The Best Things to Do at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge

Planning a visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge? Whether you’re a rollercoaster fan, a foodie, or just want a charming day in the Smokies, this guide has all the best things to do at Dollywood plus practical Dollywood tips to help you make the most of your visit. From must-ride attractions to time-saving hacks, you’ll walk away ready to take on the park with confidence

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 southern gem tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Owned by the legendary Dolly Parton, it’s known for its mix of thrilling rides, family-friendly shows, Appalachian charm, and heartfelt storytelling. If you’ve never been, think of it as part theme park, part cultural experience.

The park typically operates from mid-March through early January, but Dollywood hours of operation vary by season and day. Be sure to check the Dollywood calendar before your trip to confirm hours and seasonal events like the Flower & Food Festival or Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Thrilling Rides at Dollywood

For those who enjoy fast-paced rides, Dollywood offers some of the most exciting roller coasters in the country. Daredevils can take on the Lightning Rod with a top speed of 73 miles per hour. If you’re looking for something even more intense, try the Wild Eagle, a steel coaster that takes you through twists, turns, and loops at over 60 miles per hour while giving you the feeling of soaring through the air. Wild Eagle is definitely on my list of the best things to do at Dollywood!

For those seeking a unique experience, why not take a ride on the Mystery Mine? This coaster takes you through an abandoned mine shaft, complete with special effects and a 95-degree drop that will have you screaming with excitement. Tennessee Tornado is a steel ride that features three inversions and a 128-foot drop at a 70-degree angle. Riders experience speeds of up to 63 miles per hour as they twist and turn through the scenic Smoky Mountains. For those who enjoy water rides, the Smoky Mountain River Rampage is a must-try, but be prepared to get soaked!

If you’re looking for a coaster that isn’t intense for someone’s first time, check out Blazing Fury.

Dollywood uses three symbols throughout the park to rate the ride’s intensity: a black diamond, a blue square, and a green circle. Along with watching the actual ride or attraction, the symbols are posted to help you decide whether or not it’s something you want to ride. The black diamond indicates a high thrill attraction, the blue square indicates a moderate thrill attraction, and the green circle indicates mild thrill attraction.

An all new coaster, Big Bear Mountain, opened in 2023 as part of the new park expansion, Wildwood Grove. It will be the longest Dollywood coaster – the ride will last nearly 2 minutes! – and will feature onboard audio, including music throughout the ride.

Dollywood’s lineup of exciting rides is sure to satisfy even the most adventurous adrenaline junkie. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, put on your brave face, strap in, and get ready for the ride of your life.

Dollywood Must-Try Food

Of course, all that excitement is bound to make you hungry. Luckily, Dollywood has a wide range of food options to satisfy any craving. From southern BBQ to sweet treats, you will find something delicious to indulge in. For those seeking classic amusement park fare, there are plenty of options like burgers and fries. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try the BBQ pork sandwich with sidewinder fries. We loved it!

If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, Dollywood has plenty of sit-down restaurants to choose from. Aunt Granny’s is a Southern-style restaurant that is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied with meals served family style. The Front Porch Café features a menu with many of Dolly’s own favorite meals, along with a selection of seasonal specials.

For those with a sweet tooth, stop by Sweet Shoppe for some fudge, caramel apples, or a funnel cake. At the Spotlight Bakery, the pastry chefs create fresh baked goods. You have to see the 25-pound apple pie baked in a cast-iron skillet! The standout though, is definitely the famous cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill. It is made fresh daily and you can get it with buttercream icing or apple butter. It is a must-try at the top of my best things to do at Dollywood list!

With so many options, there is something for everyone. And the best part? The food is just as delicious as the rides are thrilling. After a day full of fun and excitement, you will leave Dollywood with a full stomach and a satisfied smile on your face.

Gorgeous Scenery for Nature Lovers

Dollywood isn’t just about the rides and the food. It’s also a great destination for nature lovers. The park is situated in the beautiful Smoky Mountains, which offer stunning views and peaceful spots for visitors to relax and take in the scenery.

One of the highlights of the park is the Dollywood Express, a vintage steam train that takes visitors on a scenic tour through the mountains. It’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful spots in the area and get unique views of the theme park.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys. There’s nothing quite like seeing these animals in their natural habitat.

Dollywood is also home to the world’s largest exhibit of non-releasable American Bald Eagles. You can view the 30,000 square foot aviary for a rare glimpse of these beautiful birds.

If you’re looking for a vacation that offers both thrilling rides and stunning natural beauty, Dollywood is the perfect destination for you.

Fun Activities for the Whole Family

A family vacation to Dollywood is not only a thrilling adventure, but it also offers plenty of fun activities for everyone in the family. With over 150 acres of natural surroundings, you can experience the great outdoors while enjoying various activities.

To determine which rides your child can ride, visit the Centralized Measuring station located between the Ride Accessibility Center and Rental Services on Showstreet when you enter the park. They’ll measure each child and give them a color-coded wristband which will help you quickly identify which rides they are tall enough to ride. The wristbands correspond to the color-coded information displayed on signs at each of the rides. Doing this first thing is super helpful and will save you time and frustration.

The Country Fair section of the park has a lot of rides for little ones to ride as well as a number of games and activities that will keep them entertained for hours. The Country Fair area is also home to a number of food and beverage options, so you can easily grab a bite to eat while you’re there. There are a variety of kid-friendly options available, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy.

Wildwood Grove is another great place for families with young children. It is a safe and fun environment where kids can explore, play, and learn. This area is themed after a magical forest and features a variety of rides, attractions, and experiences. 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.

With its natural beauty and exciting activities, Dollywood is truly a vacation destination for the whole family. And if you’re not convinced yet, just wait until you discover the park’s many exciting entertainment options.

Exciting Entertainment

As if the thrilling roller coasters and exciting water rides weren’t enough, Dollywood also offers a variety of shows and performances to keep your family entertained throughout the day.

There are several musical shows, like The Tones and Harmonies of the Heart featuring 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 a fascinating and educational experience for audiences of all ages. The show features a variety of birds of prey, including eagles, owls, and vultures. The birds are presented by experienced handlers who share information about the birds’ natural habitats, diets, and behaviors.

With so many captivating shows and performances to choose from, you’ll never run out of things to do at Dollywood. Make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly so that you can experience all the excitement and entertainment this theme park has to offer.

The Best Dollywood Tips

If you really want to make the most of your visit to Dollywood, it’s important to take some time to plan ahead. Now that you know some of the best things to do at Dollywood, it’s time to get the nitty-gritty details about the park, some helpful information for planning your visit, and Dollywood tips so that you are prepared for the best possible experience.

Parking at Dollywood

Parking is $25 for all standard length vehicles and $30 for oversized vehicles like RVs and trailers. Preferred parking is available for $41 and is in a lot closer to the park entrance. There are complimentary trams to get you from the parking lot to the front gate and back if needed. The parking lot signs will tell you the approximate walking time to the park if you would like to walk.

Dollywood Tickets

You can purchase Dollywood theme park tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in the ticket line once you arrive at the park. If you have a child that is in Pre-K, look into registering them for the Dollywood Pre-K Imagination Season Pass for free admission if they qualify.

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 you expedited access to lines at select rides. While all rides and shows are still FREE with your paid admission, TimeSaver helps you maximize your visit so you can spend less time waiting in line.

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 designed to help you plan your trip to the park and make the most of your time. You will be able to view all of the rides and attractions in the park along with their locations, food locations, show times for entertainment, and more.

I loved the List feature of the app where I could add everything I wanted to see on our Dollywood visit and check them off throughout the day. The app also has an interactive map that will help you find your way through the park. You’ll be able to view the current wait times for rides throughout the day.

Prepare for Walking in the Mountains

Dollywood isn’t like other theme parks you may have visited in Florida with flat surfaces. Since it’s located in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll be walking up and down some hills during your day getting from one place to another. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for all of the walking you’ll do!

Know Which Direction to Start

If you’re looking to ride the roller coasters, head to the left as you enter Dollywood. You’ll be able to find six of the coasters can be found by going this direction and you may be able to have shorter wait times, especially at park opening.

Free Water

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 your own water bottle to fill up and keep it cool. You’ll appreciate being able to close the lid on it and keep it with you.

Lockers

All-day lockers are available at the front of the park if you’ll have larger items for $15 for the day. 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, & Lightning Rod. You can use these lockers for $10 for the day. This means you can rent and float from locker to locker without having to pay for a new locker.

If you can manage not to bring too much into the parks with you, many rides have a place to set your items off to the side. 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 lot receipt so that you’ll be able to re-enter the toll booths when you return.

Seasonal and Special Events

Dollywood hosts several special events throughout the year, including the Flower & Food Festival, Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas. These events feature unique shows, seasonal décor, and special activities that are worth planning a trip around.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do at Dollywood

Dollywood is one of those rare theme parks that feels both exciting and comforting. With thrilling rides, toe-tapping shows, hearty food, and the warmth of the Smokies all wrapped into one experience, it’s truly something special. The best things to do at Dollywood aren’t just about checking off rides; they’re about slowing down, making memories, and soaking in the joy of the day. Whether you’re heading there for the cinnamon bread, the coasters, or a little Dolly magic, you’re in for a day you won’t forget.