I love going to Dollywood. As a kid, I was lucky enough to grow up within an hour’s driving distance of the theme park, and my parents would often buy season passes for the family.
Because of this, the Pigeon Forge theme park has a very special place in my heart.
Nostalgia and bias aside, even as a now-adult I must admit – Dollywood still holds its own even when compared to some of the other highly regarded American theme parks.
This is why I feel a sense of true pride and glee when I find out a friend has never been, and I want to swiftly whisk them away to the happiest place on earth – or at least the happiest place in East Tennessee.
I often have a list of recommendations. Those are a dime a dozen, though.
If you want some real Dollywood tips, here’s the most important items: What not to do at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.:
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7. Don’t spend a bunch of money on lockers
Dollywood is a park that really pays attention to the little details and values guest experience.
So on a vast majority of rides in the theme park, you’ll find little cubby areas where you can stash your stuff while you ride.
Sure, there are lockers, too. But I can honestly say I’ve never used one.
While Dollywood (or this website, for that matter) is not liable for property left in the cubby, I’ve never had an issue with lost items (knock on wood).
But here’s a bonus tip: If you decide to go the cubby route, bring a waterproof pouch for your cell phone and keys because on some rides, like River Rampage, you may have to take your stuff with you. And you will get wet.
6. Don’t carry souvenirs around the park all day
If your kids want to play some games in Country Fair or someone in your party wants to do some shopping around the park, try to steer them in that direction toward the end of the day.
Theme parks aren’t fun if you feel like a pack mule.
Read Also: Dollywood souvenir mugs: What to know before you buy
5. Don’t buy a TimeSaver pass (right away)
I can’t speak for everyone. There are different types of vacationers.
If you have the budget and are absolutely set on seeing everything in the park in one day, then a TimeSaver pass might be right for you.
What is a TimeSaver pass, you ask?
You may be familiar with the concept, but each theme park is a little different. And even Dollywood’s terms and conditions may vary from year to year.
Generally, the TimeSaver pass (starting at $60 plus tax at the time of this writing) gets you expedited entrances eight times throughout the day on your choice of participating rides.
The TimeSaver Unlimited pass (starting at $80 plus tax at the time of this writing) gets you unlimited access to expedited entry at all participating rides and attractions.
But is a TimeSaver pass worth it?
And the answer is, it depends.
Dollywood makes it easy to view wait times for its rides both in-park and with the Dollywood app. And I’ve rarely seen any wait time go much above one hour.
And heck, it’s not uncommon, in my experience, to ride a ride over and over again because there was virtually no wait.
There are many days that I’ve been to the park that a TimeSaver pass would be unnecessary, in my opinion.
On the flip side, on summer weekends and special occasions, the park may also be slammed.
Just consider scoping out the crowds before shelling out the cash.
4. Don’t try to experience the park in one day on your first visit
Dollywood has a lot to offer. I would argue that some of its coasters rival the best in the world.
Genuinely, I would rank Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod among my top three coasters of all time, and I’ve been to the major places – Universal, Six Flags, Disney, the works.
But Dollywood is more than just rides and coasters. They also offer shows (some of which feature Dolly Parton’s family members), exceptionally good theme park food and immersive experiences that are worth checking out.
If you try to do the theme park in one single day, you might be missing out. But then again, this could depend on what type of vacationer you are.
Read Also: Can you do Dollywood in one day? This guide will help you decide
3. Don’t forget to download the Dollywood app
The Dollywood app helps you find rides, shops and restaurants based on your location.
It even has a “Friend Finder” feature in case anyone in your group splits off during the day.
It’s one of the most helpful theme park apps I’ve ever downloaded, so don’t skip out just to save some space on your phone.
2. Don’t miss out on the complimentary water
Tennessee is humid, y’all.
But luckily, the folks at Dollywood don’t want you to get dehydrated, so just about any kiosk that is able, will give you free iced tap water on request.
Here’s a pro-tip: Carry around a refillable screw-top bottle in which to dump the complimentary water into. Dollywood crew members won’t be able to handle your water bottle directly as they would be seen as less than sanitary, but I often request a couple of water cups at a time just to pour them into the more bag-friendly, screw-top bottle for easier transport.
1. Don’t make fun of the Blazing Fury
Blazing Fury is an iconic ride that should basically be required (for able-bodied people) upon admission to the park.
Yes, it’s a bit older. Yes, your kids might ask “Is that it?” or complain that they “don’t get it”.
But as one of the park’s first rides, it holds a special place in the hearts of frequent park-goers for its easter eggs, hand-painted decorations and lines that we all love to quote.
The world may be a crazy place, but we Dollywood fans know some truths are constant: Molly’s about to jump, Luther has a weak back and the stables are on fire.
Read Also: Dollywood rides ranked: 10 best coasters and rides in the park
So please don’t say mean things about Blazing Fury. Them’s fightin’ words.
Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments.
View the web story version of this article here.
Omg! Fellow local here! I grew up in Cherokee and then we moved to Sevierville; so, I too have ALWAYS had a season pass! After we moved to Sevier county, I even got to go on “field trips” to Dollywood! The Blazing Fury(though when I ride it now it seems SO lame in comparison)it was one of only a couple roller coasters there and truly was the WHOLE point of a trip to Dollywood for me for quite some time!!! When we went there on “field trips” it was always The Blazing Fury that you got to ride alone with the guy you were “going” with🤣😂🤣or wished you were🤣🤣
I’m going to Dollywood on Saturday, for the first time since the early 90’s. The first time I ever went I went just my mom and I. She doesn’t ride rides so I rode Blazing Fury alone. I LOVED it and got back in line several times. Came home to find out I was expecting my daughter! So I always say that was sorta her first coaster. I’d never make fun of it. So unique!!
Does anyone know if I need to buy a time-saver for each ticket holder? It’s a family of 4 with one child under 4
Hi Megan! Timesaver passes are per person. You may want to look at the list of rides that can be used with time saver passes before you purchase for your toddler, since they would not be able to ride many of the eligible rides.
The list is here: https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Guest-Services/TimeSaver-Pass
Hello I’m going to Dollywood next week. I’ve read that with Covid they weren’t allowing you to put your stuff into the cubby while you ride the roller coasters. Is that true or are you still able to leave your bags? Thanks
As of July 2021 when we last checked cubbies were still in use
Do you recommend buying Dollywood tickets on line hours before it opens in the morning or is it OK to get them at the gate , just arrive way early ?
Hi Vacation Traveler! It’s likely a matter of personal preference, but I like to buy online in advance since it tends to help speed things along when you get there. 🙂
Did they do away with on ride photo passes? I thought there was one good for a full year, but can’t even find the daily one.
Hey Patches! On-Ride Photos (Photo Passes) have been temporarily suspended due to staffing issues at Dollywood.
If I buy a ticket online can anyone use it or is only for the name it was purchased in? I only see a portion of the last name on the ticket. Also if it is a two day pass does the same person have to use it the 2nd day? Thanks!
Hi Cindy! I believe for two-day passes, the same person is supposed to use it both days. You can buy more than one pass under the same name if you’re purchasing for your family, but be careful of purchasing passes from other individuals who are reselling. When in doubt, contact Dollywood customer service. Hope that helps!
What do we do if we loose our seasons pass?
Hi Robert! If you have lost your pass, contact a Dollywood host at Guest Services.
How many guest passes can I use per visit
Hi Patty, if you have a Bring A Friend ticket, it is one per passholder. From Dollywood: “Remember, Bring-A-Friend tickets provide free admission (a value of $84). The 2022 flexible Bring-A-Friend Free tickets can only be used during the 2022 season. They have blackout dates of Fridays and Saturdays as well as select weeks throughout the year. These tickets can be used one per passholder and the passholder must be present…”
Hope that helps!
Hi Alaina,
We plan on going to Dollywood the week of Christmas. Do you recommend buying tickets in advance? Are they likely to sell out? I would like to hold off until I can view the weather forecast.
Hi Lisa! I can’t give you a 100% guarantee – but you should be able to wait until you’re able to see a weather forecast. If you wait until the day of, try to arrive on the early side. If you’re concerned, you could keep an eye on the tickets (go online as if you’re buying a ticket) and make sure it still shows availability. Dollywood says that “your ticket is valid for one visit within 5 operating days of the date selected” [when your purchase]. They’re closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi! Is it cheaper to pay for parking at the gate or but it in advanced?
If I purchased a two day ticket do I need to purchase 2 parking passes (one for each date)?
Hi Mali, parking is typically a separate fee unless you have anything that states otherwise. Hope that helps!
Hi Paloma, you can pre-purchase standard parking online for $22.80 (which comes out to $25 after tax, currently). If you have a Gold or Diamond pass, parking is free. If you opt for preferred parking, it is on a first-come, first-served basis – so buying online has an advantage. Hope that helps!
We went to Dollywood a few weeks back but it rained us out so they gave us a rain check ticket each. Now, we’re planning to go back but 2 of us in our original group isn’t going. Can we let 2 other people use the tickets instead?
Hi Tipper, I think technically the Dollywood tickets are non-transferable according to the Dollywood terms and conditions but I’m not 100% sure on the rainchecks. I’d check with customer service to be sure. Hope that helps. Remember if you’re going this season to make a reservation. 🙂
I am going to Dollywood in April with a family of four! My question is if I purchase a two day pass for each of us can I do one day park and one day water park?!
Hi Jeannie! If you’re going in April – Keep in mind the waterpark is not open until May. See the full calendar here: https://www.dollywood.com/Calendar
The two-day ticket is for the theme park – the website says that water park daily tickets and multi-park tickets will be available soon. Hope that is helpful!
I am going to Dollywood in August. I bought gold season pass. I might bring someone along for friend pass can I use on my first visit. I won’t have to pass card. Is there anyway to get one before I arrive. I’m coming from Oklahoma.
We spent 3 days at Dollywood last September. It was wonderful first rate entertainment. We just finished a week at Disney World and Universal Studios. We enjoyed it but it was crowded and 5 times more money. Dollywood is my choice next time.
Hi Jonathan, you will be able to use the Bring a Friend pass, but be sure you check the blackout dates. Hope that helps!
Blazing fury is the best!!!
FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!!!
We went to Dolly Wood in 2021 and it was part of our Vaction, we paid a lot of money for our tickets and literally saw Nothing!! Two restaurants were open with 2 hour wait they said, And A couple of rides were open, No ,No shops were open at all A lady that works there says had no help! Well what I’m getting at WHY didn’t they tell us,at the ticket booth and informed us Nothing was Open, Or running, OR Afterwards Give our money Back! IT was literally Terrible!! Never go again
I love quirky coasters like Blazing Fury. There are still some around and are a joy to ride. While I think Wild Eagle is a bore, Lightning Rod is by far the best in the park.
#8) Don’t come to the park … wearing a bikini top or sports bra, or with your
pants sagging. … This is America’s #1 Family Park for a reason. Keep it family-friendly.
I told my oldest son who was 9 at the time and wanted to have a baby brother since he was 4 years old that he was finally getting a sibling using the sign of Blazing Fury. When we went to get on, I told him I could not ride and he ask me why and I pointed to the no pregnancy part of the sign. He was so excited! So, this ride means a lot to a lot of people