I had never been to Dollywood before. I grew up going to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, but I had never been to Dollywood.
We were supposed to go in 2020, but that got canceled, and we haven’t been able to try again until now.
In July, we took a family trip to Gatlinburg and spent a day in Dollywood. It was HOT! It was July, and it was the only day of our trip that didn’t rain. But we did have a great time. From roller coasters to shows to other fun water rides, Dollywood can be a great place for families. And military families get a discount.
Dollywood Military Discount: What Military Families Should Know
Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is actually two parks. Dollywood Parks & Resorts includes Dollywood Theme Park and Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park. You can buy tickets for one park or choose a two-park ticket, depending on how much time you have and what your family wants to do. We just went to the theme park but would love to check out the water park someday.
As someone who grew up going to amusement parks, I wasn’t sure what to expect at Dollywood. To me, it felt a little bit like Knott’s Berry Farm, a little bit like California Adventure with just a touch of Magic Mountain, and maybe a tiny drop of Disney.
There was a lot to do, from the traditional roller coasters to a log flume ride and a rapids ride, my favorites, to shows and restaurants. We also decided to get the all-you-can-drink cups, and that was a good choice, especially on a hot day!
What Is the Dollywood Military Discount in 2026?
The Dollywood military discount has several options. These include discounts on annual passes and one and two-day tickets.
Dollywood Military Discount Season Pass Prices
Dollywood Silver Season Pass: $141.49 for adult tickets (10-61)
Dollywood Gold Season Pass: $216.49 for adult tickets (10-61)
Two-Park Silver Season Pass: $196.49 for adult tickets (10-61)
Two-Park Gold Season Pass: $271.49 for adult tickets (10-61)
Summer Splash Pass: $88.49 for adult tickets (10-61)
Dollywood Military Discount Daily Ticket Prices
1-Day Theme Park Tickets: $66.49 for all ages
2-Day Theme Park Tickets: $96.49 for all ages
1-Day Water Park Tickets: $38.49 for all ages
2-Day Water Park Tickets: $68.49 for all ages
1-Day Two-Park Tickets: $76.49 for all ages
2-Day Two-Park Tickets: $106.49 for all ages
Prices can change at any time, so always check Dollywood’s official military discount page before buying tickets.
How to Get the Dollywood Military Discount
The Dollywood military discount is available to all US active-duty or retired service members, veterans, and military reservists, as well as their spouses and dependents, with a valid military ID.
You will need to buy your tickets online. You do this by being verified with ID.me. We did this using my husband’s account. We didn’t have to verify each of us individually.
We bought our tickets through Dollywood’s official military discount page, then when we were at the park, they scanned each of our tickets. They did not ask to see a military ID at the gate, but I have read that can happen, so make sure you do have yours handy just in case.
If you are buying a pass, you will need to get your pass card by bringing your confirmation email to the Dollywood front gate ticket windows.
Quick Dollywood Military Discount Tips
- Buy your tickets online. Dollywood uses ID.me to verify military eligibility for discounted tickets and passes.
- Check the current prices before you go. Ticket and pass prices can change, so always verify with Dollywood directly.
- Bring your military ID. Even if your tickets are scanned without issue, it is smart to have your ID with you just in case.
- Consider your family size. The savings can add up quickly when you are buying tickets for multiple people.
Is the Dollywood Military Discount Worth It for Families?
Yes, I think it is totally worth it. The Dollywood military discount is about 30% off tickets, or about $30 off one-day tickets. This adds up when you have a family too.
A Short History of Dollywood
Dollywood began as Rebel Railroad back in 1961. It was owned by the Robbins brothers and included a steam locomotive, a general store, a blacksmith, and a saloon.
The park was then renamed Goldrush Junction in 1964 and switched from a Civil War theme to a Wild West one. In 1977, the park was renamed Silver Dollar City, making it a sister park to the Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The newer owners, Jack and Pete Herschend, spent around one million upgrading the park.
In 1986, Dolly Parton bought an interest in Silver Dollar City, and the park was renamed Dollywood. Dolly Parton grew up nearby in Sevier County, Tennessee.
There have, of course, been many more improvements and growth since then, including the opening of the water park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, in 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dollywood Military Discount
Does Dollywood offer a military discount?
Yes, Dollywood offers a military discount on select admission tickets and season passes for eligible military members, veterans, reservists, spouses, and dependents.
Who qualifies for the Dollywood military discount?
Dollywood’s military discount is available to U.S. active or retired military, veterans, military reservists, spouses, and dependents with valid military or dependent IDs verified online through ID.me.
How do you buy Dollywood military discount tickets?
You can purchase Dollywood military discount tickets online after verifying your eligibility through ID.me and signing into or creating a My Dollywood online account.
Is the Dollywood military discount worth it?
For many military families, yes. The discount can save a meaningful amount on daily tickets or season passes, especially when buying tickets for multiple family members.
