Why Dollywood Is Better Than Any Other Theme Park

The amusement park is Southern at heart, just like its founder.

I went to Dollywood expecting cheesy photo ops with life-size cutouts of the namesake legend; a constant soundtrack of her greatest hits; and performers wearing big, blonde wigs. My other theme park experiences involved costumed characters offering hugs and waving from floats, so I figured her likeness would be everywhere.

My 8-year-old son, Theo, and I were first-timers. Weeks before our trip, we studied the map to determine which attractions we were too short (i.e. scared) to ride and watched YouTube videos about the legendary Cinnamon Bread from the Grist Mill. When we finally walked through the gates, I felt 8 years old too.

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Why It's A Southern Original

Since opening in 1986, Dollywood has evolved with the times as much as the country star herself. What started as a small-scale park with a restaurant, a handful of rides, and a replica of her Tennessee Mountain Home, is now the state’s most-visited attraction. (And the 2024 winner of our South's Best Awards for the best attraction in Tennessee.) This spring, look for The Dolly Parton Experience, a revamped part of the park that will include Storyteller, an interactive museum; Behind the Seams, featuring her wardrobe; DreamSong Theater; and a retired tour bus.

Today, Dollywood is divided into 11 themed sections, with coasters being the obvious draw. The newest one, Big Bear Mountain, has the longest track yet and is designed so shorter members of the family can also participate. It was still thrilling. High on adrenaline, Theo screamed, “This is the most fun ever!” as we staggered off. Even though a park attendant had surely heard that phrase countless times that day, she laughed and said, “So glad you had fun, buddy!”

Our Day At Dollywood

Theo and I wandered around, a little bit dazed. Roller coasters looped and twisted above. Exhilarated screams and the scent of cinnamon filled the air. The bluish gray foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains seemed to wrap us and all of Pigeon Forge in a hug. Most of our fellow parkgoers, from seniors on scooters to packs of teenagers, sported a Dolly Parton T-shirt of some kind. (My favorite read, “If I die, tell Dolly I love her.”)

We were met with smiles and hellos everywhere we went. Not just from employees but from folks in line chatting about which ride is the craziest or how long they waited for cinnamon bread. Throughout the day, Theo and I ran into a few of the same people, and we waved to each other like old friends. Theme parks tend to lure visitors from all over the world, but the warmth we felt was distinctly Southern.

This was also evident in the many features that hark back to a bygone era. At the Back Porch Theater, a crowd nodded along to live bluegrass, while others took in the show from a distance in rocking chairs. The Dollywood Express steam engine train chugged by, releasing its earsplitting whistle. Theo and I ducked into a little white chapel (where services are held on Sundays) to find a few people sitting silently in the glow of artificial candles, enjoying a moment of peace amid the happy chaos.

Hospitality And Heart

Eventually, we had our fill—going on Thunderhead three times in a row will do that to you—and we boarded the shuttle back to our hotel. As we waited, we watched a toddler strike up a conversation with the driver, a grandfatherly looking type. He leaned in and listened intently as she babbled away. The mother apologized for her child’s chatter, but the driver smiled and waved her off, saying, “I love hearing from the kids. It’s the best part of the job.”

“This is the nicest place on earth,” Theo sighed. I had to agree. Of course, the rides are fun. But what makes the park special is a mix of heart and hospitality that’s pure Dolly. We left feeling full of her spirit.

Dollywood Tips And Tricks

Where To Stay

While there are no shortage of hotels in the Pigeon Forge area, Dollywood has two resorts located a short drive from the park. The newest one, HeartSong, opened in 2023 and has a rustic, lodge-like feel inspired by Dolly's childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains. DreamMore, the first resort, is more sleek and sparkly. Both offer special activities and crafts for kids, as well as trolley services to and from the park.

How To Get Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread

I'll let you in on a secret. Another bonus to staying at the resorts is that they sell the legendary Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, so you can skip the extra-long lines at the park. Even if you're not a hotel guest, you can still buy bread there. And check out the cool lobbies, while you're at it!

Skip The Lines At The Park

Dollywood offers TimeSaver Passes, which allow park goers to skip the long lines for many rides. The passes are an add-on to general admission tickets, but they are worth the extra money, especially if you're going during peak season, which is between June and October, or during the holiday season.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.