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Aaron Johnston

Insider | Dollywood Insiders



Born and raised in Alabama, Aaron has been a theme park enthusiast for as long as he can remember. He’s the father of two and husband of a fellow enthusiast. When not planning theme park outings, you’ll typically find him volunteering at church where he’s a worship guitarist and lighting designer. He is proud to call Dollywood his family’s home park and can’t wait to share the insight he’s gained over the years.

About Dollywood Insiders

Dollywood Insiders is a panel of folks who love all things Dollywood and enjoy sharing their knowledge of our theme park, water park, resort and cabins. They will reveal their favorite spots, how to pack for a Dollywood trip, tips on getting the best value and more!

Latest Posts by Aaron

Book Like a Pro: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

Book Like a Pro: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

So, you’ve decided you want to stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa? Good choice. Delivering down-to-earth charm in a fresh, modern presentation, the resort perfectly complements a visit to Dollywood. In fact, I often describe the resort as an extension of everything you love about Dollywood. I know for our family, discovering the resort a few years back was…

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Which Dollywood Coaster Should You Ride First?

Which Dollywood Coaster Should You Ride First?

I’ve always thought a big key to a great theme park day is a great start. Nail it, and you’re ahead of the game. Falter, and you could find yourself playing catch-up the rest of the day. The stakes couldn’t be higher! Okay, maybe they aren’t that high, but I do think it's worth putting some effort into planning your…

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Use Rainy Days to Your Advantage!

Use Rainy Days to Your Advantage!

Dollywood is a pretty enchanting place. And while you’d like to think this enchanting place is all sunshine all the time, there are days when nature just doesn’t cooperate. Being in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this un-cooperation typically comes in the form of the wet stuff. That’s right…sometimes it actually rains at Dollywood. The thing is, you’d…

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Reasons to Love Dollywood’s Splash Country

Reasons to Love Dollywood’s Splash Country

While you may be familiar with Dollywood, that may not be the case for the water park just across the way - Dollywood's Splash Country. I’m a pretty big water park fan and a Splash Country fan in particular. I think any visit to Dollywood in the summer should be accompanied by a visit to Dollywood’s Splash Country - even…

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Calming the Butterflies: Dollywood with a Less-Than-Fearless Child

Calming the Butterflies: Dollywood with a Less-Than-Fearless Child

Some children are naturally fearless when it comes to theme park rides. I know my daughter is. Were it not for height requirements, she would’ve happily boarded Lightning Rod at age two.

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Dollywood Summer Visit: Top 10 Packing List

Dollywood Summer Visit: Top 10 Packing List

After returning from a super fun summer trip, I thought it would be a great idea to share our family’s top 10 favorite items to bring along when visiting Dollywood. Created from years of theme park travel, this list is predicated on comfortability, saving money and, above all, making your Dollywood trip as great as possible. And while this list…

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The VIP Experience at Dollywood

The VIP Experience at Dollywood

Are you a VIP? You can be at Dollywood. Just in time for the popular fall season, a guest favorite add-on experience is back. The VIP Guided Tour offers an especially unique and memorable way to enjoy Dollywood. Your tour guide will tailor the day to your preferences. You want to see something behind the scenes? Want a specific seat…

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My Favorite Dollywood Lunch: Hickory House BBQ

My Favorite Dollywood Lunch: Hickory House BBQ

Are you in search of a great lunch on your next Dollywood visit? I can help! I’ve tried many Dollywood lunch options and, while not an easy decision, have decided on a favorite to recommend. It’s a dining location I find myself returning to it nearly every time I visit.

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How to Manage Loose Articles like a Pro

How to Manage Loose Articles like a Pro

You’ve likely seen signage at every Dollywood roller coaster entrance indicating loose articles are not permitted on the ride. If you’ve ever lost a hat, lanyard or cell phone on a roller coaster, you understand why – speed and loose articles are not an ideal combination. The good news is Dollywood makes it easy for you to avoid this situation…

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How to Have a Carefree Dollywood Day

How to Have a Carefree Dollywood Day

I think many people assume that a trip to a theme park in 2023 means a lot of stress and a lot of planning. While that may be the case at some parks - where it's advantageous to get your planning ducks in a row month in advance - I'm happy to report that is not the case when visiting…

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Under an Umbrella Sky at Dollywood

Under an Umbrella Sky at Dollywood

There's something special about Dollywood’s Umbrella Sky that has captured the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Hundreds of colorful umbrellas suspended in mid-air form a beautiful canopy over Showstreet below. The colors are vivid and varied, ranging from deep blues (new this year) to bright pinks and yellows. Walking underneath the umbrellas for the first time is an experience…

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Full Steam Ahead: Keeping the Dollywood Express on Schedule

Full Steam Ahead: Keeping the Dollywood Express on Schedule

Did you know Dollywood has a collection of iconic steam trains?   Meet Dollywood’s star steam trains - Cinderella and Klondike Katie. These two “ladies” have quite the storied history – from transporting troops on WWII missions in Alaska to hauling timber and coal in the Eastern U.S. Today, both make up what is known as the Dollywood Express.

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Back Porch Bucket List

Back Porch Bucket List

Beyond thrills, eats and the friendliest hosts you’ll ever meet, Dollywood is renowned for its incredible line-up of live entertainment options. From Broadway-style show productions to top-tier music performances, the park offers something for all ages and tastes. I’m diving into my favorite live music venue at Dollywood - Back Porch Theater. This outdoor venue is one of my must-stops…

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A Summer Splash of Entertainment: Dollywood's Liquid Beats and Hydro Jive

A Summer Splash of Entertainment: Dollywood's Liquid Beats and Hydro Jive

With summer here, what better way to embrace the sunny vibes than with a trip to Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration? Trust me, this festival is jam-packed with so much that will leave the whole family grinning from ear to ear. And two in particular have been causing quite a splash on the streets of Dollywood - Liquid Beats and…

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Photo Kiosks: Memory Making Just Got Easier!

Photo Kiosks: Memory Making Just Got Easier!

As a frequent visitor, I can confirm that making memories is what a day at Dollywood is all about. Every time I step through the turnstiles, my family can expect laughter, excitement and unforgettable moments. And now, with the introduction of photo kiosks, capturing our cherished family memories has become even more effortless and enjoyable.

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