Your Guide to Visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge

Dollywood is one of the top theme parks in the country, and it provides visitors with endless opportunities for excitement. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Pigeon Forge, a visit to Dollywood is a must. Millions of people visit Dollywood each year to enjoy more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining, and a magical atmosphere! To help you plan the perfect visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, we’ve created the ultimate guide.

What to Ride

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family with kids, or afraid of heights, there’s a ride at Dollywood for you! With more than 50 rides, guests of all ages will find something they love. Kids love fun animal-themed rides like Black Bear Trail and Piggy Parade, and there is a selection of family-friendly coasters like FireChaser Express and the Dragonflier! For something unique, try Big Bear Mountain, the longest coaster in the park that travels around 3,990 feet of track.

If you’re looking for a thrill, can’t-miss rides include Wild Eagle and Drop Line®. Wild Eagle seats riders on either side of the track so there’s nothing above or below the rider, and Drop Line® lifts guests more than 20 stories above ground and plummets them back down. For a calmer ride, climb aboard the Dollywood Express and take a scenic trip through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The opportunities for fun and excitement on Dollywood rides are endless!

Where to Shop

You’ll find no shortage of souvenirs at Dollywood! The theme park has shops for all tastes. The Emporium is perfect for any Dollywood-themed items. It has a variety of t-shirts, plush animals, magnets, and more. You can also stop at Gazebo Gifts for sunglasses, Dollywood hats, Dollywood shirts, and classic souvenirs. One unique shop you don’t want to miss is Lucky 7 Mine & Pick-A-Pearl, where you can mine from the working sluice box and hand-pick your own oyster to discover a beautiful pearl. Other shops include The Southern Pantry, Eagle’s Flight Outfitters, and Mountain Grove Merchants.

Where to Dine

You’re sure to work up an appetite when you visit Dollywood! Luckily, you’ll have plenty of dining options to choose from in the park, varying from snack stands and sweet shops to sit-down restaurants. Some of the most popular restaurants in the park are Aunt Granny’s, which serves up delicious Southern meals, family-style, and Red’s Drive-In, which has classic 50’s diner meals like burgers and shakes. Other restaurants offer everything from BBQ, to pizza, to skillets! There’s something for every appetite at Dollywood. If you’re just looking for a snack, we recommend Showstreet Snacks, Ned’s Snack Shack, or Mr. Jerry’s Sit-N-Sip Refreshments! You can also satisfy your sweet tooth at various ice cream stands, bakeries, and candy kitchens. Before you leave, stop by The Grist Mill for some world-famous cinnamon bread!

Other Things to Do

In addition to rides, shops, and restaurants, Dollywood is home to endless opportunities for entertainment. There is a variety of live music that echoes throughout the park, as well as live shows that will have your eyes glued to the stage! Popular shows are Heartsong, during which Dolly Parton takes you on a journey through the Smokies, and Wings of America Birds of Prey, during which you get an up-close look at the birds and learn interesting facts. You can also enjoy unique craft experiences, have fun in play areas, test your luck at carnival games, and so much more. The excitement never ends at Dollywood!

Dollywood Festivals

One thing that makes Dollywood special is its unique festivals held throughout the year that add more fun than you could imagine to your trip. Visit during the spring for the Flower and Food Festival, the summer for Summer Celebration, the fall for the Harvest Festival, or the holiday season for Smoky Mountain Christmas. Each festival brings more food, entertainment, and decorations to the park. There’s no better place to celebrate the seasons than Dollywood!

Best Time to Visit Dollywood

When you should visit Dollywood depends on what you want to see and do while you’re there. Dollywood opens in March each year and closes the first week of January. You’ll have no shortage of fun during any month it’s open! If you’re hoping to see thousands of carved and illuminated pumpkins, visit during the Harvest Festival in fall. If you’re hoping to see millions of twinkling holiday lights and decorations, visit during Smoky Mountain Christmas. If you want beautiful weather to enjoy the rides and everything else it has to offer, visit during the spring or summer! There’s no bad time to visit this world-class theme park with your family and friends.

More Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Now that you know more about Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and are ready to start planning your visit, we’re here to share more fun activities to do while you’re in town! Here are 4 things to do in Pigeon Forge you can’t miss.