Best Rides at Dollywood that Do Not Go Upside Down
I love going to theme parks. But I am not a huge fan of thrill rides. In fact, getting me on a ride that goes upside down is pretty hard. It’s crazy what middle age will do to you, right? Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennesse is one of my favorites. There, you can find a variety of rides the whole family can enjoy. Today, I’m going to share with you the best rides at Dollywood that do not go upside down.
If you are a roller coaster enthusiast who prefers thrill rides, there are several coasters that travel at top speed and offer a unique experience. But here, we will focus on the best coasters and rides that are great for the entire family.
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What rides at Dollywood do not go upside down?
There are several rides at Dollywood that do not go upside down and are still a ton of fun. You will still be able to enjoy a thrilling ride without compromising your need to stay “right side up” while you’re on the ride. Remember, a day at Dollywood can be self-care, so be intentional about choosing park attractions that do not disrupt your potential for an amazing day!
Pro tip: You might want to bring along a sling backpack to carry your park essentials for the day.
Dollywood Express
The Dollywood Express is a coal-powered locomotive that takes riders on a beautiful ride through Dollywood with views of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. This is a slow-moving ride that the entire family can enjoy. The Dollywood Express is one of the park’s most popular rides, so expect lines on busy park days. Keep in mind that since this is a coal-powered locomotive, you might experience some ash debris while on this ride.
Pro tip: It might be helpful to wear your sunglasses on this ride to protect your eyes from particles.
Village Carousel
If you want to take a trip down memory lane, stop by the Village and ride on the Village Carousel. You will be reminded of your days at the town fair or amusement park. This ride is fun for all ages and is perfect if you are not a thrill seeker. Hop aboard one of the beautifully painted animals and get ready to go around and around on the fun attraction.
Firechaser Express
If you do not think you can get an exciting ride without going upside down, I invite you to try Firechaser Express. This unique ride blasts riders forward at high speeds and it has a surprise ending that makes it one of the best rides inside Dollywood Theme Park. This thrilling ride is so much fun
Barnstormer
Located in Owens Farms, Barnstormer is a ride that takes you 81 feet in the air at rotations up to 230 degrees. You get the thrill of the wildest ride without going upside down. The added fun of this ride is the extra hang time you get as the ride progresses to higher angles. You can stand back and watch this ride in its entirety before deciding if you are brave enough to try it.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes to the park. You’ll be doing lots of walking!
Blazing Fury
If you like an indoor roller coaster, you will want to make your way to Craftsman’s Valley to hop aboard Blazing Fury. This fun ride is often seen on the list of best Dollywood rides. You will see younger children and adults riding this themed ride. I rarely leave Dollywood without riding Blazin Fury.
Thunderhead
Thunderhead is a wooden roller coaster nestled between two mountains at Dollywood. It is an intense ride that takes riders on an adventure at 55 mph speeds with a thrilling 100-foot drop. This fast wooden coaster is one of my favorites.
Lightning Rod
Lightning Rod has been named one of the top roller coasters in the country by USA Today. I can certainly see why! Taking riders on speeds up to 73 mph, this is the perfect ride for daredevils who want a rush of excitement but do not want to go upside down to do it. Grab your crew and head over to Jukebox Junction to experience the excitement of Lightning Rod. Be sure to check the height requirement if you have some younger riders who want to give this fun coaster a try.
Dragonflier
This suspension coaster is designed to mimic a dragonfly’s journey through Wildwood Grove. It is a fun ride, but it is not too overwhelming for those who are not roller coaster enthusiasts. This ride is not intense and it gives views of the vistas of the Smoky Mountains as well as a view of other nearby rides.
Demolition Derby
A popular theme park attraction is bumper cars, and Dollywood is not lacking in that department. Demolition Derby is Dollywood’s version of a bumper car ride that young children and even adults love. It is a great way to have fun if you are not a fan of Dollywood roller coasters. You are sure to share some laughs with your family on this ride.
Rides in Country Fair
If you want to reminisce about carnivals from your childhood, make sure to stop by Dollywood’s Country Fair. And do not worry; if you are someone who does not like to go upside down on a ride, you are in luck. None of the rides in the Country Fair go upside down. You can enjoy any of the attractions in this area without the added thrills. Your entire family can enjoy all the fun in this area of Dollywood Theme Park. Additionally you can grab some great snacks and play lots of carnival-like games in this area of the park.
What can you do at Dollywood if you do not like rides?
Dollywood Theme Park is a great place to go if you like fun rides. But there are so many other things to do if you are not a fan of rides. I’m a Dollywood Insider and I go in-depth about things you can do at the theme park if you do not like rides on the Dollywood Insiders Blog.
You can shop, eat delicious food, do some people watching, enjoy entertaining shows and so much more while you’re at Dollywood. It is the perfect way to spend a great day with your family.
The fun does not have to end at the park. Add a stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort to your list and you are signing yourself up for even more fun. The DreamMore Resort is a beautiful ending to a great day at Dollywood. There, you can swim, play games, sit by the fire pit, exercise, hang out in rocking chairs on the porch, and get some rest in your spacious, comfortable room.
What are the top rides at Dollywood?
If you asked different people about the best rides at Dollywood, I am sure you would get tons of different answers. Here are rides I have seen on multiple “best of” lists. Disclaimer: This list contains some rides that go upside down. I’ll indicate those with an asterisk. Head to the Dollywood Theme Park website to learn more about these rides before visiting the park.
*Wild Eagle
Dollywood Express
Daredevil Falls
Lightning Rod
Barnstormer
Dragonflier
*Tennessee Tornado
*Mystery Mine
Frequently Asked Questions about Dollywood
Are there height restrictions for the rides mentioned?
Yes, there are height restrictions for certain rides at Dollywood to ensure the safety of riders. The height restrictions are implemented based on the ride’s design, speed, and other factors. It’s important to note that height requirements may vary for each ride. Here is a general guideline for height restrictions at Dollywood:
Wild Eagle: Riders must be at least 50 inches (127 cm) tall.
Dollywood Express: There is no specific height requirement for this ride, as it is a scenic train ride suitable for all ages.
Daredevil Falls: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Lightning Rod: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Barnstormer: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Dragonflier: Riders must be at least 39 inches (99 cm) tall.
Tennessee Tornado: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Mystery Mine: Riders must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
Please check the specific height requirements for each ride before visiting the park, as they may be subject to change.
Can I find a map or guide of Dollywood to plan my visit?
Yes, you can find a map and guide of Dollywood to help plan your visit. Dollywood provides visitors with detailed maps and guides that highlight the park’s attractions, rides, shows, dining options, and amenities. Maps an be found on the Dollywood website, on the Dollywood Mobile App, or at the park entrance.
What are the wait times like for these rides? Are there any strategies to minimize wait times?
Wait times are subject to change based on park attendance. Use the Dollywood Mobile App for the most up-to-date information about wait time for rides.
Are there any dining options or special food recommendations within the park?
Yes, Dollywood offers a variety of dining options throughout the park, ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
How can I make the most of my visit to Dollywood if I’m not a fan of rides?
If you’re not a fan of rides, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of your visit to Dollywood. Check out my blog post about the best things to do at Dollywood if you don’t like rides post on the Dollywood Insiders page.
Are there any special events or festivals happening at Dollywood throughout the year?
Yes, Dollywood hosts several special events and festivals throughout the year, offering unique experiences and entertainment for visitors. Here are some notable events you can look forward to at Dollywood:
- Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival: This springtime festival features stunning floral displays, larger-than-life plant sculptures, and a wide array of delicious food options. You can enjoy live music, entertainment, and themed activities amidst the vibrant colors of the festival.
- Summer Celebration: During the summer months, Dollywood presents the Summer Celebration event. It includes extended park hours, nightly fireworks displays, energetic entertainment, and special shows that celebrate the spirit of summer.
- Harvest Festival: As autumn arrives, Dollywood transforms into a celebration of the harvest season. The Harvest Festival showcases beautiful fall decorations, live music, traditional crafts, and culinary delights. One of the highlights is the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, a mesmerizing display of intricately carved pumpkins.
- Smoky Mountain Christmas: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is a magical event that brings the holiday spirit to life. The park is adorned with millions of sparkling lights, themed decorations, and festive music. You can enjoy heartwarming shows, visit Santa’s workshop, and experience thrilling rides in a festive atmosphere.
- Various Concerts and Performances: Throughout the year, Dollywood hosts a series of concerts and performances featuring renowned musicians, entertainers, and special guests. These events span a range of genres, including country, gospel, bluegrass, and more.
