Thrills in the Hills Returns to Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
Quick Takeaway: Thrills in the Hills gives Dollywood guests the best bang for their buck—two days of park admission, preferred parking, food, swag, and exclusive ride access perks that make a TimeSaver unnecessary. For just $135 (or under $100 for passholders), it’s easily one of the smartest and most value-packed ways to experience Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Dollywood is lighting up the Smoky Mountains this fall with Thrills in the Hills, returning for two unforgettable evenings—Friday and Saturday, September 26–27, 2025—as a radiant highlight of its award-winning Harvest Festival, featuring the iconic Great Pumpkin LumiNights
A Spectacular Fall Adventure After Dark
When the sun sets, Dollywood transforms into a glowing wonderland of pumpkins, lanterns, and seasonal charm. Great Pumpkin LumiNights fills the park with vibrant, hand-carved gourds and whimsical lighting, turning winding paths into a magical fall spectacle. Add the thrill of nighttime coaster rides and live entertainment, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fall fun.
What’s Included in the Thrills in the Hills Package?
The Thrills in the Hills package delivers more than a ticket—it’s your VIP pass to everything that makes fall at Dollywood unforgettable. The package includes:
- Admission for Friday evening and full access Saturday
- Preferred parking for quick access
- Extended evening ride time both nights, plus early ride time on Saturday
- Tasty snacks to fuel your excitement
- A satisfying Saturday lunch
- A goody bag full of goodies, complete with an event T-shirt, but size is not guaranteed
Pricing: Regular vs. Passholder Rates
Dollywood offers two clear options for attending Thrills in the Hills:
- Regular adult ticket: $134.72 plus tax
- Regular child(4-9) ticket: $125.81 plus tax
- Season Passholder adult ticket: $94.63 plus tax—special pricing unlocked by signing into your passholder account
- Season Passholder child (4-9) ticket: $94.63 plus tax
Why Thrills in the Hills Is a Must-Do
1. Immerse Yourself in Autumn Glow
Great Pumpkin LumiNights is a fall favorite, with more than 12,000 glowing gourds weaving a luminous trail through Dollywood that captivates families and thrill-seekers alike. You get 2 nights for less than the price of regular tickets!
2. Maximize Ride Time with Early and Extended Access
Get a head start on Saturday thrills with early ride access, and stay late on both nights to avoid long waits—perfect for coaster lovers who want more rides and fewer lines.
3. Taste of the Festival
You’ll enjoy thoughtfully included snacks and a hearty lunch, saving both time and budget—and leaving more energy to explore.
4. Exclusive Perks for Passholders
Season Passholders enjoy a significant discount—nearly $40 off the adult ticket—making this event a savvy way for loyal fans to experience fall magic on a better value.
5. Collect a Commemorative T-Shirt & Goody Bag
Celebrate the occasion with keepsakes you can take home.
Practical Tips for Booking
- Register early to guarantee a T-shirt
- Passholders, log in to access your discounted pricing
- Plan your arrival early to take advantage of preferred parking and extended evening ride hours
- Factor in time to enjoy the glow of Great Pumpkin LumiNights alongside your favorite rides
Why Thrills in the Hills Is a Great Deal
The Thrills in the Hills package at Dollywood isn’t just a ticket—it’s a bundle of perks that saves guests money compared to buying everything separately.
Value vs. Standard Tickets
A standard 2-Day Dollywood ticket costs ~$122. For just about $12 more, Thrills in the Hills adds $110 worth of parking, meals, souvenirs, and exclusive ride times.
Value vs. TimeSaver
Many guests buy a TimeSaver pass ($60–$99) to skip lines. With Thrills in the Hills, the early and late ride access makes that upgrade unnecessary. That’s another $60+ per person saved, on top of the included parking and food.
Bottom Line
For around $135 (or under $100 for passholders), guests get two days of Dollywood fun, preferred parking, food, swag, and built-in ride access perks—easily $150+ in added value beyond the cost of a regular ticket for day guests. Thrills in the Hills isn’t just an event—it’s one of the smartest deals Dollywood offers all year.
Final Take
With its perfect blend of glowing atmosphere, ride-packed access, tasty festival eats, and commemorative swag, Thrills in the Hills returns as a must-do autumn adventure at Dollywood. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking coaster fan or a season passholder looking for exclusive perks, this event promises to illuminate your fall memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thrills in the Hills at Dollywood?
Thrills in the Hills takes place Friday–Saturday, September 26–27, 2025, during Dollywood’s award-winning Harvest Festival featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
What’s included with the Thrills in the Hills package?
The package includes Friday evening and Saturday admission, preferred parking, early ride access on Saturday, extended evening ride times both nights, snacks, a Saturday lunch, and a T-shirt and goody bag.
How much does Thrills in the Hills cost?
Regular Guests: $134.72 plus tax
Season Passholders: $94.63 plus tax
Is preferred parking really included?
Yes! Preferred parking is part of the package, which typically costs $55 per day—a savings of up to $110 for two days.
Can children attend Thrills in the Hills?
Yes, child pricing is available. Specific rates are shown during registration or at purchase.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available now at dollywood.com. Season passholders must be logged in for discount.
