Pack the bags, we’re off to Dollywood! No, we don’t mean Hollywood. (but they sound the same!) Dollywood was created by the country superstar Dolly Parton, and is a great place for the whole family to visit for not just a day out, but for longer if you wanted!
Right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this 125 acres of fun has rides and entertainment for all ages. The theme park is filled with family rides, kiddie rides and thrilling roller coasters – as well as entertainment for everyone!
There are amazing flying elephants for those little ones where those kiddies can ride with the parents. The Barnstormer give you the same breathtaking moments that stunt pilots of the 1920s would have felt, and the Daredevil Falls sends you into an abandoned logging camp for a unique boat expedition.
Those little ones can play in Granny’s Garden (but it’s only for those under 48 inches so they have their own fun little area) and there are of course those iconic thrilling roller coasters for all the daredevils in the family!
There is even history in Dollywood, with Calico Falls Schoolhouse which gives kids a chance to experience the one room schoolhouse that kids would have used during the 1890s. We wonder how different it is to your schools of today! (Pretty different we imagine!)
Don’t forget about the entertainment too! There are seasonal shows, as well as musical performances and fun character experiences.
Who’s ready to set their sights on Dollywood? We certainly are!
As an empty-nester, this review is written from the standpoint of a southern gentleman. The draw for this park – for my wife and I – were the specialty shops, the train, carousel, the shows, the EXCELLENT cinnamon rolls, seeing the bald eagles, the friendly STAFF. Now, with that being said, keep in mind that to a lot of folks who go there – most don’t have manners, there’s no such thing as personal space, and if you find yourself attempting to be cordial… there are too many willing to abuse your graces. Just go in… expecting to have to hold your own in the lines for shows, the bathroom and when getting something to eat. This park is not for the timid.
Loved it! Great family fun in a fantastic atmosphere. Not sure why we never went before this past week but there is no doubt we’ll be back.The shows were entertaining and the rides top notch…especially the coasters. The staff was great and the park clean and well laid out.The Fire Chaser Express “Family” Rollercoaster is a bit aggressive for a 5 year old. No really steep hills, but its fast and steep at times. Borderline ‘adult’ coaster…..but fun nonetheless.The Wild Eagle is crazy! A must do! The others are great too! We went during Christmas season so we were treated to a well lit park with extra special atmosphere. having never been outside of Christmas season I can’t speak to what its like during the normal time of year but I can’t imagine it would be much different (minus some lights and shows).Can’t wait to rent another cabin and head back to the area – and of course – Dollywood!
Have had season tickets since we moved here in 1983. We enjoy the shows, shops, restruants, decorations. We are older so don’t ride the rides but enjoy watching other people ride them. We live close so we go often.
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! My son loves Dollywood! We have season passes and sometimes it can be crowded but you can get Q-Bot and not have to experience the long wait times. Also, if you are local weekday trips are advised. Check out Dixie Stampede as well. My son wanted to go for his Bday 2 years ago (December). My hubby thought if we waited we would get cheaper tickets at the door. I tried to tell him they would sell out. When we got there they were sold out! My Baby was so sad and told the Southern Bell at the ticket counter this was his Birthday I told her if I had to pay extra for just two tickets I would. She said wait a minute and when she got back said she found 3 tickets that had been bought by a group that had called and cancelled. Said we could have those tickets at NO COST!!! What a BLESSING was the people in the group and the Sweet Angel who went the extra mile to make sure my Little Boy got his Birthday wish to see the Toys Come to Life and the Live Nativity. My son was only 4 that day but he still talks about Dixie Stampede as his best Birthday Ever!
Unless you just hate fun, you’re going to really love Dollywood. In the past few years, they’ve worked very hard to expand their selection of roller coasters and thrill rides to become competitive with nearby Six Flags and Kings Island. Combine that with great shows and a fun, home-y atmosphere and you have a great theme park.