A self-proclaimed Disney adult has admitted that has has found a new favorite theme park – and it has got nothing to do with Mickey Mouse.
Frank Olito, a longtime fan of Disney World, recently revealed that he was blown away by his experience at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
He told Business Insider that the park, founded by country music icon Dolly Parton, boasted more affordable ticket prices, fewer crowds and great rides.
Starting with the cheaper prices, he explained that he usually spends a whopping $150 or more for a single ticket to Disney World.
But, while planning for his Tennessee excursion, the adventurer only paid $99 for admission to both Dollywood and Splash Country – which is adjacent to the main theme park – saving more than $50 right off the bat.
Frank then said that once he arrived, he was shocked by how the park’s grand entrance ‘rivaled’ that of Disney World.
‘It was my first indication that Dollywood could stand against Disney World,’ he wrote.
His excitement only continued as he made his way through the 160-acre attraction as he gushed about all the features that set it apart from his former favorite hotspot – including a museum dedicated to the country star’s life.
Frank Olito, a longtime fan of Disney World, recently revealed that he was blown away by his experience at Dollywood (pictured) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
He explained that the park, founded by country music icon Dolly Parton , boasted more affordable ticket prices, fewer crowds and great rides
Frank candidly explained that although he missed Disney’s iconic frozen treat, Dole Whip, ‘Dollywood arguably had something better: cinnamon bread’
‘This wasn’t an amusement park set around an IP of movies and TV shows. It was a place to celebrate Dolly Parton’s life,’ he reflected.
Instead of a slew of different characters, the entire park focused ‘solely on Dolly Parton.’
‘This helped the park feel cohesive and completely immersive in a way Disney does not,’ Frank told the outlet.
‘From the moment you enter the park, you explore different parts of Dolly’s life.
‘I entered replicas of her childhood home and schoolhouse. The whole park is a celebration of her hometown: the Smoky Mountain region.’
Frank revealed that since he is not a fan of rollercoasters, he was happy to see Dollywood offered calmer rides similar to those at Disney World.
He also said there were ‘plenty of shows to keep me busy throughout the day.’
But how did the food at Dollywood measure up?
Frank revealed that since he is not a fan of rollercoasters, he was happy to see Dollywood offered calmer rides similar to those at Disney World
He also said there were ‘plenty of shows to keep me busy throughout the day’
His excitement only continued as he made his way through the 160-acre attraction as he gushed about all the features that set it apart from his former favorite hotspot
Frank candidly explained that although he missed Disney’s iconic frozen treat, Dole Whip, ‘Dollywood arguably had something better: cinnamon bread.’
‘The fluffy dough was the perfect treat in the middle of the day. Though it wasn’t as refreshing as Dole Whip, it was as delicious,’ he shared.
The theme park expert also reflected on how busy and ‘unimaginable’ the crowds can be at Disney in the summer.
But was pleasantly surprised to see that Dollywood was the ‘opposite.’
‘Even though it was July, the park was not packed, so I felt more relaxed. It was easy to move around. Lines for rides were manageable, too. None of them exceeded 45 minutes,’ he shared.
He did offer one criticism of Dollywood though – and that was the lack of nighttime activities, such as the fireworks show and illuminated castle in Magic Kingdom.
‘Even though it was July, the park was not packed, so I felt more relaxed. It was easy to move around. Lines for rides were manageable, too. None of them exceeded 45 minutes,’ he shared
Frank concluded that he was ‘pleasantly surprised at every turn’
‘At night, Dollywood seemed to lack any energy. The park emptied out entirely. While the rides were still open, all of the restaurants and concession stands closed,’ Frank revealed.
‘There was a fireworks show at night, which also included a drone show, but we didn’t stick around because the park just didn’t seem lively enough.’
Despite this, Frank concluded that he was ‘pleasantly surprised at every turn.’
‘Since I saved money and felt more relaxed at Dollywood, I might think twice before booking my Disney trip next time,’ he concluded.
