The 160-acre Dollywood Theme Park was named the #1 Theme Park in the U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2022. What made it the top family choice are over 50 rip-roaring and kid-friendly rides, live entertainment, art and crafts at unique shops, southern-style restaurants and world-class festivals (home to six of the south’s largest festivals), and special ticketed events. And Dollywood has a beautiful location near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Opening in May is Dollywood’s newest roller coaster — Big Bear Mountain. At $25 million, the ride is the largest single attraction investment ever at the theme park, while its nearly 4,000-foot length will make it the longest roller coaster at the park.
A few good things to know if you go:
- All rides and shows are included with a Dollywood theme park tickets
- Re-enter the park on the same day with a hand stamp
- Rain checks available
- Dog boarding available at Doggywood for Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country guests
Admission tickets only for ages 10-61 (tax additional):
- One day, $89
- A two-day ticket, $109 (visit anytime within a 5-day period)
- A three-day ticket, $119 (use within a 5-day period)
Package up a visit to Pigeon Forge with 2-day Dollywood park tickets and a 3-night hotel stay at the DreamMore Resort & Spa (based on 2 adults and 2 children; mid-September). The average package price is about $950. This Spring Break promotion is offered on stays through May 25.
Book select dates with the Smoky Mountain Road Trip promotion and save up to 25% per night on stays through January 6, 2024. Book by December 23. Blackout dates and minimum night stays may apply.
Other onsite lodging options include Pigeon Forge cabins at Bear Cove Cabins.
You can add tickets to a number of live performances and shows such as the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction (“The Most Fun Place to Eat” in the Smoky Mountains) to any new or existing resort reservation. Or enjoy the entertainment at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud or The Comedy Barn Theater.
And during spring through summer visits (opens mid-May), add some time to visit Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.
Looking ahead in 2023 — Dollywood’s second resort, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, will open in November with reservations accepted in June. The 302-room hotel, adjacent to the DreamMore Resort & Spa, will feature a four-story stone fireplace, a 4,000-square-foot atrium lobby, themed guest room options, a 195-seat signature restaurant and lounge, a 40-seat Acoustics private dining room and grab-and-go dining at Songbird Market. There’s no word yet on nightly rates but we suspect it will fall more in the luxury category rather than budget.
See Clark’s travel planning and booking guide for the best tips on stress-free travel, and check out InsureMyTrip.com for travel insurance.
Why I Dig this Deal:
You can visit the #1 theme park in the U.S. and one of our most beautiful national parks on the same trip!