Burger King

A day in Pigeon Forge involves a lot of money for tickets, shows and attractions. A burger and fries can cost far less than a sit-down dinner, and it is easy with kids who will not sit through a long meal. Early morning is also an option: if you are leaving for the national park before the Parkway pancake houses open, a drive-through breakfast gets you on the road.

Because there are several Burger Kings in the Pigeon Forge area, check hours and addresses with the chain's app or locator. Drive-through and dining room hours often differ, and many stores close the dining room earlier than the drive-through.

The Parkway (US-441) is the main road, and weekend traffic moves slowly. The Fun Time Trolley is $1 a ride on most routes, with the Dollywood route at $2.50 and an all-day pass at $3, as described by Pigeon Forge tourism. If your meal stop is near your lodging, walking or riding the trolley can save time compared with moving the car.

If you are packing a lunch for the national park, a fast-food stop can also supply a quick snack for the trail, but pack water and food separately. Remember that Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a parking tag for any vehicle parked longer than 15 minutes: $5 for a day, $15 for a week, $40 for a year. Entrance itself is free, and federal passes do not replace the tag.

Fast-food prices in tourist towns run a little higher than at home, and lines at lunch can be long on summer weekends. Order ahead in the app if you can, and check that your order is complete before you leave. Do not feed leftover food to wildlife on the way to the park; keep food in the car and out of sight in any bear area.

Families on a budget, road-trippers, and anyone who needs a quick meal between attractions. For a sit-down Southern meal, you will find better options along the same road.