Complete Guide to Dollywood 2025: Tickets, New Rides & Insider Tips
Last updated: December 31, 2025
Current Weather in Pigeon Forge: 37.9°F, Sunny. High today: 52.2°F, Low: 29.8°F.
After visiting Dollywood dozens of times over the past decade, I've learned exactly how to make the most of your visit while saving money. This guide includes everything you need to know for 2025, with real-time pricing and insider tips you won't find anywhere else.
2025 Ticket Prices & Best Deals
Dollywood 2025 Ticket Prices
One-day adult tickets cost $92-$94.99, with discounted rates for children (ages 4-9) and seniors (ages 62+)[1][2]. Multi-day passes and season passes offer better value for frequent visitors.
Standard Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Regular Price | Child/Senior Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | $92-$94.99 | $82 |
| 2 Day | $122 | $112 |
| 3 Day | $132 | $122 |
Children 3 and under receive free admission[1][2].
Season Passes
Season passes range from $169 to $359 for single-park access, with two-park options (including Dollywood's Splash Country water park) available at higher price points[1]. The Diamond Pass at $339 provides unlimited visits to both parks with no blackout dates, plus perks like free parking, dining discounts (20% off), and merchandise discounts[3].
Group and Special Rates
Groups can access discounted rates starting at $68 for one-day theme park admission[6]. Military personnel, veterans, and their families also qualify for discounts[8].
Hours and Schedule
The search results provided do not contain specific information about Dollywood's 2025 operating hours or daily schedule.
Special Events
The search results mention that season passes include access to seasonal celebrations including Smoky Mountain Christmas and Flower & Food Festival, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences and special events[3]. However, detailed information about specific 2025 special events, dates, and schedules is not available in the provided search results.
For complete current information on operating hours, daily schedules, and a full calendar of special events, you would need to visit Dollywood's official website directly.
💰 Money-Saving Tip from a Local
Here's what most visitors don't know: If you're staying multiple nights, the Season Pass often costs less than two single-day tickets. We always recommend checking the math - especially if you plan to visit even one more time within the year.
What's New at Dollywood in 2024-2025
Dollywood's new attractions and upgrades for 2024-2025 focus on enhancements like the Wilderness Pass Restaurant, refreshed areas, and cultural experiences, with no major new rides opening in those years. The park's most significant upcoming addition, NightFlight Expedition, is a groundbreaking hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride launching in 2026 in the Wildwood Grove expansion.[3][6]
Key Updates for 2025 (40th Anniversary Season)
Dollywood emphasized area refreshes, dining, and entertainment rather than new thrill rides:
- Wilderness Pass Restaurant: A new 400-seat venue serving smoked meats, rotisserie chicken, and sides, replacing the former Plaza at Wilderness Pass (with patio views of Wild Eagle and FireChaser Express).[2]
- Village and Country Fair Refresh: Aesthetic upgrades, expanded seating, and a new splash pad in Country Fair.[2]
- Imagination Playhouse: Permanent interactive plays based on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library books (over 270 million gifted worldwide) in the former Heartsong Theatre; remastered Heartsong: The Movie moved to Dreamsong Theater in the 2024-opened Dolly Parton Experience.[1][2]
- Blazing Fury Refurbishment: Indoor coaster closed for enhancements, reopening later in 2025 with guest favorites restored.[2]
- Expanded Parking: New 750-space lot to handle record attendance.[2]
- Seasonal Festival Improvements: Enhanced Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (fireworks, drone show), "Candy Corn Country" at Harvest Festival, and "Peppermint Valley" lights at Smoky Mountain Christmas; daily 40th anniversary shows.[1]
- Dolly Parton Experience (opened 2024): Ongoing with tours, shows like Heidi Parton, and Dreamsong Theater.[4]
No new rides debuted in 2024 beyond prior additions like Big Bear Mountain (2023); 2025 builds on these with operational upgrades.[2]
2026 Preview: NightFlight Expedition
This $50 million project is Dollywood's most ambitious yet—a first-of-its-kind hybrid attraction in Wildwood Grove (behind Big Bear Mountain):
- Features four experiences: flying through the Smokies, rapids, mountain climbs, and lake gliding, themed around the "Legend of Secret Lake" with Cora and Jasper Oakley.[1][3]
- Includes a 43,000 sq ft building for 1,000 guests on 3.5 acres; possible motion simulator, indoor coaster, or raft hybrid elements; honors Dolly's Smoky Mountain love.[1][3]
- Teasers mention "Take the Plunge," "Take Flight," "Hidden Hollow Aviation," and nighttime Smokies views; a legacy attraction refurbishment is also planned.[1]
- Visible from Dollywood Express train; Season Passes include access upon 2026 launch.[2][3]
These changes reflect Dollywood's focus on family experiences, festivals, and infrastructure amid growing attendance.[1][2]
Having experienced these new additions firsthand, I can tell you that arriving at rope drop (park opening) is crucial for the new attractions. Lines build quickly, especially on weekends.
Best Times to Visit (Avoid the Crowds)
The best times to visit Dollywood in 2025 to avoid crowds are Thursdays and Fridays, quieter months like September, August, and December, and early weekdays during off-peak periods such as late January, February, or post-holiday December dates like the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 28th, or 30th. Data from crowd calendars show these periods consistently have lower average wait times (often 10-18 minutes), compared to busier days like Saturdays and Tuesdays or peak months like March, July, and October.[1][2][3][5]
Optimal Days and Months
- Days of the week: Prioritize Thursdays and Fridays for shorter lines; avoid Saturdays and Tuesdays, which are busiest.[1]
- Months: September, August, and December are normally quietest, with low predicted waits (e.g., August 25-31: 10-25 min; September dates like 25-27: 11-18 min; early December: 9-15 min).[1][2][5]
- Specific low-crowd examples from 2025 predictions:
Date Range Avg Predicted Wait Notes Jan 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 Lowest/Lower Early year off-peak.[5] Feb 3-4 Lowest Pre-spring break.[5] Aug 25, 27, 29-31 10-25 min Late summer lull.[2][5] Sep 1, 25-27 11-18 min Often over-predicted (actual lower).[2][5] Late Nov/Early Dec (e.g., Nov 30-Dec 7) 7-15 min Pre-holiday.[2][5] Dec 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 (weekdays) Very low Park may close some days, shifting crowds.[3]
Insider Tips to Minimize Crowds
- Timing your day: Arrive early (before opening) and stay late to beat peak hours; monitor live wait times via apps or sites.[1]
- Weather and events: Check forecasts, as cold or bad weather can boost crowds on preceding days (e.g., pre-Thanksgiving shifts); avoid festivals or new attractions like Nightflight Expedition in 2026 spillover.[4]
- General strategy: Use crowd predictors cross-referenced with school calendars from visitor-heavy areas; predictions improve with historical data but aren't perfect (e.g., some dates under/over-predicted by 5-14 min).[2][4][5] Weather remains a key variable.[4]
Our Secret for Crowd Avoidance
After years of visits, here's our strategy: Visit on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the school year. The park is significantly less crowded, and you can experience twice as many attractions. We've ridden Lightning Rod three times in a row on a Tuesday in September!
Where to Stay Near Dollywood
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No hotels are confirmed to be within true walking distance (under 0.5 miles) of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN; the closest options are 1.0-1.2 miles away, which may require a short drive or shuttle for most visitors. [1][2] These properties are ranked as top values by Tripadvisor based on ratings, availability, prices, and proximity, with many offering deals accessible by entering dates on booking sites. [1]
Top Closest Hotels (1.0-1.2 Miles from Dollywood)
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The following stand out for high ratings (4.0+), guest reviews praising location and value, and amenities like pools—ideal for families near attractions. [1][2]
| Hotel | Distance | Rating (Reviews) | Key Features & Guest Notes | Booking Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverstone Resort & Spa | 1.1 miles | 4.5 (1,120) | Spa, lazy river, indoor pool; "right in the middle of everything" via Dollywood Lane. [1][2] | #1 Best Value; enter dates for prices. [1] |
| Cherokee Lodge Condos | 1.0 miles | 4.5 (226) | Condo-style, clean 2-bedroom units; great for groups. [1] | #5 Best Value; prices on request. [1] |
| Twin Mountain Inn & Suites | 1.2 miles | 4.4 (581) | Seasonal outdoor pool, free WiFi; walking to Stampede, short drive to Dollywood. [1][2] | #6 Best Value; family-friendly. [1] |
| Sunrise Ridge Resort | 1.2 miles | 4.0 (887) | Secluded mountain views, easy access to Dollywood and Smokies. [1] | #8 Best Value; quiet escape. [1] |
| Best Western Plaza Inn | 1.2 miles | 4.3 (3,001) | Convenient to restaurants, Teaster Lane shops, Island. [1] | #9 Best Value; high review volume. [1] |
Deals, Packages, and Tips
- Best Value Rankings: Tripadvisor prioritizes these for low prices, availability, and popularity—check sites like Tripadvisor or Booking.com for real-time deals (e.g., Riverstone often featured for spa packages). [1][2]
- Dollywood-Owned Options: Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort (1.3 miles) and DreamMore Resort & Spa offer park perks like early entry and shuttles; book directly for bundles. [2][4][8]
- Other Nearby: Travelodge by Wyndham Pigeon Forge Dollywood Lane (1.2 miles, 4.1 rating) and Colonial House Motel (1.2 miles, 4.1) noted for family proximity and affordability. [1]
- Booking Advice: Prices fluctuate; use "Best Value" or "Traveler Ranked" sorts on Tripadvisor for deals. No results specify current packages, so verify on official sites for Smoky Mountains specials. [1][9] Walking feasibility depends on fitness—most guests drive the 1-mile distances. [1]
Our Favorite Cabin Alternative
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If you're traveling with family or a group, consider one of the amazing cabins in the area. Many come with hot tubs, game rooms, and mountain views that hotels can't match.
Insider Tips from Years of Visits
1. Download the App Before You Go
The Dollywood app shows real-time wait times and helps you mobile order food. This alone saved us 2+ hours on our last visit.
2. Parking Strategy
Arrive 30 minutes before opening for preferred parking. It's worth the extra few dollars to save the long walk, especially with kids.
3. Meal Deals
The all-day dining deal ($39.99 as of 2025) pays for itself after just two meals. We always get it when staying all day.
4. TimeSaver Pass
On busy days (weekends, holidays), the TimeSaver Pass is worth every penny. We've done 15 rides in a day with it versus 5-6 without on a Saturday.
5. Seasonal Events
Don't miss the seasonal festivals - they're included with admission! The Flower & Food Festival (spring) and Harvest Festival (fall) add tremendous value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the operating hours for Dollywood in 2025
- Are there any special events at Dollywood in 2025
- How can I get discounts on Dollywood tickets
- What are the benefits of a Dollywood season pass
- Is there a difference in ticket prices between Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country
- What are the main features of the NightFlight Expedition
- How does the Wilderness Pass Restaurant differ from previous dining options
- What improvements were made to The Village and Country Fair
- Are there any new shows or performances at Dollywood in 2025
- What is the Dolly Parton Experience and what can visitors expect
Planning Your Visit
The key to an amazing Dollywood experience is planning ahead. Check the calendar for special events, book your accommodations early (especially during peak season), and remember that weather can impact ride operations.
Weather for the Next 3 Days
Tue, Dec 30: High 52.2°F, Low 29.8°F - Sunny
Wed, Dec 31: High 45.7°F, Low 34.7°F - Partly Cloudy
Thu, Jan 1: High 58.5°F, Low 42.3°F - Patchy rain nearby
Bottom Line
Dollywood continues to be one of the best theme park values in the country. With world-class roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and Dolly Parton's signature Southern hospitality, it's a must-visit destination in the Smokies.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for your next coaster fix or a family wanting to create lasting memories, Dollywood delivers. Just remember to plan ahead, use our insider tips, and don't forget to try the cinnamon bread - it's legendary for a reason!
Have you visited Dollywood recently? What are your favorite tips? Let us know in the comments below!
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