Dollywood

[Ariel Wanna-be]

We're not doing Disney this year scared1: ), we're going back to the Smokies. We're thinking of trying out Dollywood this time. Anyone have any advice?

Is it worth it? How long does it take? How are the crowds? Best day to go?

I'm not foolish enough to expect the Magic Kingdom, but if it's just a glorified Six Flags, I'd rather skip it.

TIA!

 

[bigslim]

I have Dollywood right up there with WDW. The employees are friendly and very helpful, the grounds are spotless, and the atmosphere is laid back and friendly. It defintely isn't a six flags for sure. I would recommend a Mon-Wed if you wanna miss the crowds. The parking lot will look full but you can go in and the crowds aren't that bad.

PS - I'm a season passholder.

 

[Serena]

I've been once with some friends, but I did really enjoy it.

 

[lemondog]

We love Dollywood!!! Much nicer than Six Flags. I think you'll really enjoy it.

 

[rcraw45425]

Another opinion here, my family hated it. We went in November (the weekend that the Christmas lights started there) and were not impressed at all. Even with our discounted AAA tickets we found it a waste. Will not return. Even their newest attraction, the Mystery Mine was not that great. We spent forever in line even though the park was not that busy (by Disney standards). Reminded us of Six Flags

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Dollywood is more a show park, but has been adding ride for years. It is beautiful and very clean, cleaner the WDW anymore. And there is plenty to do in Pigeon Forge. One difference is most employees are 'hill folk' and hair, especially facial, are very common.

 

[Buckalew11]

I've been once with some friends, but I did really enjoy it.

That WAS fun!!


Dollywood is a THEME park like WDW is so it is different than Six Flags IMHO.

My DD is on her way to Dollywood this a.m.

 

[disneyworldluvr349]

Well, just the other night I watched a Food Network Special on theme park foods and this one made the top of the list. It said that the lines for the famous food is up to three hours long. It is very possible they have smaller stands of course, but I couldn't believe how long people would wait for some good ol' BBQ. The rides looked fun, but I wouldn't like the wooden coaster... something about the creaking makes me feel... um how bout not safe... Anyways I would give it a shot, everything is a learning experience.

 

[*Fantasia*]

We were just there last week at Pigeon Forge. We have never been there. We didn't know that there's so much to see and do at Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that we ended up skipping Dollywood. And Dollywood was the main reason why we were in TN.

For sure next time, we want to try Dollywood. We saw this on Travel Channel and it looks like it is a great park. It is definitely doesn't look like a Six Flagger to me. It has that southern theme. Nice.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Dollywood is a great park!!!

We enjoy it.

No, it is NOT like Six Flags...
We don't even do the big thrill rides, like Mystery Mine, and we still have a great time.

The one poster really must have simply not had the best day or the best time... At Chrismas, in winter, the park is not as pretty as in the summer, with the leaves on the trees, flowers, etc... The focus then is on the Christmas shows, and the lights after dark.

Here are my tips...
Go on a weekday.... Of course, you know this!!!
Try to eat a little 'early', you will not have to wait.
To see the best shows, get there early... Park before park opening... When you go in, you will get a daily schedule of the shows and times in the different theaters. Half of the bigger indoor theaters are reserved for the Qbot Queue system.... So, if you don't use the Q system to reserve your seates, arrive EARLY for the major shows.. because the half of the theater that is open seating will fill up fast.

If you really want a taste of DOLLYwood, check out the Wilderness Adventure Motion Theater with Dolly (and her wacky cousin Clovis) it's a HOOT!!!! And, do not miss 'HeatSong'....

 

[sunsprinkle24]

we went there way back in '95 and loved it.

 

[VirtuallyMe]

We got free passes when we evacuated for hurricane Rita.

It isn't Disney but it is a nice= family friendly park. I think the available thrill rides were better than disney's and the best thing we liked about the park was the kids area- it had "kiddie" versions of all the big rides. My kids were 14, 8, and 2 when we went and they all enjoyed themselves. The car ride there is also so cute because the cars look like little 1950's cars my then 2yo son prettended like he was really riding in a real car- too cute.

They have a water ride like the one in animal kingdom and I got drenched- so much so we had to go back for me to change (we were there in October).

Enjoy your trip- I love the smokies- we don't do the Pigeon Forge/Dollywood stuff often- we tend to spend most of our time exploring the park and burning lots of gas driving and looking around.

there is a neat book that gives all the scenic drives in and around the national park- we've done them all and love those.

 

[tinatark]

There's something for everyone at Dollywood. There are shows and adventure and water rides.

The Qbot system is great - you enter (on the qbot) the ride/show you want to wait for, and it gives you a reservation time.

We have gone there for water rides only - you get SOAKED on a few of them.

If you come in at 3:00 or later, the next day is free. If your party has teens or younger, you could use the after 3 day to do the water stuff, there is the River Rampage, a couple of log flumes, River Battle, and the dreamland forest (water playground - you battle with water cannons, etc. REALLY wet!)

We've been to Six Flags Georgia - Dollywood is NOT Six Flags! There is so much more to do.

The employees at Dollywood are held to a very strict standard - most are great!

 

[sha_lyn]

We are going back to DW in Aug for their home school days.
I have to say that their customer service is excellent.
Last yr DD signed up for several of the HS classes. The day they received our form(2 days after I mailed it so I know they must have just got it in their hands) someone called to tell me that one of the classes was full. She spent a long time on the phone with me rearranging our schedule.

Then just last week I was on their website and saw that there was some difference between the website and this yrs flier. I sent out an email and received a reply within a couple of hours.

One thing I really love about DW is that Dolly Parton is dedicated to preserving and supporting the area while educating others on the Appalachian people/way of life.

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

^^ What she said. Dolly and Tennessee's governor, Phil Bredesen, have partnered to start a program where every child, from birth to age 5, receives a free book in the mail every month. Which I think is awesome!!

I love Dollywood. It is not at all like Six Flags. If you go during the summer during the week, you will practically have the place to yourself! I know many locals go on the weekends (i.e., me). I have never had a problem with crowds there going at the right time.

Bring a change of clothes/your swimsuit because there are a bunch of great water rides that will get you soaked, but don't miss them! The Slidewinder is the best - you have to hike up the side of a mountain to get to it, but it's worth it. Ask an employee if you can't find it.

Definitely check out the shows and little performances all over the park - there are some GREAT bluegrass/country performers, even if that's not your type of music. Worth listening to a show. And see "Heartsong."

Have fun!

 

[sha_lyn]

Sindwinder...is that the water slide?
We got stuck on it. Aparently there wasn't enough weight in the raft so we got stuck in one of the turns. It was pretty funny. They came over the PC and were counting down ofr us to rock forward. i swear I felt like I did 100 crunches trying to get that raft going.

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

Sindwinder...is that the water slide?
We got stuck on it. Aparently there wasn't enough weight in the raft so we got stuck in one of the turns. It was pretty funny. They came over the PC and were counting down ofr us to rock forward. i swear I felt like I did 100 crunches trying to get that raft going.

YES!!!! It's a little, uhh, well, we call it the ghetto waterslide... but if you load that puppy up with a lot of big people, you FLY down!

 

[sha_lyn]

We thought it was pretty funny. I guess some people might get upset about it, but we still laugh about it.

 

[mecllap]

Am a previous Dwood season passholder -- we go once or twice (or more) each year. We prefer going to the waterpark -- Splash Country, which is separate, but adjacent (lazy river not as good, or as controlled, as Disney, but pleasant). Dwood is a mix of thrill rides, water rides/play areas, a few carnival rides and games, craft and other shoppping areas, and low-key shows -- it's fun for a day. Not good to go on a weekend; it can be very crowded. Be prepared for thundershowers -- take ponchos and umbrellas. Just enjoy it for what it is (definitely not in same league as WDW) and you'll have a good time. I've never seen a really long wait for food -- there are several options.

 

[Robinrs]

I looooooved it. I always say if Disney had a Country Park it would be Dollywood!!

Thanks again, Brenda!!!!