The ultimate insider’s guide to doing Dollywood like a pro

The first time I set foot in Pigeon Forge was 1987. Dollywood would have only been a year old – having converted from Silver Dollar City in 1985. It was still making its mark on the national scene. As a kid, the idea of Dollywood was still kind of strange. Dolly was a big star, but she wasn’t exactly Walt Disney. 

But in the intervening years, Dollywood had already made great strides, beginning a 30-year journey from curiosity to a legitimately great theme park. And as Dollywood has grown, I have as well. Over the years, I have learned to adopt certain tips and tricks to make going to Dollywood even more fun. So, here are a few tips only the insiders know that can make your trip better.

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1. Avoid Pigeon Forge traffic

During peak hours, traffic in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg can steal tiny pieces of your soul. Did you go on vacation for mind-numbing hours of debilitating gridlock? Sevier County officials, and presumably the Tennessee Department of Transportation, have done a lot of work to open up the entrances and help move people through. However, there are still plenty of times it’d be quicker to walk the length of the main drag than try and drive it.

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are some shortcuts. The best way to get to Dollywood when the traffic is bad is to take Highway 411, which you can access from the east or north from I-40 at Newport, or from the south or west by taking the Chapman Highway exit off I-40 in Knoxville. Either way, take 411 to the intersection with Veterans Boulevard.

This used to be a little-known backroad, used only by locals, but the road has been widened and provides a bunch of lanes heading to the park. More people know about it, more people use it, but it is still vastly superior to taking the Parkway. If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge proper, the Veterans Boulevard shortcut is useless. Instead, you might want to consider Teaster Lane if you can get to it. It runs parallel to the Parkway and connects to the other end of Veterans Boulevard. It won’t help if you’re on the Southwest side of Pigeon Forge or coming from Gatlinburg, but it’s still a useful road.

2. Get free parking at Dollywood

The whole building-upon-an-already-existing site was great except for some of the transportation logistics. There’s plenty of parking at Dollywood, but the tram system to and from the park to the parking lot can be one of the closest things to a disappointment you’ll find under less-than-ideal circumstances. The drivers are great and friendly, but it’s just an outdated way to move people. Imagine you and 100 of your new best friends cramming in a disorganized queue and freezing while waiting for an open-air ride back to the car in December.

There’s a fairly easy way to avoid all that mess. Straight cash. Standard parking is $20. Preferred parking is $35. You’re already laying down serious cash just to get in the park and enjoy the day. The upgrade to park close, avoid the queue crush and not have to ride the tram is the best deal they offer. Note that pricing is subject to change.

But here’s the real pro-tip: Gold season passholders receive FREE standard parking and a discount on preferred. So if your family is considering season passes this year, consider making at least one of those passes a gold pass to enjoy the free parking benefit – plus a variety of lodging, ticket and in-park discounts including food.

One word of caution: The preferred lot is on top of a mountain. The walk down to the exclusive entrance can be a bit rough on the knees, but the climb back is brutal if you have mobility issues. If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge, with a $3 wristband, you can also catch a trolley to Patriot Park and then transfer to a trolley to Dollywood.

Bonus pro-tip: Guests staying at DreamMore receive complimentary shuttle service to both Dollywood and Splash Country. That’s right, they get to skip this whole parking nonsense altogether. For additional parking information, check out the Dollywood website. Remember, whichever way you park, booking with Tripster can sometimes save you a few bucks off of your admission ticket.

3. Plan ahead for a lot of walking

Look, many amusement parks have the good luck and/or foresight to be built on a relatively flat piece of land. One of Disney’s best ideas was building his park on a flat second story. You walk up a little at the entrance and then never realize the Magic Kingdom is set on a roof. Dollywood ain’t that. There are hills, mountains, dips, dives and hollers.

In other words, plan your footwear accordingly. If you have mobility issues, they have scooters for rent, but on busy days they can get a little scarce. If you’re wondering whether or not to bring your chair or rent one, I’d say bring it. 

4. Take advantage of the free water at Dollywood

If you’re at Dollywood, there’s a good chance it’s hot and humid. For those of us from the area, it’s part of life in the South, but if you’re visiting from somewhere with a less sticky, thick summer environment, it can be a bit of an adjustment. Throw in the walking up and down hills and hollers and you’re going to need to replace some sweat.

Dollywood recognizes this and also knows it’s not a fantastic look to have patrons dropping left and right from heatstroke. As such, the park offers complimentary cups of water at all park restaurants and most food outlets. All you have to do is ask. Dollywood also allows guests to bring their own water into the park. Also, water fountains are located near all restrooms.

5. Purchase refillable mugs and snacks

Dollywood is a family-centric park. They also understand how expenses like food and beverage tend to add up once inside the park, especially for larger families. But never fear – Dollywood offers a variety of refillable drink and snack options that will keep the entire family hydrated and well-fed throughout the day without breaking the bank. Refillable options include:

1. Souvenir mugs
2. Popcorn buckets
3. Dippin’ Dots

Refillable souvenir mugs can be reused multiple times per season. You can even bring in souvenir mugs from previous seasons, but the discount isn’t quite as good. You can also refill those popcorn buckets with pork rinds for a reduced price.

6. Have your kids measured at the park entrance

This little nugget is a huge time-saver. If you have kids old enough to enjoy some of the rides at Dollywood, your first stop once inside the park should be at Dollywood’s centralized measuring station. The measuring station is across from the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame Showstreet. At the measuring station, a Dollywood host will measure your child and give them a color-coded wristband. The color codes correspond with signs at each ride in the park that indicate whether or not your child will be tall enough to ride before you waste an hour in line only to be turned away in disappointment.

7. Skip the lockers, use the cubbies

There’s a reason Dollywood is known as the “Friendliest Park in the World” and a large part of that reason is the little things like ride cubbies. Yes, Dollywood offers lockers in which you can store your valuables for a price near the entrance like every other park in the world. But unlike others (I’m looking at you, Universal) Dollywood recognizes that you might have stuff you need throughout the day that you’d rather not take on a ride or store in a locker. And so, Dollywood offers ride cubbies – places where you can store your stuff.

Plus, ride cubbies are free. They’re not necessarily secure (the honor system is in play here), so if you have the Hope Diamond on you, you might want to consider an alternate storage method. But still, it’s nice to be able to ride without clutching your sunglasses, or purse or whatever throughout. 

8. See Dolly at Dollywood

This is the big one. Dolly will occasionally make appearances at the park to announce the latest big show or ride or something. These occasions are hard to pinpoint in advance and may just come down to the luck of the draw. The best shot to see Dolly is early in the year. Normally, there’s a media day at which Dolly (schedule permitting) kicks off the new year with a little show and song. During the show, she also celebrates season passholders and makes several appearances in the park (weather permitting) including riding in the daily parade. If you want to see Dolly, this is the best way to do it. Ask park officials when the passholder celebration is, and you’ll have a decent chance to see Dolly.

9. See Dolly in the wild (incognito) at Dollywood 

Over the years, I have become friendly with several people who work at the park, both on the operations side and on the entertainment side. All have told me it is the gospel truth that Dolly has been able to take off her persona – wig, makeup and fancy outfits – and take in the park without being noticed. I have been told by many reliable sources this is true, but I’ve never heard of someone successfully spotting an incognito Dolly riding the Tennessee Tornado. Still, it’s probably worth keeping your eyes peeled for a little Where’s Waldo action – Dollywood style. 

If you plan a trip to Dollywood, remember to check Tripster to save a couple of dollars off admission. Have you been to Dollywood? Give us your best tips in the comments.

Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at editor@thesmokies.com (preferred) or call 865-505-0648.