Skip to Content

Guide To Dollywood

Guide To Dollywood

Dolly Parton is such an inspiration and legend for so many people that her theme park, Dollywood becomes the natural choice for Dolly fans when it comes to planning a vacation.

No matter if you are a huge Dolly Parton lover or simply an amusement park aficionado, no trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a stop at Dollywood.

Below we’ve attempted to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to a visit to Dollywood.

Where is Dollywood located?

Dollywood is 35 miles southeast of Knoxville, Tennessee in scenic Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at sitting at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Dollywood is 213 miles from Nashville, Tennessee or about 4 hours give or take depending on how heavy your foot is.

How much are tickets?

Adult tickets for 1 day just for Dollywood for ages 10 and up are $79

If you are just wanting to go to Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park, tickets for 1 day admission are $49.95

Can you save time in line?

The Dollywood TimeSaver Line management pass is an add on that you can purchase to go along with your tickets that will allow you to use expedited entrances to by pass some of the lines.
Resort guests receive a complementary TimeSaver pass with their stay.

What are Dollywood’s hours?

Dollywood is March – December, however the hours vary based on the season.

Check out Dollywood’s calendar to check on your specific dates and hours.

What can you bring in to Dollywood?

According to the Dollywood website, outside snacks and drinks are not allowed into the park.

Although, I have heard from friends that they have taken small snacks (think granola bars etc) into the park without any issue. But they aren’t quite like Disney where you can take in a lunch and drinks.

If you do decide to bring snacks, just know that the official answer from Dollywood is no, so they could very well be confiscated. Fair warning.

Can Dollywood be done in one day?

My answer to this no matter the park is sure, if you only have one day you can do it in one.

But, if you want to really experience the park we would recommend visiting for 2 days. Keep in mind there is a waterpark that is open in the warmer months and that can take up a full day on its own.

Best value tip: If you enter the park after 3pm on your first day, you can return the next day for no additional charge. So even in the season where they close the earliest (6pm) you have a solid 3 hours to check things out and make a plan for the next day.

How many rides does Dollywood have?

Dollywood is an 160 acre theme park that has 50 rides. From big coasters to age appropriate rides there is something for everyone.

How far is Dollywood from Nashville?

Dollywood is about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee.

Does Dolly Parton ever show up at Dollywood?

Dolly does show up in the park from time to time. When she does she is busy! Sometimes she hops in a parade, preforms in a show or just is at the park to check on things.

Just a tip, around opening weekend Dolly is often in the park so if you are itching to see her (I mean who isn’t?!) that might just be the best time to plan a visit.

Staying at Dollywood

Dollywood DreamMore Resort

The Dollywood DreamMore resort is a a destination to make plans to visit even if you never set foot into the amusement park.

DreamMore has beautifully decorated rooms. rocking chairs looking over the scenery and two onsite pools.

If you need to escape reality for just a moment more, make sure to book a spa treatment at the Spa at DreamMore.

Cabins at Dollywood

Dollywood has several different cabins available for rent, and just like the DreamMore Resort, there are perks that come along with being a on-site guest. Not to mention the fact that you can choose the features of the cabin that best work for you and your family. Want a cabin with a hot tub option? No problem. Game room for the family more your speed? Got you covered.

Have you visited Dollywood before? What’s your families favorite thing to do?