Discover Dollywood, Tennessee - Where Smoky Mountain Fun Meets Southern Charm

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive at Dollywood by 9:30 AM to be ready for park opening (typically 10:00 AM, always check the official Dollywood schedule online prior to your visit). Head straight into the park, making your way efficiently to Wildwood Grove (approx. 5-7 minute walk from the main entrance). Your first thrill will be Big Bear Mountain, Dollywood’s newest and longest coaster (expect 30-45 minutes for wait and ride). From Wildwood Grove, walk to adjacent Timber Canyon (2-3 minutes) to experience Lightning Rod, the world’s first wooden launch coaster and a definite must-do for thrill-seekers (45-60 minute wait/ride). Follow this with Dragonflier back in Wildwood Grove (20-30 minute wait/ride). Conclude your morning coaster marathon by walking to Craftsman’s Valley (5 minutes from Timber Canyon) for a ride on the classic steel coaster, Tennessee Tornado (25-35 minute wait/ride).
  • Practical Tip: Download the Dollywood app for real-time ride wait times and park maps. Stay hydrated!
  • Estimated Cost: Park tickets for 2 people are approximately $210 (purchased online in advance, plus tax).
  • Morning Snack: Grab a legendary warm, fresh Cinnamon Bread from the Grist Mill in Craftsman’s Valley (near Tennessee Tornado) to share. ($10-$12).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) For lunch, head to Aunt Granny’s Restaurant in Craftsman’s Valley (a short walk from the Grist Mill). This beloved all-you-care-to-eat Southern buffet offers a fantastic spread of fried chicken, pot roast, vegetables, and more. Allow 1 hour for dining. (Approx. $25-$30 per person, so $50-$60 for two). After fueling up, make your way to Wilderness Pass (5-7 minute walk from Aunt Granny’s) for more thrills. Dive into Mystery Mine, an indoor/outdoor coaster with unique drops and inversions (30-45 minute wait/ride), then soar high on Wild Eagle, America’s first winged coaster, offering incredible views of the Smoky Mountains (30-45 minute wait/ride). From Wilderness Pass, take a 7-10 minute stroll to Celebrity Theater in Showstreet. Catch an award-winning Dollywood show, such as “DreamSong: A Journey of Hope” or a seasonal production (check the daily show schedule upon arrival). Shows are typically 40-50 minutes; arrive 15-20 minutes early for good seats. After the show, enjoy a leisurely walk through Craftsman’s Valley, observing local artisans like glass blowers, blacksmiths, and woodcarvers.
• Evening (5:30 PM - Park Close) For dinner, enjoy a relaxed sit-down meal at Front Porch Cafe in Showstreet (conveniently located next to Celebrity Theater). They offer delicious Southern comfort food like Dolly’s Famous Chicken and Dumplings or Pot Roast. (Allow 1 hour, approx. $20-$30 per person for an entree and drink, so $40-$60 for two). With your appetite satisfied, head back to Craftsman’s Valley (5-7 minute walk) for a ride on Blazing Fury, a classic indoor dark ride and coaster that’s often less crowded later in the evening (15-25 minute wait/ride). If time and energy allow, consider a final re-ride on your favorite coaster. Before heading out, grab a sweet treat to cap off your day – a delicious funnel cake from a stand like Crossroads Funnel Cakes near the park entrance, or a scoop of ice cream from Showstreet Palace Ice Cream (approx. $8-$12). Exit the park, having experienced a day packed with Dollywood’s best thrills, tunes, and tastes.
  • Estimated Remaining Budget: Approximately $25-$45 for souvenirs or extra treats.

Day 1: Dollywood Delights & Thrilling Heights

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive at Dollywood 30 minutes before opening (around 9:30 AM) to beat the crowds and secure good parking (parking typically costs $25/day). Head straight to the park entrance and make your way to the newest and most popular thrill rides first, such as Lightning Rod (located in Wildwood Grove, about a 10-15 minute walk from the front gate) and Wild Eagle (in Wilderness Pass, about a 5-7 minute walk from Lightning Rod’s area). These rides can have long wait times later in the day. Grab an iconic Cinnamon Bread from the Grist Mill (located in Craftsman’s Valley, a short walk from Wilderness Pass) for a mid-morning snack (approx. $10). Enjoy the scenic train ride on the Dollywood Express (4.5 miles round trip, 20-minute ride), offering beautiful views of the park and surrounding mountains.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM) For lunch, head to Aunt Granny’s Restaurant (located in Craftsman’s Valley, central to the park) for a classic Southern buffet experience (approx. $25 per person). After lunch, explore Craftsman’s Valley, where you can watch artisans demonstrate glass blowing, blacksmithing, and woodworking. Catch a live show at one of the many theaters, such as the Back Porch Theater or Showstreet Palace Theater (check the daily schedule upon arrival). Enjoy more rides like Mystery Mine (Wilderness Pass) or the family-friendly attractions in Country Fair.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) After a full day in the park, exit Dollywood and take a short 10-15 minute drive to The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge (164 Old Mill Ave) for a delicious Southern dinner. Enjoy classic dishes like fried chicken, country-fried steak, and fresh-ground corn fritters (approx. $30-35 per person). Explore The Old Mill District shops if time allows. For a relaxed evening, head back to your accommodation.
  • Estimated Costs for Day 1 (for 2 people): Dollywood 1-Day Tickets ($105 x 2 = $210), Parking ($25), Cinnamon Bread ($10), Aunt Granny’s Lunch ($50), Old Mill Dinner ($70) = $365

Day 2: Splash Country Splashes or Pigeon Forge Adventures

• Morning (9:45 AM - 1:00 PM) Option A: Dollywood’s Splash Country - Arrive at the water park by 9:45 AM (parking $25/day, shuttle from Dollywood parking lots if staying at Dollywood DreamMore Resort). Head straight for the most thrilling slides like RiverRush (the park’s water coaster) or Fire Tower Falls for minimal wait times. Explore the various slide complexes and enjoy the large wave pool, Mountain Waves. Option B: Pigeon Forge Exploration - Drive to The Island in Pigeon Forge (131 The Island Dr, about a 15-minute drive from Dollywood). Start your day by riding the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for panoramic views (approx. $18 per person) and explore the unique shops. Take on the ropes course at Island Ropes Course (approx. $25 per person) or enjoy some boutique shopping.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Option A: Dollywood’s Splash Country - Grab lunch at Campsite Grill for burgers and chicken tenders or High Country Provisions for quick snacks within the park (approx. $20-25 per person). Afterward, relax on the Downbound Float Trip lazy river or enjoy the family-friendly attractions like the Wild River Falls tube slides. Option B: Pigeon Forge Exploration - For lunch, try Margaritaville Restaurant at The Island for a fun, casual atmosphere (approx. $20-25 per person) or grab a famous Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (131 The Island Dr, family-style, approx. $30-35 per person for lunch). In the afternoon, visit the Titanic Museum Attraction (2134 Parkway, about a 5-minute drive from The Island, tickets approx. $39 per person) for a fascinating historical experience, or enjoy a round of miniature golf at one of the many courses in Pigeon Forge.
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Option A (Splash Country Day): After drying off and heading back to your accommodation, drive to Mel’s Diner (3047 Parkway) in Pigeon Forge for a fun, retro-themed dinner with classic American comfort food (approx. $20-25 per person). Option B (Pigeon Forge Exploration Day): For dinner and entertainment, consider the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show (119 Music Rd, requires advance booking, approx. $70 per person, which includes dinner and show and might push the budget if both chose the Titanic in the afternoon). A more budget-friendly dinner option would be Frizzle Chicken Farmhouse Cafe (2528 Parkway) for home-style cooking with animatronic chickens (approx. $25-30 per person).
  • Estimated Costs for Day 2 (for 2 people):
    • Option A (Splash Country): Splash Country 1-Day Tickets ($60 x 2 = $120), Parking ($25), Lunch ($45), Mel’s Diner Dinner ($50) = $240
    • Option B (Pigeon Forge): Great Smoky Mountain Wheel ($36), Island Ropes Course ($50), Titanic Museum ($78), Lunch ($50), Frizzle Chicken Dinner ($60) = $274
  • Total Itinerary Costs (approx.): Day 1 ($365) + Day 2 (Option A: $240 OR Option B: $274) = $605 - $639 (leaves $61-$95 for souvenirs or extra snacks within the $700 budget for 2 people).