One of the first trips I took with my best friend was a school field trip to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We rode the Mystery Mine together, and she made me ride the Tennessee Tornado on my own. We’ve taken many trips together since then, and we’ve remained friends for 15 years. So during a recent trip to Gatlinburg to celebrate my 25th birthday, what better way to celebrate than a nostalgic trip to Dollywood? It was a cold, drizzly day when we arrived at Dollywood. We took the tram to the entrance, got our tickets, and hurried into the park. “It’s freezing,” Taylor said, “we probably won’t be able to spend much time here.” Readers, I am proud to tell you that we spent almost six hours at Dollywood, despite the weather. How?
Dollywood has something to offer for almost everyone, from theme park lover to couch potato. We went a week before Christmas, and the park was beautifully decorated with lights. There were Christmas carols playing over the speakers, and the shows were Christmas themed. Elderly couples snuggled together on benches, and parents of young children got their family photos taken in a Rudolph-themed snow globe. Taylor and I, however, were there on a mission. That mission was to ride every single roller coaster in the park.
There were few others willing to face the cold rain the day we visited Dollywood, so we walked onto almost every ride immediately. However, during high volume times, you may want to buy a TimeSaver Pass or TimeSaver Pass Unlimited to make sure you get to ride everything you would like. Guests at Dolly Parton’s DreamMore Resort get a complimentary TimeSaver Pass with their purchase of Resort tickets to Dollywood theme park.
Although Dollywood has over 40 rides and 15 shows, we narrowed down our favorites to the Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle roller coasters. Each roller coaster is a different experience at Dollywood, unlike some theme parks where they all seem to blend together. We rode all of them at least once, and some of them multiple times. Yes, we even rode the Mystery Mine for old time’s sake! Taylor and I both have dietary restrictions, and we were pleasantly surprised that we were able to find food that was safe for both of us. Dollywood’s website is especially helpful for people following gluten free (like me!) or vegetarian diets. It steered us in the right direction, and all of the park employees were happy to answer our questions and help us out. No wonder Dollywood has been voted the “friendliest theme park!” A helpful guest worker even snapped our photo in front of the Dollywood sign!
I plan on returning to Dollywood with my daughter one day, hopefully, this spring or summer, because there were quite a few activities and shows that even toddlers could enjoy. Dollywood is extremely family friendly! I saw more families with small children than at almost any other theme park I’ve been to. (And I have been to quite a few.) Dollywood’s family-friendly atmosphere extends to its music and shows, so don’t be surprised to hear some gospel music belted out during some of the shows.
Although Taylor and I didn’t attend any of the shows, Dollywood has also been voted “best shows,” and many people we walked by were telling their friends about how much they enjoyed the shows they had just seen. The Birds of Prey show has always been a favorite with my dad’s side of the family, who make a yearly Summer pilgrimage to Dollywood to enjoy the theme park as a family. Maybe this year, we should tag along with them!
If you’re reading this and dreaming of your family visit to Dollywood, there’s something else you should know. During the summer, Dollywood also has an accompanying water park, Dollywood Splash Country. Tickets are sold separately from Dollywood theme park tickets, but it’s a great place to spend a day cooling off during a summer vacation to the Pigeon Forge area. Dollywood is a great place to spend a day with your family or friends when you’re in the Pigeon Forge area. With rides for thrill seekers, shows for the whole family, and more, you’re sure to have a good time. If you’re like us, you might even be willing to brave the cold and rain for it.
Have you ever been to Dollywood?
I have always wanted to go to Dollywood! It looks like the cutest place ever. I love that little chapel building.
I’ve never been but have heard such great things about Dollywood that I’ve always wanted to visit. She’s such a great humanitarian too that I love to support anything Dolly is involved with.
Not heard of Dollywood but seems like an impressive place to visit, there are so many USA places I would love to visit
This is one of those places that I would love to visit, the experience sounds like so much fun! We are in Wisconsin so a long weekend in Tennessee is possible for sure.
I have never been here before and it would be awesome to take some time to explore this place! I really like that it also has a waterpark!
It would be a dream come true for me to be able to visit Dollywood. It sure looks like it is the perfect place for families because there is always something to explore and experience regardless of age! No boring moments there.
I love Tennessee. Any chance I get to go there I take it in an instant.
I really need to go back there. Dollywood is really a great place to go.
I would love to go to Dollywood. I’m a fan of hers. I love her children’s book program.
I must admit that I am not the biggest fan of Dolly Parton, but I think it would be really fun to check out Dollywood. She sounds like an interesting program, and I applaud all of her amazing philanthropic work.
I love Dolly! Getting to Dollywood is high on my bucket list. I would have to see every inch, despite any adverse weather.
What a fun trip you had! Dollywood is so on my bucket list!
Oh yes! Someone was talking to me about Dollywood the other day and I am so happy to have seen this now. Seems like lots of fun and a great place to visit for a girls getaway.
I would so go in the summer because I would love to check out that water park. Maybe my daughter would want to go with me!
I haven’t been to Dollywood, but I have heard great things about it, especially the shows. We’ll eventually make our way back to Tennessee and when we do, Dollywood is going on our itinerary.
I’ve never been to Dollywood but Tennessee is high on my travel bucket list! It’s only about a 9 hour drive from Chicago and I really want to make a special Girls Weekend Road Trip down there this year.
We love Dolly Wood! This is such a great place to visit with the family. The water park in the summer is a must with the Tennessee heat.
Pigeon Forge is one of my favorite places to visit anywhere in the south. I love all the rustic crafts and OF COURSE, Dollywood.
I would totally be willing to here: rain or shine. For some reason, after reading this, I have the song “9 to 5” stuck in my head. I would love to visit with my daughter!
I’ve been to Dollywood a couple of times. It’s so beautiful and a great spot for real family fun. It’s been awhile and we are probably due for another visit as so many more attractions have been added since our last visit.
Dollywood is on my bucket list! Looks like an amazing trip.
I have never been to that part of the country but Dollywood is a good reason to go. It is great that it is open all year round but I would like to go in warmer weather to go on the rides.
I love Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. They are both so much fun! I love all the hand made items, and I love the rides at music at Dollywood.
I’ve been to Pigeon Forge many times, yet I’ve never been to Dollywood. I really need to visit next time I’m in the area. I’ve heard the food is awesome!
I’ve always wanted to go here! I’ve had friends who have been to Dollywood and had so much fun. I’d love the shows. My daughter would love the rides.
We all know who Dolly is and love her music and talent. Would like to visit Dollywood one day and see Pigeon Forge.
I have always wanted to visit here. Dollywood AND Pigeon Forge! I have never been to that part of the country and really want to go!