One of the biggest perks of being a Dollywood season passholder is getting special opportunities inside the park, and especially during the seasonal Festivals one of the most exciting perks is the Dollywood Early Ride Time (ERT).

What Is Dollywood Early Ride Time (ERT)?

During the each seasonal festival, a Dollywood Early Ride Time (ERT) event is held exclusively for select season passholders.

ERT allows guests to enter the park before normal opening hours and enjoy select attractions with shorter wait times.

For coaster fans and families hoping to maximize ride time, it’s one of the most valuable perks offered during the festival.

2026 I Will Always Love You Dollywood Early Ride Time Event Details

For 2026, the Early Ride Time event will take place:

Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–10:00 AM
Location: Dollywood Main Entrance

Eligible guests will check in at the park turnstiles and be directed toward the event area inside the park.

Since attendance for this event will be limited, passholders must reserve their spot in advance through their My Dollywood account starting March 13, 2026.

Attractions Available During this Dollywood Early Ride Time

During the event, passholders can ride several popular attractions before regular park guests arrive.

For the 2026 event, the attractions include:

• Lightning Rod
• Rockin’ Roadway
• The Dolly Parton Experience

With lighter crowds and shorter lines, this early window can allow guests to experience some of the park’s most popular rides with minimal waits.

Who Is Eligible to Attend the Event?

The Early Ride Time event is exclusive to certain Dollywood season passholders.

Eligible passes include:

• Gold Season Pass
• Diamond Season Pass

Children under 3 and guests with a Pre-K Imagination Season Pass may also attend with an eligible passholder.

Silver and Platinum passholders are unfortunately not eligible for this particular event.

Tips for Making the Most of Early Ride Time

If you’re attending the event, a little planning can help you maximize the experience.

Arrive Early

Check-in begins at 8:00 AM, so arriving early ensures you have enough time to enter the park before the event begins.

Head to Lightning Rod First

This coaster is one of the park’s most popular attractions and often develops long lines later in the day.

Stay After the Event

Once Early Ride Time ends, you’ll already be inside the park when regular guests arrive — giving you a head start on the rest of your Dollywood day.

What is the I Will Always Love You Festival?

The I Will Always Love You Music Festival celebrates the music, creativity, and storytelling legacy of Dolly Parton. Held each spring, the festival fills the park with live performances, art installations, and seasonal foods that mark the start of Dollywood’s operating season.

Running March 13 through April 12, 2026, the event features musical productions, interactive art displays, and immersive photo spots throughout the park.

Festival highlights include:

• A headlining performance from Heidi Parton
• A Dolly Parton sing-along show
• The award-winning stage production “From the Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton”
• Instagram-worthy art installations like Celebration Sky and the iconic LOVE sculpture

For many visitors, it’s the perfect way to welcome spring in the Smoky Mountains.

Final Thoughts

The Early Ride Time event during the I Will Always Love You Festival is a special perk that makes a spring visit to Dollywood even more exciting.

If you’re a Gold or Diamond passholder, reserving a spot can give you valuable extra ride time before the park opens and also a head start on enjoying the festival’s shows, music, and spring atmosphere.

Between the live performances, vibrant art displays, and unique seasonal experiences, the I Will Always Love You Festival offers one of the most uplifting ways to start a Dollywood season.