Are you on vacation and looking for something to do to pass the time? Even though there are countless attractions available, the notion of visiting a theme park may not occur to you. If you want to have a good time, Dollywood Theme Park may be a fantastic choice. This family-friendly theme park entertainment has drawn over two million visitors each year since 1986. It started as a modest attraction with the Klondike Katie coal-fired steam train, a local store, a blacksmith shop, and a saloon, but it has now expanded to over 150 acres with millions spent on enhancements and extensions. We’ll take a closer look at the Dollywood theme park and everything it packs into the whole experience.
Visiting the theme park
The preferable timing
Visitors can drop by between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dollywood’s hours vary depending on the month, although it is usually open from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Every year, the park will be functional from mid-March until the beginning of January. If your schedule allows it, you should go early in June or towards the end of August. These specific times will allow you to enjoy the thrills of this summer amusement park. It’s worth noting that if there’s a chance of rain during the day, the park will be less busy. But if you’re only going for a weekend, a spring or autumn weekend may provide more manageable traffic and fewer queues. Nevertheless, most people visit in October and over the summer weekends, which you may want to avoid.
Tickets and pricing
An adult ticket to Dollywood costs $79 for a day visit, while junior and senior-citizen tickets cost $69. A two-day ticket will set you back approximately $20 more. By presenting military or dependency identification, current or inactive personnel, disabled vets, and military staff, as well as their families, will receive a 30% discount at the front gate.
For anyone not in a rush, buying a season ticket will provide much better value for money. The cost of Dollywood alone is around $139. But season passes to both Dollywood theme park and Dollywood Splash Country may cost up to $189.
Anyone visiting via car will have to purchase a $15 general parking card. You may consider all the options because gold season pass members don’t have to pay for parking. You may also buy a Preferred Parking pass for $27. This permit takes you pretty close to the entrance if walking seems like a drag. Other than that, the guests staying at the Dollywood resort may also take advantage of a free shuttle service to the park.
Age specificity
The rides and activities at the amusement park are typically focused on families and are appropriate for people of all ages. A vacation to Dollywood is ideal for families, couples, children of all ages, grandparents, and groups of teenagers. However, because it is still a theme park, it is best suited to the young and young-at-heart.
Innumerable rides
While visiting Dollywood, you can expect an entire day of nonstop entertainment. You will not be disappointed at this theme park because of the vast number of rides available. Indoor roller coasters, a risky boating excursion, water parks, and rides on a historic train in the Smoky Mountains are just a few of these attractions. The following are some of the most popular ones around.
Thunderhead
The Thunderhead is in the Timber Canyon and is undoubtedly one of the most extreme attractions at the amusement park. The canyon’s ancient sawmill used to transport lumber out of the mountains at Thunderhead Gap. The wood processing continues, but the canyon’s centerpiece is this enormous ride. Since this coaster runs between two large mountains, its position is above the canopy of trees. The rollercoaster descends into a 100-foot fall at a speed of 55 miles per hour because of its steep setting.
Dollywood Express Train
This excursion, in particular, showcases the Smoky Mountains’ genuine magnificence. It includes a twenty-minute trip in an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine train. You’ll be journeying for five miles and taking in all of Knoxville’s beautiful sights. The spacious windows of the Dollywood Express Train allow you to take in the breathtaking scenery that nature has to offer.
Smoky Mountain River Rampage
This attraction is a rafting adventure and features many wet and surprising twists and turns. You should save this one for last because you will almost certainly get a soaking. Bring a change of clothing; lockers are accessible at different points throughout the park. You may also utilize the air dryers available right outside this ride for a small cost.
Demolition Derby
Bumper cars are unquestionably one of Dollywood’s most enjoyable activities. This attraction is accessible at every amusement park because it maintains the same degree of thrill no matter how many times you ride it. You may crash into other people without fear of consequences with these bumper cars.
Dollywood’s restaurants
Spending all day with the countless attractions at the theme park is bound to leave you hungry. Thankfully, there are multiple Dollywood restaurants available to recharge your batteries. Here are some fan favorites.
Aunt Granny’s Restaurant
Are you having trouble deciding where to eat? Take a look at Aunt Granny’s, which was rated in the top ten theme park eateries in the country by USA Today. With one of the best all-you-can-eat buffets around, this Dollywood classic has you covered.
Aunt Granny prepares a lavish lunch buffet with something for everyone in the family. This feast has everything from excellent fried chicken and fish to roast chicken. Mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread and biscuits, and many more side dishes are also available.
Grandstand Cafe
It’s the ideal pit break on your journey around Country Fair. Grandstand Café is reminiscent of the food stalls at the local fair, providing award-winning meals worthy of a gold medal. Chicken tenders, hot dogs, and nachos, paired with salted chips, are excellent options for a quick lunch for your family.
Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans
Nothing screams southern hospitality like a plate of ham and pinto beans. You can count on a generous helping of both at Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans. With southern favorites like Beef Pot Roast Skillet, you will find yourself coming back for more.
Pinto beans, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, and coleslaw are all popular sides that go well with Granny Ogle’s traditional cuisine.
Lumber Jack’s
It is easy to go hungry when having fun and physically exerting yourself, as any lumberjack would tell you. Grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and drinks are available for a quick bite to eat before continuing your exploration of Timber Canyon.
Hickory House BBQ
Dollywood’s Hickory House BBQ was rated the finest pork barbecue of any amusement park by Amusement Business magazine, so try this one-of-a-kind recipe in the BBQ pork sandwiches. Chicken tenders, fries, and smoked turkey legs are also available.
Final thoughts
You might ask yourself, “Is there any family-friendly amusement park near me that’s worth the money?” Well, the answer is yes. Dollywood theme park and resort offers excellent attractions and a remarkable dining experience that is worth every buck.
Thank you for reading!
