The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood as a Special Needs Family

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This is a sponsored post by Dollywood. They hosted our family pre-pandemic, though it is updated regularly.

The term “special needs” doesn’t quite fit the bill to describe our family. After all, how could one consider a safe space, accessibility, and basic human rights “special?”

For the purposes of this blog post, I use the term special needs because it is a familiar term, with the caveat that these needs are basic to every human…but our family just accesses them differently 🙂

Theme parks can be difficult for our family for a couple of reasons:

1. My son has autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. Every sensory child is different — he is sensory seeking — so while he still has meltdowns it is because he’s seeking sensory stimulation versus avoiding it. Things like stomping, doing heavy work, and deep back rubs calm him just as itchy tags and too much going on causes him to meltdown. It’s often unpredictable.
2. I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I look “normal,” but as a result of EDS I have many different comorbidities that make me pretty miserable. For example, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome makes it so that when I stand, all the blood pools to my feet and my brain then gets a signal that something is wrong so it makes me feel miserable until I sit down or lay down. I also don’t sweat, which causes me to overheat. On that same note, I lead an incredibly active lifestyle and love to workout. I just need a few accommodations.

Naturally, this causes us to need to take extra steps to enjoy going to a theme park. I’ve put together some tips for families with disabilities.

Dollywood for special needs families

Parking at Dollywood

When you’re driving up to the parking lot, stick to the far right lane. You’ll be tempted to move over to the middle lane, but don’t. The far right lane opens up to three other lanes much further down and as a result, goes significantly faster than the middle and left lanes. Also, if you pay extra for preferred parking it’s totally worth it because you will get to park a lot closer.

Getting around Dollywood with special needs

Upon entering the front gate, you will see a building to rent wheelchairs, strollers, and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV). I chose to rent a wheelchair instead of an ECV simply because I wanted it to be easier for us to get on rides quickly. I can stand and walk, but I just can’t do so for a long time and wait in line. Keep in mind, you’re going to need someone strong enough to push you up the many inclines within the park if you choose a regular wheelchair.

Note that the rental line was long right at park open, and since they have a limited number available you might want to reserve one online to ensure you get one.

Dollywood has accessible attractions and rides

After getting your stroller, wheelchair, or ECV, there will be a building housing the Ride Accessibility Center. Here you will get a piece of paper they’ll mark off telling you which rides can accommodate your condition. Thankfully for me, I could ride any of the rides since I have no problem standing in a little line to board a ride.

This paper you will want to keep with you because you will be able to use a special disability entrance for each ride and not have to wait in line. You’ll be asked to present this to the ride attendant before boarding.

Should you also go on a ride that someone in your party can’t because they’re too young, you can use Parent Swap. Once the disabled rider is done, the other parent can take their turn while the disabled person waits with the child who can’t ride. This made the entire park really easy to enjoy.

Dollywood’s Disability Pass: A Comprehensive Guide

Need a little more info specifically on Dollywood’s disability pass? Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Dollywood Disability Pass

Dollywood’s disability pass is an essential tool designed to cater to the unique needs of differently-abled visitors. This pass acknowledges that the theme park experience can be enhanced with certain accommodations, ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable day at Dollywood.

How to Obtain the Disability Pass

Upon entering the park, head to the Ride Accessibility Center. Here, the staff will evaluate your condition and provide a personalized guide that’s tailored to your specific needs. This guide, marked with details about which rides can accommodate your condition, will serve as your disability pass.

Benefits of the Disability Pass

1. Special Entrance for Rides: With the disability pass, you don’t have to wait in the regular line for each ride. Instead, you’ll be able to use a special disability entrance, saving time and making the entire park easier to enjoy.
2. Parent Swap Feature: If you have a child who’s too young for a ride, the Parent Swap option lets one parent ride while the other waits with the child. Once the first ride is complete, the waiting parent can take their turn. This ensures that no one misses out on the fun.
3. Comprehensive Guidance: The Ride Accessibility Center staff will help guide you through the park’s offerings based on your specific needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
4. Reserved Seating at Shows: For those interested in enjoying Dollywood’s array of live entertainment, the disability pass provides access to reserved seating areas at various shows.

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience with the Disability Pass

• Reserve Mobility Equipment Online: If you need a wheelchair or ECV, consider reserving one online to ensure availability.
• Arrive Early: Even with the disability pass, it’s wise to arrive early to avoid long lines at the Ride Accessibility Center.
• Keep the Pass Handy: You’ll be asked to present your disability pass to ride attendants, so keep it easily accessible.
• Utilize the Park’s Other Accessible Features: Don’t forget to explore Dollywood’s calming room, disability accessible restrooms, and service animal relief areas.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask park staff for assistance or clarification on how to best utilize your disability pass. They are there to help ensure you have a wonderful experience.

An Inclusive Experience Awaits

Dollywood’s commitment to inclusivity shines through in its disability pass and other accessible features. By providing an array of accommodations for those with special needs, the park guarantees an experience filled with joy, thrills, and memories that will last a lifetime. Your unique needs are not just an afterthought; they’re a priority at Dollywood.

So, plan your visit, obtain your disability pass, and set out for a day of fun that’s tailored just for you. Thanks to thoughtful planning and consideration, Dollywood welcomes everyone to enjoy all that it has to offer.

When your sensory child needs a break

Just three years ago, the park opened a calming room for families with sensory children. It contains sensory items such as weighted blankets, calming lights, and a teepee. Every family is allowed a thirty-minute interval in the room.

Thankfully we didn’t need to use this while there, but are grateful for the addition!

Dollywood for younger children

Wildwood Grove, the newest addition to the park, features Wildwood Creek, a water play area for younger kids. There is a small stream that runs under a bridge and into a larger body of water, blocked off by a gate. There are shaded areas for parents and visitors with fans and benches.

In Wilderness Pass, there is a small play place for children called the Firehouse Fun Yard. It has building blocks and a small splash pad with water guns- and provided great entertainment and fun for the kids.

Dollywood for thrillseekers

The Mystery Mine was our favorite ride, with two vertical inclines, twists, and even a flamethrower. The lines weren’t too long and the ride held eight people per round. The only warning I have is to be prepared for a rough ride. You might get banged around a bit, and it can be especially rough on your head. The ride is absolutely worth it, though.

The Wild Eagle was definitely the most thrilling ride. It featured multiple instances where the ride was upside down and the biggest hill is the first thing you’ll experience. If there are many people at the park, the line will be long, but the ride is a shorter one so it feeds people through pretty quickly.

Restrooms and service animal relief areas

The park has six disability accessible restrooms throughout, as well as relief areas for your service animals.

Shop my travel style

In differently abled families, change is the only constant. It’s important to plan and prepare for different scenarios, but it’s also important to have fun! Know that you’re creating memories to last a lifetime.

Thanks to Dollywood for sponsoring our visit.