Southern charm and thrill rides: Ultimate guide to Dollywood

Though Dolly Parton was first known as a country music singer-songwriter from the mountains of East Tennessee, she has added many titles during her decadeslong career. She is now also well known as an actress, a philanthropist and an accomplished businesswoman.

Of those businesses, the Dollywood theme park she operates near the one-room cabin where she grew up is one that is near and dear to her heart, both because it's a way for her to share the beauty of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains with the world and because it gives her the means to give back to her local community.

Related: Dolly Parton shares her vision for the future of Dollywood, aka her 'Tennessee mountain home'

Just as there is nobody else in the world quite like Dolly Parton, there is no theme park in the world quite like Dollywood.

Here is everything you need to know about what to eat, see and do at Dollywood before you visit.

Where is Dollywood?

Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is surrounded by magnificent mountain views and tall, green trees — it's a much more peaceful setting than what you'll find at many theme parks.

If you are traveling to Dollywood by plane, the easiest airport to fly to is Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). From there, you can reach Dollywood in just under an hour.

Because of its close proximity to the Smoky Mountains, it's easy to include a visit to Dollywood in your next Gatlinburg vacation.

When to visit Dollywood

Dollywood runs on a seasonal schedule between mid-March and early January each year. Luckily for visitors, Dollywood's hours extend beyond just "9 to 5." Operating hours vary by day, but Dollywood typically opens at 10 a.m. and closes between 6 and 9:30 p.m.

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The busiest times at Dollywood line up with the busiest times at any theme park – pretty much any time that school is out. If you visit during spring, summer or winter school breaks, you can expect larger crowds. Dollywood also hosts popular seasonal festivals during these times, which draw big crowds. If you do visit during busier times, midweek crowds tend to be smaller than weekend crowds, and there are ways to minimize your time in line (more on that in a bit).

If your schedule allows, you'll find the best weather and smaller crowds in April and September (barring any school breaks). And don't write off rainy days. A forecast that calls for rain can scare off would-be visitors, leaving you with a nearly empty park (and plenty of indoor attractions just in case it does actually rain).

Does Dolly Parton visit Dollywood?

Yes! Dolly Parton does visit her namesake park from time to time. She famously does not care for roller coasters, but she does enjoy touring the park and greeting her fans multiple times each season. She often makes an appearance when the park opens for the season and also when new attractions open.

Typically, she will ride in an afternoon parade through the park, but she has also been known to hop on stage for a surprise performance. The best chance of seeing Parton in the park is to visit on opening day or around a new attraction opening. Park staff members (called "hosts") will usually be able to tip you off about whether Parton plans to be in the park that day, as well as when and where you can see her.

Be aware that although you may not mind a bout of bad weather during your visit, Parton has earned the right to stay out of the rain whenever she darn well pleases. If it is raining around the time of her planned visit, those plans may be scrapped at the last minute.

Dollywood tickets

A one-day adult ticket to Dollywood is $89, before taxes and fees, while a child (4 to 9 years old) one-day ticket or a senior (62 and older) one-day ticket is $79. A two-day ticket is only $20 more than a one-day ticket, and a three-day ticket is only $10 more than a two-day. These tickets only get you into Dollywood, but you can purchase two-park tickets for an additional $20 that get you into Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country water park.

Active or retired military members, disabled veterans and military reservists (as well as their spouses and dependents) can show a military or dependent ID and receive about 30% off admission prices at the front gates. Preschoolers are eligible for a free "Pre-K Imagination Season Pass" for unlimited visits all season long.

Related: Spend less for more fun: 9 attractions and destinations kids can visit for free

Season pass ticket options start at $169 for Dollywood alone, before taxes and fees, and go up to $289 for season pass access to both the Dollywood theme park and Dollywood's Splash Country water park.

For those traveling by car, parking is $22.80 for all standard-length vehicles and $27.35 for oversize vehicles such as RVs and trailers. However, parking is free for Gold season pass holders. Guests at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa can park for free at the resort and take advantage of the complimentary shuttle to the park.

Related: The best credit cards for entertainment spending

Guests of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort also receive discounted tickets to the park, as well as benefits like complimentary TimeSaver passes to skip the standby line on most rides and early park entry on select days.

Accessibility at Dollywood

Overall, Dollywood is truly great for all parkgoers. The park is very accessible, and you can rent electric scooters on-site. That said, the terrain at the park can be a little hilly, but there's ample shade and places to rest and chill out in the air conditioning.

Dollywood is committed to providing an enjoyable and safe experience for all of its guests, with services like American Sign Language interpreters and assistive listening systems for Dollywood theater shows (advanced notice may be required), the option to bring trained service animals into the park and a "calming room" for guests who may be experiencing sensory overload. That feature made Dollywood the first autism-friendly amusement park in the world.

Learn more about the park's accessibility information here.

Dollywood highlights

Dollywood is a tribute to the mountain heritage, culture and history of the Smoky Mountains. Each of the park's 11 themed areas focuses on the history and culture of the southern Appalachian region and, in some cases, Dolly Parton's own upbringing, imagination and career.

The best rides at Dollywood

It's a bit misleading to make a list of "the best rides at Dollywood" because there are no bad rides at Dollywood. This park really does have something for everyone – from preschoolers to the most ambitious of thrill-seekers. Here are a few you won't want to miss, no matter which end of the thrill spectrum you land on.

The Dollywood Express is an authentic early 1900s steam locomotive that conducts 20-minute tours of the park and the surrounding mountainside multiple times each day. It's a great way for first-timers to get the lay of the land and a fun experience for the whole family.

Lightning Rod (48-inch minimum height requirement) is the fastest roller coaster at Dollywood. Right out of the gate, riders are launched up a 20-story-high lift hill at 45 miles per hour, and the ride only gets faster from there, reaching a top speed of 73 miles per hour as it dips and turns along the tracks.

Big Bear Mountain (39-inch minimum height requirement) is the newest and longest roller coaster at Dollywood, coming in at about three-quarters of a mile long. This family-friendly coaster has multiple high-speed launches and airtime hills, but the "bear search" theming is fun for kids, and it doesn't go upside down, making it a good introductory coaster for kids who are ready to step up the thrill level.

At some theme parks, younger kids spend a lot of their day stroller-bound, but Dollywood has an entire section of the park made just for them. Dollywood's Country Fair area is designed specifically for families. Many of the rides, including The Amazing Flying Elephants, Busy Bees, Lemon Twist, Lucky Ducky and Piggy Parade, are intended for toddlers and preschoolers to ride all by themselves.

What to eat at Dollywood

The real question is what not to eat at Dollywood. The food is both plentiful and delicious, and you truly can't go wrong. Here are a few of the most iconic — and photogenic — Dollywood delicacies.

Related: Best credit cards for dining

Aunt Granny's Restaurant is an all-you-can-eat country buffet with comfort foods like chicken and dumplings, biscuits and gravy and all the sweet tea your little heart desires.

No visit to Dollywood is complete without a loaf of fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon bread. You can find it at various spots in the park and at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort, but park guests and employees alike will tell you the best cinnamon bread at Dollywood is found at the Grist Mill. You can top the warm, gooey bread with buttercream icing or apple butter.

If you visit during one of Dollywood's seasonal festivals, you'll be treated to even more culinary delights. Food booths are set up throughout the park, and select dining establishments have limited-time menu items, like the beehive sugar cookie we sampled during Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival held each spring.

Entertainment at Dollywood

Not only is Parton one of the most successful country music artists in history, but music is also at the foundation of Appalachian culture. There are numerous stage shows at Dollywood, but you are also likely to stumble upon live performers as you wander around the park and on-site hotel.

You can view the full schedule of daily musical performances on Dollywood's website or in the Dollywood app, but highlights include Parton's own family members singing her most noteworthy tunes during the "Harmonies of the Heart" show and the "Forever Country" show that takes you on a journey through the ever-changing landscape of country music from the '80s, '90s and today.

In addition to Dollywood's rides and live entertainment, the park also offers opportunities to learn more about Parton's life and career. You can explore a replica of the one-room cabin where Parton spent her childhood years, as well as a tour bus (lovingly called her "home on wheels") that once took her across the country for shows and appearances.

In 2024, the park will introduce The Dolly Parton Experience, a museum that tells the story of Parton's journey and achievements through personal keepsakes and mementos and interactive exhibits.

Tips for visiting Dollywood

How to minimize wait times

Like many theme parks, Dollywood offers a method for guests to skip the standby line on many attractions. The TimeSaver pass costs $60 plus tax and grants you five expedited entries to participating attractions plus priority seating at select shows. The TimeSaver Plus pass costs $80 per person and can be used on all eligible attractions (but only once on Lightning Rod), and it also includes priority seating for participating shows.

Guests of Dollywood's DreamMore Resort receive a complimentary TimeSaver pass to use during their stay.

Bringing your dog to Dollywood

If you can't bear to leave your pampered pooch at home while you spend the day at Dollywood, you can bring them along with you. Doggywood is the perfect spot for your pet. The kennel is located just outside of Dollywood's front gates, making it simple for you to drop them off in the morning and pick them up before you head for your car in the evening.

Dollywood parent swap and height wristbands for kids

If you are visiting Dollywood with young children, there are two ways to streamline your experience. As soon as you enter the park, you can obtain a color-coded wristband that alerts park hosts which rides your child is tall enough for without having to measure them before each ride. The measuring station is located next to the Dollywood Emporium gift shop.

Many rides also utilize a parent-swap area where one parent can wait with kids who are not yet tall enough to ride while the other parent waits in line and gets on the ride. When the first parent exits the ride, the other parent can go directly to the front of the line rather than wait in line again. Just alert a host when you get in line for the ride, and they will instruct you on what to do.

Related: How to skip the lines at Disneyland

Using the Dollywood app

The Dollywood app is another helpful resource you will want to use during your trip. Be sure to download this before you head to the park. The app provided free Wi-Fi for the duration of our time at the park, and it also showcased wait times for any ride at that given time, which made mapping out our day much easier.

Where to stay near Dollywood

The most obvious choice when visiting Dollywood is to stay at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa. The resort is located just minutes from Dollywood and offers complimentary transportation to and from the park.

Guests can also enjoy daily children's activities, indoor and outdoor pools, six dining locations, a full-service spa, a gift shop and more. For anyone who fears the resort goes too far with its Dolly Parton theming, we assure you it does not. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort feels like an upscale resort with a Southern flair. The nods to Parton are there if you seek them out, but they are far from over the top.

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For a once-in-a-lifetime Dolly Parton experience, you can now also stay in her retired tour bus. The Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience costs $10,000 for a two-night stay for up to two guests. In addition to sleeping where Dolly Parton slept while writing the "Backwoods Barbie" album and "9 to 5 The Musical," guests of Parton's tour bus will receive a private dinner on the bus, breakfast for two each day at the resort buffet and special mementos to bring home.

Dollywood also manages cabins near the park where guests receive many of the same perks that you receive staying in Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. Cabin guests receive early entry on select days, free theme park parking and specially priced tickets and TimeSaver passes. Learn more and reserve your cabin here.

Bottom line

Dollywood is unique among theme parks and a must-visit for all Dolly Parton fans. It's a peaceful spot due to its Smoky Mountains location, but there's also plenty of excitement to be had.

A trip to Dollywood will fill your plate with a heaping helping of Southern charm and a side of country cooking. Top it all off with incredible rides for the entire family and a peek into Parton's life and upbringing, and you'll leave with a full belly and an even fuller heart.

Related reading:

• The most wheelchair-friendly theme parks in the US
• 8 quirky US theme parks you have to see to believe
• 11 regional theme parks that are closer to home but just as fun as the big names
• 8 ways to make the most out of a theme park trip