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Joshua Hodge

Insider | Dollywood Insiders



Joshua is a teacher and author from Danville, Kentucky. When he is not teaching children Spanish, penning his next book or adventuring through a national park, he finds time to escape to Dollywood and enjoy its unique charm. He first discovered Dollywood at Christmastime and was impressed by all it had to offer. He continues to visit regularly and is always excited to introduce others to Dollywood and share his Insider tips.

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 Joshua

Your Guide to Finding Dolly Parton Song References in Dollywood

Your Guide to Finding Dolly Parton Song References in Dollywood

Throughout Dolly Parton’s namesake theme park, Dollywood, there are quite a number of tributes and references to her songs. Some are more obvious than others. Can you find them all? Here’s your guide to finding references to Dolly’s songs in the park:

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Dollywood in a Day Guide

Dollywood in a Day Guide

I typically squeeze in my trips to Dollywood in one day, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them. The one time I took two days to visit Dollywood, I enjoyed it even more! Some would say three days is even better! For some of us, however, we are burdened by time constraints and all we have is one day at…

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Free Dollywood Souvenirs!

Free Dollywood Souvenirs!

Free souvenirs?! They can’t be real, you say. Oh, yes, they are! It’s going to take a bit of creativity, but they exist. Let me show you what I mean with some of my Dollywood freebies.

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Why Dollywood’s Kettle Corn is So Great!

Why Dollywood’s Kettle Corn is So Great!

Everyone is always talking about the Cinnamon Bread at Dollywood, and yes, it is quite great, but another treat that may sometimes be overlooked is the amazing Kettle Corn. “Oh, I’ve had kettle corn before,” I’ve heard people say. They are talking about the stuff at fairs and festivals, but Dollywood’s Kettle Corn is in a class of its own.…

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Dollywood’s Newest Eatery: Iron Horse Pizza

Dollywood’s Newest Eatery: Iron Horse Pizza

On your next visit to Dollywood, you’ll have to check out its newest eatery. It’s a good one with a setting that is top-notch! Located in The Village, across from the train depot, is the new Iron Horse Pizza! I was able to go check it out for myself, and everything about it is very well put together.

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Ranked: Best Dollywood Souvenirs < $15

Ranked: Best Dollywood Souvenirs < $15

Editor’s Note- Prices are accurate as of July 2022 There is a surprising number of quality souvenirs at Dollywood for less than $15. I thought it would be a fun undertaking to locate the best Dollywood souvenirs for $15 (and less!) and share them with you. So, during my last visit, I went into every shop in the park. Apart…

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Deep Dive into Dollywood’s Mystery Mine

Deep Dive into Dollywood’s Mystery Mine

I finally mustered up enough courage to ride Mystery Mine at Dollywood. For years, I walked by and watched mine carts dash out of the imposing “coal mine” and make some bold moves before returning out of sight. It made me nervous. (I admit I like my coasters on the tamer side!) But, now that I’ve been on it, Mystery…

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Dollywood Character Guide

Dollywood Character Guide

Dollywood is the home to an array of friendly characters waiting to meet you. Who is who, and where do you find them? Let me break it down for you, and come meet them for yourself! The Locals: Benjamin Bear- This cheery black bear lives in Wildwood Grove at Dollywood. He became friends with some locals (named Flit and Flutter).…

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Experience Dollywood Through Dolly's Eyes

Experience Dollywood Through Dolly's Eyes

Did you notice that Dollywood is offering a new experience guide this Christmas season? Though Smoky Mountain Christmas is immersive in holiday spirit, there's another new opportunity for you to check out: Dollywood through Dolly's eyes. This guide explains how different places and events in the park relate to Dolly's life story. It is a great find to enrich your…

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Make Plans to Join Dollywood's Light the Way 5k

Make Plans to Join Dollywood's Light the Way 5k

I ran my first 5k at Dollywood! That's right. Dollywood hosts an annual race called Light the Way 5k. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew that it was scheduled late at night after the park closed so participants could enjoy an empty park glowing with millions of Christmas lights. I didn't know if I would be able…

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The Christmas Spirit on Display at Dollywood: Story About a Hoodie

The Christmas Spirit on Display at Dollywood: Story About a Hoodie

There's nothing like the Christmas season at Dollywood. Every year, I'm drawn back to the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. It's so tastefully put together with Christmas lights galore (more than 6 million), heartfelt theater performances and melodious Christmas songs trailing through the park. It really puts me in the Christmas spirit. Last year, I realized Dollywood changed my view of…

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A Deep Dive into Dollywood's Jukebox Junction

A Deep Dive into Dollywood's Jukebox Junction

Jukebox Junction is one of Dollywood's 11 skillfully-themed areas. It takes guests back in time to the iconic decade of the 1950s, where they stroll down the small-town Main Street of colorful storefronts and attractions. Recently, I came to the discovery that its elements are a recreation of Dolly Parton's hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee. On a recent trip to Dollywood,…

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5 BIG Takeaways from a Tour of Dollywood's New Resort and Coaster

5 BIG Takeaways from a Tour of Dollywood's New Resort and Coaster

I recently had the exciting opportunity to go on a construction site tour of Dollywood's new HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Big Bear Mountain roller coaster. I had heard a lot about these two enormous projects from Dollywood and all the fan chatter. I've seen the drawings and read of the plans, but to see it all with my own…

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10 Tips for Visiting Dollywood (in Spanish)

10 Tips for Visiting Dollywood (in Spanish)

Are you considering a trip to Dollywood? I am excited for you. It is one of my favorite places to visit. There is a lot of good information on the Dollywood Blog, but I am here to tell you my top 10 tips for visiting this Smoky Mountain theme park. The video is for our Spanish-speaking friends. The English version…

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A Deep Dive into Dollywood’s FireChaser Express

A Deep Dive into Dollywood’s FireChaser Express

One of my biggest Insider tips that can really improve your experience in Dollywood, is to take the time to learn the backstories behind the prominent attractions. It takes the whole experience to the next level as you realize you are participating in a story. Right now, there's a lot of buzz surrounding Dollywood’s newest attraction: Big Bear Mountain. Deservingly…

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