A Beginner’s Guide to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Theme Park in the Smoky Mountains

Dolly Parton, a renowned singer, songwriter, actor, philanthropist, and fashion icon, embodies a rich tapestry of talent. It’s only fitting that her theme park, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, uniquely combines family fun, Smoky Mountain traditions—from culinary delights to handcrafted arts—and authentic Southern hospitality.

As Tennessee's most popular paid attraction, this sprawling 160-acre park, celebrated for its seasonal displays, attracts 3 million guests annually. Here’s how to be among the most savvy visitors.

1. Think about getting a season pass

If you plan to explore the park for multiple days or revisit during the year (to experience its renowned Christmas or autumn decorations, for instance), investing in a season pass is worthwhile. A single-day ticket is priced at $92, whereas the least expensive season pass starts at $159. Benefits of the pass include discounts on accommodations, nearby attractions, and one-day tickets for friends and family, plus two complimentary tickets for guests.

2. Wear appropriate hiking attire

The Smoky Mountain area features more than just nature's beauty. Dollywood is nestled within the mountains, with paths guiding visitors up and down the hilly landscape. Opt for comfortable footwear to handle all the walking. If your group includes individuals with mobility issues or young children who may get tired quickly, consider taking the Dollywood Express train for a scenic overview of the park.

3. Utilize the app for planning

Before stepping into the park, be sure to download the complimentary Dollywood Parks & Resorts app to your smartphone. This handy resource features maps for easy navigation, show times, and information on attractions that might have longer wait periods, such as the thrilling 21-story Wild Eagle winged coaster or the speedy 55-mph Thunderhead wooden coaster.

4. Skip the lines

With life being short, you don’t want to waste time in long lines for Dollywood’s most popular attractions. For $60, the one-day Dollywood TimeSaver pass lets you bypass the queue at 5 out of the 13 participating rides and provides priority seating at select shows. For $80, the TimeSaver Plus pass grants unlimited access to skip the lines at participating attractions.

5. Team up for fun

Catering to families, Dollywood blends a variety of gentle and thrilling rides, ensuring that groups can enjoy the park together regardless of age. The newly introduced Big Bear Mountain coaster, located in Wildwood Grove, is the park's longest at 3,990 feet, adding an exciting option for all ages.

6. Stand in line for cinnamon bread

Delicious Southern favorites such as fried chicken and barbecue ribs are served at various eateries, including Aunt Granny’s and Hickory House BBQ, ensuring that everyone leaves Dollywood satisfied. Among the must-try items is the famous cinnamon bread. Be sure to join the inevitable queue at the large Grist Mill, where these iconic loaves are made. For your first taste, skip the icing and try it “naked” to truly appreciate its flavor.

7. Discover a Smoky Mountain craft

Spend some time in the Dollywood section known as Craftsman’s Valley, where you can learn from skilled Smoky Mountain artisans. Watch blacksmiths at work, see leatherworkers crafting belts and hats, and observe candle makers as they hand-dip tapers. You can even create your own iron, leather, or wax masterpiece, or blow your own glass Christmas ornament at Mountain Blown Glass, a popular attraction year-round.

8. Spot the eagles

Once you catch a glimpse of your first white-headed bald eagle in Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, it becomes easier to spot another 20 within the expansive 30,000-square-foot aviary that ascends a mountainside forest. Managed by the nonprofit American Eagle Foundation, these disabled birds of prey—such as Hero and Independence—would struggle to survive in the wild and often take part in the attraction’s Wings of America show.

9. Experience the Smokies

In a recent interview on the podcast Travel Tales by Dinogo, Dolly Parton shared that one of her favorite spots in the region is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located just 13 miles south of Pigeon Forge, it makes for an easy day trip for a hike to a waterfall. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the hills.

10. Explore the Musical Scene in Pigeon Forge

With ten musical theaters and venues at Dollywood, there’s no shortage of toe-tapping entertainment in the park. For more music in Pigeon Forge, start at Puckett’s Restaurant, a spin-off of the original grocery store in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, serving up live tunes alongside Southern cuisine. The Listening Room Cafe features songwriters showcasing their original compositions. Meanwhile, the quirky Frizzle Chicken Café entertains diners with singing animatronic hens named Dolly PartHEN and Jimi HENdrix as they enjoy their pancakes.

11. Stay with Dolly

Visitors have numerous hotel options in Pigeon Forge, but the park’s own resorts—Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and the recently opened Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, both located less than two miles away—offer guests valuable perks such as complimentary trolley service to the park, a free TimeSaver pass, and exclusive early access to the park every Saturday, one hour before opening.