I went to Dollywood for my Birthday with a friend. I hadn't been in years and she'd never been before. It wasn't the exact day of my birthday, but since we were there celebrating within the same week, I picked up the birthday pin to wear. She also got the pin saying it was her first visit.
I want to say that we had the best day. The park is quaint and charming. The artisans throughout the park offer a sense of homey honesty to the experience. The shows were amazing. The talent, exceptional. The attractions and history area around Dolly's life were sweet and endearing. The lines for the rides were never more than 30 minutes. The food was outstanding and priced fairly. Lots of healthy and tasty options! The Harvest festival theme and the beautifully carved pumpkins everywhere were a delight to the eyes and another nod to the creativity and commitment to art that is evident in Dollywood.
I want to recognize the park staff though. EVERY SINGLE ONE who saw my pin -- ride attendants, food service, entertainers, maintenance, bathroom attendants, train conductor, ticket agent, photographer --every one of them wished me Happy Birthday. I was impressed by that attention to detail and it was so wonderful to be wished a good day by so many people! HUGE KUDOS to your staff and training team for making birthday visitors feel special!
But... 😬 No one mentioned the pin my friend was wearing. Not a single "Welcome to Dollywood" or "We hope your first won't be your last" No one even acknowledged her pin and it was quite a stark contrast throughout the day as everyone noticed mine.
So, ultimately... We had a great time and I'm thankful for such a fun way to celebrate my special day, and for Dolly's staff helping with that. But, please encourage park staff to recognize other pin wearers too! They are celebrating special...
Read moreOk so coming from Florida we have a bunch of parks down here. Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens. Having gone to those many many times being pass holders I do have higher standards for theme parks. Also been to parks such as Cedar point, Several Six Flags, Carowinds, Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Ok so this park is very well rounded, if you're a coaster fan you'll be a little disappointed since they only have like 4 lager coasters. If you are a family with young kids there is a ton to do. I'm not a big country fan so didn't really catch the shows but figured they are good. The park is very clean, well maintained and the staff are very very friendly. I'd say out of all the parks Dollywood has the best customer service and friendly staff. It doesn't beat Busch Williamsburg or Cedar point but in some aspects it does. Disney has its issues but is better still for nostalgia and fireworks. For the price point this park is a must visit and again is well rounded unless you are a roller coaster junkie then it lacks. Food was pretty decent for theme park food but a bit overpriced. Don't sleep on that cinnamon bread though, waited 30 minutes and well worth it. It was like the best cinnamonbun x 10. The other areas that could improve are the pathways are narrow and during busy times gets very congested and hard to navigate with a stroller. The details and landscaping of the park are very good. So all in all to compare it to those other parks it gets a solid 8 out of 10. It's not a Universal or Disney but it shines compared to most regional amusement parks out there. If you have a stroller ask for parking in F lot it's next to the preferred parking and don't go to lot E...
Read more⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Absolute Blast at Dollywood!
I had such an amazing time at Dollywood! From the moment I walked through the gates, the whole place was bursting with charm, Southern hospitality, and good old-fashioned fun. The staff were incredibly friendly—everyone smiled, cracked jokes, and genuinely seemed happy to be there, which made the whole experience even better.
The rides? Absolutely awesome! The coasters gave the perfect mix of thrill and excitement without feeling overwhelming (Lightning Rod was my personal favorite 😍). Between rides, I loved exploring all the themed areas—everything felt so clean, well-kept, and beautifully decorated.
And don’t even get me started on the food! The cinnamon bread is legendary for a reason—warm, gooey, and impossible to eat just one piece. I also tried some delicious barbecue and homemade fudge that I’m still dreaming about.
The live shows were such a pleasant surprise, too—tons of talent and heart. It really felt like more than just an amusement park; it’s a full experience filled with music, laughter, and that cozy mountain magic you can only find in Tennessee.
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly, and unforgettable getaway, Dollywood is 100% worth it. I left with a full belly, sore cheeks from smiling so much, and a phone full of happy memories. Can’t wait to go...
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