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Consistently named one of the best theme parks in all of America, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN is a truly magical place. Vacation rental guests of Mountain Laurel Chalets get a FREE ticket to Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country (one free ticket per attraction, per day, per reservation), making the fun more affordable and accessible than ever! Mountain Laurel Chalets is one of the only vacation rental providers that offers free tickets to Dollywood, and we're thrilled to help our guests make memories with family and friends!
Dollywood offers thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, delicious food, arts and crafts, and world-class shows and entertainment, all in an impeccably maintained, wholesome environment that celebrates Tennessee pride and American heritage. In addition to the main park, their renowned water park, Dollywood's Splash Country, is also open each year from late spring through the end of summer, providing splash-tastic fun for every guest. Dollywood truly has it all and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains!
Check out our guide to the perfect (FREE!) day at Dollywood (below), and make plans to visit both Gatlinburg and Dollywood in short order by reserving one of our Gatlinburg vacation rental homes. We have countless options to choose from in all shapes and sizes; if you need help finding the perfect property to meet your needs, call our office (865-436-5277), which is open every day from 8:00am–4:30pm, and one of our reservations specialists will gladly assist you.
PARKING
Dollywood offers convenient parking options tailored to meet the needs of all guests. Standard length vehicles can park for a fee of $25, while oversize length vehicles such as RVs and trailers are accommodated for a slightly higher rate of $30. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, complimentary transportation is provided from designated tram stops to the park's front gate.
For those seeking extra convenience, Preferred Parking is available at both Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country. This service incurs an additional charge, but it guarantees a parking spot closer to the entrance, saving guests valuable time and effort.
Guests looking to explore both parks on the same day can take advantage of the complimentary transportation between Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country. The parking lot trams serve as a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, allowing visitors to seamlessly travel between the two parks, so there's no need to move your vehicle.
PARK ENTRY
Upon arrival near the park entrance via the parking lot tram, visitors and their companions will proceed to one of the various entry lines to undergo a security check and have their tickets scanned. While guests are welcome to bring purses and backpacks into the park, a security search will be conducted as a standard procedure. It's important to note that outside food and drink are not permitted within Dollywood. However, guests are allowed to bring one sealed bottle of water per person when entering the park.
Families with young children need not worry, as strollers and wagons are permitted. Look out for designated stroller parking areas near each attraction to ensure a convenient and organized experience for everyone.
OUR FAVORITE COASTERS
Dollywood is home to a huge selection of roller coasters, the newest of which is Big Bear Mountain, now the longest coaster in the park. In addition, adrenaline junkies should definitely check out the heart-racing Blazing Fury, smooth and soaring Dragonflier, speed-tastic Lightning Rod, suspense-filled Mystery Mine, and world-renowned Wild Eagle.
SWINGING, SPINNING, AND SPLASHING
There's so much more to Dollywood than just roller coasters! The Waltzing Swinger lifts you 25' off the ground and takes you for a leisurely spin, while the scream-inducing Barnstormer dual pendulum swing reaches a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation, lifting riders over 80' in the air. Cool off on the thrilling Daredevil Falls and Smoky Mountain River Rampage, and settle your stomachs with an easy (and nostalgic!) ride on the Village Carousel.
FOR THE YOUNGSTERS
If you're visiting Dollywood with little ones, never fear—there's plenty for them to enjoy as well! They'll absolutely love the Flying Elephants (it gives Disney's "Dumbo" vibes), and they'll eagerly hop on the backs of black bears time and again to take a ride on Black Bear Trail. Fly on the Busy Bees and Frogs and Fireflies, or head indoors and beat the heat with a visit to Hidden Hollow, a large indoor playground area.
ACCESSIBILITY AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Plan ahead and educate yourselves on what attractions are available to whom by checking out Dollywood's Rider Safety and Accessibility Guide and Ride Height Requirements Chart. You will more easily be able to manage expectations (no one wants an eager kiddo finding out they aren't tall enough to ride a coaster until the last second), and you can then map out who in your group would like to do what, making it easier to know where to head once you're inside the park.
LIVE MUSIC, STREET FESTIVALS, AND MORE
Dollywood is famous for its wide array of live entertainment options which feature incredibly talented performers of all kinds. Most shows and festivals rotate seasonally, and all are both exceptional in quality and highly entertaining for the whole family. They're especially known for their Christmas entertainment offerings, centered around love of family, joy, and the birth of Christ. Keep up to date on all the current shows and fesitvals, and plan to visit the park at a different time of year each time you come, allowing you to experience a wide variety of live shows and festivals.
A MEAL FOR EVERY PALATE
From Dogs 'N Taters and Hickory House BBQ to Lumber Jack's Pizza and Granny Ogle's Ham 'N Beans, there's a flavor to suit every palate at Dollywood. Consult your park map for eatery locations; you're always bound to find something delicious close by, but if you're looking for a specific dining hall, your map will get you where you want to go! Additionally, several restaurants offer kids' meals, which provide the perfect portion size for younger guests and savings for Mom and Dad!
SNACKS AND SWEETS
Need something to tide you over until your next meal? Grab some kettle corn from Country Cookers, or a fresh caramel apple and fudge from Sweet Shoppe Candy Kitchen. Folks with true southern blood will love the pork rinds in Craftsman's Valley, and Crossroads Funnel Cakes will have your sweet tooth buzzing. Lastly, a trip to Dollywood is never complete without stopping for cinnamon bread at The Grist Mill. It's a tried and true Dollywood staple and you'll love every bite, whether you're hungry or not!
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER (AND SAVINGS)
As you plan your visit to Dollywood, remember to check the seasonal calendar so you stay aware of all the current happenings at the park. In addition, you can download a PDF of the park map, or download the Official Dollywood App in the Apple app store or on Google Play. Also, be sure to check out their Know Before You Go page for helpful hints and insider tips.
You might be tempted to buy your tickets at Dollywood.com, but wait! Remember, each Gatlinburg chalet reservation with Mountain Laurel Chalets earns you a free Dollywood (and Dollywood's Splash Country) ticket for each day of your stay, thanks to our guest concierge service, Xplorie. They'll also offer you free tickets to a large variety of other area attractions, and they'll even take care of booking all the tickets for your group (including your free tickets) at no additional cost to you, saving you both time and money! Book your stay at a Mountain Laurel Chalets property today, then allow Xplorie to make your attraction reservations for you. You'll save big, spend less, and have a memory-making time to boot!
