Now's the time for 'Dollywood adults’ to enjoy theme park without kids

Summer is winding down for kids, but not for adults – especially those who love Dollywood. Mid-August is about the time when Dollywood becomes less crowded compared to the rush during schools' summer break. And with smaller crowds come shorter wait times for popular rides like Big Bear Mountain and

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What is the story about?

Summer is winding down for kids, but not for adults – especially those who love Dollywood.

Mid-August is about the time when Dollywood becomes less crowded compared to the rush during schools' summer break. And with smaller crowds come shorter wait times

for popular rides like Big Bear Mountain and the new NightFlight Expedition, which opens for everyone Aug. 19. This also means you can get fresh cinnamon bread and other Dollywood treats more quickly.

And there’s another surprise reason for “Dollywood Adults” to be excited. Dollywood made a sudden summer change to its operating schedule, adding up to two hours per day during August and September than what was initially planned.

Kid-free adults looking for shorter lines should visit strategically,

though. Crowd sizes typically peak again during early fall and around the holidays, especially as the theme park’s fall seasonal festivals kick off.

When is Dollywood best for adults?

Around Aug. 10 is when crowd levels at Dollywood are expected to dip below 50% capacity this year, according to queue-times.com, which tracks wait times and crowd data for theme parks around the world.

Except for Saturdays, the reduced crowd-level trend continues through Sept. 29, with the weeks of Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 statistically having the smallest crowds.

Crowds during the month of October are comparable to spring and summer attendance with the Harvest Festival in full swing. This year also adds Harvey's Boo Bash after-hours events in October. Other peaks occur during the days and weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Regardless of the month, Saturdays and Tuesdays tend to be the park’s busiest days of the week, queue-times.com notes. Thursdays and Fridays often have shorter lines compared to other days of the week.

How do you enjoy Dollywood as an adult?

So, when you’re at Dolly Parton’s theme park with a group of grown friends, what do you do? We got a few insider tips from Dollywood.

Popular Dollywood attractions for adults

Adults tend to opt for the faster roller coasters and attractions that younger kids might not be able to enjoy because of height requirements, Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey previously told Knox News.

They also spend more time at park restaurants and trying different food options. Wilderness Pass Restaurant opened last year and introduced rotisserie chicken to Dollywood for the first time. Meanwhile, Aunt Granny’s has repeatedly been named one of the top 10BEST theme park restaurants in the country.

Embrace being a big kid at Dollywood

Just because the kids aren’t at the park doesn’t mean their rides can’t be enjoyed. There are two rides that every Dollywood adult should try.

“Big Bear Mountain is a thrilling roller coaster despite its low height requirement, and The Mad Mockingbird is a fun experience that allows you to control the fun via the rudder on your flying scooter,” Ramey said.

And though NightFlight tops out at 29 mph and is designed for families to enjoy together, it will be unique experience for adults because the indoor attraction is unlike anything anywhere else in theworld, according to Dollywood. The custom-designed attraction combines four ride experience into one and features vivid multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audiO and special lighting effects.

Underrated or hidden gem Dollywood experiences

Take a break from the rush of coasters to enjoy a live stage show or music performance. “We are Dolly Parton’s theme park, so our entertainment team prides itself on offering an industry-leading product,” Ramey said.

Entertainment options include “Play On,” a retrospective show celebrating Dollywood’s 40 years, and “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends,” which is headlined by Dolly’s niece.

A daily schedule of stage shows and music performances is available at dollywood.com/themepark/entertainment.

What is the overall Dollywood adult experience?

For adults, Dollywood is all about rides, food and shows, according to Ramey. “My wife would add shopping,” he noted.

The park has a variety of stores that offer handmade craft items, home décor, boutique clothing and exclusive Dolly Parton-themed items that can only be found at Dollywood.

What are Dollywood’s hours?

Dollywood is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. now through Aug. 9 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 10-15.
The park will be open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 16-Sept. 13.
It will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 14-Oct. 2, Oct. 16-Nov. 25, and Nov. 29-Dec. 23.
Dollywood will be open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 3-15, Nov. 27-28, and Dec. 26 through Jan. 3, the last day of the season.

Dollywood is closed on these days: