Hello Dolly! Dollywood theme park will keep you (and your kids) entertained 9 to 5

Dollywood’s newest roller coaster is roaring to go. Big Bear Mountain opens Friday, a day ahead of the season opener for Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.

It’s Dollywood’s longest coaster yet and first to feature onboard audio. Towering over the Wildwood Grove section of the park, don’t let its size daunt you. The strikingly smooth coaster can be easily enjoyed across generations. It doesn’t even go upside down, though it may feel like it might with its twists and turns.

You certainly don’t have to be a thrill-seeker to enjoy yourself at Dollywood, which has something for everyone.

Here’s what you should know about visiting the Tennessee theme park.

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Where exactly is Dollywood?

Dollywood is located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It's about 20 minutes from America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains, and about an hour’s drive from Knoxville, with the McGhee Tyson Airport being the closest airport. 

Why is Dollywood so famous?

Dollywood is the ultimate destination for any Dolly Parton fan. From its butterfly-themed decor to the replica of Parton’s famous two-room Tennessee Mountain Home, her influence is everywhere. 

In years past, guests could also see her actual costumes, instruments and other treasured keepsakes in the park’s Chasing Rainbows Museum. That’s being replaced by the upcoming Dolly Parton Experience, opening next year with a new Dolly Museum and promises to “thrill even the most devoted of Dolly’s fans.”

Aside from all things Dolly, Dollywood is also just a fun theme park with world-class attractions and entertainment and a family-friendly Smoky mountain vibe. You could spend the whole day watching shows, eating comfort foods like fresh out of the oven cinnamon bread and meandering through Craftsman’s Valley without ever going on a ride.

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Does Dolly Parton ever go to Dollywood?

Most of Dolly Parton’s visits are behind the scenes, for work, but she does make occasional public appearances at the park.

“The main goal of any public Dolly visit is to spread the word about Dollywood through the media and to allow our guests to see Dolly at the park,” Dollywood explains on its website. “That opportunity might be a surprise walk-on to a show, or it could be a ride through the park in her antique car.”

What’s new at Dollywood?

Big Bear Mountain is the park’s newest attraction, but it won’t be the newest thing for long. Dollywood is opening the massive new HeartSong Lodge & Resort later this year.

“Everything that I’ve ever done started with a song, even my first trips to Nashville,” Dolly Parton said last year. “So we wanted to do another resort that would still be in keeping with what I do, who I am and the mountains and themes that we try to carry on here.”

Last year Dollywood announced it would invest half a billion dollars across its properties over the coming decade.

How much does Dollywood cost per day?

Dollywood admission is the same every day of the year, but the per diem rate drops dramatically with each day you add on. One-day theme park tickets cost $89 for guests ages 10 through 61. Two-day theme park tickets cost $109, which is less than $55 per day. Three day tickets cost $119. That’s less than $40 per day.

Admission to Dollywood’s Splash Country can be tacked on to theme park tickets for $10 more per day. Splash Country tickets can also be purchased separately, with one-day passes priced at $54.95 for adults, $44.95 for children ages 4 to 9 and $44.95 for people ages 62 and older.

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Is there a senior discount for Dollywood? 

There are discounts for kids ages 4 to 9, adults age 62 and older, and military service members, veterans and their families. Admission is free for kids under age 4. 

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Is Dollywood more expensive than Disney World?

Dollywood is considerably less expensive than Walt Disney World. Guests can get two days at Dollywood for the starting price of one day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Adding a third Dollywood day only costs $10 more. 

Meanwhile, Disney World’s dynamic ticket prices can go up to $189 for one day at Magic Kingdom around the holidays, one of the busiest times of year for both Disney World and Dollywood. 

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What are the best days to go to Dollywood?

To avoid crowds, Dollywood suggests visiting on weekdays when school is in session. For guests set on weekends, the park says Sundays tend be travel days for many people and less busy than Saturdays.

The park also notes that summer holidays tend to have lower crowds, saying, “Maybe it's because people like to celebrate Independence Day and Memorial Day with traditions like campouts, boating and grilling, but these summer holidays usually are good days to visit Dollywood.” 

Before booking trips, guests should check Dollywood’s operating calendar for seasonal celebrations like the Flower & Food Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas.

How many days do you need at Dollywood?

You can get a good taste of Dollywood in one day, but you won’t be able to experience everything. Two days are great, especially for guests who also want to experience Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. 

Can you do Dollywood and Splash Country in one day?

Technically, you can, but it’s not ideal. There’s so much to experience at Dollywood alone, you would miss a lot splitting your day between the two parks.

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How many attractions are at Dollywood? Are all rides free in Dollywood?

There are more than 50 rides and attractions at Dollywood ranging from roller coasters to kiddie rides to the Dollywood Express train.

All rides and regular shows are included with admission to Dollywood. Certain specially ticketed events may require a separate fee. 

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Does Dollywood have a fast pass?

Dollywood’s TimeSaver passes grant guests expedited entry to select attractions. The standard TimeSaver pass costs $60 per person and is good for five attractions and priority seating at participating shows. The TimeSaver Plus pass costs $80 and is good for all participating attractions and shows. 

Guests of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort get free standard TimeSaver passes, among other perks like early park entry on Saturdays and free package delivery for purchases made in the park.

What food can you take in Dollywood? 

Guests may not bring outside food or most drinks into the park, but may leave and return later if they don’t want to eat inside. 

An exception is made for water. Each guest may bring in one unopened bottle of water, which can be refilled at stations throughout the park. Free cups of ice water are also available.

One more thing worth noting: Dollywood does not serve alcohol inside the park.