8 Things You Should Know about Dollywood
I am a huge Dolly Parton fan, so Dollywood is my happy place!
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is more than a typical theme park. Yes, there are plenty of thrilling rides. But there is so much more to explore, making it an appealing excursion for people of all ages and interests.
Of course, there is plenty of quintessential Dolly woven throughout the park. But even if you aren’t a Super Fan of The Queen of Country, there is lots to enjoy at Dollywood. Fan or not, I have a sneaking suspicion that your affection for Miss Dolly will grow before your time at the park ends!
After my most recent adventure at Dollywood, I learned plenty of tips that are worth passing along to others traveling to the #1 Best Park in the World, according to the 2023 Golden Ticket Awards.
Here are 8 things you should know about Dollywood before you go:
1. Consider a Season Pass
Before purchasing day passes for Dollywood I implore you to at least consider the option of a season pass…and do the math.
If you intend to visit the park more than one day during the year, purchasing a season pass could be a no-brainer. Dollywood offers a variety of entitlements with season passes, which vary depending on when during the year you buy your pass. Once you factor in the entitlements, you might even save money when only visiting Dollywood for one day.
Check the website for details, prices, and entitlements for the silver, gold, and diamond season passes.
Then get out your calculator.
I recently took my two daughters to Dollywood. I added up the cost of day passes for the three of us, plus parking. Then I calculated the cost of purchasing a gold season pass for myself, which at that time included free parking and one “Bring a Friend” pass (essentially a day pass for another person). Being a season pass holder also meant I could purchase additional day passes for $10 off, and I would get 15% off food and souvenirs purchased inside the park.
I did the math…and getting myself a gold season pass only cost $25 more (after factoring in the entitlements) than paying for a traditional one day visit and parking for our party of three. By the time we used the 15% discount on food and merchandise, I already made up that $25 difference! Now I’m planning two more solo trips to Dollywood this year that won’t cost me a thing (except food) since my entry and parking are covered by my season pass!
I intentionally put this tip at the top of the list, because you will see as I share my other tips how handy a season pass can be for those who can’t get enough of Dollywood…like me!!
2. Rides for All Thrill Levels
Even if you don’t love rides, there is plenty to enjoy at Dollywood on solid ground, but I’ll get to all that in a minute.
If you are looking for a theme park with amazing rides, Dollywood will not disappoint.
For the thrill seekers and daredevils in your crew, be sure to ride Tennessee Tornado, Big Bear Mountain, Lightening Rod, Mystery Mine, and Wild Eagle. Those are just a few of the roller coasters and other exhilarating rides you will find at Dollywood.
Whether you prefer suspended rides where your feet dangle, a good old-fashioned wooden roller coaster, or one that goes loop-de-loop, you will find them all at Dollywood. So why not give each ride a spin and rate them for yourself?
On my recent trip, Wild Eagle was my favorite ride, but Big Bear Mountain was a close second.
Dollywood also has plenty of rides for those who are a bit less adventurous. Take a lap around the track at Rockin’ Roadway or spend time in the section of the park called “Country Fair”. There you will find plenty of rides for the wee ones in your group…as well as those who prefer going slower and staying closer to the ground!
If you want to check out the whole park and some of the behind-the-scenes fun, be sure to hop aboard the Dollywood Express. Seats fill up quickly so get in line early.
3. Stellar Shows, Offering More Than Country Music!
What really sets Dollywood apart from other theme parks is the high-caliber performances. And yes, you can listen to some good country music, but that is not the only genre you will hear.
With numerous theaters throughout the park, both inside and outside, you could spend a whole day just taking in all the shows.
And that would be a really great day!
Shows last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and several repeat a few times during the day. Some shows change based on the day or the season, with new performers popping up all the time.
Some performances are staples at Dollywood, including the Kingdom Heirs and Heidi Parton Kin & Friends (my personal favorite!). Don’t miss a chance to see Dolly’s niece show off her vocal prowess and pay homage to her beloved Aunt Dolly alongside an extremely talented cast of performers!
Dollywood also has some great shows for kids (that adults will enjoy too) as well as an experiential film in the Heartsong Theater that takes you through Dolly’s early years. I don’t care how many times I watch that one…it warms my heart every time!
From gospel to bluegrass to pop to country and everything in between, many of the shows at Dollywood will have you humming along. There are also non-musical shows based on the season, such as the Gazillion Bubble Show, a dog stunt show, and many more. Check the daily show schedule and take in as many shows as you can.
4. Food for All Palates
One of the best things about theme parks is the food, and Dollywood goes over-the-top in this area.
My teen girls tend to be a bit picky and stuck to pretty traditional theme park food on our last visit. We enjoyed burgers and fries and a wrap at Red’s Drive-In for lunch and later feasted on pizza and flatbread at Iron Horse Pizza. Delish!
In between we indulged in root beer floats and soft serve ice cream and snacked on a souvenir bucket of kettle corn.
If you are in the mood for some good ole southern cooking, you will find plenty of that at Dollywood too.
With several full-service restaurants, you can get your fill of fried chicken, meatloaf, and all the fixins. On a previous visit to Dollywood, I had the best fried green tomatoes of my life from the Front Porch Cafe!
I’m not sure loading up on mashed potatoes and feasting on the all-you-can-eat meal at Aunt Granny’s Restaurant is the best idea right before riding roller coasters. But that’s why there is something for everyone to love at Dollywood, and many people come for the good food.
One thing everyone seems to agree on is that you can’t visit Dollywood without trying their to-die-for cinnamon bread! Just the smell when you get near the gristmill is intoxicating. They even sell shirts that say “I’m just here for the cinnamon bread”…and I believe it!
It’s fresh baked, gooey, and sweet…and as far as I’m concerned, calories don’t count at Dollywood!
5. A Different Festival Each Season
While there are many things at Dollywood you can count on seeing every time you visit, there are also many elements that change with the season. That means there is always something new to explore at Dollywood!
Dollywood dishes up something special with five different seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
So far I have visited the park for the Flower & Food Festival (in the Spring) and the Summer Celebration. With my 2024 season pass I’ll soon be checking out the Harvest Festival (September – October) and Smoky Mountain Christmas (November – early January)…stay tuned!!
Note that Dollywood closes in early January for about two months, then opens in March for the I Will Always Love You Music Festival. (I may need to get a 2025 season pass so I can check out that one!!)
The Flower and Food Festival includes gorgeous topiary works of art and a delicious assortment of foods only available during that festival. And beautiful color can be found everywhere! The umbrella sky is my favorite and makes for the perfect photo op!
The Summer Celebration also proved to be full of color, which isn’t surprising since Dolly herself isn’t one to focus on drab colors!
From the color flying overhead to the many flowers in full bloom, the Summer Celebration creates a party like atmosphere.
There’s even a dance party every evening at Dollywood throughout the summer!
Be sure to stick around until the park closes during the Summer Celebration because the fireworks and drone show is not to be missed!
I can’t wait to see Dollywood decorated in fall colors…and then to see it all lit up with the magic of Christmas!!
Another highlight of the various festivals is the seasonal food offerings and the tasting passes. New taste sensations are offered at each festival and I recommend researching the food options before you enter the park.
If the seasonal selections are at the top of your dining picks, you may want to purchase a tasting pass that could save you money as you eat your way through Dollywood.
6. Dolly Parton…Much More Than Big Hair and Rhinestones
If you are enthralled with the Queen of Country or just want to learn more about this rhinestone-studded goddess, Dollywood provides a crash course in all things Dolly.
The Dolly Parton Experience just opened in May of 2024 and is a reimagined look at all-things-Dolly.
A gigantic glittering butterfly serves as the entrance to the museum and is the perfect symbol for the life and legacy of the beloved icon who shines both inside and out.
Here you can learn about Dolly’s humble beginnings and all the family members and celebrities that have been part of her nearly 7 decade journey in the music industry.
Gaze at a replica of the famed Coat of Many Colors that inspired one of Dolly’s most cherished tunes.
You can also get a glimpse of Dolly’s many iconic moments on TV and film.
I’ve watched Steel Magnolias so many times, I can practically recite the whole movie by heart!
And it wouldn’t be a Dolly Parton museum if it didn’t include fashion. Marvel at the over-the-top wardrobe and costumes Dolly has donned over the years.
You can even see some of her bejeweled guitars, which are both instruments and fashion accessories.
Just outside the museum you can tour one of her retired RVs and get an idea of what life on the road is like for Dolly.
Just across from the Dolly museum is the “Behind The Seams” exhibit, which showcases Dolly’s one-of-a-kind style.
See more of Dolly’s over-the-top outfits as well as her famous blonde wigs and ultra high heels.
From country glam to rock star, Dolly sure knows how to put together an attention-getting look!
But underneath all the glitz, Dolly is still a country girl at heart who loves the Smoky Mountains. So your Dolly education isn’t complete without a visit to the replica of the humble Tennessee Mountain Home Dolly grew up in.
Like I said…by the time your day at Dollywood ends, your affection for the national treasure that is Dolly Parton is sure to multiply!
7. Crowds Can Be Big
Dollywood is hardly a well-kept secret, so expect there to be crowds and plan accordingly. Doing your research ahead of time is key and will allow you to plan out the best experience that aligns with your personal must-do Dollywood activities.
Pack a little patience, especially if you plan to get to Dollywood around opening time.
Many others will be eager to get their day started at Dollywood as well and traffic can be very heavy.
As you wind your way towards the parking sheds to pay (or show your annual pass for free parking), my advice is to stay to the right. Those lanes fan out and seem to go quicker!
Once inside the park, check out your top rides and shows first, but be prepared to be flexible and adjust your plan as needed.
Wait times for several of the rides can be long, but throughout the park you will find screens letting you know how long you can expect to wait. (The times may not be extremely accurate but will give you a general idea of how long you may be standing in line.)
Then you can decide if it’s worth the wait or if you want to try a different ride. You can also find wait times in the Dollywood app (more on that in a bit).
If you are a season pass holder, check your entitlements. You may be able to take advantage of special “Golden Hours” or get a discount on a Timesaver Pass, allowing you to enjoy even more rides.
Dollywood is open rain or shine and I’ve heard rainy days are a great time to go as crowds tend to be low. Unless there are severe storms many rides will still be operating.
If you have some flexibility on your travel dates, consult the crowd calendar for estimates of how busy each day is likely to be and plan accordingly. In general, weekdays will be less crowded than weekends.
8. Find Lots of Help Online
I’m not the only one dishing up details on how to make the most of your visit to Dollywood.
Of course, the Dollywood website is a great place to start. That’s where you can purchase tickets, see the show schedule, and research the park’s layout and many attractions.
I also highly recommend downloading the Dollywood app. With just a click of a button, you can navigate an interactive map of the park, check out wait times for rides, order food, and so much more.
I used the app quite a bit on our recent trip to map our way to specific rides and shows. This ended up being a real timesaver as the layout of the park can be a bit confusing at first.
The Dollywood Tips & Tricks Facebook group is another excellent way to learn from frequent visitors and ask your own questions. This is also the best way to get real-time details on what is happening at the park. From weather issues to ride closures, you can bet someone will be posting about it on Facebook.
I learned so much from scrolling through the group’s feed before my last visit. I even posted a few questions of my own and got some helpful tips from seasoned Dollywood fans.
Another great way to get a glimpse of Dollywood before you go is by checking out the Adventure Is Out There YouTube page. The Tennessee family behind Adventure is Out There creates awesome videos highlighting each of the festivals, new food options, and many aspects of the park that you will want to know about before you go.
I was impressed that videos were often posted right after a new festival started and seasonal food items were introduced, so the videos are super timely and very informative.
Whether you are ready for your first or your 20th visit to Dollywood, I hope you found this article helpful!
And I hope to see YOU at Dollywood soon!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
P.S. Subscribe to my email list (at the top of the screen) and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips!
Pin It For Later!
