Dollywood is a piece of heaven in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. I love the fact that the park is tucked back into the mountains so you cannot see it unless you are a guest. Without even riding anything, you can stroll through the beautiful park and enjoy the warm Smoky Mountain feel. From banjo music playing to live music on the Back Porch, Dollywood is magical in so many ways.
1. Timesaver Passes
If you are only visiting Dollywood for one day I highly recommend the TimeSaver pass, especially if you love to ride coasters. There are two options available for purchase before your visit.Timesaver allows for fast entrance eight times throughout the day at your choice of valid attractions plus unlimited daily show reservations at participating theaters. TimeSaver Unlimited allows for fast entrance throughout the day at your choice of valid attractions plus unlimited daily show reservations at participating theaters.
During our last visit I had the regular time saver and my coaster loving kids had the unlimited pass. We spent less time in line and more time enjoying the whole park experience. Skip the long lines- and get a TimeSaver!
2. Dollywood Express
This 20 minute ride is a do not miss! The authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine takes you on a breathtaking five-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains where you’ll enjoy of the most beautiful views that nature has to offer.
3. Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread
You didn’t go to Dollywood if you didn’t have cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill. It’s like a rite of passage. Here, you can watch this famous treat be made fresh. Try this famous snack with buttercream icing or Dollywood’s own apple butter.Make sure to grab a loaf on your way out of the park at the Spotlight Bakery as well!
4. Thunderhead
Do not! I repeat do not miss this wooden coaster. I know many thrill seekers often dismiss wooden coasters for the steel monsters, but Thunderhead isn’t just any coaster. I was absolutely blow away after my first ride last summer- it’s unexpected in every way a coaster can be.
5. Watch A Show
The shows at Dollywood are outstanding. I can honestly say that no theme park does it better. It’s like a mini-concert for 20 minutes with everything from country, gospel, pop and good old fashioned pickin’.
If you truly want to get to the heart of Dolly, put Heartsong on your must see list. In this show Dolly shares her story of the place she loves the most. It’s very emotional, and a beautiful story.
6. Sit Down For A Meal
There is no shortage of places to dine in Dollywood, from sweet snacks to savory fried chicken you are sure to make everyone happy. During our last visit we had lunch at Front Porch Cafe’ and it was wonderful. This is a great spot to cool off in the air conditioning and watch the people pass by. It was pretty hot that afternoon so we had a light lunch, and this is probably one of the few spots in the park not serving up huge Southern portions.
If you are looking for a hearty meal you can’t go wrong with Aunt Granny’s, this family style restaurant serves fried chicken, catfish, pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, cobbler and more. All served family style, you will choose 2 entree’s and 4 sides or 3 entree’s and 4 sides. Offering everything from ham & beans, to smokehouse bbq and fresh pork rinds, Dollywood has everything you could want when hunger comes calling.
7. Lightning Rod
This may very well be one of my favorite coasters! Head over to Jukebox Junction for a ride with more airtime than you can imagine. This hybrid wooden/steel coaster is for the ultimate thrill seekers- you don’t even have time to catch your breath before you are back in the station.
8. Experience Dolly’s History
There is a lot of personal memorabilia of Dolly’s in the park, and whether you are a die hard fan or just a person who knows of Dolly this is a fun way to learn more about her. You can visit her tour bus and go inside to get a look at how Dolly spent countless hours going from town to town. Of course it was in a glam way!
While it wasn’t open during our visit the Chasing Rainbows Museum is a do not miss to see all of Dolly’s personal treasures from her career. It truly is a time capsule of such a dynamic woman’s life and career.
With so much to see and do at Dollywood it’s much more than a one day park. You could easily spend one day seeing all of the shows and enjoying a fabulous meal, and go back the next day to try all of the snacks and coasters!
Be sure to make your way to the Mountains of East Tennessee and experience Dollywood for yourself.
