Guide to Dollywood: Top Tips and Tricks

Buy Tickets Online

To avoid long lines at the entry gate, buy tickets online or by phone ahead of time. Ticket packages include single and multiday passes, and if planning to visit Dollywood frequently, a season pass saves the most money. The park also offers add-ons, which include opportunities for ziplining, VIP tours and the time-saver program that reserves your spot in line. Learn more about Dollywood tickets.

Download and Print

Before leaving for your Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg vacation, print out tickets, show schedules and park maps. This saves time and allow the family to plan which rides and shows to see. If visiting the water park, this also helps plan which days to visit the theme park and which to play in the water.

Dollywood’s theme park is typically open from mid-March to early January, and hosts regular live entertainment and holiday festivals. View the park’s map.

Take the Trolley

Save on Dollywood’s parking fees and park for free in Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park. From there, guests can hop on Dollywood Trolley and Dolly’s Splash Country Trolley, both of which stop at Dollywood and Splash Country continuously. The Dollywood Trolley runs 30 minutes before and after the park’s operational hours, ensuring everyone gets back to Patriot Park.

Eat at Home

To keep food costs down, prepare and eat meals in your vacation rental. Dollywood does not allow outside snacks and drinks, so eat a healthy meal before leaving for the park. Those who decide to splurge — on dinner for example — will find more than 24 restaurants located in Dollywood. Popular choices include: Miss Lillian’s Chicken House, Country Cookers, Hickory House BBQ and Sweet Shoppe.