Looking for the best way to visit Driwood in just one day?
Dollywood is an iconic theme park in Pigaon Forge, Tennessee, and is more than a tribute to Dolly Parton.
TripAdvisor recently ranked Dollywood as America’s number one theme park!
You’ll want to know how to avoid long lines and make the most of your day, especially if you’re planning a visit during peak season.
Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll actually be able to see one of Dolly’s many appearances throughout the park!
I recently visited and learned in person what it takes to fit the best rides, shows and snacks without burning out.
In this guide I will share my top dollywood tips so you can enjoy the charm without chaos.
One day itinerary for the ultimate driwood
Dollywood has a variety of typical things Carnival type vehicle Like bumper cars, swing ships, teacups, swings, scramblers, etc.
My favourite was Rockin’ Roadway Vintage Cars.
There are many Kiddy Ride If it’s too small for a roller coaster.
What makes the park unique is its views, roller coasters and the only Dolly Parton experience.
This park is very hilly so I recommend organizing your rides when you come across them, so you don’t have to go back and forth too much.
If you’ve been Silver Dollar City It’s very similar in Branson, Missouri.
That’s because back in the 70s, it was actually called Silver Dollar City Tennessee and was the original sister park!
Is the time short? These are the highlights:
Dolly Parton Experience
Pull away the cinnamon bread
Lightning Rod – One of the top 10 roller coasters in the US
A family friendly roller coaster
Get on the water
Dining at Granny Ogle’s
Dolly Parton Experience
Dolly Parton’s experience is essentially a museum that takes you through all the eras of Dolly Parton’s life, particularly highlighting the milestones of her career.
It’s pretty close to the front of the park, so if you want to get to all the roller coasters, you can start now or do this later in the day.
This is a whole new experience and has some interactive elements.
You can also take a walk on the Dolly tour bus.
You can also take a walk nearby Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home That she grew up.
Roller coaster
For ride lovers now!
This park has some great roller coasters for any thrill seeker.
Some of these are rather tamed child-friendly, while others are surprisingly intense.
Here’s the family-friendly style roller coaster my 5-year-old nie is happy to ride.
- Big Bear Mountain (The longest roller coaster in Dollywood, not fast, no big hills)
- Doran Fly (The roller coaster is hanging, not fast, no big hills)
- Firechaser Express (Starts back and forth, top speed of 35 mph)
- Whistlepunk chaser (Kiddy Coaster)
The type of roller coaster in the middle of the road is not very crazy, but still thrilling:
- Mystery Mine (95 degrees, falls into 85 feet of darkness)
- Thunderhead (Typical wooden roller coaster)
The most intense rides are:
- Wild Eagle (American first wing coaster)
- lightning rod (The top 10 roller coasters in Japan consistently)
- Tennessee Tornado (Typical loop steel roller coaster)
Get on the water
In addition to the roller coaster, other thrill rides include two water rides.
I ride log bar rides and river rafts!
You will be soaked in both of these.
- Daredevil Falls
- Smoky Mountain River Runpage
scenery
The views of this park are just beautiful.
I know that Bush Gardens Williamsburg Technically, it is the most beautiful amusement park in the world, but Driwood must be the second closest!
These colorful streamers are everywhere and we visited in mid-June, so the trees and plants were all full and lively.
Dollywood is also full of photo shoots throughout the park.
They say “Roadside attractionIt’s similar to what we saw on Route 66, such as “The World’s Largest Thread Ball”, but it’s all inherent to Dollywood!
Special Events
There were no special events taking place while we were visiting, but if you are visiting between one, try taking advantage of as many unique experiences as possible.
Included in several festivals all year round Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, Harvest Festivaland Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Usually you can find food, entertainment and products for a limited time.
All year round you can check out the unique Crafts and demonstrations From blacksmiths, glass blowers, candle makers, leather manufacturers.
Where to eat in Driwood?
For the amusement park, Dollywood has a truly amazing dining experience.
While it is usually recommended to stick to quick service foods to maximize your time, there is one place you have to sit down to enjoy your meal.
Granny Ogle’s Ham N Beans
Whether it’s lunch or dinner, one of your meals should be here at Granny Ogle’s.
It’s a table service restaurant with all the best southern food.
They’ll bring you some Cornbread in a frying pan As a starter.
I tried it sampler Because we love getting a little bit of everything and it’s the perfect part for the two to share.
It came with pot roast, ham, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, beans, carrots and collard greens!
Pull away the cinnamon bread
Grist Mill’s Cinnamon Bread is the most iconic food you can eat in this park.
There’s always a line, but it moves quickly.
As we were eating, we stopped and walked and asked what it was and where we got it.
It’s very tasty and big enough for 4-6 people to share.
It definitely had a lot to do for us both alone.
Red Drive-In
Red’s is a model diner where Dolly Parton grew their first burger.
It’s a very cute retro diner, but the food is a regular theme park dish.
We got out of the heat and sat in the classic diner booth and had fun.
Bakery
At the end of the night, on the way out of the park, they attack the bakery.
If you have a large enough group, try the 25 pound Apple Pie for $229!
It’s very large (but you can also get one slice for about $30).
My favorite thing I tried at the bakery Chocolate croissant and Lemon bar.
Where to stay at Hat Forge
We stayed at the Piton Forge and Gatlinburg area on a short weekend Sunrise Ridge Resort.
It’s the Hilton Vacation Club Resort, but you don’t have to be a timeshare owner to stay here!
Just book like any other hotel, but instead of getting a typical hotel room you get a full kitchen and a private bedroom.
The pool has a stunning view of the mountains.
Click here to book your Sunrise Ridge Resort Resort today.
Conclusion: One day itinerary for the ultimate driwood
This one-day Dollywood itinerary will allow you to experience all the highlights of this theme park in a short time.
If you don’t do anything else, at least loop through the park one by one to enjoy the views, try out the cinnamon bread and eat at Granny Ogle’s.
There’s so much to do in the Hat Forge and Gatlinburg areas, and Dollywood is the region’s most ticketed attraction.
If you have time to explore this area, One day itinerary at the amazing Smoky Mountain National Park.
Pin this later!
More theme park itinerary:
– The Great America of California
– Knot’s Berry Farm
– Universal Studios Hollywood
– Bush Gardens Williamsburg
– Silver Dollar City
