find each of the things located throughout the realms. If not, an adult will need to be there to assist the child. There are 3 highly themed realms - village, dungeon and fairy forest, plus a hidden goblin chamber. Your wand interacts with things in the realms, and it keeps track of what you have found. After finding all of the clues in a quest, you can advance to another quest or adventure, slowly working your way up to Master Magi, battling the dragon, and other levels. My 4-year-old proudly brags that he is a Master Magi, as though it translates to something at home. It is almost like playing Zelda live. Kids, and especially Dads, love it!
Tips
- MagiQuest is dropping their package price (with use of a training wand) to $19.99 at the end of June 2012, in an effort to make it more affordable. The MagiQuest castle also houses three other attractions - The Vault, The Odyssey Mirror Maze, and SpecialFX Pirate Golf. At $5 per attraction, MQ is not only the coolest way to spend an afternoon, but also the best deal.
- Strollers are allowed. If you have a child younger than 3, you will probably want to keep them in a stroller during MagiQuest so that you can chase after your older child as they run through the realms of MagiQuest hunting clues. It is hard to keep a small child with you while you assist an older child, unless they are confined to a stroller for at least part of the time. Small kids also delight in flicking their wands and watching as treasure chests open up, revealing their treasure.
- There are a couple of drink machines inside, but there are no snack machines. So, I recommend you bring snacks with you, as the entire castle can take several hours to complete.
- You can leave the castle and return later to do the other attractions inside the castle - The Odyssey Mirror Maze, The Vault, or the Pirate Golf.
- Perfect for Rainy or Hot Days.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- It is always chilly inside. Bring a sweatshirt if you tend to get cold.
- During summer and holiday weekends visit early in the morning (MagiQuest opens at 9 AM), or late in the evening (after 6) to avoid the crowds. MagiQuest is busiest between noon and 5 PM.
- There are coupons in most of the brochure racks in town, or you can print a coupon from the website.
- Wands - they retain your progress so you can revisit MagiQuest and start where you left off, even years later. However...
- Change your batteries at home. If you are returning, make sure the batteries in your wand are fresh.
- Contact Betty at 865-603-1592 for a special group rate.
- Ask the employees dressed up in costumes for help. They are standing there ready to help if you have trouble finding something or completing a quest.
- The dragon at the end of the dungeon may be frightening for a little one.
- Leave a comment if you have any other questions. Have fun!
