When you visit Pigeon Forge, you probably want to spend at least 1 day at the most popular attraction in town: Dollywood! There’s family fun around every corner at this theme park, but you probably are wondering how you will fare with your kids at the park. Check out our top 7 tips and tricks for visiting Dollywood with your kids:
1. Measure your kids as soon as you enter the park.
As soon as you make it through the turnstiles at the park entrance, turn left and you will spot the Centralized Measuring Station. This is a complimentary station where you can take all of your kids to get measured for attractions they are tall enough to ride. They will receive a color-coded wristband, and you will be given a paper that corresponds with the wristband so it is easy to tell which rides are appropriate for each of your kids!
2. Bring or rent a stroller.
Dollywood spans across 160 acres, so you will definitely be getting your steps in when you visit this theme park! For young kids who can’t walk for long periods of time, you should bring a stroller or rent one at the park. Your kids will enjoy being able to ride instead of walk the whole time, and you’ll love having a spot for your personal belongings!
3. Find family restrooms and the baby care center on the park map.
One tip you won’t want to miss is finding out where the family restrooms and the baby care center are in the park. You can download the theme park app or check out the map on their website to figure out where the restrooms are so in case you need to take your child to the family restroom. If you need a break to breastfeed, the baby care center has a private room with recliners!
4. Take advantage of refillable drinks and snacks.
Every season, Dollywood releases a souvenir cup and bucket that you can purchase one time and refill for a small fee. You’ll be able to get your favorite soft drink refilled many times throughout the day, or you can get kettle corn refills to keep your family full and happy! Plus, any of the snack stands will give you a free cup of water if you ask!
5. Decide where to eat before you go.
If your children are particular about food, do your research about where you want to eat your meals before you head into the park. When you look into the restaurants, you’ll already know what kind of food to expect, and you’ll be able to plan your day around where you want to eat!
6. Store belongings in park lockers.
A huge trick we have for hanging onto your stuff while you enjoy thrill rides is to store your belongings in a park locker. Dollywood has two different kinds of lockers for guests to use. The All Day lockers are at the front of the park, and you leave your things in this locker all day. The Floating lockers are located at various rides so you can leave your items in the locker and pick them back up after you’re done in that area.
7. Use Parent Swap to enjoy rides.
If your children can’t ride all of the same rides, you can use Parent Swap so both parents can enjoy riding with one child! Your group will enter the line, and one adult waits with the child in a secure area. A host will show you where to wait while your party enjoys the ride. After the group returns, the other adult will swap places and get to ride with the child.
The next time you visit Dollywood, you will want to use these tips and tricks to make your trip even better! Wondering what else you will do while you’re in Pigeon Forge? Check out these other fun attractions in Pigeon Forge you can’t miss!
