When my oldest asked to spend his 13th birthday at Dollywood I was all for it. He's really not interested in a birthday party with a large group of friends so bringing one bestie (do boys call it that?) to spend the day at the amusement park was the perfect way to spend his first day as an official teenager.
A surprising thing happened on our visit. I totally expected to be left alone while the boys did their thing. Because what group kids want to hang out with a mom, right? Well, apparently this group! They didn't ditch me! Truth be told I think it's because I was the official holder of all things so they could ride the rides without worrying about their stuff. But I am totally cool with that. I only ride 2, wait 3, rides so I was perfectly content holding all the phones, hats and water bottles so they could enjoy the rides. Plus I got to take some really cute pictures. Because I am a mom after all.
Wondering what I ride? Wild Eagle, Barnstormer and the newly opened Drop Line. All the other rides make me feel like I want to die. Not because the rides aren't awesome, they are, I've ridden them all, but it's a little something called being over 40. Plus, someone has to hold all the stuff, right?
Strap on your backpack (but leave room for the extra stuff you'll be holding for all the kids) and check out my 5 top tips for the best day at Dollywood ever.
1️⃣ Get the cup. For $14.99 you can purchase a refillable mug that is good for an entire season at Dollywood. Once purchased you get $.99 fountain drink refills and FREE water refills. All day and all year long. Plus, this can 2nd as your kid's souvenir so you're really killing two birds with one stone.
2️⃣ Consider the TimeSaver. The TimeSaver allows you to bypass the long wait lines for rides and go right to the front. On busy days this is really worth it as ride wait times can be more than an hour.
INSIDER TIP: If you stay at a Dollywood Resort like the DreamMore the TimeSaver is complimentary!
3️⃣ Multi-Day and Multi-Park Tickets. You can add an extra day for just a little bit more money per ticket. If you are planning a weekend trip to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood this is the way to do it.
4️⃣ Check out a show. I know this can be a hard sell for a group of older kids but I do recommend checking out a show if you can. For one, the shows are really amazing with unbelievable talent. Actually, it's not unbelievable considering you are in Dolly Parton's backyard. And two, it can be a much-needed break for little ones (and older ones) from the sun and heat. They may not think they need it but a break indoors is a great way to recharge in the middle of the day so you can hit the rest of the rides before heading home.
5️⃣ Sit on the front porch eating ice cream. There are many locations around the park but I recommend a stop at the Sweet Shoppe on Showstreet. Grab a cone and sit outside in the shade in a rocking chair. The best place to relax, cool off and do some people watching. Plus, you do so much walking during the day eating ice cream is totally guilt-free.
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We've been going to Dollywood for years and have taken all ages of kids. I truly love that Dollywood is a family amusement park and is an enjoyable day for all ages. Put it on your summer bucket list and surprise your kids with a trip they won't soon forget.
To learn more about Dollywood visit their website and check them out on Facebook and Instagram. #dollywood
I received complimentary admission tickets to Dollywood. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
