Michael Turner
Recommendation: Bring a compact, zip-secured bag (clear vinyl speeds visual checks) sized roughly 12 x 12 x 6 inches or smaller. All personal bags are subject to inspection at the main gate and may be rechecked at ride entrances; handheld metal detection is used periodically. Bulky luggage slows entry and may be refused at some ride boarding areas.
Prohibited items: firearms and other weapons, illegal drugs, glass containers, open alcoholic beverages, large coolers, compressed-gas cylinders, fireworks, drones, commercial tripods and monopods. Portable grills and generators are also not allowed. Any item that creates a safety hazard on a restraint-based attraction will be denied.
Storage and ride rules: Paid lockers are available near the main entrance and at select locations inside the park for items that cannot be carried on rides. Larger bags and coolers are best left in a vehicle or a rented locker. Certain high-thrill rides require all loose articles to be stowed in designated bins or left with a non-rider; strollers are permitted but must be folded when requested by ride operators.
Packing tips: Pack a small power bank, refillable plastic water bottle, sunscreen and a lightweight poncho. Use zippered pockets for wallets and phones; consider a small lockable pouch for valuables. Leave selfie sticks and large tripods at home, and check the park’s guest services page or call ahead for the latest rules and locker locations before arrival.
Daypack and bag policy at the Pigeon Forge theme park
Pack a compact daypack or crossbody and limit contents to daily necessities: phone, wallet, medications, sunscreen, a packable rain poncho, and a lightweight refillable water bottle.
All bags are subject to visual inspection and handheld screening at the main entrance; place loose electronics, sunglasses, and keys in an outer pocket for quicker checks. Prohibited items commonly enforced: weapons, illegal substances, glass containers, large coolers, and items that could be hazardous on rides.
On thrill attractions, loose articles must be secured or stowed before boarding. Use zippered compartments, internal organizers, and a short tether or carabiner for small items to prevent loss. If a ride operator requests temporary surrender of a bag, follow staff directions and retrieve items immediately after the ride.
For longer visits, consider off-site storage or a rented locker when available. Large parcels and bulky luggage increase queuing time and may be declined at certain entrances; compact packing reduces delays and makes moving between shows and attractions faster.
Suggested packing list: compact power bank, portable phone charger cable, small first-aid kit, disposable rain poncho, lightweight snack, sealed water bottle, and a slim wallet with ID. Use waterproof pouches for electronics and keep valuables in inner zip pockets or a concealed money belt.
Label all bags with contact information and photograph contents before arrival to aid recovery if lost. Follow staff instructions for secure storage and adherence to venue safety rules.
Park bag policy: permitted pack sizes and measurements
Recommendation: limit personal packs to a maximum of 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (41 x 30 x 15 cm) when entering the park; larger items are likely to be inspected or restricted on certain attractions.
Accepted categories and suggested maximums:
– Small purse/pouch: 10″ x 7″ x 4″ (25 x 18 x 10 cm).
– Daypack/small rucksack: 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (41 x 30 x 15 cm).
– Oversized carryall or duffel: anything exceeding 18″ x 12″ x 8″ (46 x 30 x 20 cm) should be stored in a vehicle or rental locker rather than brought on rides.
Clear-bag guideline (useful for special events): clear tote no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (30 x 15 x 30 cm) or a single small clear pouch for quick security checks.
How measurements are determined: measure length (horizontal), height (vertical) and depth (thickness) with zippers closed and straps tucked; list dimensions in inches and centimeters when confirming compliance. If a pack compresses beyond the stated limits when filled, consider downsizing or using off-site storage.
Items that affect allowed size: coolers, large camera cases, and rolling luggage commonly exceed acceptable dimensions and may be refused at gates or barred from attraction boarding areas; plan storage accordingly before arrival.
Prohibited contents in personal bags and commonly confiscated items
Recommendation: Leave firearms, knives with blades longer than 2.5 inches, fireworks/sparklers, outside alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drones, large coolers, and professional camera rigs at home or locked in a vehicle.
Items routinely confiscated or held at entry
- Firearms and ammunition – typically turned over to local law enforcement; may result in citation.
- Sharp items (pocket knives, box cutters, machetes) – often removed and not returned.
- Explosives/pyrotechnics (fireworks, sparklers) – surrendered and disposed of.
- Open or sealed alcoholic beverages – denied entry or required to be discarded.
- Illegal substances and drug paraphernalia – confiscated and reported to authorities.
- Selfie sticks, monopods, and certain camera stabilizers – commonly banned on many rides and shows.
- Drones and remote-controlled aircraft – forbidden on park property for safety reasons.
- Glass containers – frequently prohibited due to breakage hazards.
- Oversized luggage, large coolers, folding chairs and similar bulky gear – refused at gates or asked to be checked.
- Unauthorized commercial photography equipment (large lenses, tripods) – may be restricted without a permit.
Documentation, medical exceptions and practical guidance
- Prescription meds: keep in original pharmacy containers with name and dosage; security may request verification.
- Essential medical devices (EpiPen, insulin supplies, CPAP components): carry a doctor’s note or prescription label for inspection.
- Baby food, formula and necessary childcare supplies: generally allowed but subject to inspection at security checkpoints.
- Service animals: follow park-specific requirements for documentation and behavior; check ahead for permitted breeds and paperwork.
- Packing suggestion: use a clear, small crossbody or waist pack for quick inspections – consider a low-cost option like best cheap waist pack for cycling that doubles as a compact park carry solution.
- If an item is questionable, store it in a locked vehicle or mail it home; contested items are often held only temporarily but weapons and illegal substances may lead to law-enforcement involvement.
What to expect at security: bag checks, metal detectors, and wait times
Guests should arrive 30–45 minutes before scheduled gate opening on high-demand days to reduce screening queues and avoid missing early attractions.
- Typical screening flow
- Queue for security lane.
- Staff request that personal items be removed from outer pockets and placed on the inspection table.
- Walk-through metal detector or handheld wand screening.
- If alarmed, a focused wand sweep follows; a private pat-down is available on request and performed by same-gender staff when requested.
- Final nod from officer, then proceed through admission turnstiles.
- Average wait times
- Weekdays (non-holiday): 5–15 minutes per lane.
- Weekends and holiday peak dates: 20–45 minutes; early-morning rope drop often experiences the longest queues.
- Special-event days (concerts, festivals): 30–60+ minutes – plan extra margin.
- Items that speed screening
- Phone, wallet, loose change in a single easy-to-reach pocket or small clear pouch.
- Medication or medical device documentation displayed in a labelled container or envelope.
- Sunglasses and hats placed on the inspection table rather than worn through the detector.
- How larger personal carriers are inspected
- All compartments opened; trays used for small contents.
- Large items may be partially emptied for X-ray or manual inspection; expect staff to handle items briefly.
- Items believed to violate policy are held for guest retrieval off-site or surrendered per park procedure.
- When extra screening occurs
- Alarm triggers on metal detector.
- Visible or suspiciously packed compartments.
- Medical device or prosthetic requiring alternative screening; staff will offer a private inspection option.
- Practical timing tips
- Arrive earlier than ticket time on spring break, July weekends, and holiday weekends.
- Use less-crowded side gates if available – signage at main entrance indicates alternate lanes.
- Group strategy: one person prepares items for all members to pass through faster.
- Purchase or print tickets ahead; mobile tickets ready on the home screen speeds throughput.
Expect polite but thorough inspections; compliance with staff requests typically reduces secondary screening and overall delay.
On-ride bag rules: when bags must be stowed or removed
Stow large day bags off-ride before boarding any high-speed, spinning, launched or water attraction; ride operators will require removal or placement in lockers for rider safety.
Attractions that routinely require stowage or removal
Steel coasters with inversions or lateral forces: all loose items must be placed in lockers or left with non-riders. Loose items in laps or unsecured pockets are prohibited.
Spinning cars, tilt or free‑spin attractions: personal items must be secured off the vehicle – even small purses or phones are routinely disallowed from being carried on board.
Drop towers and launched rides: anything that could shift under rapid acceleration/braking (phones, hats, loose sunglasses) must be stowed prior to dispatch.
River rapids, log flumes and water slides: soft-sided or wet‑sensitive items must be left in dry storage; electronics should never remain on-board unless in a fully sealed, verified float-proof case approved by staff.
Family flats, carousels and slow-moving transports: riders are often permitted to keep small, securely zipped items on person at operator discretion; staff may still ask for stowage if crowding or lap placement is required.
Exceptions, documentation and practical tips
Medical items and infant necessities: present documentation or notify Guest Services before the attraction; staff will either allow secured carriage or provide an approved stowage solution (escort to a locker, ride‑side holding area).
Ride-side lockers: located at major thrill attractions and some water rides; availability varies by attraction and may be free for the duration of a single ride or require a small fee – use park‑posted signage for exact terms.
Securing small valuables: use a zippered money belt, waist pouch with locking pull, or attach items with a short safety tether; phones should be kept in fully zipped pockets or left in lockers rather than held in hand.
Refusal to stow: riders who fail to comply will be denied boarding; item retrieval after ejection or track incidents can cause lengthy delays and possible damage – leave nonessential items off-ride.
Bag storage and alternatives: lockers, rentals, and guest services
Use staffed locker facilities for large day packs; choose a locker at the main entrance kiosk sized at least 18×18×24 inches if carrying bulky gear – reserve a medium locker (15×12×18 in) for typical personal packs and a small locker (10×6×12 in) for valuables and toiletries.
Locker details (typical):
| Option | Typical location | Size / capacity | Typical cost | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park-operated lockers | Primary entry plaza & major ride hubs | Small 10×6×12; Medium 15×12×18; Large 18×18×24 (inches) | $5–$15 per day depending on size; coin or card | Receipt or PIN; keep key/QR for retrieval |
| Third-party mobile rentals | Parking lot perimeter / shuttle stops | Various; usually fits a full-size day pack | $6–$12 per day; in-app payment | App account, photo ID sometimes required |
| Hotel front-desk safes | Off-site partner hotels | Small safe or concierge hold for luggage | Often complimentary for registered guests; some hotels charge | Reservation confirmation; personal ID |
| Guest Services temporary hold | Guest Services window | Small items (electronics, wallets, documents) | Usually free for same-day retrieval | Photo ID; claim stub |
Practical steps before arrival: measure any pack-like item and select locker size + 2 inches on each dimension; place electronics in a waterproof pouch and label with contact info; photograph contents before deposit. Keep the locker receipt on the person (store a photo of QR code in a separate phone or screenshot the confirmation email).
If planning ride-heavy itinerary, stagger storage locations: drop bulky gear at main entrance lockers first thing, then move essential items to smaller lockers near central hubs later in the day. For same-day overnight storage, confirm hours – many lockers unlock only during park operating hours; third-party services sometimes offer 24-hour access.
Guest Services policies: expect identity verification for any held valuables, a maximum hold period tied to operating hours, and a lost-ticket procedure requiring photo ID and description. For fragile or perishable items, use hotel safes or keep with a group-member designated carrier.
Alternative short-term ideas: compressible daypack liners (fold to fit small lockers), lanyard wallets for critical cards, and car trunk staging when parking is within a 5–10 minute walk. For biological curiosity while planning storage logistics, see which organelle packages proteins into vesicles.
FAQ:
Can I bring a backpack into Dollywood?
Yes — visitors commonly bring daypacks. All bags are subject to a security check at park entry, and items that violate park rules (weapons, glass containers, illegal substances, etc.) will be denied. For peace of mind bring a small to medium backpack rather than large travel luggage, and keep valuables secured.
Are there any size or style restrictions for backpacks at Dollywood?
Dollywood does not publish a strict maximum bag dimension for small daypacks, but extremely large suitcases or rolling travel bags are not appropriate for use inside the park. If your bag is unusually large or contains many bulky items you may be asked to return it to your vehicle or use an available storage option. Soft-sided backpacks and compact packs are easiest to carry on walkways and through queues.
Will I have to remove my backpack for rides or security checks?
Security staff will inspect bags at the entrance. For many rides, especially roller coasters and water attractions, loose articles cannot be carried aboard and you’ll need to place them in designated storage bins, on-ride compartments, or leave them with a non-rider. Bring a small lockable bag or consider a waist pack for valuables you want to keep on your person while riding. If you’re unsure which rides require bag storage, ask ride attendants before boarding.
Does Dollywood provide lockers or storage for backpacks, and how much do they cost?
Storage options can vary by season and location within the resort. Many theme parks offer rental lockers near key attractions or in the park center, sometimes for a fee; Dollywood may offer similar services or have temporary solutions at certain rides. To avoid surprises, check the official Dollywood website or contact Guest Relations ahead of your visit for current details on locker locations, pricing, and availability.
Can I pack food, drinks, prescriptions or medical supplies in my backpack?
Non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and personal medical items are generally allowed. Prescription medications should remain in their original containers when possible, and bringing a brief note from a medical provider can help if staff ask questions. For items like breast pumps, insulin or other medical devices, carry documentation and inform security if inspection is necessary. If you plan to bring multiple coolers, glass containers, or large amounts of outside food, check Dollywood’s policy beforehand to avoid having items turned away at the gate.
