Dollywood is one of America’s premier theme parks. Founded in part by one of the world’s most legendary singers, it maintains the Southern and down-home feel for which the entertainer is known. Given its wealth of rides, restaurants, and entertainment, it’s the perfect place for a group.
Whether you’re putting together a family reunion or trying to create the perfect event to appreciate your employees, you can make it happen here. Here are the top secrets for visiting Dollywood as a group.
Best Ways to Save and Get Discounts
Want to save money? Of course you do … who doesn’t? The good news is, there are plenty of ways to do it.
First off, simply going with a group is a good way to save. A regular adult ticket for one day costs around $90, depending on the season, while a group adult ticket is around $65. (Discounts are offered on both regular and group rates for children.)
In order to get the group rate, however, you need to contact the park ahead of time. You can get in touch with them by emailing [email protected] or calling 865-428-9890. The group must include at least 15 people, and you must make your reservation at least two weeks ahead of time.
There are a number of other ways to save money as well, which you may or may not be able to combine with your group rates. These include:
- Purchasing a season pass, which reduces rates and offers other perks, such as discounts on concessions
- Entering the park after 3 o’clock, which will earn you a free ticket for the following day
- Educational, public employee, in-state, military, or senior pricing
- Two- or three-day passes, which reduce the per-day amount you’ll pay
The nice thing about reserving a group trip to Dollywood is that, by calling or emailing, you will be able to ask all your questions in advance. If possible, pick up the phone.
What Is the TimeSaver Pass?
Groups should also know about the TimeSaver Pass. If you want to see as much as you can in a short amount of time — e.g. a single day if this is a work event — then pay a little extra for the TimeSaver pass.
The TimeSaver pass essentially lets you skip the lines and spend as little time waiting for rides as possible. It is an additional fee on top of your ticket price, starting at $60 per person, then rising to $80 and $99 per person, per day, depending on the tier you want to be in.
Note that even without the TimeSaver Pass, you can leave and reenter the park on the same day, so long as you keep the receipt for parking (so you don’t have to pay again) and get a hand stamp to show the ticketer at the booth upon reentry.
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Park
The best time of year to visit Dollywood will depend on your goals. If you and your group want to see as many things as possible, go while school is in session, which will dramatically reduce long lines. Because your Dollywood ticket covers every ride, this will mean you get to see more of them overall for the same price.
If you are a group of adults more focused on strolling, eating, and basking in the sun, then you’ll want to go during a nice part of the year. Spring and fall are both lovely with mild weather, and summer in the mountains is beautiful as well, although it can get pretty humid.
You may also wish to time your trip so that it syncs up with one Dollywood’s many festivals, such as the Flower & Food Festival, the Summer Celebration, the Harvest Festival, or the Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Top Rides in Dollywood
There are so many rides in Dollywood from which to choose that it’s hard to recommend just a few, but there are definitely some can’t-miss options if you love a thrill. The Lightning Rod, for example, is a super-fast experience that gives you almost 20 seconds of weightlessness, a thrill for any age.
The Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, Thunderhead, and Wild Eagle are all thrilling roller coasters as well. The Wild Eagle in particular is an adrenaline-pinching experience, because the car hangs off the side of the track, so you feel like you’re riding air the whole time.
If you’re bringing little ones, then obviously you need gentler experiences. In that case, we recommend Big Bear Mountain, the FireChaser Express, the Dollywood Express, and the Dragonflier. These themed rides let you enjoy the unique aspects of Appalachia but remove the fear factor, so you can bring kids of any age into the park and know they’ll also have the time of their lives.
Note that Dollywood’s Splash Country requires a separate ticket for entrance, so if you want to go to both, ask about group rates when you call.
Best Accommodations
Of course, you can’t go to Dollywood without somewhere to stay, and nothing says “Appalachian adventure” like a quiet cabin escape. Here are a few of our favorite options.
Emory House
One of our favorite options is this huge eight-bedroom abode with eight and a half bathrooms, a fire pit in the backyard, a gas fireplace, and a kids’ playroom. It sleeps 26, so you can bring the whole family, and it’s less than 10 minutes away from Dollywood.
Grand Gateway Lodge
Another option located right near the park, with six bedrooms and five baths, Grand Gateway Lodge has room for a total of 19 people. Outdoors, there’s a fire pit, swim spa, and hot tub.
Angel’s View
If you can’t get enough of that mountain scenery, then Angel’s View might be the option for you. Sleeping 18 in six bedrooms, with seven baths, this log cabin has sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, as well as a hot tub and game room.
All three options come with free tickets to local attractions, so be sure to check them out!
