The Best Things to Do at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge

Planning a visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge? Whether you are a roller coaster fan, a foodie, or just want a charming day in the Smoky Mountains, this guide covers the best things to do at Dollywood. You’ll also find practical Dollywood tips to help you feel confident and prepared. From must ride attractions to time saving tools, you’ll walk away ready to enjoy Dollywood in Pigeon Forge without feeling overwhelmed.

Dollywood hosted me to experience their theme park and share my experience with my audience.

What to Know About Dollywood in Pigeon Forge

Dollywood is a true Southern gem set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Owned by the legendary Dolly Parton, the park blends thrilling rides with Appalachian storytelling, live music, and warm Southern hospitality. It feels less like a typical theme park and more like an experience rooted in place and culture.

Dollywood typically operates from mid March through early January, though Dollywood’s hours of operation vary by season. Always check the official calendar before your visit, especially if you want to plan around festivals like the Flower and Food Festival or Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Thrilling Rides That Are Some of the Best Things to Do at Dollywood

If thrill rides are high on your list, Dollywood absolutely delivers. The coaster lineup alone is a big reason people travel to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

Lightning Rod is one of the most talked about rides in the park, combining high speeds with smooth turns along the mountainside.

Wild Eagle offers a completely different experience, lifting riders high above the park before diving through loops and twists that make you feel like you are flying. It easily earns its place among the best things to do at Dollywood.

Mystery Mine adds storytelling and suspense, with sharp turns, dramatic effects, and a nearly vertical drop that catches many riders off guard.

Tennessee Tornado is a classic steel coaster with multiple inversions and speeds that feel even faster thanks to the surrounding scenery.

For warmer days, Smoky Mountain River Rampage is a refreshing change of pace. You will get wet, sometimes very wet, so plan accordingly.

If you are looking for a ride that is exciting but not intense, Blazing Fury Dollywood is a great choice. It blends a storyline with a milder ride experience, making it a solid option for first time riders or anyone easing into coasters.

Big Bear Mountain is one of the park’s newer coasters and a favorite for families. Located in Wildwood Grove, it features onboard audio, smooth turns, and a longer ride time that makes it feel like a full experience rather than a quick thrill.

Dollywood uses clear ride intensity symbols throughout the park. Black diamond indicates high thrill, blue square means moderate thrill, and green circle represents mild attractions. These symbols are extremely helpful when deciding which rides fit your comfort level.

Must Try Food That Belongs on Any Best Things to Do at Dollywood List

Dollywood food is not an afterthought. It is part of the experience and one of the best surprises for first time visitors. From southern BBQ to sweet treats, you will find something delicious to indulge in.

If you want a comforting meal, Aunt Granny’s serves Southern dishes family style and is perfect for refueling mid day. The Front Porch Café highlights some of Dolly’s favorite recipes along with seasonal specials that rotate throughout the year.

Quick service options are just as satisfying. BBQ pork sandwiches paired with sidewinder fries are a great choice when you want something filling without slowing down your day.

Dessert lovers should absolutely plan snack breaks. The Grist Mill cinnamon bread is iconic for a reason. Baked fresh daily and served warm, it is best enjoyed with buttercream icing or apple butter. It easily ranks as one of the best things to do at Dollywood, especially if it is your first visit.

Spotlight Bakery and the Sweet Shoppe offer classic treats like fudge, caramel apples, funnel cakes, and baked goods that feel extra special between rides.

Best Things to Do at Dollywood Beyond Rides and Food

One of the reasons Dollywood stands out is its setting in the Smoky Mountains. Even slower moments feel special thanks to the scenery.

The Dollywood Express steam train is a relaxing way to experience the park from a different perspective. It winds through the foothills and offers beautiful views while giving your feet a break.

Dollywood is also home to the world’s largest exhibit of non releasable American bald eagles. The aviary provides an up close look at these incredible birds and offers an educational experience that appeals to all ages.

As you explore the park, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Deer and wild turkeys are sometimes spotted, adding to the feeling that Dollywood is truly part of the mountains.

Best Things to Do at Dollywood With Kids and Families

Dollywood is a fantastic destination for families, especially those traveling with younger children.

One of the first stops you should make is the Centralized Measuring Station located between the Ride Accessibility Center and Rental Services on Showstreet when you enter the park. This will help you determine which rides your child can ride. Children receive a color coded wristband that corresponds with ride height requirements, saving time and avoiding disappointment later in the day.

Country Fair is packed with rides designed for little ones, along with games and food options that make it easy to spend a lot of time in one area. There are a variety of kid-friendly options available, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy. It is a convenient spot for families who want everything close together.

Wildwood Grove feels like stepping into a storybook forest. Designed with families in mind, it features playful rides, shaded walkways, and interactive elements. The centerpiece of Wildwood Grove is the Wildwood Tree, a 60-foot-tall tree that serves as the entrance to the area. The tree is home to a number of interactive elements, including a wishing well, a treehouse, and a slide. It is a great place to slow down and let kids explore.

Live Entertainment at Dollywood

Dollywood’s live entertainment is one of its biggest strengths and often surprises first time visitors.

Musical performances range from bluegrass and gospel to full stage productions with impressive vocals. These shows are a great way to rest while still feeling immersed in the park’s atmosphere. The Tones and Harmonies of the Heart features talented singers and musicians. You can also listen to the Smoky Mountain String Band for authentic mountain music.

The Wings of America Birds of Prey will give you an up close look as amazing birds of prey are presented in an open-air theater in the Craftsman’s Valley area. It is both entertaining and educational for audiences of all ages. Watching eagles and other birds soar overhead while learning about conservation makes it a memorable experience for guests of all ages.

Check showtimes in the Dollywood app so you can plan your day around performances you do not want to miss.

Dollywood Tips That Help You Save Time

A little planning goes a long way when visiting Dollywood, especially during busy seasons. Now that you know some of the best things to do at Dollywood, it’s time to go over the details about the park, some helpful information for planning your visit, and other Dollywood tips so that you are prepared for the best possible experience.

Parking at Dollywood

Standard parking is available for a daily fee, with preferred parking offered closer to the entrance. Complimentary trams run regularly, and signs clearly show walking distances if you prefer to head in on foot.

Dollywood Tickets

Purchasing Dollywood theme park tickets online ahead of timesaves time at arrival. Families with preschool age children should look into the Dollywood Pre K Imagination Season Pass, which offers free admission for eligible kids.

Dollywood TimeSaver Pass

If you are visiting during a busy time of year or on the weekends, you may want to purchase the Dollywood TimeSaver Pass. TimeSaver allows expedited access to select attractions and priority seating for certain shows.

TimeSaver includes five expedited entries on any of the thirteen participating TimeSaver attractions, plus priority seating at shows in participating theaters. Your five entries can be used on a combination of eligible TimeSaver attractions. However, TimeSaver may be utilized on Dragonflier and Lightning Rod only once. Entries on Dragonflier and Lightning Rod are taken from your 5 allotted entries. 

TimeSaver Plus includes unlimited entries on participating TimeSaver attractions, as well as priority seating at shows in participating theaters. However, TimeSaver Plus may be utilized on Lightning Rod only once.

Download the Dollywood App

The Dollywood app is one of the most useful planning tools available. It is designed to help you plan your trip to the park and make the most of your time. You can check ride wait times, view show schedules, locate dining options, and create a personalized list of must see attractions. The interactive map also makes navigating the park much easier.

Prepare for Walking in the Mountains

Dollywood isn’t like other theme parks you may have visited in Florida with flat surfaces. Dollywood is built into the Smoky Mountains, so expect hills and uneven paths. Comfortable shoes are essential, even if you are used to theme parks.

Know Which Direction to Start

If roller coasters are a priority, head left as you enter Dollywood. Many major rides, including six of the coasters, are located in that direction. Wait times are ofter shorter earlier in the day, especially at park opening.

Free Water and Staying Hydrated

Make sure you stay hydrated! Complimentary cups of water are available at all food locations, just ask! You can also find water fountains and bottle refill stations throughout the park. Bring a refillable bottle and take advantage of fountains and refill stations throughout the park.

Lockers and Storage

All-day lockers are available at the front of the park for a fee if you’ll have larger items with you. There are also floating lockers throughout the park. Ride to ride floating locker rentals are available at Wild Eagle, Mystery Mine, FireChaser Express, Daredevil Falls, Barnstormer, River Rampage, Tennessee Tornado, Country Fair, and Lightning Rod. This means you can rent and float from locker to locker without having to pay for a new locker each time.

If you can pack light, many rides offer places to set items aside while you ride. Try to keep your valuables on you or with someone in your party not riding.

Re-Entry to Dollywood

If you want to leave the park for a bit to take a break, and come back later in the day or evening, you can get your hand stamped at the park exit. Be sure to also hang on to your parking receipt so that you’ll be able to re-enter the toll booths when you return.

Seasonal Events That Add to the Best Things to Do at Dollywood

One of the reasons Dollywood feels so special is how much the park changes throughout the year. Seasonal festivals are not just an add-on here. They truly shape the experience and can completely change what your day looks like, from the food you try to the shows you see, and even how the park feels at night.

Each of these seasonal events adds something different to the best things to do at Dollywood, which is why checking the park calendar before booking your trip is so important. If décor, shows, or seasonal food matter to you, planning your visit around a festival can make your experience feel even more magical.

Flower and Food Festival

The Flower and Food Festival typically kicks off in the spring and is one of the prettiest times to visit. Thousands of colorful flowers, oversized floral sculptures, and themed displays are spread throughout the park, making it feel fresh and bright. This festival also introduces limited-time food booths with seasonal flavors, which adds another layer to the best things to do at Dollywood if you enjoy snacking your way through a park.

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration brings longer park hours, warmer weather, and nighttime entertainment. This is often when you will find extended evening schedules, special summer shows, and more opportunities to experience rides after dark. If you love the energy of a theme park at night, this season adds a fun twist to classic Dollywood attractions.

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival transforms the park in the fall with pumpkins, autumn décor, and cozy vibes that feel perfectly matched to the Smoky Mountains. Seasonal food offerings lean into fall flavors, and the Great Pumpkin LumiNights displays in the evening are a highlight for many visitors. This time of year is especially popular for families and anyone who loves fall aesthetics paired with mild weather.

Smoky Mountain Christmas

Smoky Mountain Christmas is where Dollywood truly shines. Millions of holiday lights, festive shows, and seasonal treats turn the park into a winter wonderland. Rides take on a magical glow at night, and the Christmas themed entertainment makes this one of the most memorable ways to experience Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. For many visitors, this festival alone is reason enough to plan a trip.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do at Dollywood

Dollywood is one of those rare theme parks that balances excitement with heart. The best things to do at Dollywood are not just about thrill rides or snacks, though both are excellent. It is about the music, the scenery, the food, and the feeling that you are somewhere special. Whether you are visiting for the cinnamon bread, the coasters, or a little Dolly magic, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is a place that stays with you long after you leave.

Other Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

• The Island Pigeon Forge
• Skyland Ranch
• Pigeon Forge Travel Guide