TripAdvisor ranks Dollywood the No. 1 theme park in America, over any of the Disney parks. What makes Dolly Parton’s park a better destination than the House of Mouse? Consider these five reasons to pick Dolly over Mickey.
1. Admission is more affordable.
Check out this snapshot of one type of ticket: A one-day, adult ticket for Dollywood is $92. A one-day, adult ticket for Disney World is $119. Disney World’s prices rise on weekends, when that $119 ticket spikes as high as $134. At Dollywood, that admission remains $92–every day, including weekends.
2. You won’t wait as long for rides.
Wait times at Dollywood average 10 to 41 minutes, depending on the ride, according to the Queue-Times website. The average wait times at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, for similar types of rides? Expect to spend 35 to 79 minutes in line.
3. The TimeSaver pass is more flexible.
Dollywood’s TimeSaver pass, like Disney’s Genie+ phone app, gives you expedited access to rides. Genie+ requires you to load an app on your phone, and to reserve a time to enter lines for rides. Dollywood fans report that the TimeSaver card is easier to use, with no app to load and no need to reserve ride times. If you want flexibility with your fun, choose Dollywood.
4. Disney has characters, but Dollywood’s got character.
Dollywood is beloved by fans for its less commercial, more friendly vibe. Dollywood makes visitors feel closer to the local Smokies culture. Watch crafters work leather, blow glass, make candles, and work at the blacksmith’s forge. Kids will love trying traditional crafts themselves. The traditions keep going at the park’s eateries, too, with Southern dishes, and the Parton family’s own recipes including their famed cinnamon bread.
5. The festivals are unbeatable.
Dolly’s personal love of family, music, and nature helped create the park’s lively yet relaxing festivals. Surround yourself with music at the I Will Always Love You Music Festival. Discover local food at the Flower and Food festival. Celebrate the seasons at the cozy Harvest Festival and sparkling Smoky Mountain Christmas. Instead of dashing around to make a ride reservation, or chasing the characters you want to meet, why not relax at a family festival?
Pick a vacation cabin close to Dollywood, so you can spend your time in the park and not on the road getting there! Check out our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals now.
