Are you visiting Dollywood soon and can’t decide on what type of ticket or pass to buy? Here’s the scoop on everything you need to know about Dollywood Season Passes!
It’s a question that I often get asked as a Dollywood Insider – should I invest in buying a season pass? Locals know that a season pass is always the way to go, but what if you’re just visiting for a few days? Is it still worth buying a season pass? Today I’m going to tell you everything you need to know!
What types of Dollywood Season Passes are there?
There are a few different types of Dollywood season passes, which might confuse you at first glance, but don’t let it. They keep things super simple.
- Dollywood Season Pass – This pass will get you into Dollywood as many times as you’d like for the entire season [this year Dollywood was open from March 17th and will close January 1st.]
- Dollywood’s Splash Country Season Pass – This pass will get you into Splash Country as many times as you’d like for the entire water park season [May 13th – September 4th].
- Super Pass – This type of season pass gets the passholder into BOTH parks unlimited amount of times throughout the season.
- Gold Pass [can be for Dollywood, Splash Country, or Super Pass] – The gold standard of season passes. This gets you unlimited visits to the park of your choice or both with the Gold Super Pass and comes with an array of extra benefits that we’ll discuss below.
Benefits of Dollywood Season Passes:
In addition to unlimited visits to the parks for the entire season, there are many other great benefits of purchasing Dollywood season passes that include:
- Exclusive ride times on select attractions – Every Saturday season pass holders can get into the park one hour early and one attraction will be open for exclusive ride access.
- Friends & Family Discount – $5 off regular 1-Day admission for friends to the Season Pass’ respective Park; Passholder must be present and purchase.
- 20% off Dollywood Cabins overnight accommodations (Passholder only); Subject to availability; for reservations, call Dollywood at 866-857-2123.
Exclusive Benefits to Gold Season Passes:
- FREE Parking every operating day for either park. This is a HUGE benefit as it costs $12 to park at Dollywood.
- 20% Off Food, Merchandise, and select Rentals at the Gold Pass’ respective Park. Another benefit that can really add up on meals and souvenirs purchased at the park.
Dollywood Insider Expert Tip: Have Mom [or the person who will always be with your family visiting the park] purchase a Dollywood Gold Pass to take advantage of FREE parking and the 20% food discount. All the members of your family do NOT need a Gold Pass to get these great benefits.
Extra Benefits [outside of Dollywood]:
You may not be aware, but being a Dollywood season passholder can get you some great savings outside of Dollywood also. Be sure to check the Dollywood website for exact details on extra savings for visits to:
Biltmore, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Ripley’s Attractions, Stone Mountain Park, Zoo Knoxville, and MORE!
Dollywood Season Pass Prices:
Now here’s the information that everyone wants to know, right? Here’s the easiest breakdown of Dollywood Season Pass prices:
- Dollywood Season Passes:
- Regular [ages 12-59] – $108
- Child [4-11] – $96
- Senior [ages 60+] – $98
- Dollywood Splash Country Passes:
- Regular [ages 12+] – $99
- Child [ages 4-11] – $87
- Super Pass [unlimited visits to both parks]:
- Regular [ages 12+] – $157
- Child [ages 4-11] – $145
- Gold Pass [this can be added to ANY of the season pass options] for just $52 more.
Things to keep in mind when purchasing Dollywood Season Passes:
- Children under the age of 4 do NOT need a pass or ticket. They are FREE!
- Only 1 person in your family needs to have a Gold Pass to use it’s benefits, but they MUST be present at the park.
- You can save even $5 per pass purchase when you buy 4+ passes in the same transaction.
Best Time to Buy:
This section is twofold as there is definitely a few best times in the season to buy. If you purchase before the park opens in March, you’ll get a “Bring-a-friend Free”. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a long 9 month season.
One of my favorite season pass options is to buy during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. If you don’t have a season pass for the current year, you can buy one for the next year in November and you’ll get the remainder of the current year FREE!
But more importantly, any time is a good time to buy a Dollywood season pass. One day Dollywood tickets cost $67 for a regular adult ticket. Purchasing a regular price Dollywood season pass is only $108. Even if you only visit twice, you’ve saved enough to justify buying season passes!
Dollywood Insider Expert Tip: I definitely recommend buying your season passes BEFORE you get to the park. It will save you time and money, especially if you purchase a Gold season pass. Otherwise you’ll have to pay to park on your first visit.
I hope this has helped you understand buying Dollywood season passes a little better. While I think the benefits speak for themselves, if you want my opinion, I always encourage visitors to upgrade to season passes. At a cost of less than 2 days to the park, with ALL the extra benefits, you definitely get your money’s worth.
Visit Dollywood.com to purchase your Dollywood Season Passes today.
Want to know even more about Dollywood? Check out some of my other posts here:
Beth says
I ve purchased Super gold pass on May 20, 2017. The ticket information receipt says validity dates: Nov 5, 2016-Jan 1, 2018. I am confused when the super gold pass ends. How long for super gold pass card is valid?
Lindsey says
Hi Beth – super passes are just like any season passes. They are only valid for 1 park year. So they expired in January of this year. If you want to visit now, you’ll have to renew your pass.
Tina Watkins says
How much would a Super Dollywood Pass ticket cost for two people. One being in the military?
Debra T. Woliver says
Just double checking after reading all the posts……if I purchase 4 season passes this week (November, 2018) are the passes good through this Christmas and 2019 Christmas season?
Lindsey says
Yep! Now is the best time to buy season passes for sure! Plus you should receive a “Bring a Friend Free” pass for this Christmas season for every pass you purchase!
Rebecxa says
Hey. I have splash country one day tickets can I upgrade to Dollywood season pass
Lindsey says
Unfortunately no, they are treated as two separate parks in most cases and I would think this would be one of those situations.
caleb Byars says
Can you upgrade a season pass to the theme park and make it a super pass for additional cost or do you have to buy a water park pass seperate
Lindsey says
Hi Caleb – you can upgrade to a super pass! Just call Dollywood or visit the Season Pass center at either Dollywood or Splash Country to upgrade.
LINDA MCBRIDE says
i have tickets i got from work for company picnic, they can be turned in ahead of time for a season pass. I have one son that is in college and won’t be home to get his pass until after the deadline. Can I get him one when the rest of us get ours and he just have his picture made the first time he uses it?
Lindsey says
I believe so, yes. But you might want to call ahead of time just to be sure.
Kayla says
How can I upgrade our Dollywood season passes to super passes?
Lindsey says
You’ll want to call in or visit Dollywood to upgrade. You’ll need to get a new pass printed.
Jennie Casebier says
With season passes do you get to bring a friend once free and are they having something for mother’s day about bring a friend free
Lindsey says
I’m not aware of any Mother’s Day special. With certain season pass purchases, you may receive a bring-a-friend free pass. They are only valid for a certain time frame.
Samantha says
My daughter has 2 season passes, will one be void?
Lindsey says
Do you mean 2 from different years? I’m not sure why she would have 2 for the same year.
Julie says
I bought my season pass online and deleted the email by accident. Am I able to just pick up the season pass at the ticket booth with my drivers license?
Carl Kinsler says
I had a season pass last year and did not use it. I was told I could renew it at a discount.
Is this true and what would be the cost ???
Lindsey says
Hi Carl – thanks for your question. I am really not sure about that as I’ve never heard that statement before, but I would definitely ask… the worst that they can say is no! Be sure to call 1 (800) 365-5996.
Leslie says
We have 1 day tickets to Dollywood. How much does it cost to upgrade to a season pass the day that you go?
Lindsey says
If your 1 day ticket was purchased at full price, it will be the difference between a price of a season pass minus the cost of the 1 day ticket. If it’s a free ticket from an employer or a bring-a-friend free ticket, it will cost more.
Carla says
What are the special ticketed events that are not included with the gold regular pass or gold super pass? We are going over spring break for the first time. I would be interested in the season pass if it includes the Christmas festival. I would really love to go back for that later in the year. Is the Christmas festival considered a special ticketed event?
Thanks!
Lindsey says
Hi Carla! All the festivals, including the Christmas festival, is free with your admission! A Dollywood Season Pass will get you into the park any day that it’s open for free!
Michelle says
Can I change the name on my Dollywood season pass if we haven’t used it yet?
Lindsey says
Good question – I’m really not sure about that so it would probably be best to call Dollywood and ask them directly. Thanks!
Kristy says
I am wanting to take my mom and grandmother both to see the Christmas lights. If we are the only 3 that goes can I use both of our bring a friend passes with just myself being a gold pass member being there or do both season pass members need to be present
Lindsey says
You’ll have to have someone else. You didn’t hear it from me, but just have her walk in with someone else who has a Season Pass that you meet on the tram. 😉 I don’t believe the tickets are connected, but I could be wrong.
jim edwards says
does a veteran get a discount on gold pass or 2018 season pass
Lindsey says
I’m not sure if they do military discounts or not, it would probably be best to call 1-800-365-5996 to order your passes.
Tammy says
How does the bring a friend pass work? Can this pass be used on any operating day?
Lindsey says
Usually there are timeframe stipulations, but not certain dates. It doesn’t say “not valid on Thursday or Sunday” but it will say “Good through such and such date”. Hope that helps!
James says
I buy passes every year but this year I bought season passes for my family of 7 this year, but wife had some medical complications and we were unable to use them at all. Can I use them or renew them for a discounted rate next year?
Lindsey says
I do not believe you can get a refund on unused passes. You can always call Dollywood to confirm, though. Hope you are able to go next year!
dma says
normally if you renew next year they give you a huge discount on unused passes. just call 1-800-dollywood and ask
Crissy says
Great info. I almost bought all five of us gold passes! I did get them for my husband and myself though in case on of us needs a break and doesn’t want to go, but it still saved me tons. Thanks so much!
Sidney says
Hey so my mom bought her and I season passes. I would love to take a trip with my dad and I one day, but he doesn’t have a season pass. Is there any way my dad could use my mom’a season pass for the day?
Lindsey says
No, unfortunately a season pass is only for the passholder themselves.
Sarah says
If I buy season passes during the Christmas Festival, will I also receive the bring a friend passes?
Lindsey says
Hmmm… good question, Sarah! I don’t believe you get the Bring a Friend passes if you buy during Christmas time. But you’ll get the entire Christmas season free, which is definitely a better deal! You might want to call Dollywood to confirm, though. Thanks!
Amanda says
I just received a promotional flyer from Dollywood to purchase my 2018 season passes. Also, if you buy a 2018 season pass by November 26, you can Also Bring a Friend Free this Christmas. I would love to do this, but I wonder if the bring a friend for Christmas will be for specified dates.
Lindsey says
I got the same thing! Usually the Bring-a-Friend passes are for a limited time, but the flyer states “this Christmas” so it might be for the entire Christmas season.
Donna alexander says
HI I’m purchasing season tickets for my family for Christmas this year. I’m getting 9 total. Any discounts that I could get? Thanks Donna
Lindsey says
Hi Donna – they usually offer a discount when you buy 4 or more tickets. For the best price, I would definitely call Dollywood. The Christmas season starts on Nov. 3rd so definitely wait until then so you can get this Christmas for free!
Anon says
Also if you got a discounted reg ticket how much is it to upgrade that ticket to a season pass? Also, do you know ways or places to get the discounted tickets like my friend’s dad who works at covenant health? Thanks in advance!
Lindsey says
That I’m not sure of. I do believe you still have to pay the full upgrade price because the discounted tickets say they are discounted on them. So you’re still paying the same price as anyone else, technically. I believe companies can purchase discounted tickets for their employees, but that’s the only way I know of getting them.
Anon says
I got a couple of questions. First question, If you have Gold season pass, is that an extra 20% off food and stuff on top of the reg season pass, or just the 20%? Second question, How long is a season pass valid for? Thanks for your help!
Lindsey says
Regular season passes offer nothing extra other than free admission into Dollywood. The Gold Season Pass is where you get 20% off food and merchandise, as well as Free Parking. You only need one Gold pass per family, BUT that family member must be present to receive the discount. A season pass is good for the year it’s purchased.
Lindsey says
Actually the “season” it’s purchased. It’s not good for an entire year. It’s good for the operating season which runs from March – December [a couple of days in Jan also]. If you buy now, your pass will only be good through December of 2017.
Kelley H. says
Hey! I was wondering when in November I should buy a season pass. Can I buy it online during the Christmas festival and they’ll give me the rest of 2017 Season Pass free? I just need some clarification before I buy.
Lindsey says
Yes! If you’re not planning to attend this year’s Harvest Festival, you’ll definitely want to wait until the Christmas season starts on Nov. 4th this year. Every year prior they’ve always offered the entire year following for free with the purchase of Season Passes during the Christmas season. It should be the same this year. Thanks for your question!
April says
Can i cancel someone season pass if they didn’t pay me for it I owe one more payment on them
Lindsey says
I’m not sure about that, April. I would call Dollywood directly with that question.
April Jessee says
What if you purchase a season pass but not able to go? Can you get your money back?
Lindsey G. says
Hi April – to my knowledge there are no refunds on Season Passes. Your best bet would be to wait and purchase tickets on the day you go, then upgrade if you think you’ll come back.
Andrew White says
we purchased passesand a gold pass on a payment plan and have been unsuccessful reaching someone to make payments. Can you pay on them at the gate?
Lindsey G. says
You should definitely be able to reach someone at this number: 1-800-365-5996
Mandy says
I was wondering if you can get money back if you spent the money to get season passes but only get to go once
Lindsey G. says
Hi Mandy – no you can’t get your money back if you only go once and buy a season pass. However, if you’re even thinking you might go more than once, it’s totally worth the season pass price since it’s less than 2 days at the park. Hope that helps!