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Katie Smith

Insider | Dollywood Insiders



Katie has been a lifelong fan of Dolly Parton and a Dollywood Season Passholder since she was 4 years old. Born and raised in Vincent, Alabama, the now-resident of Birmingham recalls fond childhood memories of riding Klondike Katie (the Dollywood Express) and begging to go back to Dollywood one more time to watch “Fire on The Mountain” before leaving the park. Katie is a single girl who never met a theme park show she didn’t like; during the Christmas season, you can most likely find her in DP’s Celebrity Theater watching “Christmas In the Smokies” on repeat. The greatest compliment she’s ever received was from a friend who said that visiting a theme park with Katie is the safest feeling in the world. When she’s not busy finding new destinations to explore, she works in customer relations at a telecom company and spends time spoiling her best friend’s children, who affectionately call her “Fairy God Katie.”

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 Katie

Behind the Scenes of Dollywood Auditions: Character Callbacks

Behind the Scenes of Dollywood Auditions: Character Callbacks

Have you been to Dollywood and had a chance encounter with Flit and Flutter, the beautiful butterflies of Wildwood Grove? And how many of your vacation memories involve a conversation with Miss Lillian, the iconic Chicken Lady, as she visits her little chicken friends in Craftsman’s Valley?

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Girls' Weekend Guide To Pink Jeep: Not Your Average Barbie Car

Girls' Weekend Guide To Pink Jeep: Not Your Average Barbie Car

I’m known as the “vacation instigator” in my group of friends. If my suitcase sits too long without being used, I start dreaming of ways I can get away for a short weekend trip—and I’m usually able to convince a girlfriend or two to escape with me.

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The Right Fit: What Shoes to Wear to Dollywood?

The Right Fit: What Shoes to Wear to Dollywood?

You’ve made all the plans. Your hotel stay is booked. You have park tickets, and you have a solid game plan to tackle all the rides and shows Dollywood has to offer. The only thing left to plan might be the biggest challenge of them all: what to wear. More specifically, what shoes should you wear? Packing for a long…

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The Right Show for the Right Age

The Right Show for the Right Age

Dollywood is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly destination that boasts that there is truly something for everyone once you enter through the welcome gates at Showstreet. From rides for even the smallest tykes in Wildwood Grove to the steep hills of the Lightning Rod, there’s a ride that can bring joy to anyone in your family, no matter their age. And the…

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The One-Day-All-Shows Challenge

The One-Day-All-Shows Challenge

I have been a self-proclaimed Dollywood Entertainment fanatic since I was a little girl. I still remember the excitement I felt way, way (way) back in 1992 when I first sat down in Showstreet Palace Theater to watch “Fire on The Mountain” when the Showstreet area first opened. And back in the ole days, when Spark and the gang tried…

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Character Connection: New “Streetmosphere” For Dollywood’s Summer Festival

Character Connection: New “Streetmosphere” For Dollywood’s Summer Festival

Back in January, I had the unique opportunity to chat with Brooke East, a Dollywood performer, stage manager and entertainment host who oversaw a brand-new character callback during the annual audition process. During our time together, Brooke let me know that she was really looking for fresh new talent for the different festivals that Dollywood offers, but especially for some…

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When You Need to Go for a Run at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

When You Need to Go for a Run at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

If you had told high school Katie who cried when she had to run a mile during cheerleading practice that someday she’d voluntarily sign up for races for fun, that girl would have probably laughed in your face. I’m proof that people can change, because I’ve signed up for a lot of 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons since that fateful…

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Dollywood For Seniors: Tips for The Young at Heart

Dollywood For Seniors: Tips for The Young at Heart

My mom, Sandra, is a 72-year-old spitfire. There's really no other word that better describes her. She's very opinionated, always likes for her belt to match her shoes and she absolutely loves Dollywood. And my entire childhood (and into adulthood), it's very common for her to ask when we can go on a quick weekend trip to her favorite theme…

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Insider Tips for Staying Warm at Dollywood This Holiday Season

Insider Tips for Staying Warm at Dollywood This Holiday Season

It's my personal opinion that the Great Smoky Mountains are truly at their best during the fall and winter months. While I love Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival and Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, there is something super special about the seasonal showcase of holidays at Dollywood from late September with Harvest Festival featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights to the Christmas spectacular…

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HUGE Perk of Gold/Diamond Pass: Saved Seats and Q&A

HUGE Perk of Gold/Diamond Pass: Saved Seats and Q&A

One of my favorite perks of being a Diamond Season Passholder this year has been getting to participate in Dollywood's Golden Events. When I first learned about these exclusive Season Passholder only opportunities, I immediately marked my calendar to plan a visit or two to make sure I didn't miss out.

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Design Your Own Dollywood Airbrush Creation

Design Your Own Dollywood Airbrush Creation

It’s not hard to leave Dollywood with the perfect souvenir in hand. From t-shirts and sweatshirts embroidered with the park’s namesake to customized belts, Dollywood has so many unique keepsakes—items you can’t find anywhere else! You can even custom dip train-shaped candles as a reminder of your ride on the Dollywood Express. The possibilities for a one-of-a-kind souvenir are endless.…

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DJ Danny Dugan and His Dreamland Drive-In Friends

DJ Danny Dugan and His Dreamland Drive-In Friends

Dollywood is known for its great food and fantastic rides, but for me, I love going to Dollywood for the award-winning entertainment. Since I was a little girl, I’ve looked forward to my first visit to the park each season to see what the entertainment department has brought to the stage for guests to enjoy.

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