Deep in the hills of Tennessee is where the beloved Dolly Parton was born and raised. Her love for family and fun is reflected in the Dollywood theme park. This is one of the best family vacation destinations.
I have visited Dollywood many times and always love seeing the decorations and new rides. I have put together a little info for you to make the most out of your Dollywood experience. Everything you need to know about Dollywood, from the best time to visit, to rides for children, to what to wear, I’ve got you covered. Follow this guide to Dollywood theme park to get the most out of your time.
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit Dollywood
- Visiting Dollywood with Kids
- Best Rides at Dollywood
- Know Before You Go
- Dollywood Hours of Operation
- Quick Tips
- What to Wear to Dollywood Theme Park
- Events + Museums
- Eats + Treats
Best Time to Visit Dollywood
There’s no bad time to visit Dollywood. The park is lavishly adorned for each season, so every time of year is a magical experience. During Spring, visitors can enjoy larger-than-life plant sculptures. Fall brings out the spooky side of life with Halloween decor galore. During the holidays, nothing will you get in the Christmas spirit more than being surrounded with music and twinkling lights as you ride a carousel.
As far as crowds, weekdays tend to be best, particularly Wednesdays or Thursdays during those busy summer months. Summer is always going to be pretty crowded though. If you really want to avoid longer lines, going during times of the year when school is in session can help. These days will offer less crowds and a more enjoyable experience.
Visiting Dollywood With Kids
There are tons of great rides for little kids at Dollywood. If you’re worried about your little ones having fun, have no fear there’s plenty for them to do. You can check on the Dollywood website for a height guide to the following rides. When you arrive to Dollywood head to the left where you’ll find a height measurement station. They will measure your child and give them a color coded wristband, so ride attendants will know if they’re cleared to ride.
Kid Friendly Rides at Dollywood
Country Fair Area
When entering Dollywood take a right and continue straight until you see the train station, then turn right into the country fair. This area has several rides for small children to enjoy. The majority of rides for children are going to be your typical riding in a circle with some slight variations in each individual ride. The Lucky Duck, The Amazing Flying Elephant, Piggy Paradise, and Busy Bees are your basic rides. The Lemon Twist is your typical teacups ride where you can spin as much as you like. The Rockin’ Roadway gives a 50’s vibe opportunity to drive mini vintage cars around a track. They’re on a track so there’s no chance of crashing especially since they go at a low cruising speed. The Scrambler is everyone’s favorite ride that slings you side to side, back and forth, all while spinning in a speedy circle. Top off your carnival rides with a Village Carousel ride, I’m partial to the ostrich or zebra but you can ride a traditional horse if you want.
Wildwood Grove Area
Take a walk up the hill to your left as you enter Dollywood and another sharp left through the tunnels toward Wildwood Grove. Ride the Great Tree Swing high in the air for some great views and a few woohoos. Get to hoppin’ around on the Frogs and Fireflies ride as frogs try to catch a tasty firefly snack. Ride around on the Black Bear Trail as a bear takes you on an adventure, there’s sure to be a few surprises along the way.
The Dragonflier is one of two roller coasters in the park for those under 48 inches. The FireChaser Express in Wilderness Pass goes by the same height requirement of 39 inches, those under 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult. The Dragonflier has a maximum height of 81 inches so make sure you’re adult rider meets their height requirement as well.
If you and your little ones need a break from the heat or cold head to Hidden Hollow, an indoor play area to get all those wiggles out before waiting in another long line. There are other outdoor play structures throughout the park as well.
If you’re going with children, always check the height requirements before getting in those lines. If you have accessibility needs or concerns check the website to know before you go.
Best Rides at Dollywood
Smokey Mountain River Rampage is sure to get you excited as you never know who will get soaked on the next rapid. I love this ride to help cool off on those sweltering summer days.
Blazing Fury is an underground ride that’s deceptively casually hilarious. Listen closely to the hillbillies and their signs and hold on for a surprise ending.
Daredevil Falls is a giant rubber boat cascading over a waterfall. You will get wet so you might as well sit in the front to get the full immersive experience.
Tennessee Tornado will make you feel like you’re headed to Oz as you fly through the air at speeds up to 70 mph. Try not getting dizzy on the triple loopty loop, this one will leave you breathless.
Wild Eagle will give you the best views of the Smoky Mountains as you climb 21 stories, but take a quick look before you plummet at top speed. Your feet dangle as you fly like an eagle through the many twists, turns, and loops, oh what a thrill! Go to the right side if given the choice, to be on the left wing, its the best side. Don’t believe me? Ride both sides and see for yourself.
Mystery Mine is a thrill seekers dream as you start your ride with an 85 foot drop straight down into a coal mine. Need I say more?
FireChaser Express is a fast coaster on a mission to put out the fire before heading back to the station. This one has a fun surprise in store, I love watching people who don’t expect it. If you’re not into high sudden drops or loopty loops this is the roller coaster you will want to ride many times.
The Waltzing Swinger is one of my favorite easy rides. It’s a classic that gives you a break from all those high intensity rides. There’s never a line for the swings so take five for a relaxing quick ride.
During the busy season you will want to get on these popular rides first thing when the park opens and towards the end of the day. The middle of the day is usually when the lines are longest for the more popular rides. Going to the park in the middle of the week is great to beat those weekend crowds. Think twice about canceling your visit if the weather is looking meek, sometimes that’s the best time to go. There’s plenty to do indoors at Dollywood if a pop-up shower does occur. Wait to head to the country fair until later in the day since most kids will have moved on by then.
Know Before You Go
Dolly Parton herself visits Dollywood on occasion, specifically on opening day. When the park opens for spring they have a parade and Dolly is always there waving to the many fans. These events do bring large crowds but if you can stand it it’s loads of fun.
Dollywood Ticket Pricing
The cost of a ticket varies depending on the time of year and events. Typically an adult ticket costs around $80 for a one day pass. It may be more beneficial to get a two or three day pass where those extra days are discounted. Children under 4 to 9 years old and seniors over 61 get a discount of $10 per ticket. Children under the age of 4 get in free. You do not have to purchase tickets in advance if you decide on the spur of the moment to go, those at the ticket window will be glad to assist you.
Discounts to Dollywood and More
There are several packages and discounts offered. Dollywood offers a military discount for active and retired veterans and their families. Military discount tickets for one day start at $62.30 per ticket, that does not include child or senior tickets. Stay at bear Cove Cabins or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa to get special offers. If you want to do a Pink Jeep Tour or a dinner show they have special discounted prices to bundle those family fun activities.
Dollywood Season Passes
If visiting Dollywood is something you would like to do more than once a year then a season pass is the best way to save money. There are three levels of season passes, silver, gold, and diamond. Each come with more perks. The silver is $154 which is lower than the price of two one day tickets. Enjoy free bring a friend passes, free parking, access to special events, and discounts on merchandise and food with a season pass that suits you. Check the Dollywood season pass details to see which pass suits your Dollywood goals.
They offer rain check tickets if your time at Dollywood is shortened due to weather conditions. Check with a ticketing office if you would like a rain check ticket.
Dollywood Hours of Operation
Dollywood opens at 10 am and closes anywhere from 6 to 9 pm depending on the time of year and events at that time. In November and December the park opens at 11am and closes as 9pm. The Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas as well as Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, and the Dollywood Harvest Festival are all events that require darkness so the park is open late for those events and they draw a large crowd. You can always do your riding during the day, leave and come back for a fun evening of festivities.
Check the Dollywood operations calendar for event dates and to see when they’re closed. You will notice that Tuesdays are their typical closed day throughout the year but not always.
Quick Tips
- You can leave and return by getting your hand stamped (keep your parking receipt).
- Centralized measuring station will let you know what rides your little ones can enjoy.
- Download the Dollywood app to get a better idea of the attractions and show times.
- Time Saver passes can save you time if you’re visiting during those busy times of year.
- Wear shoes that are okay to get wet but that are secure to your feet. Hats can help keep the sun off your face but you will not be able to keep them on some of the biggest/fastest rides. So be prepared to take your hat off or secure it when on rides.
- Leave large bags at home. They do have lockers for bags but it can get arduous having to keep up with lots of stuff.
- Rides don’t open in the winter months until 11am, some rides need the air temp to be high enough in order to open.
- Dollywood is closed January-February check the calendar before your visit
- For new mothers, there are nursing stations, family bathrooms, and restaurants (not concession stands) that can warm your baby’s bottle.
- No outside food or beverage is allowed other than one unopened bottle of water per person. Complimentary cups of water can be obtained from any food establishment in the park.
- Animals are not allowed in the park unless it is a service animal that is leashed. Service animals are not permitted to participate on rides or attractions. They have a dog care facility “Doggywood“, reservations are recommended.
What to Wear to Dollywood Theme Park
Summer
You will want to wear clothing that keeps you cool and dry. Water rides are great for cooling off but that also means you’re very wet most of the day. Wet socks and shoes can cause blisters so a strap on sandal that dries fast is your best footwear. You will want to wear fast drying clothing which you will mostly find to be athletic apparel. Don’t forget your sunblock for those areas exposed to the sun. Sunglasses and hats will fall off during rides so those will need to be stowed each time. People tend to forget to grab their items from the bins provided at each ride, so make sure to keep this in mind.
Cooler Months
Bundle up for those chilly days. Riding at 60 miles per hour when it’s below 50 degrees outside can make you cold fast. Again, hats will fly off your head, so secure anything that you don’t want to donate to Dollywood.
Events + Museums
-Chasing Rainbows Museum has memorabilia from everything Dolly Parton. Her costumes, awards, childhood memorabilia and so much more from her amazing career.
-Dolly’s home on wheels is her personalized RV that she used when on tour. Check out her tiny custom bathtub and a few of her wigs.
-The Dollywood Express Train is a coal fired steam engine that transports visitors around the park for 20 minutes. It’s a first come, first serve basis.
-Eagle Mountain sanctuary is the largest group of non-releasable bald eagles in the country. Along with some other feathered friends close by that you can see in the Wings of America Show.
-The Wings of America show is a great way to get up close to some of the animals native to the area.
-Robert F. Thomas Chapel is a country church resembling Dolly’s christian faith.
-Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home is a replica of Dolly’s childhood home.
-The Kingdom Heirs have a residency at Dollywood all year, check out their show singing gospel music multiple times a day.
-Dollywood’s Summer Celebration in June-August features a drone light show.
-Dollywood’s Harvets Festival September- October is lit up and decorated with spooky splendor.
-Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas November-December is enchanting, with Christmas music, shows, and lights all around.
Check the Dollywood show schedule for other shows that change seasonally.
Eats + Treats
The food at Dollywood is some of the best theme park food you’ll find. There are many options to choose from no matter what you’re craving. With choices like pizza, bbq, hotdogs, burgers, ice cream, funnel cakes, and sit down restaurants, no one is going hungry at Dollywood. Some of my favorites are:
-Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill
-Red’s Drive-in -burgers and shakes
-Grand Stand Cafe-chicken strips
In November and December get a Christmas tasting pass to try up to 5 festival foods at a discounted price. Season pass holders get a discount on all food each time you visit. Pass holders also get a large Dollywood souvenir cup.
End of the Road
It’s not hard to see why Dollywood is one of the best theme parks. No matter if you’re 3 or 95 you will have fun here. I hope this guide to Dollywood has helped you plan your next Dollywood visit. If you want to spend some time in the area read my post Plan a Trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. If this post was helpful in planning your trip you should check out Biltmore Estate: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting.
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