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!!!
10 comments:
We enjoy Dollywood as well. She is a Tennessee treasure and has done so much to help people here. When the wildfire swept through that area a few years ago, she gave every family who lost their home $1,000 each month for six months and the final check was $5,000 to help them get back on their feet. She has been in the news here about her health and one of the reports said one of the issues was with a kidney stone infection.
Your photos are lovely. I really like the pumpkin towers and enjoyed reading the map of food items you could purchase with the food pass. So much of it sounds delicious. Sounds like a fun day for you. I can see why you were exhausted. Did you get to see the bald eagle section?
Oh I’d love to go to dolly world. She really has never forgotten her roots and has stayed a humble and beautiful human. She has done so much for the world. Ot including her music.
Yes it will be a sad day when she goes. But I think she misses her husband and would be very happy to go to him
Thank you for taking me along on your visit.
Wow! Beautiful, creative and fun! I really enjoyed this, thanks so much for sharing this tour, Gill!
It's a place where there is something for every age group to enjoy, I really appreciate that.
Yes we saw the bald eagle's. I even had my photo taken with one.
Yes, as Belinda said, she has given back to her community ten fold. People admire her, that's for sure.
I've been curious about Dollywood. Thank you for posting the pictures! That tasting pass looks like a very good idea. -Jenn
Sounds like a fun day! I'm so glad that you had a good time. Some yummy foods, but wow on the price of a pie. I like the cinnamon bread though.
We go to the Smokies every year in December with my brother and his family, so have been to Dollywood often. It is really pretty with all the Christmas lights, and they have special Christmas shows. Lots of good memories!
I will say I did not see any other Canadian License Plates down there, but we were treat very well by everyone.
I saw a lot of people with the cinnamon bread, I just didn't have any.
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