🟢🟢Dollywood: Plan the Perfect School Break Getaway🟢🟢

Hi Everyone,

Planning a family vacation around regional school breaks? Look no further! After extensive research, I have copy/pasted a comprehensive list of fall break, Christmas break, and spring break calendars for school districts throughout the region.

🔵Spring & Fall Break Chart, includes Christmas Break!

This handy chart is published by the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism (pdf).  It lists break dates for the many school systems that frequent Dollywood during their respective Spring & Fall breaks along with dates for Christmas breaks.  It includes the first and last day of school for each school system as well.  Click on the image to make it bigger.

🔵Crowd Calendar

Another helpful Dollywood Trip Planning tool is the Dollywood Crowd Calendar!  It's run by a third party that analyzes ride wait times that Dollywood publishes for their app.

🔹Click here.

A cool feature of the Crowd Calendar is that it works at more parks than just Dollywood, so check it out while you're doing your trip planning.

You may also appreciate the Ride Wait Times section of the website.  You can see live wait times outside of the park.

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• 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.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.

Good luck with the planning process and ask any questions you may have in the comments below.  I'll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.

#Dollywood #DollywoodTripPlanning #PigeonForgeTennessee #TennesseeTourism #vlog #blog #pigeonforgeattractions

🌟💵Save Money - Current Promotions for Dollywood & other Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Sevierville Attractions 💵🌟

Hi Everyone,

Let's check out the current promotions that Dollywood is offering - as of TUESDAY, July 3, 2025.

  

DOLLYWOOD'S CURRENT DISCOUNTS As of July 3, 2025

Link to dollywood.com for tickets and more info - click here.

Ends July 4th, 2025

This discount is for all-season.

Link to Check Eligibility, Click Here.  ENDS 9/11/25.

SPLASH COUNTRY DEALS

Valid all 2025 Season

Dollywood Resorts Deals

There are currently 9 Different Special Resort Offers as of July 3, 2025 - Check them out HERE

Other Dollywood Discounts

Chick Fil A Discount for both Dollywood and Splash Country

$10 off a ticket - more details, WVLT - has the scoop, CLICK HERE.

Locations in Knoxville, Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities and even Asheville are offering the coupons to either Dollywood or Splash Country.

To get a Splash Country coupon, guests will need to stop by a Chick-fil-A between June 2 and June 29. The coupons will work for any day at the park from June 2 to Sept. 31.

As for Dollywood, those coupons will be available from July 28 to Aug. 31. They’re good for admission from July 29 to Aug. 31.

🟢🟢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 July 3, 2025 - there are 14 different offers available.

🟢🟢Dollywood 10% Discounts through Sam's Club - LINK HERE

As of July 3, 2025 - Use your Sam's Club Membership to get 10% Off.  $93 for Adult 10+, $83 for kids 4-9.  Read details at link for all the info you need, and to purchase tickets.

FOR SPLASH COUNTRY IT IS $55.95 AND CHILD $45.95....SEE BELOW.

🔵OTHER PROMOTIONS FOR THE AREA...As of July 3, 2025.

Attention Dig'N Zone fans! Get 20% off your 2025 stay at Parkside Resort in Pigeon Forge! (Holidays excluded.) Use code "DIGNZONE2025" at parksideresort.com to book!! Don’t miss out—start planning today!

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 & 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠! Save over 75% on Soaky Mountain Waterpark admission with our Soaky Mountain Package! Use promo code 𝗦𝗢𝗔𝗞𝗬 and dive into the BEST deal in the Smokies! Valid for stays from June 7 - August 3, 2025! https://loom.ly/N6DAjPQ

#wildernessatthesmokies #soakymountainwaterpark #sevierville #waterpark #familyvacation

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 we’ll take care of the fun! https://loom.ly/Gsx_mzM

Valid Dates:

• May 10–11, 16–31

• June 1–6

• August 4–31

• September 1, 6–7, 13–14, 20–21, 27–28

Offer valid on ANY room style at River Lodge, Stone Hill Lodge, Wilderness Villas, or Mountainside Cabins.

#wildernessatthesmokies #wildernesssmokies #sevierville #waterpark

If you know of any additional discounts, please let me know in the comments below.  I will update this post when I have updates.

🔵Blog Posts and other Helpful Trip Planning information - 

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• 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.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2025 Operating Calendar +MORE - speculation, guesses on future projects, etc.
• Navigating to Dollywood from North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene.
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• 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.
• Check out my 2024 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2024.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.
• 2024-2025 School Break Calendar - includes Fall, Christmas & Spring Breaks for regional schools.
• Link to Dollywood's TimeSaver Info Page - click Here.

🟢🟢🟢

🌺🌻New Videos - Flower and Food Festival 2024🌸🪷

Hi Everyone, hope your summer is well.  It sure is flying by, it seems.  I was able to get my awesome day at the Flower and Food Festival videos published.  There's Two Parts, one and two.  Check them out below!

🎂Happy Birthday to Lightning Rod! You're 8 Years Old Now!🎂

Hi Everyone,

Today is Lightning Rod's 8th Birthday!  Lightning Rod has been, in its own cute way, the 'problem child' of Dollywood.  

Emerging from Rocky Mountain Coasters as the inaugural wooden coaster equipped with an LSM lift hill launch, Lightning Rod has thrilled riders with an experience unique to itself. 

Spanning 3,800 feet, with a drop of 165 feet, a top speed of 73 mph, and a G-force of 3.5, you're at the pinnacle of many roller coaster enthusiasts' lists!

Nearly every amazing roller coaster attracts many fans, and more than a few have been quick to point out differences and changes.  I love these comparison videos of Lightning Rods changes over its eight years of life.  

Lightning Rod has had a lot of modifications to it.  The biggest of course is switch from the LSM launch to a traditional chain lift at the end of the 2023 season.  It opened up on day one of Dollywood's 2024 season, a testament to Dollywood's desire to have more uptime for this ride.  You can see my video of LR that day below.

My feelings about it...I think its a win win.  So far this year it has had very little downtime, which was a huge objective for Dollywood.  I also liked that I was able to look around and take in a great view while going up the lift...where previously I would white knuckle the launch.  Many will disagree and there's nothing wrong with that.  I still feel like all the ejector air is still there in all its glory.  For me, the key to enjoying LR is being positive my pockets are completely empty.  I have seen stuff in my pockets that I was so certain were secure, float in front of my face on the quad down, which was not a good feeling at all...so, I need empty pockets so I can relax, lol.   A friend I was with lost car keys on it one time - nightmare!  The storage cubbies in the station hold larger items like backpacks and big purses, as well as smaller items for hats, glasses, phones - use them.

After the 2020 season, Dollywood decided to replace over half of the track with the more durable Ibox Track. Originally constructed with Timber Topper Track, consisting of six layers of lumber and a metal topper, the new sections are now entirely steel, providing a long-term solution. A picture from Wikipedia distinctly illustrates the differences between the two track styles.

Dollywood has an excellent coaster on its hands and in my opinion, they've made many improvements that lead me to believe it's going to be with us for a long time.  So happy 8th birthday LR, and it looks like you're going from problem child to a golden child. 😊

🟦🟩VIP Tour Info-Roundup for 2024🟩🟦

Hi Everyone,

 

I have written blog posts about the VIP Tours at Dollywood as details for each tour became available. However, I would prefer to create a single post dedicated to VIP Tours and update that post as new information emerges.

The Dollywood VIP tour program has recently expanded to include the Dolly Parton Experience and the Summer Celebration Tour. For more details on these offerings, follow the links provided below to visit dollywood.com.

• CURRENT TOURS
• Summer Celebration Tour - June 15 to Sept 1, 2024- LINK
• Dolly Parton Experience Tour - LINK
• Dollywood VIP Tour
• Harvest Fest - LINK
• Smoky Mountain Christmas - info coming soon.
• EXPERIENCES - Make-your-own-Crafts
• Dip-Your-Own Candles
• Make-Your-Own Blown Glass Ornament
• Customize-Your-Own Custom Belt, Ornament, Bracelet and more
• Forge-Your-Own Knife

Dollywood has a couple of articles written by Insiders that you might find helpful...

• The VIP Experience at Dollywood
• What is the Magic of Glacier Ridge VIP Tour (Smoky Mtn Xmas Only)

These are very popular Experiences for Dollywood.  I have a friend that insists on always dipping a candle every time we go.  How about you, which experiences do you or your family and friends insist on doing each visit?  Let me know in the comments.

PREVIOUS VIP BLOG ARTICLES

IWALY Festival VIP Tour

Flower & Food Festival Tour

🌺🌻Summer Celebration Tasting Pass🌸🪷

Hi Everyone,

Dollywood has unveiled the details for their Summer Celebration 2024 Tasting Pass. The event is scheduled from Saturday, June 15, to Sunday, August 11, 2024, providing ample opportunity to sample everything. Let's explore the offerings!

Here's the link to ''BUY NOW'' - click here to do that, if you wish.

If you're a Gold & Diamond Passholder, take advantage of your discount entitlement.

Previously, I would share a map highlighting all the Festival Food locations, but now there's no need for that (or for this festival), as Dollywood has incorporated them into the park map. Simply use your Dollywood App or grab a brochure at the entrance to find all the locations with ease.

Spot the Festival Dining Location Icon next to my arrow.  The heaviest concentration of locations is in the Showstreet and Rivertown Junction areas.

ALSO! You may be interested in checking out my popular blog post that lists ALL of Dollywood's Menus with Prices.  Check that out HERE.

What are your thoughts on the offerings for the Summer Celebration Festival? Share your opinions in the comments.

🥳HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAZING FURY - 46 LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!🥳

Hi everyone,

June 6, 2024 marked Blazing Fury's 46th Birthday!🥳

Happy Birthday to Dollywood's Blazing Fury.  46 years looks good on you!

Built in-house back when Dollywood was known as Silver Dollar City Tennessee, Blazing Fury has been transporting riders to safety through the fire riddled 1880's town since June 6, 1978.

The cast of characters that you encounter have some things to say in all the Chaos!

"Now Molly, I've got a weak back" - "Weak back or not Luthor, here I come" - "You look like you've been kissing that steam train" - "Fire in the hole!!" - How many times have you recited those lines on your trips over the years?

The ride featured a splashdown at the rides end until 2013 I believe it was, when they removed it and updated the control systems for the 2014 season.  In 2015 we learned that Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) was trusted with replacing the last one third or so of track, which included the falling bridge, the second dip, and the finale dip that leads into the station.  Simultaneously, RMC was also building Lightning Rod in Jukebox Junction.

At one time there were four trains.  Each train has a 7.5 hp motor that utilizes an electric current from the track, similar to how a model train operates.  Around the burning bridge scene, it mostly switches to gravity to get everyone to the station.

Coincidentally, Dollywood's sister park Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri just this year replaced their version of Blazing Fury, known as Fire in the Hole.  They trusted RMC with a brand-new iteration of the ride and so far, has been a hit with those who cherished the old ride, as well as the next generation of riders.  Check out my popular blog post on SDC's version to see artwork, behind the scenes construction, and more.  Check that out here.  As far as I am aware, there are no plans for a Blazing Fury 2.0.  Given all the work on it in the past decade or so leaves me to believe that it is going to be at Dollywood in its current state for a while, but you just never know with Dollywood.  They keep their plans quiet.

Happy Birthday Blazing Fury!  I know for a fact that you are a beloved part of Dollywood! 

What are your favorite memories of Blazing Fury?  Let me know in the comments.

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