Accessibility At Dollywood Theme Park

Accessibility Entrances

Guests who wish to use Ride Accessibility Entrances are required to have a Ride Accessibility Pass. We encourage you to visit the Ride Accessibility Center (RAC) when you enter the park in order to obtain a Pass.

All accessibility entrances and exits are clearly marked at all rides, attractions, and theaters.

Mobility Devices, Segways ® & Golf Carts

Dollywood is committed to providing guests with a safe and enjoyable experience. Because of different pathway configuration and terrain, as well as large crowds that include small children and strollers, we regret that we cannot permit the use of golf carts, two-seat ECVs, ECV bicycles, tricycle child carts, or two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles such as Segways ®. Devices must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace. Devices must be single rider and not exceed 36 inches (92 cm) in width and 52 inches (132 cm) in length. No passenger carriers and/or trailers of any type may be attached to a mobility device. Dollywood reserves the right to deny entry to any mobility device deemed unsafe for use in the Park.

Dollywood does offer other forms of personal transportation for rent, including wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs). Additional information can be found above and in the Park Entry Experience for Guests with Disabilities section of Dollywood Theme Park Accessibility Guide.

Please be advised that there are areas of the Park where wheelchairs and ECVs are not recommended, and these locations are indicated on Dollywood Park Maps –available online, on the official Dollywood mobile app, at the RAC, and on signage throughout the park. While at the park, you can use the Dollywood Mobile App to navigate to any location using the “accessible routes” feature.

Prostheses

Any guests with prosthetic arms or hands will be required to ensure the limb is properly attached and able to grasp the ride restraint on attractions where prosthetics are permitted. On attractions where prosthetic limbs must be removed, certain natural extremities are required to ride safely.

For further information on ride and attraction requirements, view our Rider Accessibility and Requirements Guide. Physical requirements of all rides can also be accessed on the official Dollywood Mobile App, by visiting the Rider Accessibility Center, or by contacting 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

Oxygen Tanks/Devices

Oxygen tanks are permitted on the Dollywood Express (train) and Parking Lot Trams. Due to the forces, speeds, and movements of our rides, oxygen tanks are not permitted on ride vehicles, boats, or outdoor attractions. Those requiring storage for extra oxygen tanks can visit the RAC or the First Aid office located near the village depot for assistance.

For more information, contact a Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ Accessibility Liaison.

Theater Seating

Seating is limited and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Each theater is equipped to provide one companion seat in every accessible space. Due to the layout and capacity of each theater, larger groups accompanying a Guest in a wheelchair or ECV may have to separate. Guests using walkers may park them in the theater’s designated location. All outdoor theaters are accessible to guests.

Showstreet Palace Theater – Guests who are unable to use the stairs should use the ramps located on each side of the theater.
Heartsong Theater – Guests who are unable to use the stairs should enter to the right of the main entrance.

More information is available in the Park Entry Experience for Guests with Disabilities section of the Dollywood Theme Park Accessibility Guide. While visiting, Theater Ushers and Sound Technicians are available to assist with questions prior to the show, including emergency evacuation information.

Restroom Accessibility

All restrooms have wheelchair-accessible facilities and are located throughout the Park. Refer to the Park Map (available online, on the mobile app, and at the RAC) for locations. While at the park, you can use the Dollywood Mobile App to navigate to any location using the “accessible routes” feature.

Companion Care restrooms are located in the following areas; Showstreet, Country Fair, Craftsman’s Valley, Owens Farm, Village First Aid, and Wilderness Pass.

Changing Room – Restrooms with adult-sized changing tables are located in the following areas; Showstreet next to the Baby Care Center, Wilderness Pass next to First Aid, and the Family Restrooms in Wildwood Grove next to Treetop Tower, and Hidden Hollow, and Village First Aid, which has an adjustable table (if needed).

TimeSaver Pass

TimeSaver allows you expedited access to lines at select rides. While all rides and shows are free with paid admission, TimeSaver helps maximize your visit so you can spend less time waiting in line. Explore more about TimeSaver for details and pricing.

Calming Room

A special quiet space for guests who experience sensory overload during their visit. The room is private and comes equipped with sensory items. As capacity is limited to one family at a time, we kindly request limiting use to 30-minute intervals to accommodate the needs of other guests. The calming room is located beside DreamSong Theater in the Adventures in Imagination area.

Sensory-Sensitive Hours & Events
Dollywood offers sensory-sensitive hours on special dates each year. This season’s offerings will be posted to our seasonal calendar.


Social Story

To create a better Dollywood experience for younger Guests and Guests with special needs, Dollywood has created a walkthrough guide of the arrival experience they will have. View the Social Story.

Service Animals

Trained service animals are welcome at Dollywood. Under the ADA, service animals are limited to dogs and miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with a disability. Tennessee ADA regulations do not recognize comfort animals, emotional support animals, or therapy animals, and these animals are not permitted in our park. Service animals must remain on a harness or leash no longer than four feet, remain under the control of their handler at all times and be housebroken. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the person must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal.

Service animals are permitted throughout the park though animals are not allowed on rides (trams, the Dollywood Express, and the chariot seat location on the Village Carousel are the exceptions). Owners are responsible for cleaning and disposing of animal waste. There are animal relief areas indicated on the park map.

Tennessee State Pool Regulations do not allow animals, including service animals, in public swimming venues and splash pads- including water features and fountains.

Park Navigation

Due to the mountainous park terrain, we recommend that guests with vision impairment enjoy Dollywood with a companion or Personal Care Attendant (PCA).

Contact us at 1-800-Dollywood (1-800-365-5996) with minimum 14-day advance notice for additional park navigation services. Maps are available on the official Dollywood mobile app and just inside the main entrances of Dollywood.

Assisted Listening Systems (ALS)

To aid guests with hearing impairment, we offer Assistive Listening Systems at all of our Dollywood theaters. Please see a Theater Usher or Sound Technician for assistance.

Interpretation

American Sign Language interpreters are available with a minimum 14-day advance notice. Please call 1-800-Dollywood (1-800-365-5996) to request this service.

Transcripts

Dollywood’s regular season show scripts are available for use during the show and must be returned at the end of the performance. Scripts also are available for the Dollywood Express and the Birds of Prey show. Please see an Usher or Sound Technician for assistance. Due to the continuously changing show content, scripts are not provided for the Kingdom Heirs, The Tones, The Smoky Mountain String Band, The Wild Roots Band, or other specialty acts at this time.

From full-service restaurants to grab-and-go items, Dollywood takes great pride in our menus and in accommodating special dietary needs and allergies. However, despite precautionary measures, cross-contact with peanuts, sesame seeds, tree nuts, soy milk, eggs, wheat, fish, or shellfish can occur in food production areas.

For a full list of current food offerings and locations,  visit our dining page, download our official mobile app, and read about tips for guests with food allergies and special diets on our blog.

If you have additional questions about food allergies, please send us an email at dollywoodfoodquestions@dollywood.com with your questions at least five business days before your visit if someone in your party has an allergy or accommodation need.

Nut Allergy
Look for the sign “Nut Products Located Here” at the front door entrances of our stores or on the preview menus located outside
our restaurants.

Ride Signage

Ride warning and accessibility signs can be found at the entrance of each ride to help determine the attractions that are suitable for guests based on their abilities. A list of signs and descriptions can be found in the Dollywood Theme Park Accessibility Guide and online online.

Medical Restrictions

Please read all health and safety requirements for each attraction, as they are not all the same. If you suspect your health could be at risk for any reason, or you could aggravate a pre-existing condition of any kind, do not ride. We encourage you to watch the attraction, when possible, prior to choosing to ride.

Ride Restraints

Due to rider restraint systems and seat configurations, certain attractions may not accommodate individuals approaching 270 pounds and/or 6 feet 4 inches in height. Guests of larger stature are encouraged to utilize the test seats prior to entering the queue.

Test seats are available at the entrances of:

• Barnstormer
• Dragonflier
• Drop Line
• FireChaser Express
• Lightning Rod
• Mystery Mine
• Thunderhead
• Wild Eagle

Park staff is not permitted or trained to physically assist guests onto or off the attractions. We encourage guests who need assistance to visit with a companion or PCA. For more information on PCAs, see the PCA tab in the Accessibility Center or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.  

For further information on ride and attraction requirements, including loose articles policy, lost items, etc., view the Dollywood Theme Park Accessibility Guide. Physical requirements of all rides can also be accessed on the official Dollywood Mobile App, by visiting the RAC, or by contacting a Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ Accessibility Liaison.