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My DW just got a new job so she won't have to work every weekend any longer.
So, our upcoming trip to Destin has two days added to the beginning of the trip. We are looking at different options of things to do on the way down. One place I was looking at is Dollywood. We looked at the rides and a Youtube video of a guy walking around the park.
My question, has anyone ever been. What are your thoughts? Was it worth your time to stop? Was is crowded?
This is an excellent small park with several unique roller coasters that are not duplicated anywhere else in the USA. The park can be crowded so look into buying the express pass to maximize the rides. You will have fun if you plan on stopping. There is a lot to do in the area outside the park as well.
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It's been many years since we went, but I enjoyed it very much. The park is really pretty and had quite a few rides and attractions we liked.
My sister was just in Pigeon Forge, but couldn't get her husband to commit to Dollywood. They instead spent their extra time (there for a gymnastics meet) and Wonderworks (which a local recommended to them). She highly recommended it as a nice place to spend a morning. So think about it too.
I went a few years ago but was only there 6 hours or so. We saw 2 shows which were awesome, rode one ride which was fun, checked out Dolly's museum and childhood cabin which was interesting. It was crowded but not Disney crowded, in fact I'm going back this summer while my DH visits his family. I missed so much the first time around that I wanted to see, especially all the craftsmen demos.
The only negative thing I have to say about Dollywood is the majority of the rides are NOT "pooh-size" friendly. Now this probably isn't a problem for you or DW but I was very embarrassed when I couldn't fit into the first ride of the day. However, I enjoyed walking around the park and watching the shows. My kids loved it. The crowds were very manageable! If you have never been, I would highly suggest to try it once! I don't think you would be disappointed!
My family had annual passes to Dollywood for the first time last year. Quite honestly, if we hadn't had an extra-large Disney trip planned for this spring, I would have renewed them. My kids love it there - it really is one of the best theme parks in the US I think. Is it Disney? No, of course not. But it has a lot going for it - good food, friendly employees, and it's really a beautiful theme park. Their coasters are quite awesome, most people who go not expecting much in that area are very pleasantly surprised. I would agree with the comment above that you might want to consider purchasing the TimeSaver pass.
ETA: Pigeon Forge is quite a detour to take between Missouri and Destin! I think you' enjoy it if you decide to go that route though.
Been three times and I love this park. I've only been in April, so crowds have traditionally been very low and with little to no wait times. They have some really good rollercoasters and unique rides. They have some really good shows and entertainment and the overall feel of the park is just really nice. And don't miss out on Dolly's museum. It is full of memorabilia from her past movies and TV shows which is really cool to see in person. I think you will definitely love this park!!
I couldn't figure out how to put multiple quotes in one reply. So, I'm going to try and respond to some questions and remarks.
It is a bit out of the way from STL to Destin, but we are gaining three days. We drove out west last year on vacation. We covered over 4000 miles. This will be a short drive out the way. Plus we are thinking about going to Mammoth Cave on the way east.
The Pooh-size comment is very appropriate and much appreciated. One of my problems isn't just being chubby, it is having a large upper chest and broad shoulders. Sometimes the over the shoulder restraints can't come all the way down.
Looking through Dollywood's website, it seems there are a lot of shows and good restaurants to choose from. We have been to Silver Dollar City in Branson a few times and it seems similar to it.
Someone commented about seeing other things outside the amusement park. I thought about a nice drive through Smoky Mountain National Park. I love visiting these type of parks, so I'm really checking it out.
I couldn't figure out how to put multiple quotes in one reply. So, I'm going to try and respond to some questions and remarks.
It is a bit out of the way from STL to Destin, but we are gaining three days. We drove out west last year on vacation. We covered over 4000 miles. This will be a short drive out the way. Plus we are thinking about going to Mammoth Cave on the way east.
The Pooh-size comment is very appropriate and much appreciated. One of my problems isn't just being chubby, it is having a large upper chest and broad shoulders. Sometimes the over the shoulder restraints can't come all the way down.
Looking through Dollywood's website, it seems there are a lot of shows and good restaurants to choose from. We have been to Silver Dollar City in Branson a few times and it seems similar to it.
Someone commented about seeing other things outside the amusement park. I thought about a nice drive through Smoky Mountain National Park. I love visiting these type of parks, so I'm really checking it out.
Thanks!
Michael
I think you'll have a great time! Dollywood is similar but far superior to Silver Dollar City (it actually was SDC until Dolly Parton bought it, fun fact for the day, lol).
For your drive through the GSMNP, check out the Cades Cove loop - that is "the biggie" of tourist drives. It will be very crowded in summer, arrive early!
We live an hour from Dollywood and often get season passes. It is a nice, family oriented park with good musical shows and some very good thrill rides, as well as an entire section called Country Fair that is dedicated to family friendly rides and carnival games. Inside the park is the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and if you like that kind of music, the resident Southern Gospel quartet is called the Kingdom Heirs. They are good. There are several other shows in the park, too, mostly country music. Dollywood is somewhat known for its musical entertainment. Occasionally, Dolly even pops in for a visit.
Food is so so, average theme park stuff, but there are a couple of buffet places and one TS place called the Backstage Restaurant. At least, I think that's still the name.
Dollywood if worth the stop. They have changed it a lot over the years, but still a fun place to spend the day. There is a ton of things to do in the area attractions, shopping, music , dining , you name it.
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However, I enjoyed walking around the park and watching the shows. My kids loved it. The crowds were very manageable! If you have never been, I would highly suggest to try it once! I don't think you would be disappointed!
So, I'm going to try and respond to some questions and remarks. 
One of my problems isn't just being chubby, it is having a large upper chest and broad shoulders. Sometimes the over the shoulder restraints can't come all the way down. 
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