Top Tips for a Summer Day at Dollywood

Loaded with fun for the whole family, Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is great for kids and adults of all ages. Couples and adults will love the shows, teens and older kids will love the roller coasters, and younger kids will love the carnival games and kiddie rides. The younger ones can try the Amazing Flying Elephants, Busy Bees, Dollywood Express, Firehouse Fun Yard, Lemon Twist, and Granny’s Garden to name a few. Adults and older kids can get their thrills on Barnstormer, Daredevil Falls (prepare to get wet!), Mystery Mine, and more. You can also check out the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, see the Wings of America Show Birds, or enjoy a bit of nostalgia with favorites from the 50s and 60s at the Dreamland Drive-In. Shops feature everything from magic tricks and Dolly Parton’s style clothing to personalized baseball bats and nature-inspired gifts.

Stay hydrated.
There are water fountains found throughout the park, or you can always stop in at one of the cafes for a drink. Summer days in Dollywood can get hot, so be sure you drink plenty of water to keep cool and enjoy yourself!

Become a VIP.
Dollywood offers special experiences for guests, including a VIP tour for $199. The VIP experience comes with tons of perks, including a personal tour guide for your whole day in the park, access to the front of the line at rides, 1 meal, a special gift from Dolly Parton, valet parking, and delivery of anything you buy within the park straight to your car! On a hot summer day, these are some great perks to have.

Shave down your wait.
Don’t want to wait in the summer heat? Get the TimeSaver Pass that lets you reserve your place in line at certain shows and rides. Just reserve your spot as you check out the park, and the pass will beep and vibrate when it’s time to head over to the ride or show!

Proceed with caution on the Dollywood Express.
This 110-ton coal-fired steam engine that goes for 5 miles through the scenic Smoky Mountains is a fun and beautiful ride for adults and older kids. Younger kids may also enjoy the ride, but something to note: ashes from the coal can fly back at passengers, and the train whistle is loud and sounds quite a few times along the ride. If you have young babies, you may want to pass them off to the grandparents for a bit!

Take advantage of the water.
Although it doesn’t offer as many as its sister park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood is home to a few fun water rides and water features that both kids and adults will appreciate during summer. Speed down Daredevil Falls, let little ones splash around at Firehouse Fun Yard, fly down the mountainside at Mountain Sidewinder, spin around on the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, or get soaked while challenging others on the River Battle.

Keep your 4-legged friends cool, too.
Dogs aren’t allowed inside Dollywood for the safety and comfort of all guests (and dogs!), but they do have space at Doggywood! This cozy kennel is open 30 minutes before Dollywood’s opening until 15 minutes after closing. Located next to Guest Services, the kennel is a convenient and safe place to keep your pup cool while you play. Reservations are highly recommended, so call 865.428.9826 before your visit so you can get a spot.

Cool off in a café.
Dollywood is more than just rides. It’s home to some charming cafes whose intoxicatingly delicious smells waft out onto the streets of the park. As you walk past Blue Ribbon Cones, Crossroads Funnel Cakes, Sweet Shoppe, or Spotlight Bakery & Sandwich Shop, it will be difficult to pass up a slice of 25-pound pie, iced brownies, cookies the size of your face, rich fudge, or soft-serve ice cream in an old-fashioned cone. Go ahead – indulge. Step inside for a sweet treat and a break from the heat.

Catch a show.
Another great way to get a break from the sun (and enjoy Dollywood) is by watching one of the many shows put on throughout the year. Talented singers, actors, and dancers bring you some great performances with the Kingdom Heirs, Country Crossroads, the Gem Tones, Dreamland Drive-In, Heartsong, and more.

Use the package pickup service.
The last thing you want to do on a hot summer day is lug around all the awesome souvenirs and duds you picked up at Dollywood. Take advantage of the complimentary service which delivers any items you buy in Dollywood to the Dollywood Emporium for pickup as you leave the park.

Dollywood Theme Park
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

After a fun summer day at Dollywood, head back to one of our cool, comfortable cabins for more fun or some relaxation. We have something for whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, whether action packed or more mellow. You can browse by amenity online, or you can give us a call at 866.513.7885 to find the perfect fit. Along with cabins a short drive from Dollywood, we have cabins with mountain views, private home theaters, private indoor pools, game tables, bunk beds for the kids, covered back decks,