Build-A-Bear Workshop - The Island at Pigeon Forge

Lisa Smith

2024-02

This location was really busy. It’s located right next to old smoky and after doing some moonshine tasting we stop by to pick up a rare Pokémon build a bear. Everyone was really helpful and the lines were quite long. Everyone was really nice and professional 10 out of 10 recommend this location.

Ashley Clark

2024-05

They were super busy today and seemed to be under staffed at 11:00 am, but they handled it like a pro! Everyone was super friendly and made this a perfect experience for my daughter and foster daughter. I can’t say enough how kind, genuine and professional the staff were. The tone they used to talk to children is truly the icing on the cake!

TNDevil Huntress

2024-04

A little expensive but it is Build-A-Bear...worth every penny for the memory and smiles on my kids' faces. Our first time in one of their workshops. The staff was absolutely wonderful! They were so caring and sweet with each child and each little stuffed friend they chose. Will definitely be back.

Kaitlyn Lawhorn

2024-04

We took our daughter here for her first build-a-bear and it was a great experience. My son helped her build it as she is only 1 but the staff was amazing with both kids. We did not feel rushed to pick out anything and did not feel pressured to have to purchase extra items. A few suggestions were made to us to make the bear more meaningful but no pressure was applied which I loved. Great place & great staff.

Chris Hamm

2022-05

My father in law and I walked into Build-A-Bear like a deer in the headlights. Being sent there by my wife she instructed me what she wanted for my grandson. The staff was more than helpful! They walked us through the process. The recording, filling adding the heartbeat and getting the birth certificate. Thank you again for making my job pleasant and successful!! Thank you

J Gonzalez

2023-05

Great Experience! In & out, just the way I like it. It was crowded, but employees moved fast. The young lady that help us is in the photo, she was great!

Tabitha Miller

2024-04

We had an amazing experience at this BAB. Sawyer took his time with our son to make sure his BAB was perfect. So professional and great with children.

Purple “Longhorn Sally” Mare

2023-11

Kid loved it, but the staff was less than helpful, and the high-pressure sales were unwelcome. The wait for stuffing was a little ridiculous considering there were 4 stations and only 2 people working them while other employees seemingly roamed around doing very little. The store itself was small, but as long as my kid is happy, I am happy.

Crystal Pope

2023-07

My daughter was very excited when we found this Build A Bear location while visiting Pigeon Forge!She was sad they were out of the Ariel bear, but was happy with the multicolor bear she chose. They did offer for us to buy the display, but she wanted the whole experience with a new unstuffed bear.Sawyer was amazing helping my daughter through the process and was very friendly. I hate my boys opted to stay with their Juju and Meme when we visited The Island, because they would have loved this location.

Courtney Caudill

2023-11

We were on a tight schedule during our mini vacay with 4 little ones, one being under a year so we tried to quickly drop in after our breakfast at Paula Deens and were rudely told as we were approaching the store by an employee (WHO HAD THE DOOR OPEN) that they didn't open until 11am. Talk about some disappointed kiddos. It was the last thing to check off on our trip and we didn't get to do it. We thought we would try it this morning since we couldn't get parked at the island the night before. If stores aren't going to keep the same hours as the island itself, they should be replaced with something else, simple as that.

Kyle Kelley

2022-05

Top notch service, and the quality is exactly what you expect from Build-A-Bear. We were helped promptly, and with a smile, and had all of our questions answered. We weren't pressured into anything and felt totally comfortable the entire time.

Jake Lynn

2023-10

Me and my sister went to get matching bears once again. I was very impressed with the service, so much it seemed different. I don’t k is if the build a bear in town where I live is different but I’ve never been asked if I wanted my bear hard or soft while getting it stuffed. They also wrote my name on the tag for the first time. The employees were super nice, and the one who stuffed my bear. Actually talked to me rather than just being awkwardly silent. We actually made a conversation. The person who rung up our bears were also super nice, he even understood the reference we made with the names we gave our bears. Super great place, I would definitely come again and I probably will. Thanks!

Alexis Warman

2023-10

My husband and I dropped into this BaB location as I had been looking for a hard to find plush that had sold out in most stores. While I didn’t find what I came in for, staff was so kind and personable here that I ended up purchasing a different plush anyway! We stopped by fairly late at night (maybe 8:00) and the employees were still happy to talk to us and made our visit very pleasant! Thank you!

Joni McCoy

2023-10

Had the best time with my 4 year old daughter. It was her first real Build-A-Bear experience. We also made gifts for my grandchildren. Being able to record a personal message for them was awesome! Staff was SUPER patient with us! A definite highlight of our trip!

Jana Hackworth

2023-07

We had a great experience. Much more relaxed than mall locations. My twin sons are on the autism spectrum. The ladies working in the store were so helpful and understanding. They modified expectations, gave clear directions, and made them feel included in the entire process. We will definitely be back to this location.

Hailie Stiltz

2024-03

Very friendly staff and helped me when I was looking for a birthday present. Definitely recommend coming here

Michele Scott

2023-05

Typical BaB experience. Nice staff that was good with the kids. My niece wanted a online exclusive Longhorn so we had it with us and she dressed it and they were cool with us bringing it in. She also got another bear in store so this isn’t a cheap stop by any means but you know that going in. Thanks

Amanda Horne

2023-05

Experience this with your kids they'll love it and so will you. This was my little kids first time. My adult child made her a bear. This was a family thing I started years ago and hadn't gotten the chance to go anywhere with the little ones yet to make them one. Thank you build a bear.The store was clean and the staff nice. They do accept debt/credit cards and cash. It's a small store so expect to be there a while.

Artwork by Katelyn

2023-05

The experience was honestly so fun and magical. I am 28 but I'm still a kid, always will be. I was so nervous coming in since I haven't been here since I was younger. I wish I could remember the employees name that helped me. Everyone was super helpful and this was honestly an amazing experience ♡ Thank you so much.

Chasity Quinn

2024-01

Everyone here is very nice and takes their time with each individual stuffie!

D Twigg

2023-05

First off the place opens later than the island and closes way before. It appears they just open and close whenever and don’t follow the posted hours. When it finally opened the first thing I noticed was the dirty windows and handprints all over them. Inside was very dirty. You could tell it had bee a while since they had even swept the floor. The shelving was all dirty and dirt collected in the bins with the add ons. The employees treat each kid differently so don’t expect the same experience for your kid that you see the one in front get. My child did love its bear but the store is not well kept…. Dirty and trash all over when a place opens is never a good sign. Also the store only accepts cash.

Rachel Haynes

2023-07

The staff is super friendly and the kids loved visiting here. If you have little ones it's a little pricey but worth the trip.

MaKayla Dyer

2022-05

I went there today, and had a great experience!! The employees had great customer service and my Stitch turned out amazing.

Dee Bee

2022-05

Tried to go yesterday, but they closed early due to staffing problems. Arrived today 10 minutes before opening and there were two families ahead of us. This poor woman opened the door at 11 a.m. to tell us she was the only one showing up for work that day and she would do her best. She ask for patience since she would be helping customers, filling and closing all the stuffed animals, and checking people out. At one point, the line wrapped around the building. I felt so bad for this lady. No help. When I told her I was so sorry, she said, "I knew what I was getting myself into, but I wanted to at least open." Wow. It might not be evident in towns that don't rely on tourists, but the staffing shortage is very real. I gave this place 5 stars because the lady today deserved it and much, much more....

S S

2023-05

This place is supposed to be fun. It was extremely stressful. People don’t know how to tie the bears up so you can either keep waiting for them to get redone or just take it like it is and for that amount of money that is not right. One person kept wiping her nose with her hand and then touching the toys. For $100 I expected way better

Joseph Allen

2022-05

Build-a-bear is always awesome at this location, the staff is always unbelievably helpful and friendly. Their selection isn't as large as some other locations but there is plenty of traditional and up to date "bears" to chose from plus more accessories than anyone could ever need, but not more than you could want. Overall a great experience and the staff could not have been more awesome, definitely a repeat customer.

Alex Mann

2022-05

The employees are super friendly. This store has always been very busy when we have tried to visit before so we rather enjoyed going during downtime. Clean store with a great selection! Really enjoyed our trip!

A. Hampton

2022-05

Was a little reluctant to go in here but so glad that we did. Had a fun time building our own bear, picking out an outfit, giving him a name for his birth certificate. Really was a great experience and I can’t say how surprised I was on how great of an experience this was. Recommend giving it a try. Makes a great souvenir

Kim Buie

2022-05

We actually did not get to go in. I called while standing at the locked door and was told they had to close due to employees not showing up. There were several employees inside but was not unlocking the door. I thought it was disappointing since they saw I had my 9 month old grandson with me and would have been his first experience. Don't mean to be selfish, but I guess I am.

Tabbi Williams

2021-05

It was our first visit to a build-a-bear store. It was a really nice experience that I know my children really enjoyed. I’m giving 4 stars because one of them popped open at the seam less than two days after. I’m going to look into local store to get fixed. Otherwise, wonderful!