I Visited Dollywood for the First Time to Learn About the Music Legend

Disney World has lengthy been my dream trip.

Since I used to be a child, I’ve liked heading all the way down to Florida and spending time within the parks, leaping on a few of my favourite rides like “Soarin'” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Final summer time, I made a decision to change it up. I’ve heard nice issues about Dollywood in Tennessee, however I used to be not sure if it could be well worth the journey.

After speaking with a couple of pals, we determined to chew the bullet and e book the journey. I used to be pleasantly stunned and discovered quite a bit about Dolly Parton herself.

A 12 months later, I am nonetheless dreaming about my day within the park, and now with Dolly’s passing, I am desirous to get again to the place that celebrates the musical legend.

I’ve lengthy been a fan of her music, so I used to be excited when the grand entrance welcomed me into the Dolly-verse.

the front entrance to Dollywood with the Palace Theater — The doorway to Dollywood.

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The buildings on the entrance of the park housed theaters, retailers, and eating places. It was my first indication that Dollywood was about to move me into the icon’s world.

I used to be impressed by a budget ticket costs.

thank you email from dollywood — Buying tickets was surprisingly low-cost.

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Earlier than I even arrived in Tennessee, I spotted the largest distinction between Dollywood and Disney: the worth.

I am used to spending $150 or extra for a ticket to Disney World.

For this journey, I paid simply $99 for admission to 2 parks — Dollywood and Splash Country. It was properly value it.

My first cease on the park was the Dolly Expertise: Songteller, a museum in regards to the singer’s life.

a large ink butterfly outside a ride at Dollywood — The doorway to Dollywood’s museum.

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Strolling by means of a museum whereas at an amusement park was a brand new expertise, but it surely set the tone for the remainder of the day.

This wasn’t an amusement park set round an IP of flicks and TV reveals. It was a spot to have fun Dolly Parton’s life.

I bear in mind this museum essentially the most a 12 months later as a result of it taught me simply how influential the singer actually was.

Exploring an amusement park devoted to a single movie star was distinctive and enjoyable.

Insider the Dollywood experience musuem, with pictures of Dolly Parton — Contained in the Dollywood Expertise.

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Dollywood is concentrated on Dolly Parton — her childhood, her music, and her different achievements. This helped the park really feel cohesive and utterly immersive.

From the second you enter the park, you discover totally different elements of Dolly’s life. I entered replicas of her childhood residence and schoolhouse. The entire park is a celebration of her hometown: the Smoky Mountain region.

I wasn’t anticipating a lot from the rides at Dollywood, however there was a lot to do.

a roller coaster in Dollywood — There have been loads of curler coasters.

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As somebody who hates roller coasters, I used to be all the time hesitant once I noticed the checklist of rides at Dollywood. There have been loads of curler coasters, and I’m decidedly not a thrill seeker.

Regardless that I solely went on a couple of rides, they had been similar to a few of my favorites at different theme parks. Plus, there have been loads of reveals to maintain me busy all through the day.

Dollywood’s cinnamon bread modified me.

Dollywood's cinnamon bread in a box — The cinnamon bread at Dollywood.

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Disney’s frozen deal with, Dole Whip, is iconic, and I definitely missed it whereas in Tennessee, however Dollywood arguably had one thing higher: cinnamon bread.

All through the park, you may scent the nice and cozy scent of cinnamon all day lengthy.

After I lastly received my arms on a loaf, I immediately melted. The fluffy dough was the right deal with in the course of the day.

Dollywood wasn’t as crowded as I anticipated.

An empty walkway in Dollywood — There weren’t many crowds.

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Fortunately, Dollywood wasn’t inconceivable to maneuver. Regardless that it was July, the park was not packed, so I felt extra relaxed. It was simple to maneuver round. Traces for rides had been manageable, too; none of them exceeded 45 minutes.

That meant I received to immerse myself in all elements of the park and study extra in regards to the musician.

Pigeon Forge additionally had a lot to supply.

The pool at Margaritaville Island.

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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a vacationer city, and I liked visiting. It is full of each exercise you possibly can think about: mini golf, go-karting, dinner reveals, buying, carnivals, and world-class eating places.

I stayed on Margaritaville Island in Pigeon Forge and liked being near the shops and eating places. The view of the Ferris wheel from the resort pool was additionally nice.

My first go to to Dollywood far exceeded my expectations.

a sign at Dollywood celebrating 40 years — Dollywood.

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I did not know what to anticipate once I first booked my journey to Dollywood, however I used to be pleasantly stunned at each flip.

Dollywood was an important trip spot due to its rides, immersive theme, and meals.

It is also the right place to have fun the lifetime of Dolly Parton — one thing I am hopeful to do once more sooner or later.

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