Dollywood Archives - Laughing Lindsay

Dollywood Diamond Pass: Is It Worth It?

October 14, 2026 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Are you wondering if a Dollywood Diamond Pass is worth it or not? Well, here’s a look at the benefits of having one based on my experiences in 2026!

Dollywood Diamond Pass

Dollywood typically begins selling passes for the next season in the fall. Purchasing a pass at this time is the best deal you will see. However, it can be confusing trying to determine which pass is the right one for you and your family. In my Is A Dollywood Season Pass Worth It post, I looked at the value of being a season passholder at any tier. Today, I am finally looking at the value of the highest and most expensive tier available – Diamond!

I renewed my Gold pass in 2025 by upgrading to the Diamond pass for 2026. Dollywood allows you to begin accessing their pass savings immediately. So, I’ve been using this pass for almost a year now and have a pretty good idea of its benefits. Then again, Dollywood has a tendency to change up their passes and benefits from year to year. So, let’s jump into its benefits and its costs.

Media Events

I think the main benefit that everyone was most excited about with the Diamond pass was the possibility to be invited to a press event with Dolly in attendance. In order to get a ticket to those events, you had to be a member of the press OR a Diamond Passholder. I was hopeful for an invite for the 2026 season opening event since I’ve been a Passholder off-and-on for several years. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive an invite to that event. So, I wouldn’t recommend getting a Diamond pass just to gain access to those events. Going forward, I don’t know that everyone will be as excited to attend a media event since Dolly has passed. Dollywood also doesn’t explicitly mention this perk being available in 2027.

Bring-A-Friend Passes

It used to be that pretty much every Passholder got to bring friends to the park for free. Now, they have practically done away with that unless you are a Diamond Passholder. So, if you are planning to use your pass to bring friends, then you will have to pay more by selecting the highest tiers of passes. For 2027, the Diamond passholder will receive 4 free Bring-A-Friend tickets for Dollywood or Splash Country. Meanwhile, Gold Passholders receive 1 for Dollywood. Silver doesn’t receive any.

Discounts

I’d say the other big perk of being a Diamond Passholder is the discounts. Diamond Passholders receive the biggest discounts in the parks and at the resorts. Diamond Passholders currently receive a 20% discount on food and merch as well as on resort stays (when available). I will admit, I purchased several shirts last Christmas and it was nice to get that 20% off each one! Unfortunately, the prices at the resorts have been so high on recent visits, that it was much cheaper to stay off-site and park at the the park (we get free general parking worth $25/day) when visiting. So, I haven’t been able to use the passholder resort discounts.

Free Drink Cup

If you purchased a Diamond Pass early on, then you received a special All Season Drink Cup! This year’s was a pretty purple featuring the new ride! You can get free refills in the cup, which can save lots of money. Unfortunately, I drink almost exclusively water, so that perk wasn’t as attractive to me personally.

Free Popcorn?

Diamond Passholders were previously allowed to redeem a coupon for one free cinnamon bread per month. However, that perk has been taken away in 2027. Now, Diamond Passholders will receive a Popcorn Bucket with Free Season-Long Refills. It’s not yet known what the popcorn bucket will look like. It’s also personal opinion if being able to get popcorn all season long is more valuable than a free loaf of bread each month. I don’t eat much popcorn and never buy it in a park. Although, I will eat a loaf of cinnamon bread, but I actually haven’t been able to redeem mine this year yet. I guess I better get on that before it goes away.

New Perks for 2027

Dollywood has added a few new perks for passholders in 2027. Both Gold and Diamond can park in Lot F, based on lot availability. Additionally, both tiers will be able to sit in reserved seating at shows in DP’s Celebrity, Showstreet Palace, and Pines theaters. It remains to be seen how that will be handled. Diamond is also being given a one-time Preferred Parking perk. Lastly, all three tiers are receiving a one-time Expedited Entry on NightFlight Expedition and a Passholder Lanyard.

Is the Dollywood Diamond Pass worth it?

Honestly, I think it’s difficult to say the Diamond Pass is worth it for most folks. I paid $399.16 for my pass last year, but haven’t gotten to access many of its perks. My mom and I did enjoy the discounts last December. Plus, we visited the waterpark for the first time this year (look for a post on that next year). I guess the real value of this pass for me is in the park entry. My mom and I went in August (very briefly because it was too hot) and are getting ready to visit in October. So, that’s two days each. I guess that’s worth around $260 for Dollywood entry and then $60 for Splash Country entry. Then, we used $75 in parking fees since it comes with free parking ($25/day). I feel confident we used at least $4 in discounts.

The math on this one is hard. You really need to be a local and to use all of the free passes to get all of its value. Have you ever had a Dollywood Diamond Pass? Did you feel it was worth the money paid?

Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant Review

July 29, 2026 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Having eaten at Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant several times now, I thought I would give a review of it.

Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant

For those who don’t know, Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant is located at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge! It is the primary sit-down restaurant located at this newer hotel at Dollywood. I stayed at HeartSong for two nights back in 2025 and enjoyed several meals here. I’ve also returned once more to get the cinnamon bread French Toast with my mom on a separate trip when we weren’t staying here! In this review, I will look at both breakfast and dinner.

Note: I have not posted my review of the hotel yet, but feel free to look at my DreamMore Resort review.

Breakfast

During breakfast, you can have the buffet or you can order a la carte from the menu. I have done both options. The buffet, lovingly called the Heartsong Breakfast Table, is currently $24/adult. It includes a variety of options including pastries, cereals, eggs, sausage, waffles or pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and an omelet station. I thought the breakfast flatbreads were a unique and tasty option. I also liked getting an omelet made to order. Overall, it’s definitely a great way to kickstart your day with lots of choices for everyone. I truly think there’s something for everyone on this buffet.

The other morning of my stay, I tried the chicken and waffles. I liked that they have the option to make it spicy. However, I went with the classic. I found it to be sweet, but not overly so. I enjoyed the chicken for some protein.

I also must mention the Cinnamon Bread French Toast that you can only get here! It was very good. In fact, it wasn’t on the menu when I stayed here, so my mom and I made a trip over here when we visited the area on a separate trip just to try it. If you like the cinnamon bread found in the park, then you will like this. It is sweet, but very good. Although, I recommend getting a side of some protein for balance.

Dinner

While the breakfast menu tends to remain roughly the same, the dinner menu switches up seasonally with the park’s festivals. However, you always begin the evening meal with some biscuits, butter, and pepper jelly. I really enjoyed those biscuits with jelly and think about them whenever I think about eating dinner here.

For dinner one night, I selected a festival item that consisted of a piece of fish wrapped in pastry. It was so good! It was accompanied by asparagus and potatoes. I really enjoyed this meal. In fact, it was some of the best asparagus I’ve ever had. However, it was a lot of food. I took the leftovers back to my room.

The other night of my stay, I tried a brick oven-fired flatbread. I believe it was the Margherita one. It was a basic pizza flatbread, done well. The edges were a little too crispy for me, but it tasted good. I would love to try some of the seasonal options in the future.

Should you eat at Dollywood’s Ember & Elm Restaurant?

I have enjoyed everything I’ve ever eaten at this restaurant. I think it’s a must do, particularly if you are staying at this resort. It’s so convenient to go down a few floors for a meal and then walk back to the room. I don’t know that it’s worth going out of your way to try this place though. Although, the cinnamon bread French toast is unique and good. So, if you want a breakfast that screams Dollywood without much wait, then this might be a good option for you.

Are Dollywood Guided Tours Worth It?

May 13, 2026 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Today, I want to examine if the seasonal Dollywood Guided Tours are worth your money and time.

Dollywood Guided Tours

Last year, I was lucky to take several guided tours while visiting Dollywood. I already posted my I Will Always Love You Tour at Dollywood Review, Dollywood Summer Festival Tour Review, and Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour Review. Today, I want to talk about those experience more generally and to help others decide if they should book a guided tour.

What the Tours Include

You can see which tours are available during your trip and what they include on the Special Experiences page on the website. However, in general, the tours attempt to include some festival entertainment (like reserved seating for a show during IWALY or reserved standing viewing of the drones/fireworks during the summer) along with a snack and/or beverage. They also sometimes include rides where you can skip the lines. All of them come with a tour guide or two that tells you about the park and the offerings you get.

I will say these are best for people without mobility issues. They tend to involve a good bit of walking and Dollywood has a few good hills. I also don’t know that I would recommend them for children as there can be lots of listening.

Pros

You get a brief guided tour of the park – It can be helpful for people who don’t know much about the park or its offerings to learn from a park employee.
Skip some lines – It was awesome to ride the train during the Christmas tour without waiting in line. You have to read the fine print though as not all tours offer rides and it seems like the rides offered can differ from year to year.
Some reserved seating – Again, you have to read the fine print to see what the tour includes. However, you sometimes get a reserved (near the front) seat for shows that you don’t have to stand in line for.
Snack and a drink – Often, it’s a festival goodie. However, at Christmas we received a mini cinnamon bread and hot chocolate. I’d consider it an added bonus, not exactly a selling point.
Adds something for experienced visitors – It can be a fun way to do something different if you have visited the park before.
Can be good for solo trips – If you are visiting the park alone and feel more comfortable in a group, this is the perfect opportunity to join a group.

Cons

Added expense – These tours are an added expense on top of a park ticket. Plus, they went up $10 from 2025 to 2026. Currently, they are $89/person with a small discount available for some passholders. So, not exactly a budget friendly event.
Takes up time – If you want to visit the park at your own pace, this isn’t for you. You don’t really have much time to stop and enjoy the scenery or take pictures. I don’t recommend this for people who are visiting for the first time on the first day. Maybe the second day or return trip.
Limited offerings – The specific rides/shows offered varies from festival to festival and even year to year. So, read the site carefully to see if you are interested in most of the things listed before spending the money.
You can do most of the things on your own – Most of the tour experiences can be had on your own. The real perk of these tours is the guide and the ability to skip the line or have reserved seating.

Are Dollywood Guided Tours Worth It?

I think the value of any purchase is subjective. However, if you have children, are a first time visitor, have mobility issues, or on a tight budget, then I don’t think it’s worth it. If you are a return guest who navigates the park easily with room in the budget, then go for it! So, have you ever taken a tour at Dollywood? Did you think it was worth it?

Solo Dollywood Tips

April 8, 2026 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Last year, I took my first solo Dollywood trip. So, I thought I would do a post featuring some tips for anyone else considering doing the same thing.

Solo Dollywood

I understand that many folks may be hesitant to visit Dollywood alone. However, I’m here to tell you that it’s a great idea! I thoroughly enjoyed myself last year and I have hopes to travel by myself to Dollywood again this year. It’s so nice to do what you want, when you want. You can move at your own pace. Plus, this is a great park to just sit and relax.

Dollywood Activities to Try Alone

Take a tour – If you are nervous about visiting the park by yourself, might I suggest booking a tour? For a few hours, you will be a part of a group. That allows you to learn and interact with other people. On my solo visit last year, I took the I Will Always Love You Tour and you can read my review of that experience at the link.
Make a craft – I didn’t do this last time, but I am considering trying my hand at one of the crafts on my next solo adventure. At Dollywood, you can dip your own candles, make your own blown glass ornament (or pumpkin), customize your own leather belt, ornament, or bracelet or even forge your own knife! I do wish that they would allow people to make online reservations for the crafts ahead of time. Unfortunately, you have to show up at the craft location early in the day to book your spot.
Admire the park – Dollywood is a gorgeous park. It’s nice to visit during the different seasons to really appreciate the beauty of it all. I love just looking at the different seasonal decorations around the park. Plus, I can take as many photos as I want without feeling like I’m boring someone.
Catch a show – One of the things this park is known for is its shows. I highly recommend catching at least one. If nothing else, you need to catch at least some sort of musical act.
Ride rides – Of course, the main perk of visiting a theme park by yourself is riding whatever rides you want. In fact, you can ride them over again if you want. Alternatively, you don’t have to ride rides either. It’s up to you.
Eat what you want – Dollywood has several great food options. From festival food booths to fast service restaurants and a few sit down places, there’s something for everyone. Feel free to try a few things during your visit. There’s no one there to judge your choices.
Move at your own pace – Ride a bunch of rides back to back. Sit and enjoy the ambiance. It’s up to you.

Visiting Dollywood Alone

As you can see, there’s lots to do when you take a solo Dollywood trip. So, have you ever visited Dollywood by yourself? If so, what do you like to do? If not, what is stopping you?

Is A Dollywood Season Pass Worth It

March 11, 2026 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

You may soon be wondering: is a Dollywood Season Pass worth it? I thought I would write a post to help people decide.

Dollywood Season Pass

Dollywood opens for the 2026 season on Friday, March 13th. So, you may soon be wondering if a season pass is worth the money. I would argue it depends on your situation and it’s getting harder to recommend a pass due to decreased benefits. Let’s take a closer look.

If you are considering getting a Diamond pass and are wondering if it’s worth it, you can read my separate post on it.

Season Pass Options

Dollywood has drastically changed their season pass offerings over the past several years. So, I’ll start this post by urging anyone considering one to closely read over the current passes and their benefits. Don’t assume that since a pass came with certain benefits last year that it retains those same benefits this year.

Currently, there are two Season Passes available for purchase: Gold and Silver. Diamond was available for purchase at the end of last year for this season. I took advantage of the early passholder sale to upgrade to Diamond for 2026. I intend to examine its value in a future post.

Bring-A-Friend Tickets

The biggest change to the pass program has been the gradual reduction (and in some cases elimination) of Free Bring-a-Friend passes with each pass. As of 2026, only the two highest tiers (Gold and Diamond) are given any free Bring-a-Friend passes! DW completely eliminated this benefit for the Silver passholders and is instead offering 2 discounted tickets. Plus, Gold is down to just 1 Free Ticket and 2 discounted tickets! Diamond came with 2 Free tickets. That’s a huge reduction from the 4 I received 5 years ago!

Previously, I wrote a post on how to save money at theme parks and I recommended getting a season pass just to save on park admission for families. However, the deduction and elimination of this benefit makes it harder to recommend it for some families.

However, if you are planning to visit for multiple days or planning multiple trips this year, it’s worth it for the value of admission and discounts.

Passholder Discounts

Another perk of being a season passholder is the food, merch, and lodging discounts. Silver Passholders receive a 10% discount on shopping and dining. Gold Passholders receive 15% off. Diamond gets 20%. I will admit, it sure was nice to be able to use that 20% discount on my last trip in 2025 to purchase a Christmas Dollywood hoodie and to help pay for our meals.

Gold Passholders save $5 and Diamond Passholders save $10 on the seasonal guided tours. It looks like those tours have gone up $10 from 2025 to 2026 though. So, it definitely doesn’t feel like a savings anymore. You can read my I Will Always Love You Tour at Dollywood Review and Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour Review to get an idea of what you can expect with those tours.

Also, Gold and Diamond Passholders get free general parking! So, that’s a good savings, especially if you go multiple days.

Is a Dollywood Season Pass Worth It?

A Dollywood Season Pass is only worth it for me if I’m planning to visit multiple times in a season. I don’t typically visit more than one day during a trip. It takes at least 2-3 days to break even on admission pricing alone. However, I enjoy knowing that there’s a theme park I can take myself to and not have to worry about paying for admission.

I think the erosion of benefits (and increase of pricing) has made it more difficult to recommend a season pass. I still find value in it for myself though. I don’t know if I will renew in 2027, especially at the pricy Diamond level. I will let you know towards the end of the season if it was worth it.