As one of the top theme parks in the country, you’re going to want to make a trip to Dollywood during your visit to the Smoky Mountains! With all the incredible rides, food, and entertainment you see as soon as you walk in the park, you might not know where to start. To help you out, we’ve made a guide to the best rides, food, and entertainment, plus tips and tricks for your visit! Here is your ultimate Dollywood vacation guide:
Dollywood Rides
You can enjoy more than 50 world-class rides on your Dollywood vacation! Whether you’re looking for a thrill or something more family friendly, you’ll be able to find fun rides at Dollywood. Here are some of the top rides at the park:
Wild Eagle: This ride is America’s first wing coaster and is a favorite among guests because of the unique experience it offers! The coaster places riders on either side of the track so that there is nothing but air above and below you. It’s definitely something that the thrill-seekers will enjoy!
Tennessee Tornado: Tennessee Tornado is a triple spiral-looping coaster that takes you down a 128-foot drop through a mountain, reaching speeds close to 70 miles per hour! It’s another ride for someone who wants a thrill.
Daredevil Falls: For a fun water ride, try Daredevil Falls! This one-of-a-kind boat expedition features a waterfall and a 60-foot drop at 50 miles per hour.
Whistle Punk Chaser: This junior coaster is perfect for families! It has just enough twists and turns to keep you excited, but not enough so the kids can’t enjoy it.
FireChaser Express: This is the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster! Hold on tight as you’re blasted forward and backward. It’s a ride that the whole family will love.
Dollywood Express: If you’ve never ridden the Dollywood Express before, this should definitely be on your list of things to do at the park. The train takes you on a breathtaking 5-mile journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains
NightFlight Expedition: Dollywood's newest and most impressive ride is NightFlight Expedition, expected to open in spring 2026! It's an immersive indoor adventure coaster that takes you soaring over the Smokies, gliding across waters, and navigating stunning landscapes for an unforgettable journey.
Dollywood Food
When you visit Dollywood, you’re sure to work up quite the appetite enjoying everything it has to offer. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to eat! While you have to be sure to try some of the world-famous cinnamon bread from The Grist Mill before you leave, there are delicious restaurants in the park as well! Here are some of the best do dine at:
Front Porch Cafe: Dolly Parton fans love dining at Front Porch Cafe! This restaurant features some of her favorite meals when visiting the park, along with some seasonal specials.
Red's Drive-In: This spot is a Dollywood classic! It's a retro-style restaurant in the Jukebox Junction area of the park that serves up burgers, fries, milkshakes, and more.
Miss Lillian’s Mill House: Miss Lillian is one of Dollywood’s most famous characters, and you won't be able to get enough of her cooking. You’ll find some of the best home cooking in the Smokies at this restaurant.
Aunt Granny’s Restaurant: If you have a big appetite, visit Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, which lets you sample a little bit of everything, no matter what you’re in the mood for! Enjoy everything from fried catfish to mashed potatoes & gravy and fried okra. And don’t forget dessert!
Lumber Jack’s Pizza: You can never go wrong with pizza! Lumber Jack’s Pizza is a restaurant the whole family will love, offering pizzas, salads, snacks, and drinks.
Dollywood Shows
Dollywood is home to some award-winning entertainment! Throughout the Dollywood season, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances, from shows to concerts. Here are some of the best you can see on your Dollywood vacation:
Smoky Mountain String Band: Enjoy classic bluegrass tunes that leave you with a smile on your face.
Heartsong: This is a multi-sensory film experience during which Dolly takes guests on a breathtaking journey through the Smoky Mountains as she shares her story.
Heidi Parton's Kin & Friends: Dolly Parton's niece Heidi performs a variety of hit songs along with friends and family.
From the Heart - The Life & Music of Dolly Parton: Follow along Dolly's musical journey, from her earliest songs to the most recent hits at this must-see production show.
Dollywood Ticket Information
Now that you know all the best things to do at Dollywood, we bet you’re wondering about tickets! Dollywood offers 1-day tickets and 2-day tickets, making it possible for you to fit in as much fun in your trip as you can! Both pick-a-day and good-any-day tickets are available. If you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year, consider purchasing a season pass! The season pass pays for itself in less than 2 visits.
Tips for Your Dollywood Vacation
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been multiple times, it’s always helpful to get some insider tips to maximize your experience. Here are some of the most helpful tips for your Dollywood vacation:
Measure the kids when you first arrive. If you’re visiting with kids, visit the centralized measuring station when you enter the park to measure the children for a color-coded wristband. The wristband will help identify which rides they can and cannot do at the park.
Start on the left side of the park. Most people go right when they enter Dollywood. If you go left and work your way around the park, you’ll be walking downhill most of the day, and it’s usually less crowded, especially early in the day. You’ll also get to all the roller coasters first!
Plan ahead for water rides. If you want to ride water rides, do those when you first get to the park. Wear your water shoes and bring tennis shoes to put in a locker. You can ride all the water rides you want before changing into your tennis shoes and won’t have to worry about walking around in wet socks or shoes!
Consider refillable drinks and snacks. If you plan on purchasing drinks and snacks while you’re at the park, the best deal is to buy the refillable souvenir cups and popcorn buckets. This will end up saving you a lot of money!
Get Your Dollywood Tickets Today
Now that you know all the best rides, food, and entertainment for your Dollywood vacation, you’re ready to visit! When you purchase your tickets through Visit My Smokies, you’ll receive free cancellation up to a certain date. Get your Dollywood tickets today and get excited for a fun time at the park!
