going to Dollywood - tips?

[stargrl33]

I'm relocating to the South for the summer and I am dragging my boyfriend to Dollywood while we are down there. It's been 7 years since I last went so I'm pretty excited about going.

Has anyone been recently? How long do you think it would take to give the park a full tour? I'd love to spend 3 full days at the park, but our time/budget will probably be limited. I'm hoping we can see the good stuff in a day and a half. We aren't interested in the water park, just the rides. Trying to find info on Dollywood online has been tough, it's not like going to Disney where there are ten million different guidebooks to go through.

TIA!

 

[Patrick_Ears]

I'm relocating to the South for the summer and I am dragging my boyfriend to Dollywood while we are down there. It's been 7 years since I last went so I'm pretty excited about going.

Has anyone been recently? How long do you think it would take to give the park a full tour? I'd love to spend 3 full days at the park, but our time/budget will probably be limited. I'm hoping we can see the good stuff in a day and a half. We aren't interested in the water park, just the rides. Trying to find info on Dollywood online has been tough, it's not like going to Disney where there are ten million different guidebooks to go through.

TIA!

Hey Star yeah me and the family went this past August and it was a blast. Yes you can see the entire park in one day. It's not a huge park but it's very nice. Lot's of hills and shade. Now i think it only has like 3 roller coasters and the rest is amusment rides. No i don't think there is any web site other than Dollywood, but i would go to youtube. That's what i did and i gotten a idea about what the park has and what to look for. I think 3 days is way more than what you need. :lol: when we went i was saying to the wife, wow this sure is alot different than Disney. I'm so use of walking alot for many and many of hours. The park sometimes closes like at 9pm or maybe 10, not sure on that. I think when we went it closed at 7pm. I was like what.... I hope this helps. If i still have all the info i will send it to you on here.

 

[trr1]

I'm relocating to the South for the summer and I am dragging my boyfriend to Dollywood while we are down there. It's been 7 years since I last went so I'm pretty excited about going.

Has anyone been recently? How long do you think it would take to give the park a full tour? I'd love to spend 3 full days at the park, but our time/budget will probably be limited. I'm hoping we can see the good stuff in a day and a half. We aren't interested in the water park, just the rides. Trying to find info on Dollywood online has been tough, it's not like going to Disney where there are ten million different guidebooks to go through.

TIA!

here is a link to their site
here is the map

 

[Hakunamatata]

If you want to do rides and shows, two days.

Make sure and catch Heartsong. It's really good.

 

[stargrl33]

here is a link to their site
here is the map

yea I downloaded the map last night so I could print it out. I can't stand going to theme parks not knowing where things are. I remember most of the layout from the last time I went but they've added some new rides since then. So excited!

 

[popsicletrees]

I actually went less than two weeks ago. If you plan to stay all day you should be able to ride everything you want to ride in one day. I would recommend heading to the Mystery Mine first because it can get crowded. It is a pretty intense coaster and continuining on the loop around the park from there. Also, the Barnstormer was my favorite ride there. It is fairly new, and it is so much fun! We went on Memorial Day Weekend and the longest line we waited in was about 30 minutes, and we rode everything we wanted to ride. Have a great time!

 

[Lee]

Mystery Mine = Awesome.

 

[Crockett]

I live less than 10 minutes from Dollywood, and was there Monday.

You will need 2 days if you want to enjoy all the rides & shows. One of the best perks they offer is if you arrive after 3pm, your next operating day is free. (Through Oct 28). Keep in mind the park is closed Tuesdays now through May 24, and after that, will be open everyday through Aug 15.

The park does offer a lot if you are a non-thrill seeker (it's a lot more than just a "Six Flags" thrown in the mtns). So younger children, elderly guests, etc...can all find things to enjoy.

If you are a thrill seeker like me, you will want to put these on your must-do list:
1. Mystery Mine
2. Thunderhead
3. Barnstormer (< just opened this Spring)
4. Tennessee Tornado

Mountain Ziplines coast extra $$$

If you're a fan of the Disney-style dark ride attraction, you will want to definitely go on Blazing Fury. An indoor ride/coaster that is sorta like putting POTC, Toad, and Big Thunder together in one building. You will see familiar aspects of all three.

Great water rides:
Daredevil Falls: Wet (Splash Mtn)
River Rampage: Wetter (Like Kali @ DAK)
River Battle: SOAKED (Nothing @ Disney/Universal gets you this wet)
Mtn Slidewinder: Just plain awesome. Wetness varies depending on ride. But do NOT skip this!!

While the park does a lot right, one thing they get completely wrong is the motion simulator concept. Maybe I'm just spoiled after riding Soarin', Star Tours, and some of Universal's more high-tech simulator attractions. But Dollywood's simulator ("Wilderness Adventure", though it will have a different theme come Kids Fest this summer), is AWFUL. You just sit in a chair that shakes, while watching a movie screen. Total waste of time & space (imo), and I cannot wait until the park bulldozes that to the ground and puts in something different. That is my one "Must Skip" suggestion. Okay, end rant.

If you want to save on parking $$, go to traffic light # 7 on the parkway in Pigeon Forge. Turn onto Old Mill Ave. Behind The Old Mill on the right, you will see Patriot Park, which is an open field with A LOT of *free* parking. You can park your car there all day, and take the trolley to Dollywood for .50 cents per person. Note, this does take extra time considering you will be waiting on the trolley, which usually picks-up every 15-20 min.

This park pays a lot of attention to detail, so as a fan of Disney/Universal parks, you will certainly enjoy the place.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

 

[stargrl33]

I live less than 10 minutes from Dollywood, and was there Monday.

You will need 2 days if you want to enjoy all the rides & shows. One of the best perks they offer is if you arrive after 3pm, your next operating day is free. (Through Oct 28). Keep in mind the park is closed Tuesdays now through May 24, and after that, will be open everyday through Aug 15.

The park does offer a lot if you are a non-thrill seeker (it's a lot more than just a "Six Flags" thrown in the mtns). So younger children, elderly guests, etc...can all find things to enjoy.

If you are a thrill seeker like me, you will want to put these on your must-do list:
1. Mystery Mine
2. Thunderhead
3. Barnstormer (< just opened this Spring)
4. Tennessee Tornado

Mountain Ziplines coast extra $$$

If you're a fan of the Disney-style dark ride attraction, you will want to definitely go on Blazing Fury. An indoor ride/coaster that is sorta like putting POTC, Toad, and Big Thunder together in one building. You will see familiar aspects of all three.

Great water rides:
Daredevil Falls: Wet (Splash Mtn)
River Rampage: Wetter (Like Kali @ DAK)
River Battle: SOAKED (Nothing @ Disney/Universal gets you this wet)
Mtn Slidewinder: Just plain awesome. Wetness varies depending on ride. But do NOT skip this!!

While the park does a lot right, one thing they get completely wrong is the motion simulator concept. Maybe I'm just spoiled after riding Soarin', Star Tours, and some of Universal's more high-tech simulator attractions. But Dollywood's simulator ("Wilderness Adventure", though it will have a different theme come Kids Fest this summer), is AWFUL. You just sit in a chair that shakes, while watching a movie screen. Total waste of time & space (imo), and I cannot wait until the park bulldozes that to the ground and puts in something different. That is my one "Must Skip" suggestion. Okay, end rant.

If you want to save on parking $$, go to traffic light # 7 on the parkway in Pigeon Forge. Turn onto Old Mill Ave. Behind The Old Mill on the right, you will see Patriot Park, which is an open field with A LOT of *free* parking. You can park your car there all day, and take the trolley to Dollywood for .50 cents per person. Note, this does take extra time considering you will be waiting on the trolley, which usually picks-up every 15-20 min.

This park pays a lot of attention to detail, so as a fan of Disney/Universal parks, you will certainly enjoy the place.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

Blazing Fury might be my favorite ride ever. I cannot wait to ride it again!!!!

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[Patrick_Ears]

I live less than 10 minutes from Dollywood, and was there Monday.

You will need 2 days if you want to enjoy all the rides & shows. One of the best perks they offer is if you arrive after 3pm, your next operating day is free. (Through Oct 28). Keep in mind the park is closed Tuesdays now through May 24, and after that, will be open everyday through Aug 15.

The park does offer a lot if you are a non-thrill seeker (it's a lot more than just a "Six Flags" thrown in the mtns). So younger children, elderly guests, etc...can all find things to enjoy.

If you are a thrill seeker like me, you will want to put these on your must-do list:
1. Mystery Mine
2. Thunderhead
3. Barnstormer (< just opened this Spring)
4. Tennessee Tornado

Mountain Ziplines coast extra $$$

If you're a fan of the Disney-style dark ride attraction, you will want to definitely go on Blazing Fury. An indoor ride/coaster that is sorta like putting POTC, Toad, and Big Thunder together in one building. You will see familiar aspects of all three.

Great water rides:
Daredevil Falls: Wet (Splash Mtn)
River Rampage: Wetter (Like Kali @ DAK)
River Battle: SOAKED (Nothing @ Disney/Universal gets you this wet)
Mtn Slidewinder: Just plain awesome. Wetness varies depending on ride. But do NOT skip this!!

While the park does a lot right, one thing they get completely wrong is the motion simulator concept. Maybe I'm just spoiled after riding Soarin', Star Tours, and some of Universal's more high-tech simulator attractions. But Dollywood's simulator ("Wilderness Adventure", though it will have a different theme come Kids Fest this summer), is AWFUL. You just sit in a chair that shakes, while watching a movie screen. Total waste of time & space (imo), and I cannot wait until the park bulldozes that to the ground and puts in something different. That is my one "Must Skip" suggestion. Okay, end rant.

If you want to save on parking $$, go to traffic light # 7 on the parkway in Pigeon Forge. Turn onto Old Mill Ave. Behind The Old Mill on the right, you will see Patriot Park, which is an open field with A LOT of *free* parking. You can park your car there all day, and take the trolley to Dollywood for .50 cents per person. Note, this does take extra time considering you will be waiting on the trolley, which usually picks-up every 15-20 min.

This park pays a lot of attention to detail, so as a fan of Disney/Universal parks, you will certainly enjoy the place.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

Man that is nice you only live 10 min away. It's breath taking over there!!That was my first visit there for Dollywood and i loved it. That Mystery Mine.. Ohhhh man!!! :sohappy:

 

[unkadug]

I haven't been to Dollywood since it was Goldrush Junction !


Am I telling my age? :lol: