Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you happen to be planning your first trip to Dollywood, I’m right there with you. Prepare to enjoy an Appalachian charm ride, great food with award winners and music that will make your toes move. In the heart of Pigeon Forge, this world famous theme park owned in part by country legend Dolly Parton is more than just a theme park—it is an ode to Smoky Mountain culture.

No matter why you’re here for (fun, food or festivals), this first time visitors guide to Dollywood will help you have the best trip ever.

Tickets, Timing & Entry Tips

When to Visit

The park opens to visitors in mid-March and is open until early January each year. If you would like a quiet visit and good weather, make your plan for the week:

• Early May or mid-September is the best time to buy.

• In spring or fall, Mondays to Fridays

• Just before the holiday season gets too busy

Read through the Dollywood Crowd Calendar for more information on when to go.

Where to Buy Tickets

Rather than waiting in line at the venue, do your ticket shopping online before you go. Consider:

• Go for a single-day pass if you’re making a quick trip.

• If you haven’t been before, we recommend the Two-Day Pass to experience it easier.

• If you visit the park more than one day, a Season Pass is the best deal.

Pro Tip:

Download the Dollywood app to have real time ride wait times, maps, mobile ordering and show schedules.

Must-Do Rides & Attractions

• One of the world’s fastest wooden coasters is Lightning Rod.

• Wild Eagle – A smooth, soaring, sky high ride around Dollywood Mountain.

• Splash down with a thrill Daredevil Falls.

• Water ride – Ride the river in a blast! Smoky Mountain River Rampage.

• A steam powered trip on a train through the foothills (Dollywood Express).

 Don’t Miss: Craftsmen’s Valley for handmade goods and cultural demos and Country Fair area (that’s where the kids will have a blast).

Shows & Entertainment

The live performances at Dollywood shine—especially if music is your gig, not gigging.

• Heartbreak and rejoice on the news of Dolly. Heartsong Theater – a tribute to Dolly’s life.

• Classic gospel harmonies, Kingdom Heirs provides.

• Smoky Mountain Christmas and the Harvest Festival – Bluegrass, Broadway style musicals, as well as others.

What to Eat

As famous as the rides at Dollywood, are it’s food!

• Grist Mill has great Cinnamon Bread – must try!

• Southern comfort food at it’s finest: Aunt Granny’s Buffet.

• Menu highlights include Market Square Big Skillets – grab and go favorites with a hearty kick.

 Sweet tooth? Try his funnel cakes, homemade fudge or cider apple stack cake.

Tips for Families

• You can rent strollers and ECVs just inside the entrance.

• Parent Swap gives a parent a chance to stay with the younger ones and have the other ride without them.

• Parents can find both hidden Changing Stations and Nursing Areas on-site.

• In the summer, be sure to check out Dollywood’s Splash Country which is next door!

Where to Stay

• Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort – It is attractive, serves guests well and guests get TimeSaver passes too.

• Wilderness at the Smokies is a resort where nature and indoor water parks come together for families.

• Cheap cabins around the Smokies – Providing lots of space and privacy.

• You can bring your pets to pet friendly cabins in the Smokies, so everyone comes along!

Final Thoughts: Make Your First Visit Count

Your visit to Dollywood will go beyond enjoying rides—you’ll also learn about the Smokies’ tradition and feelings. Offering enjoyable vistas, friendly attitudes, daring rides and excellent shows, Discotopia promises fun for everybody.

When you’re ready, put your walking shoes on, enjoy some food and check out what makes Dollywood so special! We’ll see you in the mountains!