I have been going to the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area since I was a kid, and I had no idea what I was missing out on! My family’s first visit to Dollywood was in November of 2021 during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. To say I was mesmerized is an understatement. The lights and decor, food, rides, the vibe, all within the Smoky Mountains was a magical day that I will never forget. We have been to Dollywood twenty times since then, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Read along to find out what our favorite things to do at Dollywood are and why we keep going back!
The Rides
There are rides for all ages at Dollywood. Soar through the mountains on the Wild Eagle, feed your need for speed on the Lightning Rod, or if you’re really a thrill-seeker you will enjoy the Drop Line as it plummets 20 stories in an instant. Take the family on the search for Big Bear on the newest coaster Big Bear Mountain, which is also the longest coaster in the park. Daredevil Falls or the Smoky Mountain River Rampage are perfect to cool off on a hot day.
For younger kids you will want to stop at the Ride Measuring Center upon entering the park. Kids can be measured and will wear a color-coded wristband indicating which rides they are tall enough to ride. They will love Black Bear Trail, the Rockin’ Roadway and the classic Amazing Flying Elephants. There are two sections of the park that have lots of ride options for the younger kids, Wildwood Grove and the Country Fair.
Award-Winning Festivals
Throughout the year, Dollywood hosts 5 different seasonal festivals. The I Will Always Love You Music Festival celebrates songwriters with performances and all the decor. Walk under the Umbrella Sky at the Flower and Food Festival which features beautiful sculptures made from flowers. The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration hosts a full-day of entertainment, ending with the Sweet Summer Nights 3D drone and fireworks show. It is such a vibe!
The Harvest Festival is a perfect way to spend a fall day. Rides, shows and food followed by the glow of pumpkins by dark. The Smoky Mountain Christmas festival is amazing. The holiday decor is spectacular, lights literally everywhere. The train even puts on a show playing a holiday classic with its horn. Prepare to be fully immersed into the seasons as Dollywood truly does not miss a single detail when it comes to decor, food and entertainment. Bring on the family memories, you will not be disappointed.
Entertainment: So Many Things To Do At Dollywood!
Dollywood is for everybody, even those who don’t want to ride roller coasters. There are many shows within each festival. Some of the popular ones are the Gazillion Bubble Show during the Summer Celebration and the classic ‘Christmas in the Smokies’. The kids will love the character meet and greets in Wildwood Grove. The Dolly Parton Experience, a new attraction, is now open and is a must-see. This interactive exhibit, that spans across several buildings, digs into Dolly Parton’s life from childhood into her dreams and career. It even has some of her shoes and outfits on display. If you are a Dolly fan, you will not want to miss this!
Don’t forget to save some time for shopping! There are a variety of types of shops including souvenir type items, decorations, and even a Christmas shop. While at the park you can purchase airbrush t-shirts, caricatures, and portraits. Crafts such as blown glass, dip-your-own candles, and forge-your-own knifes are also options. If playing carnival-style games are your thing, there are so many prizes to win!
Theme Park Fuel
There are countless choices for food options including meals, snacks, and treats! Something for everybody. The cheeseburger and fries at Red’s Drive-In, or a corndog at Dogs N Taters are perfect fuel options after a long afternoon of riding coasters. Take a much-needed break with your meal from Hickory House BBQ, and you will be set to finish the evening. Aunt Granny’s Restaurant is wonderful if you are looking for a full-service restaurant experience. Aunt Granny’s has southern-type food, such as fried chicken, and is served family-style . This is just a glimpse of the various food options. The Cinnamon Bread at Dollywood is a must, you can find it located at the Grist Mill. During certain festivals there is an option to purchase a Festival Tasting Pass. With this pass you can choose five of the specific festival foods, which can be a great value and gives you the opportunity to taste your way through the season.
More Information
The admission price to Dollywood is not cheap, but so worth it! A one-day adult ticket is $92. If you plan to go more than one day, there are 2-day and 3-day tickets or the season pass options. Military and group discounts are available. The parking lot is huge, there are plenty of trams to drive you close to the entrance. There is also a preferred parking option that is closer to the park, which costs more than regular parking. Dollywood also sells Time Saver Passes, which allows you expedited access to certain rides. I recommend purchasing a Time Saver Pass if you plan to be at Dollywood for a single visit, and want to ride all of the roller coasters on a busy day. This will maximize your time for the best experience.
A majority of the park is wheelchair accessible. Dollywood also has wheelchairs and electric-convenience vehicles for rental, in addition to strollers. There is also a Parent Swap program available for groups who have members not tall enough for certain rides. Dollywood has an app that you can download, which is very beneficial. The app can help you plan your day based on the show schedules, ride wait times, and includes a map of the park.
Final Thoughts
I could write forever when it comes to talking about the best things to do at Dollywood. It has truly become my happy place, and I was not even a fan of amusement parks prior to Dollywood! If you plan to explore the entire park and rides, I suggest allotting an entire day for Dollywood. There is that much to do and experience! Check out my blog https://takemetothesmokymountains.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-the-smoky-mountains/ to help you decide what time of the year is best for your Smoky Mountain vacation and trip to Dollywood! Don’t forget to ride the train!
For more information about Dollywood, here is the link to their website: https://www.dollywood.com/.