The not so fun part of vacation, planning! I know we all want to skip this part, but It’s important to plan before your visit if you want a smooth-ish vacation. That’s where we come in! We came up with this guide to hopefully help you out with your planning.
You might have to tweak it a little to fit your needs, but here it is!
Choosing the Right Season to Visit Dollywood
Each season in the Smoky Mountains brings its own charm to Dollywood, it doesn’t matter when you chose to go, It will still be an amazing experience. But There are some things to consider when choosing dates to visit.
For Example; when is the best weather for your family, the lowest crowds or if you just want to enjoy one of the many festivals that happen at Dollywood. We have a full blog post devoted to helping you decide the best time to visit, and another one to help you avoid crowds, but here is the Quick Version;
Spring Season
During springtime, the park is particularly beautiful with blooming flowers and the weather is just amazing. Every Spring Dollywood transforms the park and showcases the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. The Flower & Food Festival ( APRIL. 19 – JUNE. 9, 2024 ) is packed with beautiful flower sculptures and so much delicious food!.
Summer Season
As the days get hotter and longer and Summer break happens for most school districts in mid-June, you’ll see an uptick in crowds — but in our opinion, it’s pretty manageable with longer park hours and so much entertainment happening at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration ( JUNE. 15 – AUG. 11 ) Once the sun goes down, get ready for a drone show that lights up the Smoky Mountains!.
Fall Season
As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, fall casts a spell over Dollywood with their Harvest Festival ( SEP. 9 – OCT. 28, 2024 ) You will see amazing pumpkin displays at the festival and you can try all the delicious food. After the sun goes down, the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights lights up the night sky with the glow of over 12,000 pumpkins!
Winter Season
Dollywood transforms into a winter wonderland during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival ( NOV. 1 – JAN. 5, 2024 ). If you love the joy and enchantment of Christmas and don’t mind really cold weather, you should definitely plan your visit during winter time!. You will see Millions of twinkling lights through the park, heartwarming shows and festive displays.
How Many Days Should You Plan To Visit Dollywood
“How many days should I spend at Dollywood?”, This is a question everyone asks when they are planning their trip. The answer really depends on your vacation style and budget, but I would recommend at least 2 days for an ultimate Dollywood experience and 3 days if you are also thinking on visiting Dollywood’s water park, splash country.
Single Day Visit
A single day visit to Dollywood can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick getaway. One Day Tickets for Dollywood cost $89 for Adults and $79 for Kids and Seniors. It’s perfect for those within a short driving distance, who want to enjoy a day of fun at the park without the need for an overnight stay or if you have with a tight schedule.
Keep in mind that a single day may not give you enough time to explore everything at Dollywood, and you might need to prioritize your “must do” rides/attractions.
Multi-Day Options
By getting multi day tickets, you can enjoy more since you will not be rushing and trying to do everything in a single visit. You can choose what you want to do and see each day. You could take one day to ride all the rides and coasters, and another day to relax, try different foods like their famous Cinnamon Bread, see shows and enjoy the music. In my opinion, this is the best way to do it, especially if you have little explorers.
You have the option of buying a 2 day or 3 day ticket. 2 Day Tickets cost $119 for Adults and $109 for Kids and Seniors. 3 Day Tickets for Dollywood cost $129 for Adults and $119 for Kids and Seniors. If you end up buying 2 or 3 day tickets, you have to use the second and third day within a 5 day period after your first visit.
If you’re looking for more information to help you decide, check out our blog posts: How Many Days Should I Plan To Visit Dollywood?
Setting a Budget for Your Dollywood Adventure
If you’re the budget type (like me) We’ll go over what you can expect to spend on your Dollywood adventure. But hey, if numbers give you nightmares and budgets are your arch-nemesis, no worries! Here is a skip bottom to the next section.
No one likes to have a budget and it can be stressful to figure out, but its always a good idea to have a plan for your hard earned money. In this section we go over some things to take into account when traveling;
Park Admission
Start by researching the current ticket prices for Dollywood. Consider how many days you plan on visiting. To save money, explore the option of purchasing multi-day passes or annual passes which normally have significant discounts if you plan on being a regular visitor. Be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Dollywood Tickets for the most up-to-date ticket prices and information.
Transportation
Estimate the cost of getting to and from Dollywood. If you’re driving, take in consideration expenses like gasoline, tolls, and public parking/Dollywood parking. The cost will vary depending on your location and the distance to the park. TIP: Use an app like google maps to plan your route and estimate fuel costs.
Food Expenses
Food expenses can add up, especially if you plan to eat inside the park. Research the food options available in Dollywood and their prices.( You can normally find pictures of the menus and prices on Tripadvisor ). To save money, you could plan on having some meals outside the park where you can find cheaper choices.
Accommodations
When you are budgeting for a place to stay during your vacation , take into account how long your stay is and the type of lodging you prefer. Prices can change based on the time of year or locations. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews from other guests that have already stayed there to find the best deal that suits your needs and budget.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Don’t forget to budget for extra costs like parking fees at Dollywood, souvenirs, and snacks/drinks inside the park. You can always bring your own water bottles and snacks to save a little. If you plan on staying in the area for a few days, remember to budget for activities outside of Dollywood, like nearby attractions.
Promotions and Discounts
Keep an eye out for special promotions or discounts that may be available for park admission, hotels, or dining. Many websites, including the official Dollywood site, offer seasonal deals that can help you save money.
For a more detailed guide on budgeting for your Dollywood trip, including tips and tricks to maximize your savings, check out our Ultimate Dollywood Budget Guide.
Booking Accommodations in the Area
Before We give you a list of handpicked hotels in the area, here are some tips that you can use whenever you are researching for hotels.
Plan Ahead for High Seasons
If it’s possible, You should try to plan your trip well in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during peak seasons. Summer and holidays are normally really busy, so booking early gives you more options and better prices!. Many hotels have early booking discounts, so keep an eye out for those special deals.
Proximity to Dollywood
If you can, try to get hotels that are close to Dollywood to minimize travel time and maximize your fun!. Sevierville and Pigeon Forge have many options – from cozy cabins to family friendly hotels.
Explore Vacation Rentals
If you’re traveling with a larger family or want a more home-like atmosphere, you should check out vacation rentals in the area. Cabins, cottages, and condos can give you the space and amenities you need. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo have so many options for every budget.
Read Reviews
The best way to not end up in a terrible hotel or vacation home is by reading reviews from guests that have stayed before. Look for hotels and resorts that have mostly positive feedback, and pay attention to comments / guest pics about cleanliness and customer service. I personally always go to TripAdvisor for my research.
Handpicked Hotels
As promised Here is the list of hotels to help make your researching a little easier! Each Hotel and Resort on This List was researched and handpicked by us with something for everyone and every budget – Specifically with these categories in mind:
Cleanliness
No one likes to stay in a dirty place. We chose these hotels and resorts making sure they maintain high standards of cleanliness, So you can enjoy your stay.
Best Reviews
This method always worked out for me when I’m researching hotels or resorts. Other guest’s reviews + pictures = best way to figure out if the hotel is any good or not.
Location
Location matters when you are on vacation time. The selected hotels and resorts are all near the main attractions around the area so you can spend less time driving and more time enjoying.
Amenities
Traveling with kids means you need more than just a bed. We try to chose hotels and resorts that are not just clean and comfortable, but convenient with things like free breakfast, indoor and outdoor pools, microwave, etc. Those little things that can make a big difference to a parent.
Packing Essentials For a Dollywood Trip
Unlike some theme parks that get summer weather all year long, Dollywood experiences the full spectrum of seasons. Depending on when you are visiting, you need to pack and be ready for the weather. (Always check the weather before your visit to help you pack)
Spring Season Packing
The park comes alive with colorful flowers and mild temperatures. You should pack for summer and fall, because the weather changes throughout the day. Layers are your best friends, In the mornings you might be wearing pants and a jacket, but in the afternoon you change into shorts, and back to pants and a sweater at night. Anything goes with this weather!.
Summer Season Packing
Summer days at Dollywood can be hot and sunny. Pack light clothing, comfortable shoes for walking, and sunscreen. Hit the water rides if it gets too hot, stay hydrated and remember to pack extra clothes and shoes!. If you need a break from the heat, Come back after the sun goes down for evening entertainment and cooler weather.
Fall Season Packing
Autumn normally brings cooler temperatures especially at night and mornings but just like spring, Pack layers! An extra layer or two will keep everyone cozy during cooler evenings. For a more detailed guide on what to expect during this season check out this post about Visiting Dollywood and The Surrounding Area In The Fall Season!
Winter Season Packing
If you’re planning a winter visit, pack heavy winter Coats, tech friendly gloves, and hats because it can get really cold! Especially if there is freezing wind. Again, Layers are your best friend and will keep your family comfortable as you enjoy Dollywood’s winter wonderland. If you have kiddos in strollers, take their warm blankets.
Check the weather before your trip to make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected cold snaps. For more details and tips on what to expect during the winter season, we have a post about Visiting Dollywood and The Surrounding Areas in The Winter Season!
If you are traveling with little explorers, make sure to check out our detailed post, 21 Must Pack Items For a Day at Dollywood With Kids. This list covers everything from snacks and entertainment to essential supplies like wipes, extra clothing and all Those little things you might need with your Kiddos.
What to Know Before You Arrive
If its your first time visiting Dollywood, this list has some important information you might want to know before you arrive!
There are different ticket options you can chose from and we have you covered with this Dollywood Ticket Complete Guide It has everything you need to know about Dollywood tickets, including how much they cost, military discounts, Time-Saver passes, parking fees, and more.
Dollywood’s Bag’s and Food Policy
Packing and planning for a day of fun and are wondering what you can take into Dollywood? Don’t worry – we have all the info you need in our post that not only answers the question Can You Bring Food & Drinks into Dollywood? but also covers Dollywood’s outside food policy.
Parking and Transportation Options
Parking at Dollywood is super convenient but comes at a cost. If you don’t want to pay for parking, there are alternatives that you might not know about. Learn everything you need to know about Dollywood’s parking fees and the alternatives in our Dollywood’s Parking-Lot Complete Guide.
Dollywood’s Refillable Souvenir Mugs
Stay hydrated all day by Getting Dollywood’s Refillable Souvenir Mugs. See all the benefits, how they work and everything you need to know ( including prices ) in our Complete Guide to Dollywood’s Souvenir Mugs.
Strollers, Wheelchairs, and ECV Rental
If you need to rent a stroller, wheelchair or ECV for your day at Dollywood – they have you covered. We made a post with all the information you need! In our Dollywood Rental Guide we answer all of your questions about these rentals in the park (including prices)
Dollywood’s Memory Pass (Photo-Pass)
If you want to capture every magical moment from your day (with you in the pictures too) You should definitely get Dollywood’s Memory Pass. We have made a post with all of the benefits and details you need to know in our Memory Pass Post.
Dollywood’s Time-Saver
If you are only heading to Dollywood for one day or are visiting during high seasons ( like summer break ) you should look into getting Dollywood’s time saver ( fast passes ). For all the details, including prices and how it works, check out our Dollywood’s Time-Saver post
Parent Swap Program
For parents with little explorers, the Parent Swap Program is a game changer. Learn everything about this super convenient and free program in our detailed post about the Parent Swap Program.
Dollywood’s Locker Rentals
If you are visiting Dollywood with your family and are taking a lot of stuff with you into the park or you are planning on staying the whole day, renting a locker can be a great option. Dive into all the details with our Locker Rentals post.
Navigating Dollywood Like a Pro
Tips For An Unforgettable Vacation
Weekdays are normally quieter, allowing you to enjoy every attraction without the weekend rush. If you can’t make it during the week and there are long lines, you can always get the TimeSaver Pass and skip the long wait lines on select rides.
If you want to make your stay even better, look into staying in one of Dollywood’s enchanting resorts, which give you exclusive benefits like early park access, free TimeSaver passes, so many activities and is right next door to the park’s magic. This is just a sneak peek; read our “20 Tips to Make the Most of Your Dollywood Vacation!” for a detailed guide!
Tips For Preparing Your Visit with Kids
Getting ready for a day of fun with little explorers is no joke! Even though Dollywood is super family friendly, it can still be a challenge tackling the park with your kiddos, that’s why We have made a post to help you!
Check out our 10 Tips To Prepare For Your Visit To Dollywood With Kids. We go over things like planning your visit in advanced, checking height restrictions, packing all the essentials like snacks and water bottles, and so much more. If you are a parent, don’t skip this information!
Toddler-Friendly Dollywood Adventures
Dollywood is an amazing place for families with kids of different ages. It has plenty of rides, live music, shows, and fun activities to keep them happy and entertained!. It also has a number of fun attractions for the littlest explorers in the family, from kiddie rides to gentle junior roller coasters. In our post What Can You Do at Dollywood With a Toddler? we’ll cover the best Toddler-Friendly attractions and Dollywood’s Playgrounds!
Dollywood’s Surrounding Area
The fun doesn’t have to end at the park gates. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have so many attractions and things to do. If you are in the area, you should pass by!
Pigeon Forge: A Hub of Family Entertainment
Wondering what makes this town a must-visit? Here are some highlights:
The Island at Pigeon Forge
The Island is a family fun destination. Kind of like an outdoor mall. You will find everything from food, shopping and games. Watch the awesome Island Fountain Show or take a spin on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for stunning views!.
Titanic Museum Attraction
If you are a fan of the Titanic story, don’t skip this one! Step back in time and experience the Titanic at this unique museum. With different interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts!.
Alpine Coaster Adventures
Thrill-seekers in the family will love the Alpine Coaster. Experience the excitement of a gravity-propelled ride down the mountain.
Indoor Snow Tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow
For a unique winter experience any time of the year, head to Pigeon Forge Snow. Enjoy snow tubing indoors, making it a perfect activity regardless of the weather outside.
