Hey there! Budgeting for a trip can be super stressful. Now that you are planning your vacation, you are probably asking yourself How Much Should I Budget for Dollywood? I can help you!. I’ve been to Dollywood and other major theme parks a lot of times over the past years, and I have learned different ways to maximize the fun without breaking the bank. And the best part? You’ll have just as much fun as those who spent a fortune. So, let’s start planning!.
A budget of approximately $1100 to $1500 for a three-day, two-night trip to Dollywood for two people is a rough estimate, including park admission, transportation, food, and hotel. Keep in mind that the cost may vary based on the time of year and personal needs.
Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is a fantastic amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and you’ll definitely want to make the most of your trip. But before you start packing, it’s important to figure out how much you’ll need to spend. We have details on what you can expect to spend, including park admission, transportation, food, hotel, and how to save some money.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs you’ll need to consider:
How much should I budget for park admission?
You have different ticket options to choose from. A one-day ticket to Dollywood costs around $90 per person. If you’re planning on visiting the park for three days, that would add up to $270 per person, but by getting a 3 day pass bundle you’ll SAVE money, totaling $120 per person for 3 days. Remember to always check the Dollywood website for the most up to date prices since ticket prices can vary by seasons.
How much should I budget for transportation when visiting Dollywood?
Depending on where you’re coming from and how long you staying for, you may need to budget for transportation to and from Dollywood. If you’re driving your own vehicle and you’re visiting for around 3 days, a reasonable average is $200 – $500. That’s taking into account Gas, Tolls and Miscellaneous parking around the pigeon forge and Gatlinburg area.
How much should I budget for food while visiting Dollywood?
Dining in Dollywood can be a bit pricey, so it’s a good idea to budget for food and drinks. On average, a couple can expect to spend around $30 – $40 per meal .
How much should I budget for Accommodations when visiting Dollywood?
There are hotels everywhere near Dollywood, so you’ll have so many options to choose from. Prices can vary depending on the time of year and the level of luxury you’re looking for. On average, you can expect to spend around $150 per night for a moderate-level hotel.
It’s always a good idea to compare prices and check for any special offers or discounts available. You may be able to find a package deal that includes park admission, transportation, food, and accommodations at a discounted rate.
estimate cost for 2 adults Staying 3 Days 2 nights
| Expense | Estimated Cost | Calculations | Min Total | Max Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Admission | $130 Per Person | 2 People – 3 Day Ticket + Tax | $260 | $260 |
| Dollywood parking | $25 Per Day | One Car Only | $75 | $75 |
| Transportation | $200 – $500 | Gasoline and Tolls. ( Varies by Distance ) | $200 | $500 |
| Food | $30 – $40 Per Meal Per Couple | 3 Meals a Day 2 Night / 3 Day Stay | $270 | $360 |
| Accommodations | $145 – $150 Per Night | Moderate Hotel 2 Nights | $290 | $300 |
| Total | $1100 – $1500 | Average 1,200 | $1100 | $1,500 |
Remember, this is just a rough estimate, and you’ll need to adjust your budget based on your specific needs and preferences. Don’t forget to compare prices and check for any promotions or discounts available!
what are some eating Options outside Dollywood?
Eating inside Dollywood can be convenient, but it can also be expensive. The cost of food inside the park can add up quickly, and you will more than likely end up spending more than you had budgeted for. By eating outside of the park, you have more options, and probably will save money.
Here are some options for eating outside Dollywood to save money:
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, the nearby towns to Dollywood, have many different dining options! Whether you’re looking for fast food or a sit-down restaurant, you will find something delicious.
Fast food chains like Subway, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell are available in different locations and offer quick, affordable meals. If you want a sit-down dining experience, there are plenty of options available as well. From casual diners to fancy restaurants. Some popular options include the Old Mill Restaurant, which serves traditional Southern cuisine, and The Peddler Steakhouse, which offers an upscale dining experience.
If you’re looking for something in between, there are plenty of cafes and pubs to choose from. These options offer a relaxed, casual atmosphere with a variety of menu options to choose from. Some popular options include the Smoky Mountain Brewery and The Apple Barn Cider Mill and General Store.
What Miscellaneous expenses to consider?
when visiting Dollywood and the surrounding areas in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, there are different expenses to consider when you are making the budget for your trip, besides the cost of the tickets, food, transportation and hotel. There are lots of different attractions and activities outside of Dollywood that can add to your overall trip cost, but they also add a fun experience to your trip. Here’s a look at some of these expenses;
Parking Fees
Standard Parking at Dollywood costs anywhere from $22 to $41 per day unless you have a season pass, so it is important to consider this expense when planning your trip. If you stay at the DreamMore Resort & Spa or their brand new HeartSong Lodge & Resort, you don’t have to pay for parking because they have buses that take you to the park from the resort. But If you plan on driving to the park, make sure to budget for parking in your overall expenses.
Souvenirs And Gifts
Dollywood has so many cute souvenirs and gifts, T-shirts and hats. jewelry and collectibles like mugs. It’s super tempting to want to take absolutely everything home with you, but these expenses can add up quickly. Make sure to budget for these expenses if you plan on purchasing souvenirs.
Snacks And Drinks
Snacks and drinks at Dollywood can be expensive, so if you want to save some money, you should bring your own water bottle and snacks. If you do plan on buying snacks and drinks at the park, like their warm delicious cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill, make sure to budget for these expenses in advance.
Activities outside of Dollywood
There are so so many attractions and activities in the surrounding areas like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Titanic Museum Attraction, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner. These activities come with an additional cost, so make sure to budget for them if you plan on visiting them.
So How Much Should you Budget for Dollywood?
The truth is that there is no one answer to how much you should budget for a trip to Dollywood because It depends on your personal preferences and travel style. If every time you go on a vacation somewhere, you spend on souvenirs, snacks, drinks etc, you should budget for them.
It’s always important to also take into account extra expenses like parking, and activities outside of Dollywood. Including miscellaneous expenses in your budget is always a good idea too, it can help cover any unexpected costs that may come up during your trip.
With a little planning, you can have an awesome, budget-friendly vacation!
What do you budget for when planning your vacations? Share with us in the comments.
