Dollywood Theme Park Add-On’s: Are they worth it?
So, you’re planning a Dollywood adventure! Fantastic! As you’re navigating the ticket purchase process, you’ll likely notice a tempting array of theme park add-ons, promising to elevate your park experience. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there – that moment of hesitation, wondering, “Are these extras really worth it?” You’re not alone in asking that question!
We’ve done the research, explored the options, and even put some of these add-ons to the test ourselves. In this article, we’ll break down each of the available enhancements, giving you a clear picture of what they offer and how they can potentially impact your Dollywood day. We’ll delve into the details, weigh the pros and cons, and share our honest opinions on whether we think each add-on is a worthwhile investment.
Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions and create the Dollywood experience that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Dollywood enthusiast, we’ll help you navigate the add-on landscape and ensure you get the most out of your magical Smoky Mountain adventure. Let’s dive in and discover which enhancements will truly enhance your Dollywood day!
TimeSaver Passes
First up, let’s talk about TimeSaver Passes. We’ve dedicated an entire article to breaking down these passes and whether they’re worth the investment. You can find it here. In a nutshell, the TimeSaver Pass lets you skip the lines at top attractions and snag reserved seats at shows, giving you more time to enjoy the magic! These passes come in various tiers and price points to suit your needs. If you are a Gold Season Passholder you can receive a discount on Time-Saver passes. If you are staying at one of Dollywood’s Resorts, you will receive a Time-Saver pass with the purchase of theme park tickets or a season pass! To check out other perks of staying at a Dollywood Resort visit this article.
Time Saver Tiers:
1 Day Dollywood Time-Saver: According to Dollywood, Five entries can be used on a combination of eligible TimeSaver attractions. However, TimeSaver is not valid at Mystery Mine, FireChaser Express, Dragonflier, Lightning Rod, or Big Bear Mountain. Scans at eligible shows are unlimited and do not count towards your allotted 5 scans. Show reservations must be made in the TimeSaver Reservation Center to select your Showtime
1 Day Dollywood Time-Saver Plus: According to Dollywood, with this tier you are able to enjoy unlimited entries that can be used on a combination of eligible TimeSaver attractions. However, TimeSaver Plus may be utilized on FireChaser Express, Dragonflier, and Lightning Rod only once. TimeSaver Plus is not valid at Big Bear Mountain. Scans at eligible shows are unlimited. Show reservations must be made in the TimeSaver Reservation Center to select your Showtime.
1 Day Dollywood Time-Saver Premium: According to Dollywood, with this tier you are able to experience unlimited entries at all TimeSaver attractions. Scans at eligible shows are unlimited. Show reservations must be made in the TimeSaver Reservation Center to select your Showtime.
The uncomplicated version:
If you want expedited entry for the NEW Big Bear Mountain, you need to purchase the Premium Pass or stay at one of Dollywood’s amazing resorts! Check out the graphic below for more information on ride selections available per tier.
Refillable Mugs
This season, Dollywood is offering 2 types of refillable mugs. We have a whole article dedicated to breaking down these mug options and our thoughts that you can visit here for more details.
1 Park All-Season Unlimited Refillable Mugs: $17.99 + tax
Free fountain refills and discounted frozen refills on the day of mug redemption and $1.99 refills throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.(Sometimes, you even get a free mug with your pass, so keep an eye out for those deals!) A regular soda will run you about $3.99, and bottled water is about $4.00. So, if you’re planning on multiple visits, this mug pays for itself quickly.
2 Park All-Season Unlimited Refillable Mugs: $34.99 + tax
This one’s a bit pricier upfront, but you get free refills for the whole 2025 season. Again, compare that to the cost of individual drinks, and see if it makes sense for your family. And here’s a tip: the more you buy, the cheaper they get! Pro-Tip get these handy velcro straps to attach your cups and refillable popcorn bucket to your wagon or stroller!
Doggywood
Dollywood offers accommodations for man’s best friend while they are enjoying the park. There are several different accommodation types and some guidelines that your dog must meet to be eligible to stay at Doggywood during your visit. Check out our article on Doggywood for a more in-depth look at what they offer, the expectations, and the requirements. To add this on to your ticket you will pay $25-35 +tax per day to rent a kennel run or cottage.
Electronic Convenience Vehicle Rental (ECV)
One thing to keep in mind when planning your Dollywood trip is the sheer size of the park and its location in the hilly Smoky Mountains. If you anticipate needing assistance with mobility, Dollywood offers ECV rentals. They come in at $50.10 + tax for the standard model and $63.80 + tax if you’d like some shade. Don’t forget to ask about a discount if you’re a Gold Passholder! Here’s a little insider info: you can actually reserve a portion of their ECVs online before your visit. If you know you’ll need one, I highly recommend doing this. It takes away the worry of them being all rented out when you arrive, especially during peak season. Trust me, having that ECV can be the key to a comfortable and fun-filled day!
Dollywood Theme Park Parking
Dollywood offers several different parking options. If you will need to pay for parking you can save time at the gate by prepaying and showing your ticket to the attendant there which will get you on your way to a fun filled day in the park. We have a whole article on whether preferred parking is worth it and spoiler alert: we think it is! Check out that article here.
Standard Parking: Parking is $25.00 for all standard length vehicles and $30.00 for oversize length vehicles such as RVs and trailers. A tram will be available to take you to the front of the park. Gold Season Passholders receive free standard parking for their vehicle or RV.
Preferred Parking (VIP): According to Dollywood, Preferred parking is $50; Gold Passholders receive a $5 discount. At the theme park, make the most of your family’s visit with no tram rides, a separate ticket window to purchase tickets and Season Passes, and an exclusive entrance.
Photo Memory Pass
With Dollywood’s Memory Pass. You get all your ride photos – you know, those hilarious, windblown shots from the roller coasters? Plus, there are Memory Pass photographers stationed at the picture perfect spots as you enter the park! If you are parked in VIP parking and want to get pictures in front of the Dollywood sign, you can revisit this area any time to get your picture taken throughout the day even if you don’t enter through the main gates. And the best part? If you’re there during Christmas, it even includes your photos with Santa at the Santa Experience! That’s a huge deal, especially with little ones. Check out our article on capturing memories with photo memory pass here.
Dollywood VIP Tour
Imagine arriving at Dollywood and being personally greeted for your VIP Tour, where a knowledgeable guide whisks you past the crowds and directly to your favorite attractions and reserved premium show seats, transforming a typical visit into an extraordinary, stress-free adventure. This is what you will get with the VIP Tour. We have a whole article that breaks down all the ins and outs of the VIP tour. Check that out here.
To experience the Dollywood VIP Guided Tour, it’s $299.00 plus tax per person (ages 4+). Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
If you’re a Gold Pass holder, you get $20 off! Just make sure you’re logged into your Dollywood account online when you book.
You’ll need at least 2 people for a tour, and the maximum is 8.
Got a big group? If you have more than 8, just call Dollywood at 1-800-DOLLYWOOD, and they’ll set you up with another guide, no extra charge!
Don’t forget, you’ll need your park admission tickets too – they’re not included in the tour price.
Dollywood 40th Anniversary Guided Tour
The Dollywood 40th Anniversary Guided Tour offers a special opportunity to celebrate the park’s milestone. This hour-long walking tour takes guests on a journey down memory lane, sharing the story of Dollywood’s creation and evolution within the Smoky Mountains. Included in this experience are an exclusive 40th Anniversary lanyard, premium reserved seating for the special 40th Anniversary show, a historical walking tour of the park, and reserved seating on the iconic Dollywood Express train, providing a unique way to commemorate four decades of homespun fun.
Dolly Parton Experience Tour
The Dolly Parton Experience Tour offers an hour-long, walking group tour through the Dolly Parton Experience exhibit at Dollywood’s Theme Park. Led by a guide, this special tour includes a collectible lanyard, front-of-the-line access within the experience, and reserved seating for a performance in the DreamSong Theater, providing an enhanced and insightful way to explore Dolly’s remarkable life and career.
