The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge
April 4, 2025Dollywood is the top theme park in the United States, and for good reasons! The amusement park is overflowing with things to do for every type of visitor and provides an unmatched guest experience. We don’t want you to miss out on any of the excitement while you’re there, which is why we’ve created the ultimate guide to visiting Dollywood in Pigeon Forge!
Best Times to Visit
Dollywood is open from mid-March until early January each year, providing plenty of opportunities throughout the year for guests to have fun and enjoy the Dollywood magic! The best time to visit depends on what you’re hoping to see and do while you’re at the park. Dollywood hosts seasonal festivals and events throughout the year that make your experience even more memorable. Visit during the spring to enjoy the I Will Always Love You Music Festival or Flower & Food Festival, the summer for the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, the fall for the Harvest Festival, or the holiday season for Smoky Mountain Christmas. Every season has something special to offer at Dollywood. If you’re hoping to visit both an exciting theme park and a water park, plan your trip during the summer and visit Dollywood’s Splash Country!
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Are you visiting Dollywood with your family? There is plenty to do for guests, both young and old! Top rides for kids include Black Bear Trail, Busy Bees, and Lemon Twist. There are also play areas like Hidden Hollow and Firehouse Fun Yard! If you’re searching for more excitement, try family coasters like Big Bear Mountain, FireChaser Express®, and Whistle Punk Chaser®. Before the day is over, make sure to climb aboard the Dollywood Express for a scenic ride through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains! In addition to rides, families also love the live entertainment throughout the park, craft demonstrations, shopping, and family-friendly restaurants. We recommend stopping by Cozy Bear before you leave for plush toys, games, and more!
Top Rides for Thrill-Seekers
If you’re looking for a thrill, you’re in the right place! Dollywood is home to coasters with heart-pounding drops, twists, and turns. Some of the most popular adrenaline-pumping rides are Drop Line®, Wild Eagle®, and Lightning Rod®! Another favorite is Mystery Mine®, which includes a 95-degree, 85-foot vertical drop that plunges into darkness. You can’t go wrong with any of the Dollywood coasters. Choose to ride at the very front or the very back to add more thrills to your ride!
Best Way to Get Tickets
Now that you know more about the exciting things to do at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, you’re ready to get your tickets! The best way to get tickets is online. When you purchase your tickets online, you’ll save time by avoiding the ticket lines at the park. You can also choose to add on a TimeSaver Pass, which provides front-of-the-line access to select attractions and shows.
If you’re planning to visit for more than one day during your vacation, choose a two-day or three-day ticket that allows you to visit that many days within a five-day period! If you want to explore Dollywood more than once in a year, the best deal is a season pass. A season pass costs less than two general admission tickets and allows you to visit as many times as you want throughout the season! Depending on the pass you choose, blackout dates may apply.
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge is just one of the many exciting things to do in the area. Are you hoping to learn more about the top attractions? Check out these top things to do in Pigeon Forge for first-time visitors.
