Dollywood — Attraction in Pigeon Forge

We bought our tickets ahead of time online and used the digital pass. We also bought our standard parking online. We did the two day pass and went on the 4th of July and two days later on Sunday.

We did a bit of studying the park ahead of time. The parking pass ahead of time was great for quick entry. We chose to park in the F lot, right next to the Preferred Parking. We went early planning to make the most of our day. We could see the line forming up the hill and joined it at 8 am and joined the line at 815am. as more people streamed in. The line is in the sun until they open the screening area, and then there is some shade.

We took in a water bottle but also bought a one day refillable drink. We brought it back with the refill option on day 2.

The music turns on at 9 am as you wait in line, and on both days, the screening started at 9'20. The National Anthem followed at 9:30am, and then they opened the gate for people to start advancing into the park. The park does not open until 10 am. but allows entry to a few stores and food carts. The kids can get measured for their ride height passes, and it allows easier access with less running and pushing.

By entering the Preferred/F lot gate, it's a quick left and headed up the hill for the thrill rides. It's a climb up the hill, but it's the fastest way to the big coasters. The "drop rope" is at the bottom of Timber Canyon below the Mystery Mine and opens from left to right. They open this at 10am and people rush up the hill to Wildgrove and Wilderness Pass.

The park was really clean, lots of places to sit in the shade and free water to encourage drink because it was so hot. Misters available throughout the park but we were soaked from rising the Rampage and Daredevil Falls rides... I mean wring your clothes out and have a puddle wet. But that kept us fairly cool for several hours. We shared meals several times in the park and stacked throughout the day. The musical venues are included with your ticket and have seating and fans to try to help cool people off. Waterbottle filling stations and restrooms that were clean and well supplied were available. The staff was helpful and seemed cheerful to be working. People like Boyd at the gate obviously loved their jobs and engaged with people in line and made the time in line go fast.

Day 1 It was the 4th of July, and we wanted to get acclimated since we had never been here. We were focusing on the shows with a few rides mixed in. We didn't buy a special pass to ride. It was the normal entry pass. We were in the park from opening to closing and had a great day watching all of the shows. Highlights included the shows...Good Vibes, PlayOn, Forever Country, and the two movies Heartsong and Dollywood Dream Documentary.

We sat down and ate at Hickory BBQ and adjusted Mac and Cheese spuds with Bacon. It was great and big! We had ice-cream for dinner and then headed up to Wildwood Grove to look around and find spots for fireworks and drones. We sat on the bricks on the back of Ned's looking toward Big Bear. It was a great view, it was a bit of a crush getting out. The Timber Canyon narrows and their are lots of strollers and scooters that have difficulty not wacking people accidently on the way out, we survived and everyone was courteous.

Day 2 We headed for Big Bear Mountain first, we were on the third train and rode it two times before any line could be observed. We also rode the Drogonflier before moving to the next area. Both rides were extremely smooth, with no jerking. We picked and chose on our way down the mountain what to ride. Mystery Mine and Firechaser express were great. And were soaking wet after Daredevil Falls and Tampage Express. By this time it was 1130 and we headed for some music. We kicked off with Heidi Parton Kin and Friends, then did Dolly Parton Experience, Good Vibes at The Back Porch and had a corn dog and Mac and Cheese for lunch. We finished off the day with the Snokey Mountain String Band and then headed for the three scoop ice cream sundae at the ice cream shop on Show Street. We...

This review is to assist folks planning their own trip based on experiences we had on Monday, 8/11/25 that I would change if I went a second time. Before buying your tickets online, Veteran’s and military can get tickets on the websites discounted tickets page this will save you nearly $30 per adult tickets. Buy the premium parking pass, it is worth it. We did buy it beforehand and I wish I knew that the signs were not clear but everyone entering whether RV, Premium parking and general parking, you all enter through the same toll booth. There are no special entrances for anyone. Once at the toll booth they will direct you based on the type of parking ticket you bought. Buy your parking ahead of time, it saves time for you and everyone else in line. Drive to the very nearest lot closest to the park. We wanted to ride some of the coasters but the wait was over an hour and we were very disappointed, we weren’t waiting that long to ride, I find that unreasonable. There are signs in some locations that give you wait times of all the rides, but I think each ride should have an individual monitor as you enter the ride so you know. Numerous times we thought we were lucky with a short line only to walk up lots of stairs and find that to be untrue, Dollywood should do better with the ride times and be transparent as you enter the ride. Security is simple, they use technology where you pretty much walk through and they can screen you using a monitor. Grab a paper map when you walk into the park. On the major coasters you can’t carry anything in your pocket with you. Cellphones are not going to be allowed. Another area for improvement is to either remove the locker fee (which is a huge money maker I’m sure), which is $15 a day, they make lockers free to use where the customer sets the combination, I feel this is nickel and diming folks. Do not pre-buy the unlimited drink cups online. Shameful that you save nothing doing this, they are the same price at the drink station. I will compliment them, there are numerous spots you can walk up and fill your own drink with no line, so that is awesome. Take note that these cups will not be allowed on most rides, so your cups get to go in that $15 locker. I will give major kudos that there are numerous water stations where you can fill your own cup that you are allowed to bring in, no food is allowed to enter though. This is very nice, you can also get ice for your water at the unlimited stations yourself. The cinnamon bread is amazing, and well worth the $12.99, it comes hot and with a cup of icing. I could have eaten a million of those loaves personally. The other food is priced consistent with amusement park prices. Like I said no food enters the park, but I talked to folks that brought a cooler (no coolers in park) they left in their cars with food and left the park to return to their car to eat sandwiches and whatnot then reenter, you are allowed to reenter the park the same day.

Footwear could be an issue on a few of the coasters, flipflops are not allowed unless there is a heel strap. Don’t stand in line an hour then find this out. If you want to wear sandals or whatever the Crocs (or generic) have heel straps also, so proceed accordingly. Dollywood has its own app, I learned this afterwards. So go to the app store on your phone and get it not sure what’s on it but it’s got to be helpful. We ate at Aunt Grannies at the end of our day, we planned on doing this prior to entering and were looking very much forward to this. We were disappointed to pay a few bucks more than the same style dining in town and get slower service and then some of the food was simply not good, but some of it was delicious, but overall a thumbs down from this big fella. All in all we had a decent time, we were happy with some things, frustrated with other things, disappointed in others and felt nickel and dimed on others. I would return maybe but only during an off season and during the week. I don’t know how other parks operate, maybe these practices are normal everywhere...

Dollywood is one of the best parks in the country, mainly because of just how well-rounded it is. Every aspect of the experience and location is so refined and perfected.

To start, the main reason I went there: the roller coasters. Dollywood has an amazing lineup of starters, growers, and thrillers. There is something for every age. Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle are very thrilling yet smooth. Mystery Mine (GREAT theming), Thunderhead, and Tennessee Tornado are fast-paced and fun for older thrill-seekers. Big Bear Mountain, Dragonflier, and Firechaser Express are all perfect family coasters that have short height requirements, but are still engaging and enjoyable. They also have a good variety of flat rides that cater to different audiences, from the free-fall Drop Line to the nostalgic Carousel.

All these rides are sure to make you hungry, but Dolly has you covered! The park features a delicious lineup of food. During my visit, I had perfectly-fried, juicy chicken from Miss Lillians and flavorful and tender BBQ Pulled Pork Fries from Hickory House. I have also eaten at Red’s “Drive In” and Aunt Granny’s, both of which are delicious, however Aunt Granny’s is definitely on the pricier side. And not to forget the delicious CINNAMON BREAD from the Grist Mill! I swear it gets better every time I try it. My sister also got a cookies and cream milkshake from the ice cream shop by the entrance, and it was great! Food at Dollywood is nothing to sleep on.

Well, a full stomach can make me a little tired, but that is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some live entertainment! Dollywood has a wide variety of shows, live music, and interactions. My favorite was the Smoky Mountain String Band, which just immersed me right into the setting of the park. Later, we also saw a short movie on Dolly’s life, but I’ll get to that later. From the little I saw, Dollywood’s Live Entertainment takes right after Dolly’s footsteps, and is not to be missed!

Dollywood wouldn’t be there without… well, Dolly, and I think the Dolly Parton Experience does a great job of showcasing her amazing career. Me and my siblings really enjoyed the Songteller Museum, which showcased her music career, and played many of her songs! The Behind the Seams museum was also very interesting, and had many of her AUTHENTIC dresses on display! We finished it out by catching a showing of Precious Memories at the Dreamsong Theater. Dolly’s tour bus is also available to walk through, titled “Dollys Home on Wheels”.

Overall, Dollywood offers an unforgettable experience that perfectly balances thrilling rides, delicious food, engaging entertainment, and heartfelt storytelling. Every detail of the park reflects the spirit and warmth of Dolly Parton herself, making it a place that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast, a foodie, a music lover, or just looking for a fun day with family, Dollywood delivers on all fronts, and leaves you wanting to come...