Is a Dollywood Season Pass Worth It? What You Should Know
Have you considered buying a Dollywood season pass? If so, you may have run across a few questions. How many times do I have to visit to get my money's worth? Should I get a Gold Pass? What the heck is a Dining Pass? If you're anything like me, you work hard for your money and want to be sure you're getting the most value for your dollar. So is a Dollywood season pass worth it?
How much does a regular season pass at Dollywood cost?
At the time of this writing, a Silver Dollywood Season Pass runs for $164 plus tax for adults. Dollywood also lets their guests pay in payment plans, which can take some of the sting off. To compare the current ticket prices:
- Single-day passes are $92 ($82 for children and seniors)
- 2-day passes are $119 ($109 for children and seniors)
- 3-day passes are $129 ($119 for children and seniors)
It's important to note that the multi-day passes must be used within 5 days. So, if you want to visit the park in two different seasons, it's already worth it to purchase a season pass. Note that prices are subject to change and special offers vary by season.
What does a Dollywood Silver Season Pass include?
When you purchase early in the season, a Silver Pass typically includes two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets (blackout dates apply), a $5 discount on one-day tickets for friends and family and a lodging discount. The best time to buy is around the holidays. If you purchase later in the season, there are fewer perks. For example, you may only receive a $5 discount on 1-day tickets for friends and family and a 10% discount on lodging (depending on availability).
A Silver Pass might be right for you if you don't plan on parking on-site and don't wish to visit the park late in the season. Otherwise, the park seems to be encouraging folks to upgrade to Gold or Diamond.
What are blackout days for Dollywood?
When deciding if a pass is right for you, it's important to take note of the blackout dates. Blackout days are days in which a passholder is unable to visit. Silver Passes have blackout days, meaning you wouldn't be able to visit the park with your pass during the park's busiest days. However, Dollywood officials removed blackout dates for all child season passes to give a few more options to families.
Otherwise, the blackout dates for Silver Season Passholders are from Nov. 24, 2023 - Jan. 6, 2024 and Nov. 29, 2023 - Jan. 5, 2025. This essentially means Silver Passholders would only be able to attend the Smoky Mountain Christmas event very early in the season when it begins in November. This could certainly play a role in your vacation math because it makes the Silver Pass less valuable. To view the passholder blackout calendar, visit Dollywood's website.
What does a Dollywood Gold Pass include?
The Gold Pass starts to look like the better value given the blackout dates and limitations of the Silver Pass. Plus, the free parking alone usually makes it worth the upgrade for at least one member of the family. What is a Gold Pass, you ask? You can think of a Gold Pass as a premium Dollywood pass. It is currently $234 plus tax. When you buy early in the season, it typically includes two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets as well as:
- $10 discount on one-day tickets for friends and family
- 15% discount on dining, merchandise and lodging
- One-day unlimited refills mug
- $5 off on TimeSaver passes
- $20 off on VIP tours and preferred parking
- Free general parking
If you plan on visiting the park at least twice in different seasons and plan on parking on-site at the theme park, the Gold Pass may be right for you. Note that when you buy your pass determines how many benefits you receive. The earlier you buy, the better.
What does the Diamond Pass include?
Dollywood recently debuted its Diamond Pass, offering even more options for Dollywood guests. Dollywood Diamond Season Passes provide a premium experience for guests. Diamond Passes offer all the perks of the Silver and Gold Pass, plus even more benefits. The pass is currently $349 and comes with four Bring-A-Friend Free passes and access to Splash Country. Diamond season passholders also receive:
- $15 discount on one-day tickets for friends and family
- 20% discount on dining, merchandise and lodging
- All-season unlimited refills mug
- $20 off on TimeSaver passes
- $30 off on VIP tours and preferred parking
- Free general parking
During the first hour of every operating day, called Golden Hours, Gold and Diamond Season Passes operate just like TimeSaver passes, allowing the named passholder expedited boarding on rides and attractions. Again, if you want a Diamond Pass, you must buy early.
What does a Two-Park pass include?
The Dollywood Two-Park passes include admission to both Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country. Guests can upgrade a Silver or Gold Season Pass to a Two-Park pass to enjoy unlimited visits to both theme parks. Diamond Season Passes automatically include admission to Splash Country. You can upgrade any passes for a Two-Park pass for around $65 more.
What about the Dollywood Dining Passes?
Dining Passes are offered at Splash Country and can be purchased as an add-on to your season pass. It includes one entree and one snack each day you visit Splash Country. If you use it at least 2-3 times, it's worth the money for the upgrade. It is no longer available at the time of this update.
Is the Dining Pass different from the Flower & Food Dining Day Pass?
It's worth noting that the Dining Pass add-on to your Splash Country pass is not to be confused with the Flower & Food Festival Dining Pass. The Flower & Food Dining Day Pass purchase allows guests to try up to five select food items, tapas-style, during the spring festival.
Is a season pass at Dollywood worth it?
Okay, I know I threw a lot of numbers at you. As a rule of thumb, the more you use your perks, the more money you save. And the earlier you buy in the season, the more perks you receive. Remember, the benefits listed above may vary at the time of purchase.
Generally speaking, a season pass is worth it if you're going to visit either park more than once per season (in more than a 5-day period). If you have your heart set on visiting multiple times during the holidays, go for the Gold Pass. But you know your family better than I do. Do you park on-site? Make several in-park purchases? Do you enjoy being at the park right at its opening time? These questions may determine which pass is worth it to you.
Just be sure you're planning to use your benefits if you buy all the bells and whistles. That part is key. Check the Dollywood website to get the full breakdown of what your passes will include at the time of your purchase. Should you decide to upgrade to a season pass, present your admission ticket and payment at any front gate ticket window.
Can someone else use my season pass to Dollywood?
No. However, you can use a Bring-A-Friend ticket to get them in for free. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
What to expect at Dollywood in 2024
For those who look forward to the seasonal festivals, the schedule is currently:
- I Will Always Love You Music Festival: March 9-April 14, 2023
- Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health: April 1-June 9, 2024
- Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration: June 15-Aug. 11, 2024
- Harvest Festival presented by Humana: Sept. 9-Oct. 28, 2024
- Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana: (TBA)
How can I get Dollywood discounts?
Be sure to check the Dollywood website for current notifications, deals and promotions, including discounts to Dolly Parton's Stampede or Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa. You can also book daily tickets ahead of time with Tripster.
Have you ever purchased a season pass for Dollywood in the Great Smoky Mountains? What pass type did you get? Let us know in the comments!