Dollywood: Your Summer Guide

Located in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Dolly Parton-owned Dollywood family amusement park in Pigeon Forge is one of Tennessee’s top destinations for family vacations. With thrilling roller coasters, wild water excursions and world-class entertainment, Dollywood offers fun for the whole family. Here are a few things you won’t want to miss on your summer vacation to Dollywood.

Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort

As soon as you step into the new 4,000-square-foot four-story atrium lobby at Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, you'll instantly know your stay is about to be one to remember. From the stunning mountain views to the spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and balconies, the indoor and outdoor pools and six dining locations, HeartSong Lodge & Resort will become your home away from home. Complimentary trolley service to Dollywood parks are included in your stay as well as Camp DW for kids of all ages.

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa

Stay minutes from the park’s excitement at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. The resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, several dining options, special activities for kids and a spa for the adults. You’ll also receive exclusive perks at Dollywood, including door-to-door transportation, a resort guest entrance to the park and a complimentary TimeSaver Pass so you can spend less time waiting in lines and more time having fun.

Wildwood Grove

Wildwood Grove makes up the park’s largest expansion in history and is perfect for smaller children. A whimsical land bubbling with natural beauty and fun, the space features family-friendly rides such as a roller coaster called the Dragonflier and the nearly 60-foot-tall Wildwood Tree. The area features live performances; outdoor playgrounds; and Till & Harvest, a restaurant cooking up delicious Smoky Mountain Mexican dishes.

Big Bear Mountain Coaster

And now, Wildwood Grove is even bigger thanks to the opening of Big Bear Mountain, the longest coaster at Dollywood. The coaster circles Wildwood Grove for two minutes on 3,990 ft. of track that reaches a maximum speed of 48 MPH. Big Bear Mountain is a first of its kind at Dollywood as it features onboard audio including music and announcements from Ned Oakley, Wildwood Grove's resident wilderness explorer. 

Dollywood's Splash Country

Take some time to cool off at Dollywood’s Splash Country. There are more than 35 acres of attractions to explore, including a 1,500-foot lazy river; the state’s tallest twin-speed slides; a 25,000-square-foot wave pool; TailSpin Racer, a six-lane mat racing slide; and RiverRush, the first and only water coaster in Tennessee. Whether you devote a whole day or just an afternoon, Splash Country has something for both the thrill-seekers and the pool-loungers in the family.

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Soak in the bright days and longer nights filled with magic during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration June 15-Aug. 11, 2024. You'll love the beautiful color spread across the park from flying kites and rainbow-hued pool noodles suspended overhead as well as bright yellow rocking chairs surrounded by technicolor trees. Kids and kids at heart will love the Gazillion Bubble Show. This family fan-favorite includes millions of bubbles that envelop the entire theater in this unique show. End your night in Wildwood Grove for the Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show. Hundreds of drones dance in the night sky, telling a unique story through 3D animations. 

Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Enjoy a four-course dinner and an action-filled show at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. A true slice of Americana, Stampede has family-friendly comedy, thrilling horse-riding stunts and pre-show music productions. It all comes together with a patriotic salute featuring “Color Me America,” written and recorded by Dolly herself.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

No trip to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge would be complete without spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains. Hike through the lush forests to breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic views, or answer the call of adventure and get your heart racing on a guided whitewater rafting tour. These mountains are some of the oldest in the world, and they’re full of sights still waiting to be discovered.

Dollywood is a great place to make unforgettable family memories this summer if you’re embarking on a weeklong adventure or just in town for a couple of days.