Dollywood Review, Pigeon Forge Herschend Theme Park | Best Attraction in the Smokies

Dollywood is one of the premier amusement parks in the southeast. This park is nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains and it's operated by Herschend Family Entertainment. This park excels in so many areas (rides, shows, shops, service), which is why I think it's easily the best attraction in the Smokies.
Video Credits
Christmas Shows (Dollywood)- • Video
Dreamland Drive-In (Dollywood)- • Video
DreamMore Resort (Pretty Cool Vlog)- • Dollywood's DreamMore ...
Glacier Ridge (Dollywood)- • Glacier Ridge | Dollyw...
RiverRush Off-Ride (Dollywood)- • RiverRush - Tennessee'...
RiverRush POV (Dollywood)- • RiverRush - Tennessee'...
Splash Country (Dollywood)- • Dollywood's Splash Cou... Background Music
Background Music
CRAZY BANJO
royalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for @FreeSound Music
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original video: • Crazy Banjo - no copy...

[@zacg_]

This park is absolutely incredible. The first time I ever went there was around Christmas and I noticed buses full of retirees which made me wonder why they were going. Many theme parks aside from Disney only make sense for elderly people if they are visiting with their grandkids and they plan to wait off ride. But retirees would come to watch the shows, eat the food and enjoy the shopping and the atmosphere. That is especially true for Christmas time. While I would personally never skip the coasters, the rest of the park is so good that it justifies the cost of a ticket even if you don't hit many rides. And speaking of Christmas, this park is my number six overall park but it passes Disneyland at Christmas time and becomes my overall number one. Christmas at Dollywood is unbeatable. And the other seasonal events are very good as well and make repeat trips worth it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The shows are a major draw for a lot of people.

[@jeffcunningham308]

I got to visit here last march and it hands down is one of the best parks out their

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sure is.

[@jtbowman132]

Ahhhh Dollywood is my home park so I’m excited to watch this review! Wild Eagle will forever remain in my top three coasters :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hope you liked it.

[@ava7238]

SAME

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Love how much charm this park has. Craftsman Valley is such a great area I absolutely love it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It really is!

[@jackfeldman3916]

“The 1 and a half wood coasters” 🤣I’m dying It should be 1 and a third!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@StinnerMatjest]

Gotta say Canobie Coaster, you really do have the best reviews out there and its not really close. Amazing stuff as always. Really hope to visit some US theme parks one day!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wow, thanks!

[@ryancarter2537]

There’s a reason why this place is my favorite amusement park ever. 1. This park has the most underrated coaster collection I have ever seen in my life. Every Coaster shocked me and I never found a bad roller coaster at this park. Also the flat rides are amazing as well. 2. I am a huge Christian and I love how this park has an actuall church place right in the center of the park and they actually do church services on Sundays and I love how they play Christian music throughout the entire property. Most parks don’t even do that and I love it. I also love how their social media channels they would occasionally put a Bible verse on there as well as several quotes from Dolly herself. 3. Theaming is really good and it doesn’t feel like I’m at a park. It feels like I am in the deep South country where everybody has the southern accents and then you have real craftsman shops and the smells throughout the park smell like something you would be in the south. 4. The setting is in the middle of the smoky mountains and the entire park utilizes the mountains and terrain to advantage including the roller coasters and absolutely I love it. 5. The staff is the greatest staff I have ever encountered for a Parke in my life outside of Disney. They care so much about their guests and the ride operators are more enthusiastic than any other park out there and they just want to interact and have fun with people. 6. The food is just unbelievable. Literally every food I try to Dollywood was by far one of the greatest spoon offerings I’ve ever had in my life and this is at a theme park. I’m not a big fan of southern food in this park and the area is full of them but man I never realized that the sweet tea and fried chicken from aunt grannies would become the best of its kind. I heard they do really good despite this place being in the south but man I was not expecting it to be that good. I’m not a big fan of fried chicken but the fried chicken at this restaurant is one of the must haves for me when I go to this restaurant. And obviously the cinnamon bread is the greatest thing ever created at a theme park. I know that everybody says it will lineup for like two hours just to get a loaf and it’s not expensive but man what people are saying is actually true the cinnamon bread is one of the best things I’ve ever had in my life and there’s a reason why it’s that famous. 7. The Dreammore Resort. When I went to Dollywood for the first time my family and I stayed at this hotel and let me just say that this is one of the greatest resort hotels you ever stay at in your entire life. Not only that you get complementary timesaver passes and free shuttle service from the hotel entrance to a separate gate of Dollywood dedicated to resort guests but inside the hotel might be one of the most prettiest hotels you ever stay at. In the afternoon there’s a lemonade stand that serves a homemade special pink lemonade in the lobby and it is probably the greatest lemonade I have ever had in my life but you have to go there in the afternoon and they sell out fast because it’s very popular and you have to be a resort guest in order to try the lemonade but trust me you will not regret it. And then the restaurants inside of the hotel might be one of the best restaurants ever. The main restaurant song and Harth is very similar to Aunt grannies but it’s way better in my opinion. It’s another Buffet style kind of restaurant but the food is 1 million times better and the staff throughout the hotel is one of the best staff I’ve ever encountered in my life. Also song and harth has a daily menu that changes every day so don’t be afraid to eat at that place every single day because they always have specials and a majority of the Buffat is different every day. And then the rooms are very spacious I really enjoyed the bunkbeds and the suites and the entire hotel had this amazing smell and it smelled really good it was by far one of the greatest smells you’ll ever encounter. I fall in love with all the smells throughout the hotel and I just love it I pretty much think that the smells are addicting. And they also sell cinnamon bread at their pantry restaurant so you do not have to go to the bakery or Chris Mill to get cinnamon bread however the gristmill still has the best cinnamon bread ever and the cinnamon bread in the hotel is really good as well but it’s nowhere near as good as in the park even though you would barely be waiting to get the cinnamon bread in the hotel. And the pools are amazing I do not miss out on them are usually go to the parks all the time when I’m staying at an on-site resort hotel so I did not have time for that but if you have plenty of days make sure you swim in the pool or you can prioritize your time in the park. Although dream more resort is like over $500 a night which is very expensive and I agree with you it is one of the greatest resort hotels you’ll ever stay in your entire act and if you have the money it would be totally worth it. The next time you go to Dollywood I highly recommend you stay at this resort hotel for the convenience and the luxury.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I don't care much for food, and hotels are just a place to sleep for me no matter how fancy, but I'm right there with you on points 1-5. It's also my favorite park. I love that this park doesn't shy away from mentioning Jesus, especially in their Christmas shows. Silver Dollar City does the same thing. On my last visit there a couple weeks ago, I attended their church service inside the park on Sunday morning, and they do hymn singalongs on the other days. They are my favorite 2 parks. I currently prefer Dollywood, but you would also love Silver Dollar City, if you've never been there.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like Dollywood's food, but I think I'm spoiled by how good the outside restaurants are in Pigeon Forge. Those are the places I salivate over.

[@troublenyc4092]

Love your reviews! Footage is always shot well too. Keep em coming🤘🏼

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@muzitafbrand4435]

Halo Canobi Coster apa kabar, ini suatu konsep yang saya impikan sejak lama untuk membuat taman bermain di negara saya sendiri bersertivikat internasional. Terimakasih banyak sudah menambah inspirasi desain ini.👌🤝😁

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome!

[@Idkwhattoputheretbh558]

This is my home park and I love it so much, Thunderhead was my first adult coaster and it will always hold a special place in my heart My first coaster was also here, Sideshow Spin, which unfortunately does not exist anymore

[@CanobieCoaster]

I remember Sideshow Spin. Rode it once.

[@micoasters3024]

Met dolly once and she was the nicest person I EVER met

[@CanobieCoaster]

She seems super nice.

[@mitchellries256]

I just visited this park two weeks ago for the first time and it did not disappoint at all. The atmosphere, the rides, the food, the staff, and the setting in the Smokies makes it a top ten park for me. Not to mention Lightning Rod is easily one of my favorite roller coasters out there if not my favorite. I am going to wait until their next big addition comes, but I cannot wait until that happens because I am already dying to go back. While my time at Dollywood was amazing, the same could not be said for Splash Country. It wasn't the parks fault, though. We decided to visit on a Sunday and it was the same Sunday we planned to drive from Pigeon Forge to Cincinnati to visit relatives, so I was rushing to do everything as quickly as possible before we leave at four o'clock which wasn't easy because of how busy they were that day. It didn't matter in the end though because an thunderstorm came and stuck around for over two hours which was completely unexpected as they said it would be clear all day. I am definitely going there again, but this time on a less busy day when I am not going anywhere else, and when the forecast shows sunny skies. I just hope until then that they add more tube slides. My mother can't ride any of the body or mat slides they already have.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you had an amazing time at Dollywood. That's a bummer your visit to Splash Country wasn't the best. I enjoyed it a few years ago.

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I have still only visited during Smoky Mountain Christmas, but it has become the highlight of my year every year since that visit where I met you. I love great shows, and Dollywood's collection of Christmas shows is by far in a way the best at any park I've visited. I have always loved the mountains, so Dollywood checks that box too. And of course the coasters box is checked. It's basically the perfect park for me, along with Silver Dollar City, which is why those are probably my top 2 parks. This is my first year with an SDC pass, and I can visit there any weekend I want, so I'll see which park rises to the top.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I much prefer Silver Dollar City. That's not an issue with Dollywood as much as just how special Silver Dollar City is.

[@majorian9406]

You can also use the Pigeon Forge Mass Transit Trolleys to get to Dollywood, which is my preference due to way less walking plus you get to go under Lightning Rod on your way in and out.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Good tip! So it goes backstage?

[@stephenboshears4832]

@@CanobieCoasterit’s not really backstage, because the way the city bus enters the park used to be a second exit from the parking lot heading towards Gatlinburg before they reconfigured the tram roads. It’s the road directly under the start of Lightning Rods launch…

[@ResetDoitAgain]

I’ve watched a lot of Dollywood reviews, because I used to work there a million years ago and I miss it. I absolutely LOVE this review. Lots of stuff included that others don’t even mention. Thanks for mentioning the Slidewinder. ❤️ I really appreciate all the little insider tips and the wonderful video editing and thoroughness in your videos. I’ll shut up now. Thank you so much. You’re a real prince.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks! I love the park and am happy to share some tips so others have a better day.

[@robertannable9584]

Absolutely brilliant review and footage, my friend.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@Kennywood_Fanatic]

I’m going to Dollywood for the first time next week, and I am super excited to experience Lighting Rod, and the other great rides, plus I’m hyped for that cinnamon bread

[@CanobieCoaster]

Enjoy!

[@thesledgehammerblog]

My wife and I are seriously considering a move to North Carolina from our current place in the Pacific Northwest (getting sick of 9 months of rain a year.) Given the fact that our one theme park option here is Wild Waves, I suspect between Dollywood and Carowinds we'll have much better options there.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Definitely.

[@appliedengineering4001]

Too bad that Silverwood in north Idaho isn't within a reasonable driving distance from Seattle. You could've added that one to your list. BTW: if your sick of the rain and still want to stay in the PNW area. Consider moving to the Tri-Cities area. It's less then 200 mile Southeast from Seattle and We get over 300 Day of sunshine a year here. It's a dessert and get extremely hot here. But at least it's a dry heat and allows your body to sweat comfortably unlike High humid places.

[@thesledgehammerblog]

@@appliedengineering4001 I have family in the Spokane/CdA area so Silverwood is definitely an option, although I haven't been there since before Stunt Pilot was announced. Silverwood is easily the best park in the Pacific Northwest (by default it seems) but Silverwood and Lagoon are both pretty distant from any other reasonable parks and are good options if you are in the area for some other reason, but I don't think many people are making them destination parks right now.

[@user-cf9np9cy8q]

Great summary. Thanks

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome!

[@charlanator225]

This park is definitely near the top of my bucket list. Looks absolutely world class.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's amazing.

[@mindphaserxy]

$84 is kind of absurd for pricing to be honest. I absolutely love Wild Eagle. It fits in the terrain very well. Thunderhead is one of the best wooden coasters out there too. I just dislike the layout and how difficult it is getting around the park. Be prepared for a lot of uphill walking. It's not Busch Gardens Williamsburg, King's Island or Carowinds, etc. I know it's in a very tourist-y part of America but Cedar Fair's parks have some really kick-ass coasters and attractions and tickets are generally $45. Can't comment on Lightning Rod because I'm 6'4" around 270lbs. Just can't fit in RMCs crappy restraint system. B&M for the win that's for sure.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I know the RMCs aren't the best for tall riders.

[@samuelahoffman]

Went to Dollywood for the first time yesterday, and LRod didn’t open until the VERY end of the night. I only got one back row night ride, but it’s easily top 3 for me. Wish I could have got more rides, guess I’ll just have to come back next spring 🤷‍♂️

[@samuelahoffman]

Also THead was amazing, probably top 5 for me

[@CanobieCoaster]

Glad you at least got on it!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Sage advice about the steam train. Most parks burn oil or propane. (IF they run steam) This is a standard gauge coal burner like Durango & Silverton CO. The Herschend's greatest strength is its staff. Some newly weds came to SDC 1st year. When they got ready to leave, car would start. P-Lot attendant went and bought a battery for them. They've returned on anniversary ever since! This story was told by Herschend family when they received "Applause Award" @ IAAPA EXPO. Dollywood too, has gotten this award. Yep! I could see a Sally dark ride telling a wonderful story in there. Maybe about "butterflies".

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's awesome!

[@sdc5914]

Dollywood was closed while I was there but my nephew and I loved Magi Quest, an Arcade and Real Life RPG attraction that's tons of fun!

[@CanobieCoaster]

There's a ton to do nearby.

[@jonny-b4954]

4:33 Damn, those dudes are sure spinning haha 10:00 Parks really need to start making those things European parks have. Where it's a giant wall of little heaters (with door on each side, other side is kitchen) and the kitchen just slides the meals into the boxes and you simply walk up. Swipe your card/insert coins or whatever and the heater box pops up. MUCH less staff dependent. Have you ever noticed how weird Tennesse Tornado's vertical loops are Canobie? The way the, you know, move sideways at the top (so the track doesn't intersect) is so funky. It's not a completely "straight" trajectory towards the side but a weird banking at the top. Hard to explain unless you've noticed it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love the spiro loop.

[@jonny-b4954]

@@CanobieCoaster That what it's called? Yeah, it's funky. In the Arrow Documentary from ACE and Alan Schilke mentions it was one of first coasters they built with the new computer design program he and a team designed. I'd assume that's reason for the weird top of the loops. They're awesome though. Love that drop through the mountain.

[@arloproduction4795]

What element on lightning runs differently because of the slower launch?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The wave turn and far turnaround give sustained floater as opposed to sustained ejector.

[@mlcoasterproductions7657]

Looks like a Great park

[@CanobieCoaster]

It is!

[@chrismartindale7840]

In the past I used to get a season pass and visit 10-20 times a year (though surprisingly, I have never been during Christmas) However, now that I am disabled, I need an ECV when I go which makes even a season pass no longer cost effective. I still make this an annual trip though. One thing you didn't mention was the festivals. Almost every day is part of a festival which has different things. Festival of nations has food and shows from around the world, barbeque and bluegrass is self-explanatory, flowers and food has amazing food choices and awesome flower arrangements, Great American Summer has late hours and fireworks and a drone show, Harvest Festival has some more great food. Dollywood Luminites has the park decorated with hundreds of carved pumpkins and open late enough you can see the candles in them and their cool designs. The there is the Christmas Festival to end the year.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's true that they always have some sort of festival now.

[@rossh688]

I, absolutely LOVE Dollywood. Awesome food, friendly staff and great rides. You and I have very different feelings on the coasters, though. The best ride there is also the best GCI I've ever ridden, especially if you ride eyes closed. The best steel coaster is Tennessee Tornado. I wish Arrow had stayed in business since I find this better than ANY B&M sit down or floorless looper. In 2016, LR was my number 2. Now, it is just WAY too slow. The other RMC conversions are far more interesting and exciting. To compete, it needs to be launched at full speed and the remaining wood sections need to be converted with inversions. The triple down on The Voyage is much better than the quad down on LR. In 2016, it was amazing... Last year, I was like, wow! They really neutered this ride. BTW are you going to be at Holiwood Nights? I will be there while on my 16 day amusement park tour.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've never found Lightning Rod slow. Then again, I've only ridden it since it was slowed down. I won't be at Holiwood Nights this year.

[@rossh688]

@@CanobieCoaster there was ejector air at the top LR... Not anymore. Ugh... Maybe someday soon.

[@PlushAmongUs]

My Top 3 at Dollywood: 3. Wild Eagle 2. Tennessee Tornado 1. Lightning Rod

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@arloproduction4795]

I went when lightning rod was closed and even though I enjoy it I was underwhelmed and preferred silver dollar city to this but it might change if I can get a ride on lightning rod.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Silver Dollar City easily.

[@robertannable9584]

I want to live within the boundaries of this park forever.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't blame you.

[@athenaclark2567]

Heading there for a few days for the first time this July! Hopefully I’ll be able to get on Lightning Rod, and the assigned seating won’t pose too much of an issue for getting optimal rides on the coasters.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Some ops would honor row requests, but on Lightning Rod, all rows are exceptional. Some are just extra special.

[@Itsyaboyharry98]

I count my luck that the one day my brother and I made it out there in 2020 Lighting Rod ran consistently all day long. It has been 7 years since I'd been there and it will probably be a lot longer till I'll be back.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Whenever Lightning Rod is operating well, I spend half my day lapping it non-stop with Timesaver.

[@Itsyaboyharry98]

@@CanobieCoaster haha how is it with the Ibox track? Glad I was able to still ride it while it was a full woodie.

[@chargedonpc9989]

I'm so excited to visit Dollywood later this year. I'm still not sure if I want to take my chances and ride the other coasters before Lightning Rod because that's what the coaster I'm most excited for. Are the lines for the other rides usually long on summer weekdays?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They cant hit 30-50 minutes for the family coasters, Mystery Mine, and sometimes Tennessee Tornado.

[@chargedonpc9989]

@@CanobieCoaster Good to know

[@thequackenscoasterchannel2927]

I love Dollywood, I've been there more times (6) than Worlds of Fun in my home state (5)🤣

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't blame you.

[@massachusettscoasters]

6:23 also a few coasters have a queue for the front row and here’s the following Lightning Rod Wild Eagle Fire chaser Express Tennessee Tornado But I’m already aware of assigned seating at this park

[@CanobieCoaster]

Those rides have space for you to queue for the front, but all those except Wild Eagle have groupers assigning rows.

[@jackfeldman3916]

Wild eagle is your favorite steel coaster there?? Hello! Lightning rod!!!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lightning Rod is my favorite if you count it as steel. But it's the true definition of a hybrid haha.

[@jacksonsdrones]

Is Wild Wood Grove park of the normal park? Or is it separate.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Part of it.

[@jacksonsdrones]

@@CanobieCoaster Thank You!👍

[@ChiefBlueScreen]

Also correction: parking isn't included with the lowest-tier season pass.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for the clarification.

[@Godzillafanboy89]

Blazing fury used to have a splashdown section but it was removed afher 2011

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for sharing when it was removed.

[@Godzillafanboy89]

@@CanobieCoaster np

[@kadeboman6078]

I’ve been there

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@zacg_]

I love Dollywood but it needs and deserves a true dark ride. I personally love Blazing Fury but I would like a modern true dark ride. And I don't want to see a cheap two dimensional shooter dark ride from Sally. I'd love to see a Smoky Mountain or Wildwood Grove version of something like Dreamflight at Efteling or Peter Pan Flight. That would fit very well and be extremely popular.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'd like a shooter myself, but one with nice sets.

[@scottboyer2391]

Thank you for this my man..perfect timing 👨‍🍳🤌

[@CanobieCoaster]

You're welcome!

[@thecoastergnome8603]

over all do you prefer Silver Dollar City or Dollywood

[@CanobieCoaster]

Easily Silver Dollar City

[@seanmccaul9192]

I like that lightning rod is your number one! I'm sure you catch a lot of flack from other enthusiasts! Fuck em! Coasters are like Music or politics, they are all subjective topics! Keep it up mang!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't think that's a crazy one to have at the top. It's universally considered an amazing ride.

[@alecdaniel7679]

I liked the park not my fav but it was nice to experience

[@CanobieCoaster]

I love it.

[@ChiefBlueScreen]

Man I was trying to go there this weekend, but got rained out! This isn't helping lol.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They probably ran rides in the rain and crowds were minimal, so don't be afraid in the future.

[@jgriff22]

When we went in 2019, we only got a couple of good hours at the park before we got rained out 😢. Spent quite a bit of time in Wildwood Grove with my brother’s kids (Got 2 rides on Dragonflyer...solid family coaster ❤️) and a couple of rides on the leaf (pirate ship) and they rode a few of the kids’ rides. Then we got my first ride on Mystery Mine (first trip since 2006 even though it’s my home park.. it’s okay but at bottom of my coaster list), Thunderhead (fell from #1 to #2 but still awesome even though I’m sure it’s running even better now ❤️) and my first ride on Lightning Rod (#1 ❤️❣️❣️). And got my first ride just in time because only 1 train got to go out after us and we had just gotten to the entrance to mom’s favorite ride, Smoky Mountain River Rampage, when they shut down everything except Blazing Fury due to storms being spotted 5 miles away 😭. Then it came a downpour 😢. We waited around for awhile and looked in Dolly’s Mountain Home and the Dolly Museum but rain didn’t let up and rides never reopened so we left. Can’t wait to get back there again in the near future 😀❣️

[@upsidedown_]

Probaly one of the best US parks

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@samuelahoffman]

No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to find a bad coaster in this park

[@CanobieCoaster]

Whistle Punk?

[@samuelahoffman]

@@CanobieCoaster True lol, I always forget about kiddy coasters

[@zbfuller]

I always have good luck with Lightning Rod, so if you need a better chance at riding...

[@CanobieCoaster]

My fiancee has a perfect record with Lightning Rod. It's usually closed for my trips without her.

[@zbfuller]

@@CanobieCoaster I have a perfect record as well. Sounds like you have a good luck charm then.

[@flintwolf3951]

This park looks very good, but 85 dollars is quite expensive for what it offers, like Phantasialand in germany is half the price on weekdays and it is atleast as good as dollywood and if i pay 85 dollars i atleast want to know that there is a big chance lightning rod is running. Also parking so much more expensive in america, i Don't know why.

[@CanobieCoaster]

A lot of the top theme parks in the US are more expensive than their European counterparts.

[@dytamic]

can you review

[@CanobieCoaster]

I did.

[@superthrills7398]

I Would Like To Go To This Park One Day To Get All Of Credits And Do Other Stuff As Well If You Just Go For The Credits Your Not Getting The Full Experience

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@bluetomato2184]

More than just lighting rod? 😂😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@galenstone9097]

Obscene prices. Dolly is greedy AF

[@CanobieCoaster]

A lot of parks have raises their prices lately.

[@galenstone9097]

@@CanobieCoaster a sugar cookie costs seven dollars. That's one cookie.

[@Thuggysmurf]

If I had to draw a picture to describe this park, it would be a 350-pound man on a scooter carrying a bowl of chicken with the grease stuck in his beard. Last visit on Monday August 8, 2022 we started counting obese people on scooters and quit after reaching 200 within a few hours. We then started counting children on leashes but that was too depressing. Always appreciate Canobie reviews, and nearly always see it the same way, but I'd rank Dollywood the most overrated park in America with the exception of Disney. High prices, long lines, mediocre rides, awful parking, disinterested/rude staff, and a claustrophobic feeling due to the narrow pathways overrun by scooters. Wild Eagle is solid, but Lightning Rod seems to always be closed (1-2 hour wait when open), Mystery Mine can crush your balls while headbanging your children, Thunderhead is rough like a car crash, TN Tornado is another janky Arrow coaster despite supposedly using computer design, Blazy Fury is WTF?, and Firechaser + Dragonflier have ridiculously long lines for what they are. People praise the food, but I'd take an average Six Flags meal any day over Dollywood's premium-priced spoiled store-bought turkey and wilted lettuce (to use an example from the restaurant across from Lightning Rod). The drive to Dollywood, if coming up from the south through the mountains, is not to be missed though. Top 5 drives in America. Stop at each mountain lookout point and take pictures. Breathtaking. But next time I'll save my money and drive right past Dollywood.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I really like the park. I find the clientele to be super nice and kind. It is annoying how much downtime Lightning Rod has, but I've been luckier as of late.