Behind The Blooms VIP Guided Tour at Dollywood

• Jasmine Ball

If you’re planning a trip to Dollywood this spring, the Flower & Food Festival is happening now through June 11. And if you want to take things up a notch to have a more elite experience, sign up for the “Behind The Blooms” VIP guided tour.

I had the chance to experience it with my family. If you’ve never experienced one of the VIP tours at Dollywood and you’re curious what they’re really like, here’s my take on it and what you can expect.

Flower & Food Festival

During the festival, the theme park is decorated with more than a million blooms, including larger-than-life Mosaicultures. This is also the festival with the iconic Umbrella Sky and where festival treats are one of the main highlights.

Tour Guide

Pick up your VIP tour lanyard at the Timesaver location along with a complimentary Timesaver pass for rides and meet your tour guide at a location near the entrance. You’ll be led along a private tour detailing unique facts about the park, exhibits and Dolly Parton herself. For example, did you know that the Robert F. Thomas Chapel at Dollywood is named after the doctor that delivered Dolly? The Parton family did not have money to pay Dr. Thomas, so they gave him a sack of homemade cornmeal in exchange for his medical assistance.

Personal Photographer

There'll be plenty of photo opportunities throughout the park, including the picture-perfect Umbrella Sky and in front of the life-sized Mosaicultures. A personal photographer will tag along with the group to capture your family photos and photos with the group. Pictures are available at the end of the tour.

Free Samples

Sample seasonal treats like kettle corn, sweet tea, cotton candy fudge from the Sweet Shoppe and more.

Character Meet and Greets

During the tour, there are exclusive character meet and greet opportunities.

Keepsake

At the end of the tour, pick up a special keepsake at the Emporium. Your gift is exclusive to this festival and those on the VIP guided tour.

Of course, you’ll still get to enjoy the live shows, rides and attractions throughout the theme park to help make it the best day ever! Overall, I think it’s such a cool opportunity for the whole family. If you want to see it for yourself, the Behind the Blooms guided tours are offered daily until June 11.