If you're looking for honest Dollywood reviews or if you're wondering if Dollywood is worth the trip (or even which season is best to visit Dollywood), you've come to the right place! We just returned from a road trip to Dollywood and SPOILER ALERT we can't wait to go back! Read on to see my tips for visiting Dollywood and what to expect, especially if you're planning on making it a road trip from New Jersey.
Disclosure: I was provided tickets to Dollywood in exchange for this blog post review, but what do I always say? I would never recommend something to you if I didn't totally love it myself. We also paid for all of our own travel expenses, food, accomodations, souvenirs, attraction visits, etc. So rest assured, this post is as honest as you can get!
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This post is designed for easy reading because I know time is precious. You can easily scroll through the bold headings to find the info you're looking for.
Do I Need to Love Dolly Parton to Visit Dollywood?
Not at all! If you're a big Dolly Parton fan, you'll love this park and everything about it. But even if you're not a Dolly fan, you're bound to appreciate its country charm, cleanliness, overall theme and everything it has to offer. My son is a teenager and doesn't know much about Dolly Parton, but he still loved the park. He said he found all of the Dolly memorabilia, music and exhibits interesting (including the tour bus, the Dolly Experience and Behind the Seams). There was a great selection of different rides, delicious food options, hands-on experiences, shows, entertainment and so much more. The overall atmosphere of Dollywood is very unique and there's so much to explore.
Is Dollywood a Long Trip from New Jersey?
It is no secret that airline flights have been a disaster lately. If you're looking for a trip that offers an alternative to flying, this is it (although you can fly, too, of course). Our drive from the Hunterdon county area took us about ten hours, but it was a beautiful ride full of Fall foliage and not much traffic (we visited in November during NJ Teacher's Convention). Of course, you can fly to Tennessee, too, or even take a train. So you have to figure out what's best for your family. When we returned to New Jersey, all we heard about were the delayed flights at Newark airport and the stress our friends went through with airline travel. So we were grateful to have made the choice to drive.
What Exactly is Dollywood?
Dollywood is a 160-acre theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that features rides, live entertainment, dining, attractions, crafts, exhibits, and more. Co-owned by Dolly Parton, the park is known for its blend of thrills and family-friendly attractions, with seasonal events and other amenities like the neighboring water park, Splash Country, DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, Dolly Parton's Stampede and so much more.
Dolly Parton herself is a storyteller- a singer, performer and artist in her own right (and so much more). Dollywood is very much like this. It's a park that centers around storytelling and artistry, with many thematic rides, traveling performers and attractions that have stories behind them (even the restaurants have 'themes' from Dolly's life).
Where is Dollywood Located?
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Pigeon Forge is FILLED with things to do, but the surrounding area is also very beautiful, and you can even visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is not too far from Dollywood.
Are There Rides at Dollywood?
There are rides at Dollywood, including rides of various thrill levels. That means that guests of many different ages can enjoy the park. There are some high-thrill rollercoasters, mild coasters, kiddie rides, thematic rides, and even a steam train ride. You can view all of Dollywood's rides on their website here.
How are the Shows at Dollywood?
There were so many shows at Dollywood, it was hard to decide which one to attend first! We particularly enjoyed Christmas in the Smokies (since we visited during Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas). When you arrive, check out their app or the printed maps to see a schedule of all of the shows for the day. There's even a birds of prey show (which was closed while we were there, but I hope to come back and see it another time) Dollywood has a 30,000-square-foot aviary that houses the country's largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles. You can get an up-close look at them (I am a bird nerd so I was super excited about this- I had never seen so many eagles in one place, and a natural setting at that). There were also roaming performers, banjo players, and so much more. Music is very much a part of the park, and not just Dolly Parton songs!
How is the Food at Dollywood?
We absolutely loved the food at Dollywood! I really appreciated that the food selections were exclusive- meaning, there weren't 'chain' restaurants. The food selections were unique, with sit-down options like Granny Ogle's (which actually looked like a country front porch) and Aunt Granny's (serving family style meals), Miss Lillian's Mill House, Red's Drive In (just to name a few- there are so many more). Dollywood is famous for its delicious cinnamon bread (which you can take home in a special carry box). There are so many southern specialties and food items from Dolly's own childhood (don't miss the banana pudding at Granny Ogle's or the butterfly-shaped pretzels)! You can see all of Dollywood's dining options and learn more about their tasting passes here.
Is Dollywood Open Year Round? When is the Best Time to Visit?
Dollywood is open most of the year- you can enjoy the park seasonally:
-I Will Always Love You Music Festival (March-April)
-Flower and Food Festival (April-June)
-Smoky Mountain Summer (June-August)
-Harvest Festival (September-October)
-Smoky Mountain Christmas (November-January 1st)
In addition, Dollywood's Splash Country is open during the summer season, as well as water rides at Dollywood like Daredevil Falls and Smoky Mountain River Rampage. The best time to visit depends on your personal likes and schedule. We visited in early November during their Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. The weather was perfect and the trees surrounding the park were beautiful with their colored leaves falling! This was also a beautiful time to drive to Dollywood. The route we took was very scenic, with so many colored leaves and so much to see as we drove.
What Ages is Dollywood Good For?
Dollywood is wonderful for all ages. I can attest that I saw infants, children of all ages, toddlers, adults, and even grandparents enjoying the park. There literally is something for everyone here. Also worth mentioning is their accessibility. Check out this link for more information about how Dollywood strives to make the park accessible for everyone.
Where Can You Stay When Visiting Dollywood?
If you've read any of my posts then you know I'm a bit of a 'hotel snob.' I am very picky about where I stay and I really look for the "whole experience" when it comes to a resort (especially when it comes to a theme park/resort combo). We stayed at Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort and it was OUTSTANDING. It was truly one of the nicest resorts we have ever stayed at. No attention to detail is lost in the decor here- it's beautiful and really reflects the feel of the Great Smoky Mountains. The room we stayed in was spotless (I have never seen such a clean bathroom in a resort before!), the food was delicious, and the entire atmosphere was more than we could have hoped for. Not only that, but resort guests receive perks like complimentary trolley service to Dollywood Parks, priority access, complimentary TimeSaver passes, complimentary door-to-door transportation, complimentary package delivery, and daily Golden Hour participation. Plus, we also loved that it's a full "Dolly experience." Dolly even reads kids a bedtime story on the TV. You can also get Dollywood's legendary cinnamon bread right at the resort. So in my humble opinion, it is 100% worth it to stay at either Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort or Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa. Save up your money and look for specials (sign up for the resort emails and follow Dollywood's social channels. They always have sales). If you opt not to stay at a Dollywood Resort, you can also check out the numerous hotels, motels and lodges in Pigeon Forge. There are SO many, but I can't attest to their cleanliness or value.
How Many Days Should I Spend at Dollywood?
We visited for one day, and in all honesty, it was not enough. I really feel like you need more than one day, especially if you have never visited before. If you really want to see the shows and experience all that the park has to offer, then plan to visit for at least two days.
Are There Any Other Attractions I Should Visit?
We also visited Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, which is located in Pigeon Forge (not within the park). This is an extra fee and you'll have to book your ticket in advance, but it's a show and dinner theater experience for the whole family. If you've ever visited Medieval Times in New Jersey, this show is the same kind of concept, where you sit in tiered rows of seats, facing the arena. You enjoy a four-course feast while watching the show. The show is filled with music, colorful lights, live animals, action and storytelling. They encourage audience participation and it was so much fun! We attended 'Christmas at Dolly Parton's Stampede' with 'Elegance on Ice.' So our show featured a live nativity, a beautiful holiday theme and decor, holiday music, and a synthetic ice rink with performing skaters. Check the Dolly Parton's Stampede website for the most up-to-date info and current show schedule.
Other Tips About Dollywood from The Jersey Momma
-Since we stayed at a Dollywood resort, we received complimentary trolley service to the park. If you are driving yourself, there is a parking lot and trams. Parking is an additional fee (unless you're a diamond or gold season pass holder).
-I am a Dolly Parton fan and if you are, too, then you MUST visit! I honestly felt like Dolly's heart and soul was in this park and in the resort. It was also amazing to visit the Dolly Parton Experience (Behind the Seams, Songteller, DreamSong Theater, the tour bus) and shop so much Dolly merch! There's even a replica of Dolly's childhood home (the small cabin she grew up in), and I was especially excited to see a replica of the coat of many colors!
-Arrive early to get the most out of your day.
-Take advantage of their photo service. Their are photographers throughout the park who can take your photo for you and you are not obligated to purchase. But just remember that you have to view your photos within the park and you won't have access to them at home.
-Download the Dollywood app so you can see all of the ride options, shows, map, and more right on your phone.
Stay Connected
You can follow Dollywood on their social channels and visit their website for all of the most up-to-date info. Sign up for their email list to receive all of the latest sales and deals.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dollywood/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dollywood
Do you have more questions about Dollywood? Message me on social media or comment below (just FYI, all comments have to be pre-approved before publication).
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