Posted on 8/11/2025

Dollywood Packing List: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Dollywood Packing List What to Bring and What to Leave Behind

Make the most of your delightful day at Dollywood by being prepared for anything. Use this handy list to know which items are a must, and which are a bust, at this beloved theme park.

What to Bring

  1. Comfortable Shoes: Dollywood is 150 acres of fun. You’ll be on your feet all day. Wear sturdy walking shoes or sneakers you’ve already broken in. Sandals should have a heel strap, because some rides prohibit footwear without heel straps.
  2. Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a Hat: Make sure your Dollywood memories are happy ones. Don’t let a day at the park turn into “That day I got cooked.”
  3. Medications: Don’t forget to bring any medications you (or a family member) need to take during the hours you’re in the park.
  4. Plastic Bags for Phones: On water rides like Daredevil Falls and River Rampage, protect your phone by zipping it inside a waterproof bag. Yes, even if you plan to keep it in a pocket.
  5. A Rain Poncho: An inexpensive poncho you can fold up and squeeze into your bag is fine. Don’t bring an umbrella. They’re a hassle in crowds.
  6. A Small Backpack or Fanny Pack: Unless you need, say, a diaper bag, carry the smallest possible bag. Lugging around large bags slows you down.

What to Leave Behind

  1. Food and Drinks: Dollywood doesn’t allow outside food or drinks. The exception: You can bring in one unopened bottle of water per person. Some park-goers keep coolers of food in their cars and take a lunch break in the parking lot.
  2. Alcohol: Don’t bring your own, and don’t expect to order a drink in the park. Family-friendly Dollywood doesn’t serve alcohol.
  3. Weapons: Before entering the park, check your family’s pockets. You don’t want to bring in a pocketknife by accident. Park security scans guests for weapons, including pocketknives.
  4. Your Dolly Parton Costume: No joke. Dollywood rules prohibit guests from dressing as Pigeon Forge’s favorite daughter. After all, Dolly’s legions of fans might stampede trying to get your autograph!

Spend more time at Dollywood and less time getting there, by vacationing close to the park. Book a Pigeon Forge cabin near Dollywood right now! 

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