Dollywood (Photo Heavy)

This is a longer post for me with many photo's.

We went to Dollywood while we were on vacation.  It was under a ten minute drive from where we were staying so very convenient.  We went on a Monday, in the hopes it wasn't as crowded and it worked out fine.  It was busier until around 5pm, then it was quiet until we left at around 6:30pm.  Some of the lights had come on at that time, but it would have been another hour or so until it was dark enough for all the lights to come on, and my poor feet were done walking by 6:30pm.

We arrived around 10:30am.  I bought my tickets online and used my cell phone to scan them.  For us it came to around $265 CDN and parking was another $25 USD or $35 CDN.  We parked in lot D which was a 10 minute walk to the entrance, but of course used the free trolleys to take us to the entrance.

It was the Fall Festival time, so there were pumpkin displays everywhere.

This leaf display was so pretty on the main street.  It was a red hot day when we went, so any little piece of shade was welcome.

There were lots of these giant award winning pumpkins everywhere as well.

All the stores were decked out in both Fall and Christmas displays.  Everything was over the top.  I did not buy anything from the stores.  I am trying to get rid of things in the house, not bring more stuff in....LOL

We go for the shows and I especially like The Kingdom Heirs.  Also in the theatres you can have a break from the heat.

There is a replica of Dolly's childhood home in the park.

The next three photos are inside the home, but there is a plexiglass screen in front of you protecting everything.

We bought a refillable cup.  It was $17.99 USD for one and you could refill it all day at the soda/pop machines.  We thought it was worthwhile.  Hubby drinks Coke zero.  I don't normally drink pop, but did that day.  We also filled it with water, as there are water fountains all over.  The cookie I think was $6.99 USD but it was huge.

As I said everything is over the top in the park, so wasn't surprised to see this!

I heard a member of staff say you get to take home the pan it's baked in as well.  It was huge.

As I mentioned in this post, we bought the tasting pass.  I was just over $47 USD with tax, so worked out to over $65 CDN.  

This is what you could have with it.

Although Dollywood isn't a huge park it is very hilly.  So anyone with mobility issues should rent a mobility scooter.  I think they were around $55 USD for the day.  There is something to do for all ages.  We personally do not go on any of the rides.  We go for the shows, and the programme of what's on that day, even gives suggestions on what order to see them.

As with every theme park it's not a cheap day out.  If you live local then a pass would be worthwhile.  We did find the tasting pass worthwhile.  We would have only got one meal in one of the sit down restaurants for that price I would think.  Of course you can bring your own food and snacks in with you, but we didn't want to carry anything extra.

I do not think paying extra for closer parking is worth it.  Also unless you are going when it's super busy do not waste your money on reserved seating in the theatre's for the shows, there's generally plenty of room.

I would love to go for all the Christmas displays, but it's not a "must."  The trolley driver mentioned to us that Dolly was not well and to say a prayer for her.

The staff seemed to think highly of Dolly and I know she has done a lot for the area.  It will be a very sad day when Dolly passes, that's for sure.  Our grandson is a recipient of Dolly's Imagination Library, as he is under the age of 5.  Again a super thing she started.

Overall we enjoyed our day, and slept like logs that night!!!