Dollywood Theme Park Pigeon Forge Tennessee

As a Tennessee resident and living near this popular vacation destination, I hope to give you some insight into Dollywoods Theme Park.

I like to frequent Dollywood at least two times a year and for different reasons. Dollywood's season and calendar events begins in early Spring and continues through December covering all four seasons! They have awesome festivals for each season, with one of my favorites being the Spring Festival known as the Festival Of Nations.

It is a multi cultural festival with over 250 international performers. It is an extravaganza of talented dancers, artisans and musicians from many different countries that will entertain you like never before! This particular festival lasts approx. 5 weeks usually beginning around March 31 to the first week of May. Another one of my favorite times to visit is early November through most of December.

This is when they have The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival which will take your breath away! Every where you turn, you will be amazed at the twinkling colorful Christmas lights and enchanting Holiday displays. The show Babes In Toyland is a must see, with Christmas characters, amazing acrobatics and the march of the giant toy soldiers. Consider the shows, the thrilling rides and the tastey Holiday foods and you a guaranteed a memorable Christmas for the entire family, now you see why it's one of my favorites! To me it feels like a fairytale come to life!

Two other events you might prefer would be Kidsfest which usually goes from about mid June to the first week of August. They have a show called Untamed Illusions it is filled with exotic cats, like the bengal tiger, if I recall I believe a black panther as well as many others that perform right on stage. They entertain you with magical illusions that keep you wondering, how in the heck did they do that? Kidsfest is the biggest children's festival in the South. With so much to see and do the yougins won't have time to complain of boredom! Also a great time for the young at heart! For those of you who adore fall you will not want to miss The National Harvest And Gospel Celebration which runs from early October to around November the 3rd. You will be able to enjoy free gospel concerts, special crafts, beautiful Fall decor and some fabulous foods.

Now aside from the elaborate festivals, Dollywood Park is cram packed with fun adventures! For the thrill seekers you have got to ride The Thunderhead, this massive wooden coaster stands tall among the mighty trees and takes advantage of the area's rough and tumble terrain to create a daring ride featuring a 100-foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph. This is sure to get that adrenaline pumping! If that didn't do it for you, then jump on the Tennessee Tornado, a force of nature all its own, this triple spiral-looping coaster makes you feel like you've landed inside a funnel cloud as you zoom down a 128-foot drop through an actual mountain at speeds of 70 mph. This one I think left a permanent surprised look on my face!

If those are a bit much for you than there are many more rides available, I tell you there is something for everyone. Try one of the many water rides which are perfect for cooling down on those warm if not hot days at the park. My favorite is the Mounatin Sidewinder. Your adventure begins as you climb through the actual mountain terrain on your way to boarding this ride and let me tell you it is right up the side of the mountain so by the time you get there you are ready for a cool down!. The Mountain Slidewinder literally slides down the mountainside along high-banked curves at breathtaking speeds. You will definately get wet on this ride, but like I said you will really appreciate it after the hike to reach the boarding gate. Well worth the climb though if you are some what physically fit, it didn't seem to be a problem for the youngsters though!

For the tots there are plenty of kiddie rides that are sure to put a smile on their face and on yours too, as you watch their eyes light up with excitement!

Now since the name pretty much says it all ( Dollywood ) which we all know is from our talented southern gal Dolly Parton so it only stands to reason that we should get some inside information about her. Not to worry the bases are covered! With Chasing Rainbows you can view elaborate costumes and many of Dolly's priceless artifacts? A variety of exhibits let you explore Dolly's life and career. How would you like to see what you would look like in one of Dolly's wigs?

From the great park shows to elaborate festivals and thrilling rides to kiddie land, the adventures seem endless. Right down to shopping in the many themed shops throughout Dollywood that offer handcrafted treasures and country delights.

Of course all of this fun is bound to work up a firocious appetite, and there is nothing better than sitting down in one of the many restaurants to savor some good down home southern cooking and oh my do they have the best barbecues! Unless like the yougin's your in a hurry to see it all. Then grab a quick bite at one of the many eatery stands located throughout the park, whether it's a fresh roasted ear of corn or a fresh made savory cornbread dipped hot dog on a stick.

So I know you must be wondering what is all of this fun goning to cost? Well for the little ones age 4-11 the tickets cost $36.80, For The Respected Seniors age 60+ $44.60 and for Regular admission age 12-59 the price is $47.95. When you consider this covers all of the rides and attractions, shows etc. or any special events/festivals this is quite reasonable. Of course all eats and shopping are extra.

Where is Dollywood located? Dollywood is conveniently located 35 miles southeast of knoxville, Tennessee in scenic Pigeon Forge at the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

How do I get there?

Off Interstate 40, take Exit 407 toward Gatlinburg / Sevierville / Pigeon Forge.

Follow TN Hwy.66 South which becomes US 441.

At Traffic Light #8 in Pigeon Forge, turn left and follow the signs to Dollywood.
Dollywood is located 35 miles southeast of Knoxville at 1020 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. For further information visit the included link displayed in this article.

I hope this walk with me through Dollywood Theme Park has given you an inside glimpse of some of the fun that awaits you ( theres just to much to cover it all! ) I know you'll have a wonderful time and who knows, I might see you there!