Dollywood
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, blends world-class thrill rides, Southern culture, and live entertainment into one unforgettable theme park experience. Owned in part by country legend Dolly Parton, the park celebrates Appalachian heritage, with handcrafted food, bluegrass music, and Smoky Mountain scenery setting it apart from traditional amusement parks.
History & Background
Dollywood began as a small attraction called Rebel Railroad in the 1960s and evolved into Silver Dollar City, Tennessee. In 1986, Dolly Parton partnered with Herschend Family Entertainment to rebrand it as Dollywood, and the park exploded in popularity. Today, it’s one of the most awarded parks in the country, known for hospitality, seasonal festivals, and its ever-growing ride lineup.
Ticket Prices & Packages
One-day admission typically costs $89 to $109, with discounted pricing for children and seniors.
Package options include:
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Multi-day tickets (2-day or 3-day passes)
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Dollywood + Splash Country combo tickets
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Season Passes (Silver, Gold, Diamond)
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Resort + ticket packages available through Dollywood lodging
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Dollywood operates from March through early January, with major seasonal events.
Typical hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, longer for summer and holiday events.
Best times to visit:
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Early May and mid-September for fewer crowds
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Early November for fall colors and the start of Smoky Mountain Christmas
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Weekdays during any festival for the best atmosphere and shorter wait times
Top Rides & Attractions
Lightning Rod – Record-breaking launch wooden coaster, themed to hot rods
Wild Eagle – America’s first wing coaster with stunning mountain views
Mystery Mine – Indoor-outdoor coaster with tight turns and dark surprises
Thunderhead – Twisty wooden coaster through the woods
Tennessee Tornado – Smooth looping steel coaster with mountain theming
Dragonflier – Family coaster in the new Wildwood Grove area
Daredevil Falls – High-speed log flume with a big final splash
FireChaser Express – Forward-and-backward family coaster with firework theming
Family & Kids Rides
Village Carousel – Classic favorite with Dollywood flair
Busy Bees, Piggy Parade, and Frogs & Fireflies – Perfect for little ones
Rockin’ Roadway – Vintage car ride through 1950s Americana
Wildwood Grove – Themed land for families with splash areas, gentle rides, and character meet-and-greets
Dollywood Express – Full-size coal-powered train through the Smokies
Seasonal Festivals
Dollywood is known for its award-winning festivals, each transforming the park:
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Festival of Nations (Spring)
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Summer Celebration
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Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights (Fall)
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Smoky Mountain Christmas – Over 5 million lights, holiday shows, and snowfall
Dining Options
Aunt Granny’s Restaurant – All-you-can-eat Southern favorites
Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans – Country cooking with cornbread, greens, and smoked meats
Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse – Pulled pork and BBQ chicken
Spotlight Bakery – Giant cinnamon bread and desserts
Till & Harvest Food Hall (Wildwood Grove) – Tacos, bowls, and family-friendly options
Dollywood is known for high-quality food, including plenty of gluten-free and allergy-friendly items.
Hotels & Accommodation
Dollywood offers on-site lodging plus a wide range of local options:
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa – Upscale Southern charm with exclusive guest perks
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort – Rustic elegance opening in 2024
Dozens of cabins, hotels, and family suites are nearby in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Resort guests enjoy early park access, free transportation, and TimeSaver Passes included with select packages.
Getting There & Parking
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Located just minutes off the Pigeon Forge Parkway, with signage throughout town.
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General parking: $25
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Preferred parking: $44
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Valet parking is available for resort guests
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Tram service from the parking lots to the entrance gate
Tips for Visiting
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Ride Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle first lines build fast
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Download the Dollywood app to check wait times and mobile order food
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Don’t skip the train ride — it’s scenic and relaxing
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Stay through the evening if visiting during Smoky Mountain Christmas
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Festival days = busy days, but also the most magical times to visit