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Dollywood has been called the #1 Theme Park In The United States and is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in the state. If one would like to combine one's trip to the Great Smoky Mountains with the best of Southern entertainment, music, food, and fun, then Dollywood Theme Park is a must. The Great Smoky Mountains is the most popular national park in the United States.
It is a fun-packed theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, partly owned by Dolly Parton. It is located near the Tennessee gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains and hosts around 3 million guests every tourist season. Like Branson in Missouri, Pigeon Forge is the getaway to some of the most stunning outdoor scenery and is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions.
Dollywood - The One-Stop-Shop For Southern Entertainment
Dollywood is an attraction where one can find world-class roller coasters with the best in Southern food and music, as well as wave pools, lazy rivers, and festivals. Dollywood is home to the standard amusement part, thrill rides, as well as various traditional crafts and music from the Smoky Mountain area. Examples include glass blowing, blacksmithing, Appalachian music, and country music.
- Attractions: Rides, Wave Pools, Festivals
Other Dollywood group attractions in Pigeon Forge include Dollywood's Splash Country, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Space, and the eye-catching Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction (there's another Dolly Parton Stampede in Branson, Missouri). In the summer, stay later for a nightly fireworks extravaganza.
- Dolly Parton: Also Performs At Dollywood
Among the many noted performers at Dollywood is Dolly Parton herself.
The park is noted as one of the world's premier theme parks that combine hair-raising rides with breaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. In total, Dollywood is home to over 40 rides and attractions. Notable rides include:
- Lightning Rod: The Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster In the World
- Wild Eagle: The First Wing Coaster In The USA
- FireChaser Express: The First Dual-Launch Family Coaster In The USA
Other notable rides include Daredevil Falls, Thunderhead, Blazing Fury, and Mystery Mine.
Dollywood is also home to five of the South's largest festivals, including the Festival Of Nations, Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival, and Harvest Festival. Come in the winter and see four million lights put up for Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Notable Festivals:
- Festival Of Nations
- Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival
- Harvest Festival
Seasonal Entertainment At Dollywood
While summer is peak season, there is something happening at Dollywood every season of the year. Every Christmas, they have their heartwarming holiday shows with what has been voted the best Christmas event for over a decade.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas: Nov. 5, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023
- Lights: 5 Million Lights
Feel the festive season with millions of twinkling lights as Christmas carols fill the air. Make family memories with a festive ride on the Dollywood Express and much more.
The fall is Dollywood's Harvest Festival voted America’s #1 Fall Family Event by USA Today Readers. See their 40-pumpkin tree and much more.
- Harvest Festival: Sept. 23 - Oct. 29, 2022
Summer is a time when the holiday is in full swing, all the rides are running, and the hours are extended. In contrast, spring brings the Flower & Food Festival, when one can wander through larger-than-life plant sculptures adorned in more than half a million colorful flower blooms.
Planning The Visit To Dollywood Theme Park
There are several ticketing options for Dollywood Theme Park (note that attractions like the Dollywood Splash Country Water Park are separate tickets):
- 1-Day Park Ticket: $84.00 (Adult Aged 10-61)
- 2-Day Park Ticket: $104.00 (Adult Age 10-61)
- 3-Day Park Ticket: $114.00 (Adult Age 10-61)
- Summer Ticket: $55.00 (Plus Tax After 5.00 pm) - Limited Time
A better option may be to consider a season pass for unlimited visits to the Dollywood Theme Park.
- Dollywood Silver Season Pass: $159 +tax (Includes a $5 Discount on 1 Day Tickets)
- Dollywood Gold Season Pass: $214.00 +tax (Includes Free Parking and 10-15% Discounts)
- Two-Park Gold Season Pass: $269.00 +tax (Includes The Theme Park & Splash Country Water Park Plus Discounts)
The Dollywood group also has places to stay while in Pigeon Forge - consider staying at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins. Another unusual attraction to discover while in Pigeon Forge is the Titanic Museum and replica.