Bringing your own food to theme parks can save a lot of time and money, but every park has different policies. For example, Disney World allows guests to bring their own food with limitations, while Universal does not allow any outside food or beverages (with a few exceptions).

Cinderella Castle

But today, we’re not focusing on the Florida theme parks — we’re traveling to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee to talk about Dollywood. Let’s dive into Dollywood’s policies when it comes to bringing outside food and drinks!

Can guests bring their own food to Dollywood? The straight and simple answer is no — guests are not allowed to bring any outside food or beverages with them into Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country, their water park.

Dollywood!

According to Dollywood’s website, they actually came to this decision after speaking with health and safety professionals, saying, “After careful consideration of park policies across the nation, consultation with health and safety experts and much consideration of the welfare of our guests and employees alike, we are unable to allow coolers, food or drinks into Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country.”

Showstreet!

However, there are several exceptions to this rule. Guests are allowed to bring one unopened bottle of water per person. Reusable water bottles are also technically not permitted; however, we have seen people bring them into the park in the past, but Dollywood has the right to turn you away with it at any time. Complimentary cups of water are also available at all park food outlets that have fountain drink capabilities.

Trailhead Eats

Baby bottles are also allowed into the parks, and these bottles can be warmed at any park restaurant (this does not include concession stands) — guests just need to ask a Host for assistance. It’s important to note that Dollywood’s Baby Care Center, which is located on Showstreet, does not have a microwave for warming bottles.

Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans

When it comes to guests with dietary needs, several options in Dollywood offer customizations — Front Porch Café is a full-service restaurant and is one of the best locations for a wide variety of options, while Till & Harvest has a wide variety of gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan options that can be modified to accommodate most dietary restrictions.

Wildwood Grove & Timber Canyon Sign

Now that we’ve covered what outside food is and isn’t allowed inside the park, let’s talk about some of our favorite snacks, so you know where to go and what to grab!

Dollywood Has Quietly Become The Next Big Theme Park Food Destination

Starting the list, of course, is our beloved cinnamon bread. It’s so fluffy and light, but dense enough to soak in all of the glaze on top. With the addition of apple butter and extra icing, you truly can’t go wrong with the cinnamon bread.

CINNAMON BREAD!

We also can’t talk about Dollywood snacks without mentioning Dippin’ Dots. Dollywood has several Dippin’ Dots locations around the park, and even offers park-exclusive flavors, like the Big Bear Brownie Batter flavor! Other exclusive flavors may be available during the festivals.

Big Bear Brownie Batter

Rounding out the list is Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans. This is a table-service restaurant in Craftsman’s Valley that serves up Southern-inspired dishes. You can find a variety of dishes here, including the iconic Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich, which literally has two butterflies as the bread!

Butterfly Chicken Salad Sandwich

It’s important to look over each theme park’s rules before you go because you don’t want to be stuck at the front gate with a bunch of food in a cooler only for it to be confiscated, never to be seen again. OR you can just stay tuned to DFB because we’re always providing the latest theme park news, updates, tips, and tricks!

Full 2-Day Dollywood Itinerary: Best Snacks, Rides, and Hotels

Are you traveling to Dollywood any time soon? Let us know in the comments below!