We are going to hit the park up on 8/10. Any tips on discount tix? We see that if we go after 3 we can return the next day, but we just want to do one day. Do they have a parent swap? We have a 6 year old who is 46". We hope to ride lightning rod.

  Hope springs eternal.  I hope you get to ride it as well.  I've hoped a couple times this year, no rides as yet.  I'm not positive about parent swap system, but that park accommodates like no

 

 other, so I'm sure there is a system.  

Seriously good luck with Lightning Rod. It was extremely hit or miss when I was there for 3 days (and those were the 3 days It was "officially opened"). So if you are just going for one day I would honestly recommend not waiting around if the doors to the entrance aren't opened when you get there.

I'm not exactly sure the best deal for discount tickets. My guess would be online at Dollywood's website.

Best tip for rides.

Start from back to front.

Fire Chaser Express usually has the longest line. Thunderhead almost never has more than a 5 minute wait. It was a walk on the entire time I was there.

If you ride the train they aren't joking about the cinders. So if you are sitting on the outside of the ride Make sure to squint or wear sunglasses.

Ride Barnstormer.

Make sure you get cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill!

I'm not a show person but I have heard that their shows are amazing and sometimes sell out on busy days.

Most of all enjoy your day. Dollywood is an amazing park. It has so much to offer from rides, shows, and awesome food.

65$ for adults and $52 for children. That's a rip off, unless that keeps lines down. Thanks all for the tips thus far. My husband says we're lucky. EverytI me we have been to CP dragster is running great.

 How do you know it's a rip off if you've never been?  And it took me 3 trips to CP before I ever saw dragster run, guess you're just lucky. Maybe you'll get that Lightning Rod ride!

Compared to us paying 99 for our gold passes at Kings Island is what I mean. We wouldn't be worried if it was an Intamin AG coaster.

Never been to Dollywood, but that does seem like an awfully steep price for a ticket. I never go for shows, so even if they are stellar, it's not worth it for me. And I don't see that they have such a stellar lineup of rides to command that kind of gate price.

Unless we have a shot at lightning rod, we still stay in gatlinburg and not blow $200 to ride thunderhead, iron eagle, mystery mine, and the arrow looper.

Compared to us paying 99 for our gold passes at Kings Island is what I mean. We wouldn't be worried if it was an Intamin AG coaster.

So, last time I'm feeding the troll. What Intamin AG coaster did you get for your $99 gold pass at KI? 

Compared to us paying 99 for our gold passes at Kings Island is what I mean. We wouldn't be worried if it was an Intamin AG coaster.

So, last time I'm feeding the troll. What Intamin AG coaster did you get for your $99 gold pass at KI?

Mr. Chickens, I am sure I am not the only person that thinks a $65 one day admission is steep compared to a season pass here for 99. And like I said, we have had good luck with Intamin AG coasters in the past, thus would be less worried about am attraction not being open.

compare one day ticket to KI and DW both about the same.  

I paid $80 for two tickets to KI just this year. How is that about the same as $65 for one?

compare gate price to gate price. For a DW discount price I paid $65 for a two day ticket.

That is to come after 3pm and get to come back the next day. Seems like they are forcing you to spend 2 days in the park.

No this was a two day ticket.

Well that is th special right now on the website.

I was there in June

They have a 3 day ticket for 99. But who wants to spend three days though? You mind sharing if there is someplace that sells discounted tix? I am quoting what is on the website.

Side note the website does not say anything about lightning rod being closed now.

Jul 22 Lightning Rod is currently closed. It remains in technical ride rehearsal and is subject to delays and closure from time to time. Please monitor Dollywood.com or the Dollywood smart phone application for ride updates. We apologize for any inconvenience.  Learn More

thanks, its not on mobile.

Heard from someone at park today closed and no activity. It's been this way mostly since first of July with very limited running for a few days then almost nothing from about July 5-6 on. Hmmmmm?

I bought a gold pass for DW last November and I think it was around $150.  I bought it specifically for Lightning Rod and I have yet to ride it.  I don't regret it one bit because this is such a great park.  I've been four times on this pass (two in 2015) so I have got my money's worth.

The only discounts that I see are for $5 at Pigeon Forge McDonald's and Wendy's on drink cups. 

More info here: http://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/coupons-discounts/dollywood-coupons-and-discount-tickets/

Honestly, I think getting a season pass is worth it. They are only a few dollars more than a one day ticket. Gold gets you free parking (You only need one per family/car load). 

Also know that most of the people at Dollywood goes to shows. Several times of being at the park (this year included) there were cars like crazy in the parking lot and crowds at the gates but when you get up there, it's mostly older folks who go to see shows and eat. Rides waits generally are minimum. Fire Chaser Express is generally the only coaster that has a long line depending on crowds. 

Don't bet on Lightning Rod being open. 

Anybody ever try the pizza challenge? It's a 12 pound pie and if three people can finish it in an hour it's free season tix or something like that. I am a pizza freak. I could give it a run. haha

We bought season passes and in three different visits have yet to ride Lightning Rod.  We're trying again in late August.

 

If you can manage a stay at DreamMore they offer a Fast Pass (their version) for everyday you are at the park.  Its a pretty nice hotel. 

They call it time saver

And it's available to park guests at very low prices, further discounted if you have a gold pass.

Look on SlickDeals.net and search Dollywood.  $40 tickets and $10 for parking.  We used these last week.  They are good for two days (first day's entrance being after 3 pm)  The park was great.  My kids rode the coasters (no Lightning Rod) over and over and my husband saw about every show.  I did a little of everything, well, not everything, but a large variety of things.  And yes, the cinnamon bread is amazing!  And I'm certain they do parent swap. 

Thanks Diamond Ace!

If you have an annual pass to the Newport aquarium there is a 50% discount on tickets. Each member of your party needs a pass.