We're passionate about all things Dollywood and Sevier County, and we want to share that passion with you. Come along as we explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. From Dollywood and Splash Country to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove, there's something for everyone in Sevier County.
We're also big fans of Dolly Parton, and we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on her latest news and projects. We're sure you'll find something to love here.
Let's discuss Exclusive Ride Time (ERT), Golden Events and Golden Hours for 2025. I notice these three mostly separate things are often confused for one another, so let's first define each of these.
π Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) - This is special time set aside for those Gold & Diamond Passholders who register, as well as Resort Guests who register for this once-A-festival event. You get to enjoy select attractions before the park opens to the public. ERT falls under Golden Events.
π Golden Hour - Every operating day, for the first hour, you can use your Gold or Diamond Pass as if it were a TimeSaver Pass, allowing you a so-called 'front of the line' pass, that are popular at many amusement parks these days. This includes all rides that offer the TimeSaver option. No registration required - just show the attendant your pass. Link to Dollywood's TimeSaver Page - lots of specifics including which rides - click HERE.
π Golden Events - these are less frequent events. They are usually well advertised in advance and can include things like the Media Day event on Opening Day, or special events through the season. ERT falls under Golden Events.
Here's a handy infographic from Dollywood with more specifics...
For Exclusive Ride Time (ERT), ERT's are held on one Saturday per festival.
Below is an example of how ERT works, straight from an official Dollywood Facebook event page for the Flower and Food Festival ERT event for 2025. The selected attractions for each ERT event will change for each event.
Gold and Diamond Season Passholders gain access to a special Early Ride Time Event in Jukebox Junction during the Flower & Food Festival! ERT will run from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at Lightning Rod, Rockinβ Roadway and Smoky Mountain River Rampage. Attendees can enjoy early park entry, premium ride time, culinary samplings and an exclusive 1986 original design sticker!
Gold and Diamond Passholders, as well as resort guests, are eligible to register for this event. Each Gold or Diamond Passholder must have an event ticket to be allowed entry. Children 3 & under or children with a Pre-K Imagination Season Pass are the only exceptions. Silver and Platinum Passholders, as well as guests using Bring-A-Friend Tickets, do not qualify. Gold and Diamond Passholders
πππ
Gold and Diamond Passholders will be prompted to log into their My Dollywood account to register for this event. They will find this registration as an action-required entitlement in their online account. There will only be one entitlement given per eligible guest. This entitlement can only be redeemed once per person. Once redeemed, this will serve as the guestβs event ticket. This ticket will be scanned at the turnstiles on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 8 a.m.
Resort Guests
Resort guests wishing to attend this event can pick up an event ticket at the ticketing desk at Dollywoodβs DreamMore Resort and Spa, as well as Dollywoodβs HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Guests will scan their event tickets and their park admission tickets at the turnstiles on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 8 a.m. Additional Information Please be sure to reserve an event ticket for each member of your party so we have an accurate rider count. Children 3 and under will not need an event ticket. Registration will begin Tuesday, April 15 at 11 a.m.
πHere is a FB link to the next ERT Event, which happens to be this upcoming Saturday April 26 - you need to register in your My Dollywood Account (see above) to take advantage of this opportunity. These ERT events are only one-time per festival.
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
Dollywood has opened for its 40th Season and I am here to share with you information that I've found about the tasting pass, this years' operating calendar, New Stuff and more!
courtesy of dollywood.com
For the "I Will Always Love You'' music festival, Dollywood has now released its menus. Scroll Down To See.
Prior to Dollywood releasing the menus online, I went looking for them on the app.
Let's go to the Dollywood App. Below are two screen shots, side-by-side to help illustrate the example of How To Find Tasting Pass Food Items.
Step One - Left - Decide which restaurant you want to look at. Here we are looking at Crossroads Funnel Cakes. You see a badge labeled "Festival Dining" - that's the badge you will find all of the Festival Tasting Pass Menu Items as you scroll up/down through the list of restaurants.
Step Two - Right - When you click on the restaurant, it will take you to the screen that you see on the right. You'll need to scroll down to "Festival Offerings - Tasting Pass Eligible". Here you see that their only IWALY Tasting Pass option is the Strawberry Crunch Funnel Cake.
NOTE from 3/18 - Some of the Festival Items are not on the app. For example, the Spinach and Artichoke Pizza showcased on the front menu at Iron Horse Pizza wasn't showing up on the app. Hopefully this is resolved.
Pricing - as seen at the park. Gold and Diamond Season Passholders save ($3 OFF) on the I Will Always Love You Festival Tasting Pass! $39.99 for Passholders, $42.99 for everyone else.
What's Up around the Park for the "I Will Always Love You" Music Festival
Being the first week of the season, the park has many completed projects from the couple of months of being closed. Also, not listed here are many of the celebrations planned during the rest of the season. Dolly mentioned a larger event around May 3rd, the official 40th Anniversary opening date. Stay tuned for more on that.
Parking Lot - A New 750 spot parking lot is opening.
Smoother Experiences: I've heard they paved away the bumpy asphalt in the tram loading/unloading areas of the Transportation Hub, with concrete.
Front Gate Opening Ceremony - Update from Jen S. - They play the National Anthem at 9:30am. I don't have many details, but may include the playing of the National Anthem and a flag raising ceremony. Also, not sure what time this happens. This is for all season long. (Thank You Jen S!)
Country Fair Refresh - The steep path next to Iron Horse Pizza is closed. You'll need to walk towards the Carousel and hang a right down into the new/old path that takes you in between the Flying Elephants and Sky Rider rides. The secondary path that passes by Smoky Mountain Rampage is still open and accessible.
New Splash Pad - There's a new splash pad in the former area where the kiddy coaster once stood. They've added some additional seating as well.
You'll notice fresh paint and other updates to buildings and structures.
Imagination Playhouse - New permanent home at the Heart Song Theater, in the Village.
New Dollywood Sign - coming later in the season. Dolly has often spoken about her time in Los Angeles, looking at the famous Hollywood sign and thinking to herself..."If I could change that "H" to a "D", it would be perfect! And so, for the 40th Season, that's what Dollywood is doing. It will be at the Craftsman's Valley/The Village Crossroads, above the new shade structure where the former cave once stood.
Cinnamon Bread
Brand New Eatery set to open in May - Wilderness Pass Restaurant - This will be on the site of the former River Battle Ride, in Wilderness Pass. It's next door to Mystery Mine and Firechaser Express. It will feature Rotisserie Chicken, Fish, Collard Greens, plus other interesting menu items.
Rides - Some rides are having a slow-start to the year...
Smoky Mountain Rampage - NOW OPEN. It usually opens with the park. I noticed some work on the lift hill, during my recent visit. See Image Below - What I think may be happening here, is these conveyor panels are laid out for staging. I don't believe they would add belts into the water - I hope not, that slide down into the water is awesome. I think 'the issue, or part of it, is related to the belts on the lift.
Dollywood Express - Original info: D.E. has not been able to run because of a local Burn Ban. We are in a deficit for rain at the moment.
3/18 update - The burn ban has been lifted. A new sign at the train depot mentions 'routine maintenance' as a reason for closure. Cinderella #70 was seen moving around the tracks near the depot.... hopefully in preparation for operation. We'll see!
3/18 PM update - Cinderella #70 was running around the park with the coaches. I 'got' some video of it in Country Fair....get home and the video is frozen. Oh well.
3/19 Update - OPEN - According to Queue Times.com, the D.E. is up and running.
Lightning Rod - mechanical issues, but was running part of the day on 3/18 and most of the day on 3/19. One Train Operations - currently.
Blazing Fury - closed, expected to open later in the season with some minor upgrades.
Tennessee Tornado received a fresh coat of paint. Painting is not quite finished yet, but it is operational.
Everything else has opened, from my research.
TimeSaver Pass from the Resorts - Some of the ride offerings have changed from the offerings in the past (for example: Lightning Rod & Big Bear Mountain) - be sure to check that info out so no one in your group is disappointed.
New Shows/Old Favorites
Wild Roots Band
Kingdom Heirs
Smoky Mountain String Band, (aka as Appalachian Christmas during S.M.Xmas.)
Heartsong, The Movie - New Location in Dreamsong Theater.
Sing-A-Long with Dolly returns for a 2nd year, for IWALY.
Trio, Again, returns for a 2nd year, for IWALY.
Heidi Parton's Kin & Friends, returns for a 2nd year...and plays all season long.
From The Heart, returns for a 2nd year...and plays all or most of the season.
So far, crowds have been normal level except for Opening Day, which was a mad house, so that everyone could see Dolly in person. The parking lots closed for a few hours and the park recommended taking the Pigeon Forge Trolley. Now it's spring break time, and the park is expected to be busy. If you're staying at a Pigeon Forge hotel on the Trolley route, then you could save a lot of headaches by schlepping your crew onto the Trolley. This isn't for everyone, but if you don't mind the experience, then I recommend looking into the Trolley basics, at the very least. Watch my video - A Fun and Easy Guide to the Pigeon Forge Trolley, below.
Transportation Names
You will hear a lot of names used while you're in Pigeon Forge. If you're unsure of all the names used for Dollywood transportation - here's a guide.
The Parking Lot Tram is used in the Dollywood and Splash Country Parking lots, for the purpose of getting guests to and from the front gate. When Splash Country is open, the park operates a separate Tram, designated to take guests between the two parks. If you're riding the PF Trolley to get to Splash Country, you will exit at the Dollywood Stop, and then walk to the Transportation Hub, to get on the designated Tram to Splash Country. If unsure, ASK!
The Resort Trolleys - take guests to/from the resorts, to/from both parks.
The Pigeon Forge Trolley/Gatlinburg Trolley - These two systems co-exist to take passengers around all of the tourists' areas in Sevier County. The main hub of activity for Pigeon Forge is at Patriot Park, near The Island and Teaster Lane. In Gatlinburg, the main hub is at the Ripley's Aquarium.
Dollywood Opening Day Media Event Video
Dollywood Media Event from Opening Day March 14, 2025, Featuring Dolly Parton. You can view the entire event on their FB page below.
I see this asked a lot. How is Dollywood celebrating 40 years in 2025? I thought it opened in 1986??
You and I didn't turn one year old until a year after our birth dates. So, Season One happened in 1986. Dolly turned 40 years old that year. In 2025, Dolly turned 79 years old, the park is in its 40th Season, and the park is 39 years old. Fun Fact: In the future - in the year 2046, Dolly will be 100 years old. The park will be in its 61st season!
Easy Quiz Time - Following along, in the year 2056...How old will Dolly be, What Season will Dollywood be celebrating, and what year of operation is it??
I hope everyone enjoys their Dollywood visit and has a great 2025 season!
π΅Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information -
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
I have been doing some research for all things Christmas and New Years Even in Sevier County for 2024. What's Open for Meals, Fun Stuff to Do, etc. Dollywood is closed on Christmas Eve Tuesday, as well as Christmas Day Wednesday, reopening at 11am on Thursday.
As of this writing, Thursday December 26th says the Crowd Calendar for Dollywood attendance will be at 83%, which makes it a "Pack Your Patience" kind of day as it will be very busy. It would be a PERFECT day to take the Pigeon Forge Trolley and skip all the parking lot stress. The Trolley will drop you off at the Front Gate. Watch my quick Video Guide Below. Note that the parking lot at Patriot Park may be at capacity - maybe not but note that the Overflow Parking Lots are adjacent to the Teaster Lane side of The Island. Watch the video and you'll see what I am referring to.
What is in this article?
π£Restaurants that are open. I've researched online and found a few restaurants that are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Happy to add to this list - drop a comment to let me know.
π£Other entertainment options that are open on Christmas, like Snow Tubing, Ripley's, Mountain Coasters and more!
πLet's Get Startedπ
π‘β«NYE INFO BELOW...I will update this post as I come across new events.
π‘NYE AT DOLLYWOOD RESORTS - TWO PARTIES, ONE AT DREAMMORE AND ONE AT HEARTSONG.
π‘Gatlinburg Road Closures for NYE - WATE-tv Link
π‘
Other fun things you will want to check out while you're in the area.
π£Entertainment Options
π’Ober Gatlinburg
π’The Island
Winterfest is happening at The Island during Christmas.
π’Anakeesta
Enchanted Christmas - more info at their website HERE.
π’Skyland Ranch
Christmas Feast, Festival of Lights Info and More - Click Here
π’Mountain Coasters
Guide To Mountain Coasters - Every Single Coaster, how they do pricing, LOTS OF INFO. Take a look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County. All of them should be open on Thanksgiving...and they may be busy.
Xtreme Racing Center of Pigeon Forge (4.4 stars google)
SpeedZone Fun Park (4.4 stars google)
The Track Family Fun Park (4.5 stars google)
NASCAR SpeedPark (4.2 stars google)
Space Race Adventures (4.6 stars google)
Adventure Raceway (4.4 stars google)
π’Trampoline Park
Sevier Air Trampoline and Ninja Warrior Park (4.7 stars google)
Christmas Restaurants and Events - These restaurants say that they're open Christmas Eve and Christmas.
π΄Bubba Gump Shrimp
π΄Calhouns PF & G'burg
π΄Crawdaddy's
π΄Crockett's Breakfast Camp
π΄Cherokee Grill
π΄Chesapeake's
π΄Jason Aldeans
π΄Loco Burro
π΄No Way Jose's - PF & G'burg
π΄Smith and Son Corner Kitchen
π΄Smoky Mountain Brewery- PF & G'burg
π΄Gauche Urbano
π΄Hard Rock Cafe
π΄JT Hannah's Kitchen
π΄Reagan's House of Pancakes
π΄Apple wood Farmhouse and Grill - reservations needed
π΄Five Oaks farm kitchen
π΄Fort Worth Steakhouse
Other things I've seen online, below.
π΄Local Goat - closed 24th & 25th.
π΄Paula Deen's Restaurant at The Island in Pigeon Forge
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Gatlinburg, below...
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π΄List of Grocery Stores and Drug Stores that are open on Christmas - Click Here Locally, the big chains are Kroger, Publix, Aldi, DG Market & Food City...and Walmart & Target too.
π΄List of Fast Food places that are open on Christmas - Click Here
I have been doing some research for all things Thanksgiving in Sevier County for 2024. What's Open for Meals, Fun Stuff to Do, etc. Dollywood is closed on Thanksgiving Thursday, reopening at 11am on Friday. As of this writing, Friday November 29th says the Crowd Calendar for Dollywood attendance will be at 40%, which makes it a great day to go if that number holds. It will likely change as the date draws closer and the weather is good. Dollywood's two resorts and restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving Day.
What is in this article?
π£Restaurants that are open. I've found a few lists of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day.
π£I've listed some catering type options for those of you who want to retreat to a cozy cabin and not cook, or cook very little. Note that some advance ordering will need to happen.
π£Other entertainment options that are open on Thanksgiving Day, like Snow Tubing, Ripley's, Mountain Coasters and more!
π¦Let's Get Started π¦
π£Restaurants Open On Thanksgiving Thursday
Visit East Tennessee's Facebook page has this great list of Restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day...3 Pages worth!
I have a couple Restaurant Related blog posts that might be of interest to you...
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
There are several restaurants that offer these Takeaway Feasts. Perfect if you're wanting to have all your fun in a cabin! Make sure you order in advance.
Applewood Farmhouse Grill
Applewood Farmhouse Grill has a special Thanksgiving-To-Go special menu with Two Offerings - Mini Feast $75, or Family Feast for $135, details Below. Applewood Farmhouse Grill also has 'Cabin Packs' year-round, which is another option for you from Applewood Farmhouse Grill.
Link to Applewood Farmhouse Grill Thanksgiving Website - Click Here
Thanksgiving-To-Go Meal - Two Options Available
Here's what's included in the 'Mini Feast' for $74.99, above. LINK
Here's what's included in the 'Family Feast' for $134.99, above. LINK
Cabin Packs - Dinner and Breakfast Options
Year-Round Offerings
Calhoun's Restaurants - They will cook an entire Thanksgiving Dinner for you. They have Two Sevier County Locations, as well as in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Maryville, Oak Ridge. See all Locations Here.
Calhoun's' Sells "Holiday Packs" of either Smoked Turkey or Prime Rib, with sides, as well as their own Beers! Be sure to order in advance, 48 to 72 hours. Check out the details and pricing HERE.
They also sell "Family Packs'' with other options like BBQ Pork, Brisket and Rib, with sides. You can order online the day-of for Family Packs. Check out the details, pricing and Order Online HERE.
You can read more about their beer offerings on this drink menu from the Pigeon Forge location...on Page 5...Click Here for PDF.
Guide To Mountain Coasters - Every Single Coaster, how they do pricing, LOTS OF INFO. Take a look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County. All of them should be open on Thanksgiving...and they may be busy.
Let's check out the current promotions that Dollywood is offering - as of FRIDAY, May 2, 2025.
DOLLYWOOD'S CURRENT DISCOUNTS As of May 2, 2025
Link to dollywood.com for tickets and more info - click here.
Good through June 13, 2025
Gold and Diamond Passholders can purchase a B.A.F. ticket for $40. Good through May 31, 2025.
ENDS JUNE 8, 2025
This discount is for all-season.
π’π’I HIGHLY recommend checking this out, Dollywood will update it frequently with new deals and offers. Dollywood.com's Offers Web Page - you may see an offer you like! - Click Here
As of May 1, 2025 - there are 12 different offers available.
π’π’Dollywood 10% Discounts through Sam's Club - LINK HERE
As of May 1, 2025 - Use your Sam's Club Membership to get 10% Off. $93 for Adult, $88 for kids 4-9. Read details at link for all the info you need, and to purchase tickets.
π΅OTHER PROMOTIONS FOR THE AREA...As of May 1, 2025
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
DIG'N ZONE - TEACHER SPECIAL - GOOD THROUGH MAY 31, 2025.
Celebrate Mom This Motherβs Day at Soaky Mountain! Treat Mom to a day of thrills, laughter, and making memories together as you Conquer the Mountain! Moms receive FREE admission to Soaky Mountain Waterpark all weekend long (May 10-11, 2025) when accompanied by a child (of any age) buying a 2025 Daily Admission Ticket or when accompanied by a child with a 2025 Season Pass. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth. Offer valid for this weekend only. https://loom.ly/0VJ6wfE
How it works:
One child (of any age) + One 2025 Regular Daily Admission Ticket purchased = Momβs FREE admission!
One child (of any age) + One 2025 Season Pass = Momβs FREE admission!
Moms receive FREE admission when accompanied by a child (of any age) who either:
Purchases a 2025 Regular Daily Admission Ticket at the Ticket Booth
Has a 2025 Season Pass
TERMS + CONDITIONS:
β’ Non-transferable
β’ Non-refundable
β’ Not valid for a raincheck
β’ Valid for the dates listed in this event
β’ 2025 Daily Admission Ticket can be purchased online or at the ticket booth
Save over $200 per night with this Soaky Special! Get FREE admission to Soaky Mountain Waterpark when you stay with us during select 2025 dates, no code needed! Book your stay, pack your swimsuit, and weβll take care of the fun! https://loom.ly/Gsx_mzM
Valid Dates:
β’ May 10β11, 16β31
β’ June 1β6
β’ August 4β31
β’ September 1, 6β7, 13β14, 20β21, 27β28
Offer valid on ANY room style at River Lodge, Stone Hill Lodge, Wilderness Villas, or Mountainside Cabins.
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.