Dollywood from the cabin

Dolly Parton passed away in August 2026. A memorial in Dollywood's welcome plaza is there for anyone who'd like to remember and celebrate her.

When to go

Dollywood's own advice for smaller crowds: Thursdays in spring, Wednesdays or Thursdays in summer, and weekdays in fall and at Christmas. Arrive about an hour before opening; most guests show up between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Hours change through the season, so check the calendar on dollywood.com before you go.

• Harvest Festival, through October 31, 2026: the park stays open until 9 p.m. every night (until 11 p.m. through October 15), with Great Pumpkin LumiNights each evening.
• Smoky Mountain Christmas, November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027: the holiday lights season and the last stretch of the 2026 season. Dollywood hasn't announced its 2027 dates yet.
• Dollywood's Splash Country is a separate water park that runs from mid-May to late September. In 2026 that was May 16 to September 20.

Parking and getting in

General parking is $25, with free trams from lots A through E to the main entrance; lot F is a short walk. Preferred parking, steps from the gate, is $55. Gold and Diamond season pass holders get free general parking. Paying online ahead gets you through the toll booths faster, and overnight parking isn't allowed. Pigeon Forge's trolley also runs a Dollywood route; check the city's schedule.

Bringing your dog

Pets aren't allowed in the park, apart from service animals. Doggywood, a day kennel by Guest Services at the front gate, takes dogs for $25 a day in a kennel run, or $35 in a cottage for dogs totaling 19 pounds or less. Reserve ahead and bring proof of rabies and Bordetella vaccines; there's no overnight boarding. If the dog stays at the cabin instead, use the folding crate provided, because pets have to be crated when they're left alone.

Good to know

• Dated Pick-A-Day tickets can cost less than Good-Any-Day tickets, depending on the date.
• TimeSaver passes, Dollywood's paid pass for shorter waits on select rides, sell in limited numbers each day.
• Coolers and outside food aren't allowed. Each person can bring one unopened bottle of water.
• Lockers cost $17 for the day at the front gate, or $12 for the ride lockers by the big rides, good all day.
• Strollers rent for $18 single or $20 double. Your own stroller can ride the tram if it's empty.