The Dollywood sign sitting in front of the theme park's Palace Theater.

Top 5 Tips on Making the Most of Your Day at Dollywood Theme Park

February 27, 2023

Dollywood is opening its gates this spring for another season of fun, so now is the time to make your game plan for a successful day at the park! With everything from breathtaking thrill rides to award-winning shows, unique shops, and tempting restaurants, you’ll want to create the perfect itinerary to maximize your time! Here are 5 tips on making the most of your day at Dollywood theme park:

1. Study the Park Map

When walking into Dollywood for the first time, it may seem a little intimidating. After all, the park spans 160 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains! Study the Dollywood theme park map in advance to plan your route through the park and prioritize the attractions that you want to see the most! One of the best ways to avoid crowds is to start in the back of the park and work your way forward, while many other visitors will be doing the exact opposite!

2. Review the Show Schedule in Advance

outdoor show at Dollywood theme park Dollywood is well known for its amazing shows that take place at various theaters throughout the park! If one of your priorities is to see as many shows as possible, you’ll want to consult the official Dollywood operating calendar to see the show schedule for the day of your visit! By knowing the showtimes in advance, you can plan the rest of your day around these times for riding, dining, and shopping!

3. Try to Visit When School is in Session

Just like any other theme park in the United States, Dollywood is busiest on any day that school is out! This means that crowds generally peak on weekends, holidays, and spring break, as well as many days throughout the summer months. If you can visit on a day that school is in session, you’ll find that there are far fewer crowds throughout the park!

4. Consider the TimeSaver Pass

Wild Eagle roller coaster at Dollywood If visiting Dollywood theme park during a peak period, when queue lines for roller coasters can reach 30 minutes or more, consider purchasing the TimeSaver Pass to maximize your visit! This pass allows expedited entry to some of the most popular attractions in the park, as well as priority seating for shows at participating theaters! The TimeSaver Pass can be purchased as an upgrade to your visit and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

5. Don’t Let Rain Keep You Away

When you feel like postponing your day at Dollywood due to the forecast, keep in mind that rainy days can be the best time to visit! This is because many other people will make the same decision, allowing you to walk right on rides during breaks in the rain! In the meantime, you can catch a few shows, enjoy a delicious meal and explore the gift shops! There is no risk involved – if it’s raining when you leave the park and your visit is shortened due to the weather, you can request a Rain Check at the Ticket Annex, Guest Services, and any one-day ticket window.

Check out all of our cabins in the Smoky Mountains today to stay just minutes away from Dollywood theme park and tons of other wonderful attractions throughout the Smokies! We look forward to seeing you soon!