We wanted to visit Dollywood for some time and finally did it during our last trip to Smoky High House in December 2022 before it closed for the season. It was so worth it!!!
I wasn’t sure what to expect since the only amusement parks we have taken our kids to are Disneyland and Disneyworld. So I was expecting fun and kid-ish rides that were slow moving and entertaining. Wow, was I in for a surprise!
Upon walking up to the first ride of the day, there were warning signs to turn off phones and smart watches since the G force could cause them to call emergency services. This made me start to get nervous for what was ahead. Our kids, ages 12, 11, and 6, were super excited while I began to feel the nerves start to take a hold of me. I haven’t been to a thrill park for decades, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
If my kids could handle it, I could handle it. Right?! You guys- that first ride was a blast! We went so fast and it was so chilly out that my eyes were watering, and I couldn’t stop laughing from the speed.
Ride after ride, we found similar excitement, speed, and the thrilling feelings of going super fast, upside down, in circles, and laughing our butts off in amazement of how much fun we were having and how our kids could handle it.
In fact, they were ready to jump on one ride after a next, while my husband and I traded off taking time off to sit on a bench and allow our heads and stomachs to settle.
There are plenty of the slow, little kid-ish rides scattered through the park, and if our 6-year-old wasn’t such a thrill-seeker, she would have had many rides for her level of excitement. But she was ready to roll and had no fear!
Each part of the park was also decorated for the holidays and as night approached, the lights were absolutely beautiful. A highlight was taking the train ride around the park once it got dark. Everyone else seemed to have the same idea too because as soon as the sun set, the ride for the train increased in size. But I’m so glad we did it at night because we got to see the beauty of each part of the park sparkling under holiday lights as we listened to holiday music over the train speaker system.
So if you’re looking for a full day of family fun, Dollywood is totally worth it! Do it, and be prepared for some exciting times!
Here are some of our recommendations:
*Purchasing a "preferred parking pass" was worth it. It wasn’t a busy morning when we arrived, but if it had been a busy time of year, having access to closer parking would be ideal!
*Check the weather and temperatures before you go, and pack layers and cold weather gear when necessary. It was pretty cold when we visited in December and a few of the rides weren’t running due to the lower temps. I’m glad I packed hats and gloves for everyone because it got cold waiting in lines for the rides.
*Check to see if you are part of any programs that offer discounts on Dollywood tickets. I checked into this and we were able to get our tickets at a discount due to the program.
*If your kids don’t know who Dolly Parton is, do some research about her and her career before you go so they understand more about the park and her life.
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