Dollywood, NOT Your Typical Theme Park

Amusement parks aren’t the typical destination we tend to write about. As a rule, we find that there are just more special places to experience. One park stands out as the exception to this rule, a place that offers so thoroughly a fun experience that is has become a regular pilgrimage and family tradition, Dollywood.

Common Misconceptions

            We have gotten a few eye rolls when talking about Dollywood from people that know nothing about the place. And we understand the skepticism. A place named after a buxom country music star situated in Pigeon Forge sounds like a tourist trap. Here are three big misconceptions about Dollywood:

It is Not Graceland

            Dollywood does sound like the name of a sprawling country estate, rather than a world class theme park. I have had to correct people before who just assumed it was Dolly Parton’s “Graceland”.

It is Exceptionally Well Done

            Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have long been huge tourist destinations but back in the day, these towns had their share of kitschy tourist gimmicks. That legacy, in combination with the fact that the park’s namesake ambassador loves big hair and rhinestones, could lead one to believe that Dollywood would be a little on the tacky side. But nothing could be further from the truth. Everything in the park is well conceived and well executed. We talk at length about what makes Dollywood great down below but it all comes back to the fact that it is a friendly, clean, tasteful, well thought out, fun place to visit!

It is Not Small

            If you try to compare it to other local tourist attractions, you would be mistaken. Or if you discount it because it doesn’t have the national brand recognition of other parks, you’d be mistaken. Dollywood is huge, around 130 acres -- so comparable in size to Disney’s Magic Kingdom.