When do dollywood water rides open

The amusement park and water park offer seasonal discounts at the end of the summer and at other times throughout the year; check the website for more information. Related: The best credit cards for entertainment spending.

However, parking is free for Gold season pass holders. Overall, Dollywood is truly great for park-goers of all ages — we saw families with young children, teenagers and many grandparents during our visit.

We noticed that the park is very accessible and you can rent electric scooters on site. That feature made Dollywood the first autism-friendly amusement park in the world. Dollywood is a tribute to the mountain heritage, culture and history of the Smoky Mountains. Related: The best travel credit cards for Now for the really fun part — the rides! In addition to all the classic amusement park rides — bumper cars, carousels, giant swings, twisty teacups and more, Dollywood also boasts some of the best roller coasters in the world.

FireChaser Express: This roller coaster opened in and holds the title for the first dual-launch family coaster in the nation, flying guests forward and backward for a truly unique experience.

Lightning Rod: I have to admit, I was too much of a chicken to try this coaster, but for good reason. This ride holds the title for the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, hitting speeds up to 73 miles per hour. Tennessee Tornado: This triple spiral-looping coaster takes riders through an actual mountain at speeds close to 70 miles per hour.

Flying insects are a natural part of the Great Smoky Mountains in the spring and fall. During the warmest part of the day, there are bees and wasps flying around the top of this attraction. We encourage each guest to use discretion when deciding to ride. Blazing Fury: This indoor roller coaster is a little deceiving. I accidentally took my 7-year-old niece on this one, thinking I had enjoyed it during my previous trip to the park.

Silly me. The 7-year-old did not enjoy it and was potentially permanently scarred. Fun ride for grown-ups, not so much for little ones. Lesson learned!

Dragonflier: The newest addition to the park, this family-friendly roller coaster featured within the Wildwood Grove area mimics the flight of a Smoky Mountain dragonfly and was my favorite ride on my latest trip to the park.

Smoky Mountain River R ampage: This has been my favorite ride at Dollywood since I was little, and continues to be a must-do for families. Inspired by a white-water rafting adventure, this one features a lot of wet twists and turns along the way.

Be sure to bring a change of clothes; lockers can be rented at multiple points throughout the park, and there are also air dryers positioned right outside this ride for a small fee. The authentic ton coal-fired steam engine, which can be seen and heard throughout various points within the park, takes guests back in time on a breathtaking 5-mile ride through a portion of the Great Smoky Mountains to experience some of the most beautiful views the area has to offer.

The train departs at the top of every hour for a minute tour and is sure to impress the entire family. I highly recommend taking a ride during the fall months to admire the beautiful foliage of the Smoky Mountains.

Just be careful, since it runs on real coal-burning engines and the smoke and soot could get on your clothes. This is absolutely a must-visit for any true Dolly fan, and a popular highlight of the park for visitors of all ages. The eagles living here are all permanently disabled and are cared for daily by staff members from the American Eagle Federation. Arguably the best aspect of Dollywood, and one thing that draws visitors from all over the world, is its outstanding dining options.

Dollywood has received a Golden Ticket award in the Best Food category from Amusement Today, a leading trade publication for the amusement park industry, four times. Related: Best credit cards for dining. I risk sounding dramatic here, but this bread will change your life. I highly recommend the icing dipper. You exit the park through the gift shop, filled with typical souvenirs as well as some fun and kitschy Dolly Parton-themed merchandise.

Dolly fans, rejoice! Of course, this is the perfect time to see colorful holiday light displays throughout the park made with more than 5 million lights , festive show performances, and lots of holiday-themed food.

For more information or to buy tickets and passes, visit the Dollywood website. Andrea Romano is a freelance writer in New York City. Follow her on Twitter theandrearomano. By Andrea Romano March 15, Save Pin FB More. Credit: Courtesy of Dollywood. Festival of Nations is a fascinating multi-cultural celebration featuring traditional music, dance, food and art of nations from around the globe.

Plus, the park stays open later for a nightly fireworks extravaganza. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas. Light the Way 5K at Dollywood. Dollywood Hours Dollywood is open from late March through early January. Explore more Dollywood ticket options.