Dollywood
reviews and complaints

Went to Dollywood on 7/11/2022. Was visiting from Hershey, Pa. Had with me two family members who are in need of wheelchair mobility. We parked at the preferred parking which is close to the entrance. That was ok cause once you get into park they had wheelchair items right at the front for purchase. Just took a little time to get from car to that point.

My second issue is that you can't take the wheelchair to the waterpark. The exit of dollywood to the trolly to take you to the waterpark is a little hike for people in need of wheelchair mobility.

Third issue is that I had to pay again when I got to the waterpark for use of another wheelchair. I paid for both parks why can't if I paid for the wheelchair at dollywood be used also at the waterpark. The distance from the water park to where the trolly drop you off is also a hike for people in need of assistance to get to the wheelchair location for purchase.

Fourth issue is that had to return wheelchair once I l left the waterpark to get back on the trolly and the trolly is cross street from waterpark entrance. Almost took the wheelchair all the way to the trolly and was going to leave it there. Mobile wheelchairs are not allowed at the waterpark I don't understand that logic.

Fifth issue once we return back to dollywood to get my car from preferred parking the trolly does not take you there. so i had to go through security again just to get to my car. I was halfway walking to the lot when security was like you have to go back around the barrier and go through security. So I had to take my two people in need of mobile assistance around barrier and go through security. At this point it is further than general parking. it would have been better if I parked in general parking because it was closer. I don't understand why the trolly does not take you to preferred parking lot. Paid extra for it but turned out to be a nightmare.

Was at dollywood Wednesday June 22, though out the park there was none of Dolly's music playing. In the drone show when the butterfly was shown it was Whitney Houston singing I will always love you. We expected to here Dolly songs. I just think it would be better to hear her music in the park and in the shows. Also in different places there was rainbows, I do not support gay pride, Dollywood has always been about family's, I don't appreciate the way that is supported, we have been season pass holders for many years, but may not be in the coming years.

I realize I am only one person, and this may not matter to you, but it does to me. I was at the Miss Lillian's BBQ corner and ordered a three little pig sandwich. There was one woman in front of me getting her food. The young man serving up the food said it would be just a minute and disappeared. Meanwhile two other families came up and ordered food. I know most would exaggerate but I am not, it was ten minutes before the young man reappeared and said sorry, he was waiting on buns. He left again another ten minutes went by and another employee came buy and filled a plate with food, I am assuming for his break. Others came and went, after 20 minutes I asked for a refund, to which the young woman said she would have to find someone to do that. Another ten minutes before someone showed up to get my refund. Meanwhile the other two families also asked for a refund. I am not sure your new college staff are being trained, how do you not ask for buns before you run out. Also, I am sure you are seeing a big decline in the sale of your famous cinnamon bread as it is not good anymore and seems to be being made in advance and stored and then warmed up. Not good at all anymore. We went to get a hot dog instead at Dogs and taters and the young woman had an attitude like she was put out that she had to be there. Also, the Front Porch Cafe' used to be a great place to sit down and get some good food, but you have changed that to family style. Will not be eating there now. Me and my wife have been season pass holders for 7 years and loved the fact of how nice everyone in the park is and the good food. but this year you have changed everything that made your park great to visit and enjoy and you have moved to a park where you just don't care anymore, and it is about how cheap you can make things and use as few employees as possible. We are now thinking we might not renew and from all the other complaints I am seeing there are more than a few who are feeling the same way. Very sorry to see this in your park

When we were leaving I left my handicapped mother in law and my wife at parking lot A while I rode the bus to our vehicle in parking lot D. I did not know there was a designated drop off area as it is is not marked well nor advertised well by parking and bussing employees. I came in to pick them up and the employees began yelling at us though we were not in anyones way or hindering anyone. My wife apologized and told them we would leave as soon as we loaded her moms scooter and the employee at lot A with a tattoo on her leg yelled “ I told you to leave to now” another employee as we leaving told me through the window “ just so you know we built a place for you to pick up people that’s right over there” I told him they need to let people know that when they come in the park and his response was “what do you want us to do write it on a piece of paper for you?” I told him they need to let people know where it is because it’s not easily noticeable or marked well or advertised. He continued to argue with me. Silver Dollar City employees would never behave this way and are much more accommodating. We will be going there in the future.

Got on a ride lady named cat came by to check and see if ride was secure we told her we where about fall out of the seat, she says “its okay i promise” keep in mind the ride was already locked in i couldn’t move, 2 seats done this. “we got up on the ride i was slipping out barely in the ride about died. Do not ride tennessee tornado. And all the staff here are rude as crap. They act like everything is your fault. Do not go to dollywood and do not ride the ride. This place is terrible.

My name is Pam Parham. I love Dolly, Dollywood and Pigeon Forge. My family has always loved your cinnamon bread from the grist mill. We were unable to come in 2021 but were there this weekend on Sunday. I purchased 4 loaves of the cinnamon bread which I had went up from 2020 but I understand everything has. My complain is the bread is terrible. It does not even taste like it use too. We have always gotten extra to take with us,. The bread is so tough we can’t eat it and was nothing like it use to be. I didn’t mind spending the 40 bucks but I wasted my money because we could not even eat the bread. This is so unlike products I always buy from your company.

Thank you.

I hope Dolly herself gets to read this! I’m appalled at the behavior of your employee on a coaster ride who made my disabled daughter leave the ride by telling her to get out, she had got into the first car and the bar latched down but the belt didn’t she said get out. She came off that ride crying and cried all day. I saw huge men twice her size coming off the ride so what was the problem. This was the first family trip we’ve taken in years where we were all together. We spent thousands in your park. I’m so disappointed I can’t believe he did this. She never rode another ride show nothing wouldn’t even eat the rest of the day. Shame on you for wasting my time and money! Shame on you for treating disabled people with such utter disregard! There are laws that protect them against people like you! We will be seeking advice on this one for sure!

Shame on you all! You are a disgrace!

Friday, May 20,2022

I have been a season pass holder at Dollywood for several years. I was visiting Dollywood on this day and was getting ready to leave the park right before closing time. My daughter wanted Dippin Dots. We walked up to the Dippin Dots truck close to the Lightening Rod roller coaster. They’re pretty we’re 4 other people there being waiting on. The couple in front of us received their order and the other couple left from the other counter. We stepped up and before we could say anything one of the lady’s working said “Sorry we are closed. Bye Bye”. She put her hand up and waved at us when she said Bye Bye. It was very rude. The guy at the counter where we were standing just looked at us kind of shocked looking and then said “ I’m sorry”. In a way like he didn’t really know what to do about it.

I have NEVER been spoken to rudely by any Dollywood employee in all the years I’ve been going. I was just shocked by it

I will be returning this coming Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Hopefully ,y daughter can get Dippin Dots that day without any problems.

Thank you

My husband has a hard time walking and you have to walk so far even to get into the park. Walk forever to get in from getting off the trolleys. Someone should do something about that.

We wont be back, too much trouble to get in and then there was a huge line to get to the riders. This was all a nightmare for us.

I am sure a gate could be open nearby to let handicapped people in.

As a longtime Dollywood fan, I was dismayed with the decline of services for my first visit this year. On May 18 the Park was crowded and I was placed in parking lot E. There was a large crowd with few trolleys arriving. A sign said "25 minute walk" to entrance. Me and a few others started to walk and were yelled at by park attendants for walking on the road used by the trolleys - the only road available. When I asked about the walking sign, the response was "the sign was misleading." Why is the new desembarkment shed so far from the entrance? It seemed better the way it used to be. The Front Porch is my favorite Dollywood resturant. Improvements have made it worse. Now we are forced to order a "family meal" rather than individually, and at a high price. The food was fine but no take home boxes were availalble. I was given a piece of aluminum foil. Finally, on departure tolley arrivals were very slow. After a wait, one pulled up across from the boarding area, parked and blocks were set on wheels. When we complained, one of the attendants told us we could walk if we were not happy with the service, and complained how it had been three hours since he had a toilet break. All I could think of was I wished Miss Dolly were here to straighten things out!

Me and my husband saved a long time to be able to take our grandchildren to Dollywood instead of Walt Disney World. One thing the park being open 10:00 to 7:00 was not enough time there were no rides for our 11 year old granddaughter there was either baby rides or extreme roller coasters we also had my mother-in-law with us in a wheelchair it was impossible for her to do anything we were told that we needed a time-saver pass to get to the front of the lines we purchase 3 for $200 and we didn't even use them because the lines were so short.(except 1 time they were stamped when we was in the regular line because they was hanging around our neck and they didn't need to be stamped because there was nobody in line) All the food places started closing down at 6 when y'all close at 7 I searched everywhere at 6 trying to get some popcorn and I was told that they we're out or they've already clean the machines and they had no more popcorn. Literally every food vendor was shut down by 6:30 And that was the same thing on the rides I went to get on the ride at 6:10 they almost didn't let me on it because they was fixing to shut it down. As much money as it is to purchase a day ticket for Dollywood there should be more rides for all ages it was a huge disappointment not to mention the $1,300 we paid for a week in a cabin. I'm just really upset at the amount of money we spent for what we got and I would appreciate it if we were able to get a refund if not for the rides for the Time Saver past we didn't use I'm just really upset now that we went to Dollywood instead of Walt Disney World. We had another group of people with us that feel the same way but I can only speak for myself

We paid an exorbant amount of money for 4 diamond passes at Dollywood and splash country. We arrived on a weekend because the kids are still in school and when we tried to use our preferred parking passes we were denied because it's not available on Friday and Saturday not a big deal but was still upset and then when we arrived at the gate we were informed our 2 guests had to pay almost 100 dollars a piece for passes because they apparently aren't available on weekends. so we ended up leaving already upset with our trip that we took 2 hours to come here and have 4 upset kids and a completely ruined Saturday. When we went back to get on their trams they unloaded 4 different trams and did not let us board yelling at anyone who tried to do so. I'm absolutely disgusted that I paid so much money for this.

My wife and I took our two 3 yr olds to Dollywood. We had a great and amazing time for their age. Food was decent. There was a enough rides and games for there age to have fun.

On the other hand the security guards at the front gate was so rude and unprofessional it almost makes us not want to come back. I have never been spoken to so rudely in my life. I guess there parents never taught them mannerisms like a simple thank you or can you please do this or or that. Instead it was humiliating and undermining. It really ruined the vibe of southern hospitality. I will say once pass the security the staff was amazingly welcoming and just plain awesome.

Thanks,

My sister and I went are in our retired years and I have been a fan of Dolly when it was Dolly-N-Porter but, I my sister had a crush on Porter so we spent a lot of our early years fussing back and forth as well as comparing the 2. We both became teachers/Educators at a Catholic school near the town we grew up and we had to always hide our love for country music and Dolly now please be mindful that was in the Burt Reynolds error but, we not are I’m our golden years and the museum was so disappointing due to an employee situation a sweet fan Ben was assisting us with some questions and had great Knowledge of Dolly. He should be recognized for how he addressed a bad situation. His two co workers yelled at him because he was 4 min late releiving them for break and we was in walking behind him when he was attacked by both but, he impressed the group as he apologized to us immediately before responding to them however his two peers a man and lady with long grey hair still yelled while talking to us. I will never forget seeing that look of disappointed as the two just kept on so Dolly if you read this we the Garden sister want you to know this young man is by far the best you have and the two others I hope someone stops the childish act. We love you Dolly-n-Porter and If someone who works with Ben sees this tell him thank you and the Garden Golden Sisters from Iowa are sorry we caused him to be yelled at but, I can’t believe how two people almost as old as us acted like that towards a person. I still can’t believe his level of knowledge. He knows what she wears in interviews and he told us exactly where to watch old footage of her and Porter and even knew dates now that was fun to know someone younger these is two knew more about music in our error. Just wanted to reach out and say hi and apologize for making him late to release his co worker for lunch it was our fault for asking questions.

Mary Ann and Greta Ann

My adult children who are very tall and one is curvy (not obese) could not ride most rides due to this. Lap belts or over the shoulder restraints were not accommodating. Only a few rides had test seats to check prior to getting in line. My daughter was seated on the ride when the restraint would not close and suffered the humiliation of having to get off and exit in front of a crowd or people. The employee only stared at her. I paid too much for tickets for 6 people to only get to walk around the park and spend money on food. I understand the need for safety etc but designers need to keep this in mind or at least provide extenders when appropriate. Even Dolly herself could not have ridden rides with over the shoulder restraints.

I made mistake by going with someone that had golden passes and they could have a guest that humiliated me slap me kicked me and left me in the park disabled.. it would have been so awesome to visit and been able to be and breathe during this time before death I am suffering with crohn's disease.. I figured I'd just take the chance while I could because I would never be able to afford it if any way possible could you please help me and I guess get there during 2022

MARCH 23, 2022

It is readily apparent that Dollywood longer shows concern for elderly or Handicap patrons. I have been a 3 consecutive year GOLD MEMBER but will no longer be purchasing a pass of any type for my wife or myself.

The new parking format forces you to walk the length of a football field entrance

Microwave food at the 2 family restaurants is deplorable. 2 meats a 3 veg; $61.00 for lunch for 2 people !

Gold Pass is now 15% , not 20% as in previous years. We won't be back next year. Poor Value...terrible parking and food

My personal opinion is that for one small scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone is not worth $6.50. I will not buy it again. If the price was lower and more reasonable, I would be a returning customer. I think with returning customers, you would make more money. I also think that at Aunt Granny's, 1) the food should be hot or at least warm. The green beans were not. And I also think that when I paid $25 each for 6 people and left $30 tip that for $200 I should be able to take home what was left. It seems that you all throw away good foot. We did not over order just to take home. We were full. Well thank you.

On Saturday March 26th 2022 my husband and our kids (ages 5 months, 2 yrs, 8 yr and 12 year old) took a trip to Dollywood the entire trip was awesome except when we went to board the tram and lady yells over microphone “take that stroller off and fold it now” this was said in a hateful manner. When we first boarded tram to go to park the operator allowed us the strollers as long as child placed in middle of us. Needless to say we ended up just walking to our car in parking lot C the walk to the car didn’t bother us it was tram attendants attitude that did I hope she doesn’t talk to other guests like that

I have gone to Dollywood a few times and its always been a little pricey but, ok I understand. So I called this year about taking a special needs child and found out handicap or special needs children still pay the full price. Even if this child cant ride anything can't play anything only listen to the sounds and see the lights... shameful a business is so one track minded. We will never be going back.