Ways to Save on Your Dollywood Visit: Discounts, Packages, and Perks
Dollywood, a 150-acre Smoky Mountains resort owned by Dolly Parton, offers several avenues for trimming costs. Options range from twilight entry deals and military discounts to hotel tie-ins, group pricing, and season-pass advantages. Visitors can also find savings through local coupon distribution and trolley parking in Pigeon Forge.
By Hayden Scott
Country singer Dolly Parton owns Dollywood.
Set within the verdant hills and woodlands of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, the 150-acre Dollywood resort draws adrenaline enthusiasts who navigate through natural scenery aboard roller coasters and waterslides. Dolly Parton owns and runs the property, which encompasses the Dollywood amusement park, the Splash Country water-park resort, and cabins. Money-saving opportunities can be found across Pigeon Forge.
Promotional Deals
Throughout the year, Dollywood rolls out various special promotions. One such offer lets guests who arrive after either 3:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. — the exact time shifts with the season — return on the next operating day at no charge. The park also provides reduced-rate single-day admission for military members (active, retired, and reservist), disabled veterans, and their spouses and dependents. These tickets require in-person purchase and valid military or dependent identification. While third-party discounts are uncommon, certain local establishments do hand out Dollywood coupons. Fast-food outlets occasionally place coupons in takeout bags or attach them to cups, and some distribute coupon booklets for area attractions that may sometimes feature Dollywood. AAA's website periodically offers members discounted Dollywood tickets online.
Where to Stay
Certain lodging options in Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg collaborate with the park to sell passes directly on site, offering one-, two-, and three-day passes for Dollywood and/or Splash Country. Many tickets available through hotels and motels come with modest discounts. You can also reserve hotel-and-park bundles at slight savings via Dollywood's website. Participating hotels and Dollywood's own on-site accommodations are included in these packages. For those staying at a Smoky Mountains timeshare resort, some companies offer complimentary Dollywood tickets in exchange for attending a sales presentation, which can run as long as 90 minutes.
Savings for Groups
Groups of 15 or more qualify for reduced pricing. The largest possible group discount is granted when bookings are made at least two weeks ahead of time. Group reservations can be arranged over the phone. Additionally, for every 15 tickets bought, you get one ticket free. Meal-plan vouchers usable at selected resort restaurants are available for purchase at a discount for groups of 15 or more.
Season Passes and Parking
Those holding season passes get access to a range of benefits during the year, such as discounted one-day tickets for companions and lower prices on resort lodging. Elite Gold Season Pass members park for free throughout the year. Another way to cut costs: park without charge at Pigeon Forge's Patriot Park and ride the Pigeon Forge trolley to the park's entrance for a small fee.
