Dollywood Parks & Resorts 4+

The app is nearly perfect, but it won’t show ticket barcodes after the first use. This is a problem if you buy a 2-day pass, for example. We had to stand in a special line at the entrance of the park so they could look up our purchase history. A minor annoyance, but still one that seems completely avoidable. You can export your tickets to Apple Wallet and they won’t be deleted from there. This is a must until Dolly fixes her app.

My disclaimer is that I’m comparing this app to Disney World’s app, and perhaps that isn’t fair. I’m well aware Dollywood isn’t Disney World. Having said that, if you’re going to have an app, the demographic you’re appealing to with that expects certain things to enhance the guest experience. For the most part, it’s ok. Not great, but not terrible. Seeing a list of attractions and shows with times is great for planning your day. You’re able to make a list of things you want to do and set reminders when a show is about to start. Perhaps the biggest thing I see missing is the ability to view a menu of the restaurants. I’ve also seen some out-of-date information. There are things within the park itself that could stand to be improved to create a better guest experience, and it starts with having a user-friendly and functional app, not an abacus.

The map and schedule works well, but the notice system has problems. I got a notification for a sale on upgrading my regular season pass to gold for a discount while in the park, and made my way to the front gate. I waited in line for about 40 minutes and as I spoke to her the notification went away all on its own before she could see it. She says the employees don't get notified of app deals and since she didn't see it, obviously she couldn't honor it. I was flat out told I was wrong and although she doesn't know what notices are sent out, she knows it wasn't that and I didn't see what I did. I was told it's my fault I didn't take a screen shot. It would be helpful if employees got a list of notifications as well as they're sent out so that these issues are easily solved.