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How early should you go to Dollywood?

When To Arrive. We encourage you to arrive about an hour before the park opens for the quickest entry into the park. If you're not an early bird, it's also a great strategy to arrive after lunch. Most guests tend to arrive between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.



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As for the rush through the gate, we often see crowds from around 10 a.m. until about noon. The secret is to arrive early so you can be in line before that rush. Or, wait until early afternoon so you can capitalize on playtime while a lot of folks are looking for lunch.

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As a quick refresher, ERT is an invitation for Gold and Diamond Passholders and our lodging guests to enter Dollywood an hour before park operation on Saturdays and experience one of our guest-favorite attractions.

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Weapons and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on Dollywood Property.

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Dollywood's Golden Hour is one of the many benefits for Gold and Diamond Season Passholders. During the first hour of the park opening you get unlimited access to Timesaver lines!

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Yes, it can be done, but to have the most satisfying experience, it takes some strategic planning and prioritizing. Here's my guide and tips on making the best of Dollywood in a day: First, know that Dollywood is more than roller coasters.

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If all three coasters are loading guests on arrival, we begin with FireChaser Express because the entire family can ride and wait times often build quickly. We then head to Tennessee Tornado and finish up with Wild Eagle.

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There's so much to see and do at Dollywood. Since you'll likely be there all day (or two), a backpack is probably one of the best bags to bring if you must bring something. Better than a purse, carrying a bag on your back will keep you hands-free and give you an extra place to store your beverage, keys and keepsakes.

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Standard Parking However, parking is FREE if you purchase a Dollywood Gold or Diamond Season Pass. Initial parking fee is non-refundable for Gold and Diamond Season Passholders. Free parking applies for visits after Gold or Diamond Season Passes are purchased.

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Can I take an empty water bottle to refill inside of Dollywood and are small purses allowed? Yes & Yes. Dollywood allows you to carry in any empty container as long as it is not glass and you can carry in any size purse or backpack, but it will be searched at the front entrance gate.

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Free Water Stations Dollywood always offers guests free ice water at any culinary location to make sure everyone stays hydrated while having fun. We've installed water bottle refill stations around the park so you can fill up your own water bottle without waiting in line at a food location!

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What payment types do you accept? Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, organizational checks & cash.

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Should you bring them or do we have them? We recommend you bring towels for your day at the water park. While towels are available to purchase, they are not provided. (If you're in the market, we offer two Dollywood's Splash Country towels for $25.)

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Before entering the Dollywood park, all bags must be searched by park staff or security. To expedite this process, here are a few tips: Bring in as few bags as possible. Have your bag open and ready to search before reaching the gate.

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In the early spring, for example, we are open, but many families don't travel until spring break, so we are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then, during the busiest spring break period, we are open every day. During the summer, we are open every day. The best piece of advice is to check the calendar before you visit.

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