Tucked away amid the lush green hills and forests of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains is the 150-acre Dollywood, a theme-park resort where thrill seekers snake their ways through rustic vegetation via roller coasters and waterslides. Owned and operated by Dolly Parton, the complex includes the Dollywood amusement park, Dollywood's Splash Country water-park resort and cabins. Take advantage of money-saving offers available throughout the town of Pigeon Forge.
Special Offers
Dollywood has special offers throughout the year. The resort has a deal where if you enter the theme park after 3:00 or 6:00 p.m., depending on the time of year, you may enter the park the following operating day for free. Dollywood also has discounted one-day passes for active, retired and reservist military, disabled veterans, and military spouses and dependents. Tickets must be purchased in person and valid military and dependent IDs are required. Third-party discount offers are rare but some local businesses distribute coupons for Dollywood. Fast-food chains sometimes include coupons in take-out bags or pasted onto cups, while others pass out booklets filled with coupons for area attractions that on occasion may include Dollywood. The AAA website sometimes has reduced-price Dollywood tickets on sale online for members.
Lodging Tips
Some accommodations in Pigeon Forge and the neighboring town of Gatlinburg partner with the park to sell passes on site, including one-, two- and three-day passes to Dollywood and/or Dollywood's Splash Country. Many of the tickets sold through hotels and motels have nominal discounts. You also may book hotel and park packages with minor discounts using Dollywood's website. Accommodations for these deals include special partnered hotels and Dollywood's own on-site lodging options. If you're staying at a timeshare resort in the Smoky Mountains, some companies provide free tickets to Dollywood if you agree to a sales pitch, some of which last up to 90 minutes.
Group Rates
Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Groups receive the biggest discount available if reservations are made at least two weeks in advance. Group reservations may be made by phone. You'll also receive one free ticket for every 15 tickets you purchase. You may purchase discounted meal-plan vouchers redeemable at select resort restaurants for groups of 15 people or more.
Pass Holders and Parking
Season-pass holders enjoy a host of perks throughout the year, including discounts on one-day tickets for friends and reduced rates for resort accommodations. Elite Gold Season Pass holders receive free parking all year. Save money by parking for free at Pigeon Forge's Patriot Park and taking the Pigeon Forge trolley to the park's front gate for a nominal fee.