Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Dollywood: Tips, Attractions, and Must-See Events
©Dollywood
Nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, Dollywood offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and authentic Southern charm. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Dollywood, from when to go and what to do to insider tips on making the most of your trip. Plus we will share our must do item when visiting Dollywood.
When is the Best Time to Visit Dollywood?
When is the best time to visit Dollywood? This is going to vary depending on what you like. We love going to see the different festivals. Dollywood hosts 5 festivals including I will always Love you Music Festival, Flower and Food Festival, Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, and the Smoky Mountain Christmas. Each festival brings beautiful decorations, great music and some amazing food. Our family loves to go during the summer so we can also visit Dolly’s Splash Country Water park. We also love seeing the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas. I truly don’t know that there is a bad time to visit Dollywood. For crowd levels, in our experience, week days tend to be less busy than the weekend. You also will want to consider the weather. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, which are perfect for outdoor attractions. Also, the Smoky Mountains turn magical in the fall with the leaves changing color.
How to Plan Your Day at Dollywood
When planning your Dollywood Itinerary, I suggest starting out with a list of must do items. You can see a list of all the attractions, shops and shows on the Dollywood Website and app. This helps you make sure that you are going to get the most out of your visit. The App also shows you a map that helps you navigate Dollywood’s sections, from Rivertown Junction to Wildwood Grove. Dolly wood does have an express pass option if going on a busy day to help bypass some of the long lines. Dollywood's express pass is called Timesaver pass and varies in price depending on which option you purchase. We will add a breakdown of these passes below. Unless one of us has something we want to do first, we typically start on one side of the park and make our way towards the other.
Insider Tips for Visiting Dollywood
Our family’s Dollywood tips are pretty simple. You can’t leave Dollywood without a trip to get cinnamon bread at Grist Mill. We have also been known to stop on our way out for one to take back to the room with us. Yes, the cinnamon bread is truly that good. I typically will check the app to see timing for shows for the day so we can see if there are any we want to try to see. As far as dining recommendations, Dollywood has some pretty good food options especially considering you are at a theme park. I remember coming years ago with my family and we enjoyed the family styled food at Aunt Granny’s restaurant. These days we typically go to the Iron Horse Pizza for some delicious flatbread pizzas. Hickory House BBQ is also a favorite of ours. Lastly, You can’t go without enjoying the shops in Craftsman’s Valley. I love seeing all of the handmade gifts and getting to watch some of these being made in the park.
Cinnamon Bread from Grist Mill - ©Dollywood
Family-Friendly Experiences and Attractions
Dollywood is for the whole family. You can find attractions designed for your little ones but also have some great thrill rides for your teens or adults in the group. We brought our daughter on one of our trips to Dollywood when she was 2 years old for the first time. She loved the train ride and we rode it several times that day. Below is a breakdown of all attractions by location in Dollywood theme park.
1. Wildwood Grove – The Ultimate Kids’ Zone
Wildwood Tree: This iconic tree lights up with butterflies and color at night, creating a magical gathering place. Perfect for photos and a relaxing break.
Dragonflier: This suspended family coaster is thrilling yet gentle enough for younger riders (minimum height 39 inches). It simulates the sensation of gliding like a dragonfly over water and through the forest.
The Mad Mockingbird: Take flight in bird-shaped gondolas that spin around a giant tree, letting kids control the height of their "flight."
Hidden Hollow: An indoor play area where kids can climb, slide, and explore. It’s a great spot to cool off and recharge in the air conditioning.
2. Rivertown Junction – Scenic Family Rides
Dollywood Express: Hop aboard this historic steam train for a 5-mile scenic journey through the Smoky Mountains. The train whistle and mountain views make this a classic family experience.
Smoky Mountain River Rampage: This whitewater rafting ride is a hit with families who want a splash of adventure. You’ll twist and turn along the "river" with plenty of laughs and surprises along the way.
Rivertown Junction Food Stops: Nearby dining spots offer tasty Southern treats, from BBQ to classic snacks, making it a convenient break for families.
3. Timber Canyon – Thrills for All Ages
Thunderhead: While it’s a high-speed wooden roller coaster, adventurous older kids and teens will love the intense drops and twists.
Lumberjack Lifts: This ride lets kids pull themselves up into the air for views of Timber Canyon. It’s interactive, as riders control the height and descent using a rope pulley system.
Drop Line: A mild free-fall ride with a scenic overlook; younger kids and adults can experience the thrill of a smaller drop without the intensity of other thrill rides.
4. Country Fair – Classic Carnival Fun
Dizzy Disk: This unique spinning ride lets guests sit on a rotating disk that slides back and forth along a track. It's a family favorite for mild thrills.
Scrambler, Waltzing Swinger & Lemon Twist: Classic carnival rides offer nostalgic fun for parents and excitement for kids.
Amazing Flying Elephants: Ideal for younger children, this ride lets kids and parents enjoy a gentle spin on elephant-shaped gondolas.
Piggy Parade: Another gentle spinning ride, this one’s specifically designed for young children and lets them “drive” their own little piggy car.
5. Showstreet – Shows & Attractions
Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame: Learn about Southern Gospel music and its roots. Interactive exhibits keep kids engaged, and adults can appreciate the historical context.
Imagination Playhouse: Watch live performances of beloved children’s books come to life on stage, making it a perfect break for little ones who enjoy storytelling.
Dollywood’s Wings of America Show: This live raptor show is both educational and thrilling, as majestic birds of prey soar right over the audience. It's a great attraction for animal lovers.
6. Craftsman’s Valley – Hands-On Experiences
Eagle Mountain Sanctuary: Meet rescued bald eagles up close and personal at this conservation area. This experience is both awe-inspiring and educational, providing a chance to see America’s iconic bird up close.
Robert F. Thomas Chapel: Take a step back in time with this quaint chapel where Sunday services are still held. It's a peaceful spot for families to explore together.
Craft Shops: Watch live demos of blacksmithing, glass blowing, and woodworking. Kids love seeing crafts in action, and it’s an opportunity to bring home a unique, handmade souvenir.
7. Jukebox Junction – 1950s Americana Charm
Lightning Rod: Themed as a hot rod roller coaster, this is Dollywood’s fastest wooden coaster. Though a bit intense for young kids, it's a must for thrill-seeking teens and older children.
Rockin’ Roadway: Drive classic 1950s cars on a mini-road course. Young drivers will love steering their own vehicle, and adults can reminisce about the past with these retro rides.
8. Owen’s Farm – Water and Adventure
Barnstormer: Kids and adults alike can enjoy this swing ride, simulating the sensation of flying in a barnstorming biplane. It’s an adrenaline rush, but manageable for the family.
Pig Pen: A splash pad for younger kids, with fountains and small slides for hot summer days.
Lil’ Pilots Playground: A farm-themed play area where younger children can climb, slide, and run around in a safe, enclosed space.
9. Special Events for Families (Seasonal)
Smoky Mountain Christmas: Dollywood transforms into a winter wonderland with over 5 million lights, holiday-themed shows, and seasonal treats. Don’t miss Santa’s Workshop, where kids can meet Santa and see the elves in action.
Harvest Festival with Great Pumpkin LumiNights: Halloween fun for the whole family, featuring thousands of pumpkins, glowing displays, and family-friendly attractions.
Dollywood’s extensive lineup of family-friendly attractions means there’s something for every age group. From gentle rides and hands-on crafts to thrilling coasters and nature encounters, Dollywood is a theme park that balances excitement with educational and interactive experiences for families.
Dollywood Tickets and Annual Pass Options
Dollywood tickets options are depending on how long you want to visit and are you visiting just the theme park or both Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country. We will list out the different options below. Keep in mind that there are also perks of having season passes that you can consider if you are planning on going to Dollywood more than once. Dollywood does have discounts for military members and often has special offers for everyone depending on when you are visiting.
Single-Day Tickets – Ideal for a Quick Visit
Standard One-Day Admission: Perfect for visitors who want to explore Dollywood in a single day. Tickets include access to all attractions, shows, and dining areas.
Pricing: Ticket prices vary by season but typically range from $89–$109 for adults, with discounts for children under 10 and Seniors over 62.
Considerations: If you’re short on time or have other nearby activities planned, a single-day ticket offers full access without a long commitment.
Two-Day and Three-Day Tickets – More Time for Exploration
Two-Day Ticket: For those who want to explore Dollywood over two days, this ticket provides two full days of park access at a discount compared to buying two single-day tickets. It’s a popular choice for visitors who want a more relaxed pace.
Three-Day Ticket: Designed for travelers who want to fully experience Dollywood’s attractions, shows, and dining options over three days. This ticket is ideal for families and visitors who plan to spend significant time at the park.
Pricing: Multi-day tickets offer savings, typically around $30–$40 off compared to single-day pricing.
Pro Tip: Dollywood’s size and variety mean that multi-day tickets allow for a more leisurely experience, so you can revisit favorite rides or catch multiple shows without feeling rushed.
Dollywood Season Passes – The Best Option for Frequent Visitors
Types of Season Passes:
Silver Pass: Basic season pass with unlimited admission to Dollywood for the entire operating year, including access to seasonal events like Smoky Mountain Christmas and Harvest Festival.
Gold Pass: Offers everything in the Silver Pass plus additional perks, including free parking, 15% discounts on food and merchandise, and special “Bring-a-Friend” tickets.
Diamond Pass: The premium option, providing all the Gold Pass perks plus additional “Bring-a-Friend” tickets, VIP early ride access, and a larger discount on select dining and shopping experiences.
Pricing: Season passes are typically priced from $159 for Silver up to $359 for Diamond. The Gold Pass is the most popular option due to the included parking and discounts.
Perks of a Season Pass:
Unlimited Visits: Ideal for locals or those planning multiple trips to Dollywood in a year.
Parking Savings: Free parking for Gold and Diamond pass holders, a significant benefit as parking costs $25 per day.
Discounts on Dining & Merchandise: Save 10-15% at Dollywood’s restaurants and shops.
Exclusive Early Access (Diamond Pass only): Diamond pass holders receive early access to select rides and attractions, perfect for beating the crowds.
Best Value Tip: If you’re planning to visit Dollywood more than twice in a year, a season pass (especially the Gold Pass) can pay for itself through admission savings, free parking, and discounts. We had season passes this year as we planned to visit more than 2 times and this option saved us money over buying single day tickets each time we visited.
Special Offers and Discounted Tickets – Budget-Friendly Options
Military and First Responders Discount: Dollywood offers discounts to active and retired military personnel and first responders. These discounted tickets can be purchased online or at the gate with valid ID.
Senior and Child Discounts: Children under the age of 10 and seniors (ages 62+) receive discounted admission on all ticket types. It’s a great way for families and multi-generational groups to save.
Group Discounts: Dollywood offers group discounts for parties of 15 or more. Group tickets include all the amenities of regular admission but at a lower per-person rate, ideal for family reunions or group trips.
Special Promotions: Throughout the year, Dollywood runs promotions tied to holidays and special events. These limited-time offers often include package deals, like two-for-one tickets or discounts on annual passes.
Dollywood’s Splash Country – Combo Tickets for Waterpark Access
Combo Tickets: Dollywood offers combination tickets that provide access to both the theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. These tickets are ideal for summer visitors who want to cool off and enjoy water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Season Pass Upgrade: For season pass holders, there’s an option to upgrade to include Splash Country access for an additional fee. This upgrade is perfect for locals or frequent visitors who want flexibility to visit both parks throughout the season.
Pricing: Combination tickets typically cost about 20% more than standard Dollywood tickets but provide full access to both parks.
Dollywood’s flexible ticketing options allow you to tailor your visit to your needs and budget. Whether you’re planning a single day of fun or multiple visits throughout the year, Dollywood’s tickets, passes, and discounts offer something for everyone. For frequent visitors, the Gold Season Pass with its discounts, free parking, and bring-a-friend tickets is a standout value, while first-time visitors may want to consider a TimeSaver pass for a stress-free day. With the right ticket choice, you can make the most of your Dollywood adventure! As always we would love to help you navigate which option would be best for your family. Please reach out to us at Let’s Make Memories Travel for help planning your trip to Dollywood.
Where to Stay Near Dollywood
There are several Hotels near Dollywood and picking one can be overwhelming. Let’s break down all the available options.
Dollywood’s Resorts: Dollywood has two resort options including Dollywood DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood Heartsong Lodge and Resort. Benefits of staying on property, include shuttle services and exclusive park perks. You can also buy that amazing Cinnamon bread at the resort.
Nearby Hotels and Cabins: In the Pigeon Forge area there is a plethora of hotels and cabins. If you are a fan of any hotel chain, most likely one is nearby. We have stayed at several of these over the years and we do have our favorites. If we are going with a group of family we will typically rent a cabin. Our current favorite hotel is The Lodge at Camp Margaritaville where you can stay in the hotel or you can bring your RV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dollywood
Dollywood open year-round? Seasonal hours and dates. Dollywood is typically only closed for part of January, all of February and part of March. They do have varied hours throughout the season so definitely make sure you verify the hours prior to planning your trip. We went up back in May thinking we could go to the park on Thursday evening and they were closed that day.
Can you leave and return the same day? For your convenience, you may have your hand stamped at the exit. Please keep your parking lot receipt to re-enter the toll booths.
Is there a cost for parking? Parking is $25 for all standard length vehicles and $30 for oversize length vehicles such as RVs and trailers. Complimentary transportation is provided to the front gate via parking lot trams from designated tram stops (Dollywood theme park only). Preferred Parking is available at both Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country for an additional charge.
Does Dollywood hold Church Service? If you visit Dollywood on Sunday, join us for our non-denominational morning worship service at 11:30 a.m. each Sunday in the Robert F. Thomas Chapel located in the Craftsman's Valley. (During our Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration, the service begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Does Dollywood have lockers? We have all-day lockers available for your convenience at the Front Gate for only $15 for the day. We also have Floating Lockers available throughout the park. Ride to ride floating locker rentals are available at Wild Eagle, Mystery Mine, FireChaser Express, Daredevil Falls, Barnstormer, River Rampage, Tennessee Tornado, Country Fair, & Lightning Rod. These lockers are a one-time fee of $10 for the day. This means you can rent and float from locker to locker without having to pay for each new locker. All lockers are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
Snacks from home? After careful consideration of park policies across the nation, consultation with health and safety experts and much consideration of the welfare of our guests and employees alike, we are unable to allow coolers, food or drinks into Dollywood or Dollywood's Splash Country. Although we do not allow food or drink to be brought into the Park, Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country offer a wide variety of delicious foods available at our restaurants and snack vendors. However, guests are allowed to bring one unopened bottle of water per person. If you would like to eat elsewhere or must leave for any reason during the day, remember to keep your admission ticket or Season Pass, then you can return later that same day by showing that ticket or Season Pass.
Does Dollywood offer Special Dietary Needs? Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country offer a variety of options for Guests who must make nutritional needs considerations. Dollywood recommends checking the pages on their website for more details or calling them directly.
Where can I find ride height requirements? If you’re visiting Dollywood with children under 48 inches in height (or you’re just not sure), make sure to visit the park’s Centralized Measuring station located located next to the Dollywood Emporium. Your child will be measured by a Dollywood Host and given a color-coded wristband. The wristband helps you and your children quickly identify which rides he or she is tall enough to ride, based on the minimum height requirements established by the ride manufacturers to ensure Guest safety. The coded wristbands correspond to the color-coded information displayed on signs at each ride in the Park. Taking advantage of Dollywood’s Centralized Measuring service early in the day can help you and your family avoid the disappointment and frustration of waiting in line only to discover your little ones are not tall enough to ride.
Conclusion
Dollywood is more than just a theme park; it’s an experience that combines the thrill of adventure with Appalachian culture and hospitality. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full family vacation, Dollywood offers something special for everyone. We love going to Dollywood and try to make it out a couple of times a year. If we can help you plan your trip to Dollywood and the Pigeon Forge area, please reach out to us with any questions. We would also like to invite you to watch our Dollywood Vlogs on our YouTube channel!
From the Harvest Festival at Dollywood
