If you love theme parks, Dollywood might surprise you. I’ve been to Six Flags, Disneyland, Disney World and Universal Studios. The rides at Dollywood? They’re better than Disney. Seriously. They’re faster, more intense, hitting high speeds and tossing you around just enough to make your stomach flip. Some even go upside down. If you’re into traditional roller coasters, this place delivers.
The park itself feels a little older in places, with some areas updated over time. That makes sense once you learn it used to be Silver Dollar City, long before Dolly Parton stepped in and gave it new life. This year, Dollywood celebrates 40 years under her name. What also surprises me is the fact that the park stays open almost all year, closing only for a few seasonal breaks.
Everything You Need to Know About Dollywood
Dollywood keeps things fresh with a lineup of rotating festivals. Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration runs through August 3, the Harvest Festival takes place from September 12 through October 27, followed by Smoky Mountain Christmas from November 1 through January 4. Each brings its own atmosphere, festive food, live entertainment and themed decor. Even if you’ve been before, there’s a good reason to return.
What truly sets Dollywood apart is Dolly herself. The park features several tributes to her life and career, with the most immersive being the Dolly Parton Experience. This area includes a massive butterfly photo op (a nod to one of her favorite symbols) and a curated collection of her performance outfits, wigs, memorabilia and other highlights from her decades in the spotlight. One standout feature is her actual tour bus, which she used from 1994 to 2009. Renovated in 1995 for $1 million, it features Rolls-Royce leather seats and extra mirrors in tighter spaces like the bathroom, added to ease her claustrophobia.
Outside of the experience section, you’ll also find a replica of Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain home in Rivertown Junction. The modest cabin offers a glimpse into her early life, long before the stage lights and rhinestones. Together, these tributes make Dollywood feel part theme park, part museum, and deeply personal throughout.
What To Eat
For lunch, we stopped at Miss Lillian’s Mill House, not far from the Dollywood Express station. We ordered Miss Lillian’s Fried Chicken and the Smoked Half Chicken, which came with freshly baked cornbread (so soft and delicious), bread and butter pickles, chow chow, and a choice of side (think baked beans, Southern-style coleslaw and house-made mac and cheese). I also added a side of the BBQ pasta salad, which was tangy and refreshing. The portion sizes were generous and easily enough to share. I was so hungry I didn’t even take a food pic before digging in. Seating is outdoors, and since the Valley Theater is nearby, we caught some of the live music during a show while we ate.
About The Rides
We packed in as many rides as we could, though we only made it on six: the Mystery Mine, Thunderhead, FireChaser Express, Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle, which was by far the smoothest coaster of the day. Wait times vary depending on the ride and time of day. For one coaster, the ride stopped while we were already in line, but we stuck it out and ended up waiting an hour and a half before riding. We also hopped on the Dollywood Express Train, which gives you a relaxed, elevated view of the park. It’s a peaceful ride and a great way to rest your feet or reset between coasters. Just a heads up: it’s coal-powered, so if you sit near the ends of the open cars, you might end up with a bit of ash on your arms or face.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for the entertainment shows, which are a big part of the Dollywood experience. With just one day, we focused on the rides and tried to see as much as possible. If you’re planning a visit and want to see and do it all, give yourself more time. There’s a lot to take in and a whole lot of Dolly to enjoy!
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Disclaimer: Only park admission costs were provided in exchange for editorial coverage.
Featured photo courtesy of Dollywood.
