5 of Our Best Dollywood Tips for Families Planning a Visit

A day at Dollywood with the family is exciting. You hear the roller coasters rattling through the mountains, you catch the smell of that famous cinnamon bread in the air, and you can feel the buzz as you make your way to your next activity. If you’re planning to visit the Pigeon Forge theme park with kids, a little planning can help make for a smoother experience. A few smart moves can be the difference between a fun, low-stress day and one where the little ones get cranky and mom and dad just want the metaphorical ride to be over. Here are 5 of our best Dollywood tips for families planning a visit:

1. Pick Your Must-Do Attractions Before You Arrive

Families often find they have a better overall experience when they plan their visit ahead of time. Check out what the park has to offer beforehand and put together a list of rides, attractions, and shows that are non-negotiable for your family. If your kids are younger, make sure to pay attention to height requirements when planning. Nothing spoils the mood faster than getting to the front of the line, only to realize your child can’t ride. Knowing what you want to do ahead of time makes it easier to organize your day around what matters most.

2. Measure Your Kids Right Away

Speaking of height requirements, you can save yourself time and hassle by measuring your kids as soon as you arrive at Dollywood. There’s a measuring station located on Showstreet right near the main entrance of the theme park. Your child will receive a color-coded wristband if they meet certain height requirements. By doing this, nobody has to guess or worry about who can ride what, saving you a lot of wasted time.

3. Get There Early (Trust Us)

One of our most important Dollywood tips is to arrive early. It really can make a big difference. It’s no secret that Dollywood gets crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. By arriving early, you can beat some of the bigger crowds, especially for some of the most popular rides at Dollywood that often have lengthy wait times by midday. As tempting as it might be to hurry from one spot to another, don’t. Plan plenty of breaks for snacks, meals, or just to catch a lighthearted show. If you’re bringing little ones along, those rest stops become crucial after walking up and down the hills and tackling several rides or experiences.

4. Download the Dollywood App Before You Go

Another of our Dollywood tips takes just seconds to download yet can save you all sorts of headaches. Get the Dollywood app. Having this app on your phone gives you useful information right at your fingertips whenever you need it. You can check wait times, pull up show schedules, and use the interactive make to get around the sprawling park without getting lost. It’s especially helpful when one of the kids gets grumpy because they need a bite to eat. You can quickly find out what’s nearby with the app.

5. Stay in a Parkside Cabin

After a full day at Dollywood, nobody wants to pile back into the car for a long drive or try to get comfortable in a cramped hotel room. Our Smoky Mountain cabins are a game-changer! Not only are they cozy and full of amenities that make your trip more memorable, but they also offer plenty of space, ways to relax, and spend quality time together as a family. Plus, our cabins page features a handy map, so you can look for a cabin near Dollywood or other attractions you have plans to visit. That way, you know where you’re staying, and there’s no guesswork!

Things for Families to Do at Dollywood

By following these Dollywood tips, you can help make sure your family has an unforgettable experience with the fewest amount of speedbumps as possible! It’s no secret that Dollywood has a variety of roller coasters and rides, but that’s just the start of all the fun. As you plan your visit, check out some of the best things to do at Dollywood other than rides!