Visiting Dollywood is one of the most fun experiences you can have while you’re in Pigeon Forge! With all of the thrilling rides, professionally produced shows, and quaint shops, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do when you visit. We know with the price of admission, food, and souvenirs, the price tag of visiting this theme park can add up quickly. But, there are some creative ways you can save money! Check out our 5 tips for enjoying Dollywood food on a budget:
1. Get a Gold Pass
If you’re thinking about getting a seasonal pass to Dollywood, consider getting the Gold Pass. Yes, this type of pass does cost more up front, but the savings in the long run will be well worth it. Not only can you save money by getting free parking, you’ll also receive 20% off of all purchases in the theme park! So every time you purchase meals, snacks, souvenirs, or any other type of item, you’ll save money!
2. Purchase a Dining Pass
During the Flower & Food Festival, there is a dining pass that is available for anyone to get. With this purchase, you will receive a lanyard with a food stamp pass that you carry with you to various stations around the park, and you will be able to taste 5 meals and snacks with that original purchase of the pass! You’ll definitely save money on Dollywood food by grabbing this dining pass!
3. Buy a Refillable Mug and Popcorn Bucket
Another great way you can stay within your budget when you visit Dollywood is by picking up refillable drinks and snacks. Every year, the park comes out with a new refillable mug you can purchase, and you will get free refills for the rest of the day when you get this mug. If you come back during that season, you’ll just have to pay $0.99 for soda and $2.99 for hot or frozen drinks. Have you purchased a refillable mug in past seasons? Then you can bring it back to the park with you and fill it up for $3.99 (Dollywood may change this at anytime, but this was the case last season).
In addition to refillable mugs, Dollywood also offers refillable popcorn buckets. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as filling up on delicious kettle corn as you walk to the next fun activity in the park, and you’ll only have to pay for the bucket once, and refills are $0.99!
4. Take Advantage of Complimentary Water
There’s no better way to save money on Dollywood food than to take advantage of something that’s free! In order to keep guests hydrated throughout the day, Dollywood offers complimentary cups of water to any guest that asks for it at snack stations throughout the park. You are also allowed to bring in one water bottle per guest into the park. Other options for getting water in the park are fountains near restrooms or purchasing water bottles.
5. Share Food With Family and Friends
A lot of Dollywood food comes in huge portion sizes, meaning you can easily share snacks and meals with your family and friends! One of the most famous large snacks in the park is the 25-pound apple pie that’s available at Spotlight Bakery. While most people can’t eat the entire pie, you can purchase a giant slice of the pie and share it! Of course, the most popular snack that’s shareable at Dollywood is the Grist Mill cinnamon bread! Be sure to grab some apple butter to go with your bread for an even sweeter treat! Some of the other great shareable items in the park include funnel cakes, the footlong corn dog and tater swirls, and Smokehouse BBQ pork fries.
These are just some of the ways you can enjoy Dollywood food on a budget. Looking for more information about the park and other ways to save? Check out our full guide on Dollywood to learn even more!
