Hey there, it’s Wes and Chanda, and we’re wrapping up our adventure at Dollywood in the Great Smoky Mountains, specifically Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We dove into the park the day after Thanksgiving, and boy, was it a whirlwind of activity. The crowds were expected, given the holiday season, but the stunning weather in the ’50s with sunny skies softened the bustling atmosphere. Armed with our tasting passes, which set us back $39.99 each, we embarked on a culinary journey, sampling delights from various spots around the park. It’s only our second visit to Dollywood, the first being last year, post-Thanksgiving, when the park was surprisingly calm. This year, however, it’s a different story, but we’re making the most of it.
We also opted for the time saver pass at $80 each, promising unlimited access to most rides, except for a couple of exclusions. Despite our investment, the day unfolded with its ups and downs, revealing some challenges with the time saver pass. It didn’t quite save as much time as expected on a day when the park was operating at full capacity. The operations on certain rides, like Wild Eagle, proved less efficient than anticipated. Waiting 40 minutes with the time saver pass, while the regular line stretched to 75 minutes, left us with mixed feelings about the pass’s value.
Reflecting on our Dollywood escapade, we appreciate the park’s unique charm, festive decorations, and captivating shows like the Mistletones. The tasting pass added a delightful culinary dimension, even though the time saver pass fell short on its promise. Dollywood, with its mix of thrills, flavors, and holiday cheer, remains a gem in the Smoky Mountains, despite the challenges we faced navigating the bustling holiday crowd.
DinkLife 