Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort: Serenity and Perks Galore

Arriving at HeartSong Lodge feels like stepping into a peaceful mountain haven. The impressive timber and stone architecture immediately conveys warmth, and the vast, yet inviting, lobby with its towering fireplace is breathtaking, especially when bathed in the soft glow of the evening. Our check-in was smooth, beginning with a thoughtful touch: a refreshing welcome beverage for the kids in the lobby, a small gesture that goes a long way with travel-weary youngsters. For those needing a moment of distraction during check-in, surprise craft kits were available for purchase, a clever way to keep little hands busy.

This abundance of charging options was a godsend for keeping our phones, watches, and portable chargers fully juiced. The shower was nice, providing a refreshing start or end to the day. And for a personal touch of luxury, the bathroom featured the best mirror I have ever used for applying makeup, making getting ready a breeze. A hair dryer, iron and ironing board were also a welcome inclusion.

This perk alone is a game-changer! While Golden Hour is typically reserved only for Gold and Diamond Season Passholders, all resort guests with their complimentary TimeSaver bands are granted access! This allows you to enter the rides through the TimeSaver entrance during the first hour of park opening and ride as many eligible attractions as possible.

 If your visit includes a splash-tastic day at Dollywood’s Splash Country, resort guests with valid admission also receive a complimentary TimeSaver H2O Pass per person, per day (a $30 value!). This provides two expedited entries on participating water attractions. For those eager to experience RiverRush with expedited entry, an upgraded TimeSaver H2O or TimeSaver H2O Unlimited pass is required.

To snag those invaluable complimentary TimeSaver bands that we have raved about, a visit to the Ticket Center in the Lodge is mandatory. The line builds remarkably fast. We arrived at 7:42 am and found a line already formed! If rope-dropping the park or securing priority show seating is important to your family, make visiting the Ticket Center your very first morning mission. Be there before opening! You’ll need to show your valid Dollywood park tickets or season passes to receive the bands.

The ride itself was a quick 10-minute journey to Dollywood. We did make a brief stop at Splash Country first, where we experienced a couple of minutes’ wait for another trolley to unload. By 9:04 AM, we were stepping off the Trolley right at the front gates of Dollywood, perfectly positioned for the morning’s adventures. Jim also shared the important detail that the last trolley to pick up from Dollywood and return to the lodge would be at 10:15 PM, giving us ample time to enjoy the evening festivities.

• High Note provides a casual yet delicious setting for shareable plates, flatbreads, and drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day of park thrills. 
• The Acoustic Lobby is a unique, Dolly-inspired space featuring a striking guitar-shaped chandelier and personal treasures, serving as an exclusive dining area that’s also open to all guests when not reserved. It was reserved for a private party during our stay at the Lodge.
• Cove Poolside Dining allows you to enjoy refreshing beverages, snacks, and even full meals right by the pool, ensuring maximum relaxation without leaving the water’s edge. Check out the menu while we were there!
• In Room Dining allows Guests at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort to enjoy the convenience of having meals, snacks, and beverages delivered right to their door. This is served daily from 7 am – 11 pm. The menu offerings can be found in your room as well as online.

HeartSong Lodge ensures there’s always something to keep the family entertained, even on a non-park day. Camp DW offers a rotating schedule of children’s activities throughout the day, with the weekly schedule provided right at check-in. In the evenings, the resort lights up with a cozy charm. We discovered a delightful campfire for marshmallow roasting near the pool, a perfect way to wind down after dinner. Inside, the grand fireplace in the lobby played host to a charming story reading at 8:30 PM, a lovely tradition for families.

Beyond its amenities, HeartSong Lodge is stunning, especially illuminated at night. A leisurely evening stroll around the grounds is highly recommended to soak in the serene beauty. We enjoyed sitting around the massive fire pit outside the lodge one evening! Adding value, the lodge offers complimentary Wi-Fi and, best of all, no resort fees—exceptional value without hidden charges.

If your ideal Dollywood vacation combines world-class entertainment with serene relaxation, effortless convenience, and a touch of genuine Southern charm, then HeartSong Lodge and Resort should undoubtedly be your next Smoky Mountain destination. It’s a harmonious blend of comfort, magic, unforgettable family memories, and did we mention the Dollywood perks!