Dollywood Christmas

[Belle & Ariel]

How do the shows and decorations at Dollywood compare to what Disney does?
We live 2 1/2 hours away and have season passes there. This was our first year going and I am way less than impressed. Will not renew.
Is it worth the drive for the Christmas things?
We have been to the area and seen the lights and shopped the outlet mall but not been to Dollywood for Christmas.
I'm guessing Disney does so much better--but would you drive 2.5 hours if you had a pass to Dollywood?

 

[Mom loves Disney]

I would love to know too. We were less than impressed when we went in October. My aunt said Christmas was very pretty but I hate to go and be let down again. Looking forward to replies.

 

[taylorcpa]

I can let you know after I return from Disney in three weeks!

I have been to Dollywood at Christmas (but not Disney) and thought it was very pretty. We have season passes to Dollywood as well and we will make a trip to see the lights this year. Of course, we have small kids so they really enjoy it. Since you have season passes, why not go - it's not like you will have to buy tickets.

 

[Bete]

Dollywood is different from Disney. For one Disney has deeper pockets. You really don't have characters at Dollywood. Dollywood is so much cheaper on annual passes.

With that said we like the shows for Christmas at Dollywood. In that respect I think Dollywood does better except Disney's Candlelight Processional is phenomenal.

We enjoy the festivals at Dollywood. I definitely feel it's worth a 2-1/2 hour ride especially since you have passes.

Seeing the Smokies at the different seasons is great, too.

 

[Lady V]

I honestly think you can't compare the two. Disney has the budget to go way above what anyone can imagine. Dollywood, while growing, does not have those deep pockets. I have worked at both during the Christmas season and I think they are both great in different ways. Dollywood has A LOT of lights and such a warm and family feeling. It also is much smaller so you won't deal with the crowds that you would at Disney. Also-the Christmas shows are Dollywood are pretty nice. They aren't afraid to celebrate the real reason for the season because they are known as a Christian based company. They celebrate this throughout the ENTIRE park and not just in one show. (Now candlelight at Epcot is amazing too--but it is only in the one place--not that there is anything wrong with that it's just a difference!)
I think when people compare everything to Disney it's not really fair because NOTHING matches Disney-that's why Disney is the number one vacation destination in the world! Plus--Dollywood season passes are WAY cheaper than Disney---unless people want to pay Disney prices they shouldn't ever expect something to be like Disney.
When you do Dollywood you get great customer service--mainly older, retired people from Sevierville. Disney cm's are not always as friendly I hate to admit.
I think since you have passes anyway you should go. Then eat dinner at the Old Mill. Get some shopping done at Tanger outlets.
So basically, while they are both amazing--they are COMPLETELY different and wonderful in their own ways.

 

[swilshire]

We always go to Dollywood a couple of times during the Christmas season. The shows are quite good, but be prepared to get there early and wait in line for the "big" shows. The decorations are beautiful if you enjoy lights.

The only possibly disappointing thing is the parade. My husband refers to is as "dinky" and refuses to watch.

Sheila