DOLLYWOOD’S PUBLIC EMPLOYEES APPRECIATION DAYS RETURN

Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24. (Courtesy: Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood)

DOLLYWOOD’S PUBLIC EMPLOYEES APPRECIATION DAYS RETURN

As a thank you to our military, first responders, teachers and more who work tirelessly every day to serve our country and communities, Dollywood’s Public Employees Appreciation Days returns this spring and provides qualifying guests the opportunity to buy a one-day Dollywood admission ticket online for just $49 plus tax.

The exclusive offer can be purchased online at Dollywood.com/PublicEmployee for a limited time and is valid for use now through June 13. Members of the military, first responders, school system employees, government employees and medical employees who have verified their employment status through ID.me are eligible for the offer. Verified public employees may purchase up to six $49 one-day admission tickets to Dollywood theme park as part of the program.

Public Employees also can take advantage of special rates at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort during this time as well. Rates for eligible guests start at $159 per night for travel dates now through June 13.

Additionally, any of the admission tickets that are part of the Public Employees Appreciation Days may be upgraded to season passes, allowing guests to continue the fun of Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season. Guests currently can enjoy Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (now-June 8) with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this award-winning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies. “Play On,” a special 40th anniversary retrospective show featuring songs and scenes from many of the park’s iconic shows from years past, debuts on May 3, the date of the park’s first operational day in 1986. 

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th season. “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution” and “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.

A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.

The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2025)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.

For more information about Dollywood’s 2025 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Dolly Parton with the 40th Anniversary art package as part of Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary in 2025. Photo taken in Nashville, TN, at CTK Enterprises, on 9/20/24. (Courtesy: Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood)

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