4 Weird Rules About Dollywood's $60 Skip-the-Line Service

On our recent visited Dollywood, we tested out their skip-the-line service, TimeSaver, and we learned there are some rules you need to know!

Welcome to Dollywood!

If you’re planning a trip to Dollywood, there’s a good chance you’ll spend more time enjoying rides than standing in line, especially if you visit on a less crowded weekday. During our recent Wednesday visit, the park was wonderfully quiet, and we barely had to wait for anything. But that’s not always the case. Weekends, holidays, and other peak travel periods can bring some seriously long queues, which is where Dollywood’s skip-the-line service, TimeSaver, can make a huge difference. Before you decide whether it’s worth the extra cost, though, there are a few unusual rules you’ll want to know.

1. The Cheapest TimeSaver Doesn’t Work on Some of the Park’s Biggest Rides

At first glance, the standard TimeSaver seems like a solid deal. Starting at $60 per person, it’s the least expensive way to skip some lines around the park. The catch? You only receive five total TimeSaver scan-ins for the day, and those can’t be used on several of Dollywood’s most popular attractions. Mystery Mine, FireChaser Express, Dragonflier, Lightning Rod, and Big Bear Mountain are all excluded from the standard tier. If those headline coasters are at the top of your must-do list, the lowest-priced option may not provide the value you’re expecting.

Dollywood!

2. Paying Just a Little More Unlocks a Lot More Flexibility

One of the stranger things about Dollywood’s TimeSaver system is how much more useful the middle tier becomes for only about $20 more. TimeSaver Plus starts at $80 per person and allows you to skip the line once each on FireChaser Express, Dragonflier, and Lightning Rod. Even better, you’ll receive unlimited entries on the rest of the eligible TimeSaver attractions throughout the day. If you’re planning to ride several attractions multiple times, that extra investment can stretch much further than the standard option.

Dollywood tickets

3. One Ride Is Basically Reserved for the Most Expensive Tier

If Big Bear Mountain is your top priority, there’s one important rule to know before buying a TimeSaver. Neither the standard nor the TimeSaver Plus option includes skip-the-line access for this coaster. The only way to use TimeSaver at Big Bear Mountain is by purchasing TimeSaver Premium, which starts at $99 per person. That highest-tier option includes unlimited skip-the-line access at every eligible TimeSaver attraction, making it the only choice for guests who don’t want to wait for one of Dollywood’s newest and most popular rides.

Big Bear Mountain!

4. Your Wristband Only Tightens

When you purchase a TimeSaver, you’ll receive a wristband that you’ll scan throughout the day to access the expedited queues. The unusual part? Once you tighten it, it doesn’t loosen again. We learned this the hard way when we pulled a little too snug on our first day and spent the rest of the afternoon wishing we would have left a little more room. Do yourself a favor and make sure it’s comfortable before you tighten it — you’ll be wearing it all day.

©Dollywood

Dollywood’s TimeSaver system can absolutely be worth the extra cost if you’re visiting during a busy weekend or holiday season, but it’s important to understand exactly what each tier includes before you buy. The differences between the three options are much bigger than they first appear, and choosing the right one can make a huge impact on your day in the park. Be sure to keep following DisneyFoodBlog for more theme park news, vacation planning tips, and expert advice to help you make the most of your next trip.

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