We at Viking Coaster Crew had a fantastic day Mon Apr 16. Huge thanks to DW for fixing Lightning Rod! The consistent operations allowed us 6 laps!!! Most everything was a walk on and everything was running!
Some people suggest starting with Lightning Rod if it's open because of how unreliable it is and because it always gets a long line. Now that the ride has a regular chain lift system, maybe it will be more reliable and the best plan would be to do statt with the rides in the back the park before the crowds show up.
This park is so good. I first came to love it while loving in Tennessee while I was in the Army. It has something for everyone. And while the rides are great, I think food and shows are what really make this a top tier park (well that and the overall charm.) Dollywood is not my number one favorite park. Well, that is for most of the year anyway. Come November, Dollywood becomes my favorite. I don't think I enjoy any park experience more than Smoky Mountain Christmas. And I totally agree that it's best to check it out in early November for those shorter lines (assuming you aren't bothered by Christmas music before Thanksgiving.)
I have a pipe dream to take a big east coast road trip next year where I will hit up parks like Dollywood and hopefully if I can pull it off, I will absolutely use that strategy you mentioned with how to hit up each ride. Very helpful vid 👍🏻
i have been to this park 3 times (it'll be 4 this year) and I have to say, Dollywood is one of my all-time fav theme parks. absolutely will not regret it!!!
I worled here for 3 weasons when i was 15 to 18. Got the park for free anyday i was off. I spent so many hours riding every ride. Definitely a great experience and friendly staff 90% of the time. No i did not get to meet dolly
Great video! It’s been over 25 yrs since we’ve been to Dollywood so I know it’s going to be like a brand new experience so thank you so much for all the info!! 🧡 🦋
Thank you for the tips. My family and i will be traveling here for the first time in early August. My sister loves the big coasters and hopefully she'll be able to experience all of them within the two days we'll be there. Luckily it'll be during the weekday so fingers crossed
other points: regular Dollywood has two water rides. They are not that great--but we did them. We were glad that we brought flip flops to change into, and also lightweight panchos. For sure your shoes and socks will get soaked pretty well on them. Your shirt and shorts will likely get very wet on them. Some folks thought we were smart for having panchos. We did the pay lockers on our first day, but on 2nd day we noticed that there were always cubbies by the rides, and we used those (and felt very 'safe' wrt not having anything swiped, although it's probably always good to put phone, drivers license and credit cards in a zipper pocket). So we'd advise anyone to just use the cubbies. The water rides do NOT have cubbies, but it's easy to just wear your backpack on the chest (the water rides are not as strict with regard to bringing things onboard). Food was overpriced, really small portions. I'd recommend for sure that people bring some filling snacks to supplement any food purchased. We brought water bottles. Train ride was actually a bit disappointing, once we really got moving, it was hard to clearly hear the conductor. Between the train noise and the way that his decibel level would fluctuate due to his authentic country accent, I just couldn't make out most of what he was saying, which was a shame b/c I wanted to learn more of the history of the park.
I love Dollywood it’s such a great park. Plus Christmas is a great event. Here’s a tip about aunt granny/ front porch. On really busy days like weekends or Christmas time. Put your name in as early as u can as aunt granny/front porch wait does tend to get very busy closer to dinner time. Or if it’s really cold or rainy or storm coming in. If u have to charge your phone/ air pod/ smart watch etc. Reds diner has chargers inside facing LR or outside close to the valley theater in a coke bottle looking thing.
In my opinion the plan of attack did not work. We went to Dollywood this past Monday and Tuesday and going to Thunderhead first was a mistake. We got through the gates and were in line for Thunderhead 15 minutes before the park opened and we still waited almost an hour putting us way behind. We had to then skip over some of the rides to make up for it. We did end up getting all the coasters in and maybe because we went on a weekday it is different from a weekend but my suggestion is start with Dragonflier and Big bear… then go straight to Firechaser… these 3 seem to have the longest lines throughout the day. After this I would hit Wild Eagle and Tennessee Tornado as both were under 15 minutes at this point. Blazing fury was closed for us but Id say hit that and Lightning Rod… After this take a break from coasters and do the dolly parton experience. Around 4 or 5pm the coaster lines seemed to shorten and this was a good time to go do Thunderhead and Mystery Mine. Then you should be able to get re rides…. We lapped Lightning rod and Thunderhead to end the night… Now maybe it doesnt always clear out like that and Maybe it was because it was a weekday but I certainly would not start with Thunderhead… Also, Aunt Grannys and granny ogles ham n beans were both awesome for food! Ps TPR i typically love all your suggestions and hints and thanks for working hard on all these videos!
Does anyone know if there is a place called Patriot Park? Someone mentioned I would be able to park there for less $...but I don't know anything about it, how far to the gates, etc.
Hey! Check out my other video here for a whole list of hotels for anyone budget ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-T4nN48LwUow.htmlsi=dbvUWez0GlN-u17H Hope that helps :)
