8 Tips for a Great Day at Dollywood

If you're planning to visit Dollywood for AARP Day in October, you'll find it’s actually pretty easy to have a great time. But, the sights and sounds of the park can be overwhelming, so we’ve assembled a list of the top 8 tips for making your visit a great time for the entire family.

1. Arrive Early
The early bird gets the worm in most big theme parks and Dollywood is no exception. Arriving at the park for its opening at 10 a.m. is a great way to avoid crowds that will fill the park by mid-afternoon. Be sure to hit the most popular rides like FireChaser, Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine before the lines get long.

Steven Bridges

2. Maximize Your Ride Time
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Dollywood is to plan ahead. Decide which rides you “must” experience and get to those first. Lines are shorter in the back of the park, so you may want to head that way to get your day started. The Tennessee Tornado or the Thunderhead are among the most popular rides, so this may be your best shot to minimize wait times.

3. Stay Hydrated
No reason to risk dehydration at Dollywood. When the sun is shining, it can get hot as you walk through the park. Dollywood allows you to bring your own water bottle and concession stands will even fill it with cool refreshing water for free!

4. Check the Ride Symbols
Each Dollywood ride features one of three symbols to indicate its intensity – a green circle (appropriate for everyone), a blue square (suitable for most riders) and a black diamond (for thrill-seekers).

5. Guide Maps & Entertainment Schedules
Definitely pick up a park map and show guide when you arrive at the park. They are available at the main entrance and from roaming park Greeters. Then, take some time to formulate a plan so you can get to everything you want to see.

6. A/C Break
During the hottest part of the day, get some relief from the hot sun. Be sure to plan to see the shows in the afternoon. All of the indoor theaters and shops have air conditioning.

State of Tennessee Photographic

7. Wear comfortable shoes
Maybe this should be #1 – because Dollywood is a big place and you’ll be doing lots of walking. So, leave the heels and boots at home. Grab a comfy pair of tennis shoes and forget about making a fashion statement.

8. Eat in the Park
Dollywood is known for some pretty fantastic food choices. Serving up delicious meals is a priority at the park and they have gone to great lengths to prove it. For those with a big appetite, Ms. Lillian's Chicken House features an all-you-can-eat buffet with home-cooked options like fried chicken. You may also get a personal visit (and a song) from Ms. Lillian herself! Another spot worth a stop is Aunt Granny's, a full-service buffet of comfort foods like turkey, pulled pork, stuffing, mashed potatoes and more. If you’re looking for a quicker meal, check out Hickory House for some finger-licking BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and turkey legs.

One last tip…. DO NOT MISS OUT on the special admission discount for AARP members and their guests. Save big off the regular ticket price on Saturday, Oct. 10 for AARP Day at Dollywood. If you can’t make it on Oct. 10, Dollywood is offering a great discount on admission from Oct. 2-12. Find out more and get your tickets today >>

See you at the park!