Something for Everyone? Yes, Everyone!

If you haven’t been to Dollywood in a while, now is the time to plan an excursion! Dollywood ranked number one in the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Amusement Parks in the United States and the number eight theme park in the world during the Tripadvisor® 2022 Best of the Best Awards. With its theme park and surrounding properties, Dollywood Parks & Resorts definitely have something for everyone, and with amenities, accommodations, shows, restaurants, and rides being added each season, there is always something new to experience.

Understandably, many Knoxville residents invest in season passes to enjoy Dollywood’s theme park all year round. All of the festivals and seasonal celebrations are full of exceptional music, exquisite decorations, and delicious food. Harvest Festival begins on the 23rd and runs through the end of October, and November 5 through the first of January brings Smoky Mountain Christmas. With our milder winter temperatures, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoor rides and entertainment.

Consider heading up to Dollywood for a special getaway weekend – with or without the theme park. Unwind at The Spa at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, their full-service salon and spa. Whether you want some special mommy and daughter time or are planning a girlfriends’ spa mini vacation – perfect for the birthday girl, mommy-to-be, or “just because!” And with a complete selection of customized seasonal treatments – Pumpkin Luminous Facial, anyone? – you’ll feel pampered in Southern style. 

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa isn’t just for the ladies, as it has several unique areas and experiences for families to spend quality time together. Families gather to play checkers by the fireplace in one of the resort’s grand living rooms, enjoy a glass of sweet tea in a rocking chair on one of the many porches, or swap stories on one of the beautiful garden benches. Full-service dining, indoor and outdoor pool complexes, and exclusive park privileges – like complimentary transportation to Dollywood theme park and complimentary TimeSaver passes for Dollywood rides and shows – make the property a must-visit experience. At night, families gather around the fireplace for a bedtime story with a book selected from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library or to roast complimentary marshmallows to make s’mores around the fire pit.

If you would rather be “away from it all,” consider staying in one of the Bear Cove Cabins. There’s no better way to wind down after an exciting day at Dollywood Parks than to curl up in one of the luxurious Pigeon Forge cabins. Choose what Smoky Mountain cabin best suits your family. With amenities such as stunning mountain views, outdoor hot tubs, game rooms, state-of-the-art electronics, and more, Bear Cove Cabins are the ideal Smoky Mountain cabin getaway for families of all sizes. So whether you have decided on a much needed weekend away or are looking for a special Christmas memory maker, Bear Cove has the perfect cabin to make it happen.

Pre-registration for 2023 Dollywood season passes ends on the 30th, so get them while you can. Those who register during this time receive the guaranteed lowest price on passes. As always, Dollywood Parks & Resorts is drumming up the excitement for the upcoming Big Bear Mountain, a nearly 4,000 foot long roller coaster that allows guests to embark on an unforgettable expedition through the Smokies in search of the elusive “Big Bear” in the Wildwood Grove area of the park. In addition to becoming the longest roller coaster at Dollywood, Big Bear Mountain also marks the first attraction at the park to feature on-board audio. The sound system provides auditory thrills to match the ride’s dynamic movements as guests come daringly close to Big Bear. 

Also new for 2023 is Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a well-appointed, reimagined property that features a variety of accommodations and amenities. Tucked away in a beautiful cove in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the “reimagined lodge” is designed to bring that intangible feeling to life, honor everything that makes the Smokies special, and invite you to experience the wonders of finding your own heartsong.

With all the Dollywood Parks & Resorts have to offer, isn’t it time to head that way? And with Pigeon Forge being only an hour away, it could almost be considered a staycation! 

“We’re working every single day to ensure our guests have the best possible time while they are with us. This award is a little bit different, because there is no voting factored into these rankings. The Tripadvisor rankings come from actual reviews left by guests about their time here with us at Dollywood. It is extremely gratifying to see this recognition for the effort our hosts give to ensure our guests have an unforgettable time while they are here.” 

– Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company