December 16, 2022
Editor's Note: This blog was written during the Christmas season, but the tips apply all year.
When people ask me about planning a trip to Dollywood, I often field questions about rides, festival foods, parking, tips for taking young children or "what not to miss." One element that's usually forgotten is SHOPPING at Dollywood. And, trust me, you don't want to miss it. Whether you're visiting the park for a long weekend or simply making an afternoon out of it, you need to make some time for shopping! What types of shops can you find at Dollywood? What is my favorite shop? Are there any sales throughout the year? What do you do with your shopping bags all day? Are there any insider tips for shopping in the park? Let me tell you all about these questions and share my favorite places to shop when I visit Dollywood!
You name it, they've got it! From caricatures and handmade crafts to personalized necklaces and clothing, there's so much to choose from. Whether you're shopping for yourself or trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one, you'll find that special something when shopping at Dollywood. If someone has not shopped in the park before, I encourage them to download the app and click on "shops." Here, you have the choice to look at an alphabetical list of all shops or view them on the map. Then you can click on each shop to learn more about the featured merchandise or any particular specialties at this location. If you find one you want to visit, you can click "view on map" to head over or click the star to add the shop to your planning list!
This is a tough question! I can give you a top three-if I had to. My personal top three do-not- miss stores include Dolly's Closet, Mountain Grove Merchants and Dollywood Emporium. Every time I make a trip to the park, I always stop in Dolly's Closet in the Adventures in Imagination area. Dolly's Closet has unique and fashion forward items for all the ladies in your life. I've found many of my favorite Dolly shirts and accessories in this shop! What else can you find? Trendy accessories, purses, sunglasses and more. With every item curated to fulfill the "Her Style, Your Size" mentality, you definitely don't want to let this shop pass you by!
As a mother of young children, I find myself at Mountain Grove Merchants in Wildwood Grove nearly every trip. Not only can you find Wildwood Grove specific merchandise (Benjamin Bear plush animals, wilderness-themed shirts in both youth and adult sizes and whimsical gifts), but you'll also find all the essentials for traveling to the park with young children: bottled drinks, pre-packaged snacks, small first aid needs, mister fans for hot summer days and ponchos for the rain. They have every emergency covered!
Rounding out my top three has to be the Dollywood Emporium. An iconic staple of the park, this shop is full of seasonal merchandise, festival gear, the latest Dolly shirts, handmade mugs, nostalgic candy, Christmas ornaments, gifts and crafts for children, clothes for everyone from baby to littles to all the adults in your life, unique collectables, kitchenware, home décor, and so much more. There also are several Instagram-able opportunities to take a selfie in the newly- renovated Dollywood Emporium! Make sure to check out the "I will always love you" wall and the "I ❤️ DW" globe lights!
Honorable mention: I also have to stop by Mountain Laurel Home every time I'm in the park. This rustic yet elegant shop celebrates the warm simplicity of life. You'll find unique home furnishings, candles, linens, soaps and so many more memory-capturing gifts.
Yes! Depending on how much seasonal merchandise is left over as one season ends and another begins, you can often find seasonal items on sale a week or two before the next festival or season starts. However, Dollywood often sells out of the latest and greatest festival items; don't wait if you see something you have to have!
This may be my favorite tip for shopping in the park-package pickup! After meeting a minimum purchase requirement (usually around $35), you can have any of your purchases in the park sent to the Dollywood Emporium, near the exit! Simply present your claim ticket at the desk and you'll be on your way home with all of your packages. This is a great way to retrieve all your bags at once. Better yet, if you are staying at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, you can have all your bags sent to your room!
You also may consider renting a locker for the day if you want to stash more than just purchases away during your time in the park! Full-day lockers at the front of the park run only $15. "Floating" lockers (those near high thrill rides where you do not want to take phones and accessories onto the attraction) are only $10/day; you can take your items with you all over the park but only pay the one-time fee! *Prices as of December 2022.
Absolutely! Other than using your Gold Season Pass to get 15% off select merchandise (or Diamond for 20% off!) just make sure you take the time to visit all these unique shops. There's something for everyone and something unique to find at every stop! Make a list of all the shops you plan to visit by hitting the "⭐" button on the shop description in the app! You'll be able to add these shops to a trip planning list and check them off as you go. With a list in hand you won't miss a single whimsical, memory-making moment!
Remember that Dollywood showcases the talent of several master crafters. If you're looking for a unique gift, or one that you can help make (like a blown ornament, hand-dipped candles or leather bracelet) head for Craftsman's Valley! Finally, if you want to purchase something from Dollywood but you're not in the area, you have a few options! You can call and order by phone at 865-428-9542 or send an email to shop@dollywood.com and someone will get back to you!
All Insiders Shopping Shopping
All Insiders Shopping Shopping
