Guests visiting parts of Dollywood Resorts this summer may want to double-check what’s in their wallets before arriving.
A new cashless payment initiative has officially launched at several Dollywood properties, beginning today at Dollywood’s Splash Country water park. The move is part of a broader rollout impacting the resort side of the Dollywood brand, though the main Dollywood theme park itself is not currently changing its payment policies.
That distinction is important for visitors planning Smoky Mountain vacations over the coming weeks. While the flagship theme park in Pigeon Forge continues accepting cash, Splash Country and the resort hotels are preparing for a future centered entirely around cards and digital payments.
As of this morning, guests entering Dollywood’s Splash Country can no longer use cash anywhere inside the park.
The popular water park, which first opened in 2001, welcomes large crowds every summer for attractions like Mountain Waves and Wild River Falls. Now, every purchase — from food and beverages to merchandise and locker rentals — requires either a card or mobile payment option.
The rollout only applies to the water park for now, but additional resort locations will join the program next month. Beginning June 11, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa and HeartSong Lodge & Resort will also become cashless properties.
DreamMore, the resort’s expansive hotel offering featuring over 300 rooms, dining venues, transportation perks, pools, and early theme park access, will fully adopt the new payment system on that date. HeartSong Lodge & Resort — the newer lodging destination that opened in 2023 with its mountain retreat aesthetic — will transition simultaneously.
Guests with reservations after June 11 are being advised to arrive prepared with alternative payment methods.
The updated payment system will accept most modern payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Guests who still prefer using cash are not completely out of luck, however. Dollywood has added “Cash to Card” kiosks throughout the affected locations, giving visitors the opportunity to convert physical cash into prepaid cards that work like standard debit cards.
According to Dollywood, the prepaid card system comes without added loading fees. The kiosks are intended to help bridge the gap for guests who either rely on cash or simply do not want to use their personal bank cards during their visit. The system may also become a convenient option for parents. Instead of handing children loose cash for snacks or souvenirs, families can preload a specific amount onto a prepaid card for the day.
The transition reflects a larger trend already visible across the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Theme parks, stadiums, hotels, and concert venues have increasingly moved toward digital transactions over the last several years. Operators often cite faster service times, reduced cash-handling issues, and improved security as key reasons behind the shift.
Dollywood appears to be following a similar strategy with its resort and water park operations, though it has opted for a phased rollout rather than introducing the change resort-wide all at once.
Despite the practical benefits, not every guest will see the move positively. Many visitors still prefer using cash to manage vacation budgets, particularly for family trips where spending can add up quickly. Without physical bills changing hands, some guests may find it more difficult to track daily spending.
Others have raised concerns about accessibility, especially for older visitors or guests without easy access to digital banking tools. While the kiosk system provides an alternative, it may not completely remove frustration for everyone.
The move has also sparked discussion about Dollywood’s image among longtime fans. The resort has long been viewed as a more traditional and family-oriented alternative to larger corporate park destinations, and some visitors may see the payment changes as another step toward a more modernized resort model.
For anyone planning a trip to the main Dollywood park itself, there is no immediate reason to worry. Cash remains accepted there for now.
However, guests heading to Splash Country this season — or checking into DreamMore Resort or HeartSong Lodge after June 11 — should expect the new system to be fully operational. The coasters, water attractions, Southern-style food, and mountain atmosphere are all staying exactly where they are. The only real difference is how guests will pay once they arrive.
How do you feel about the changes being made at Dollywood? Let us know in the comments down below!
This should be illegal. Every dollar and coin (other than the Penny) is legal tender for all debits public and private. So cash should always be an option. Young adults do not understand how to handle money when all they do is hand over a piece of plastic.
I think this is sad and should be illegal.
Cash is our legal tender and should be accepted everywhere.
I think it’s a smart thing. If you don’t like it, go to other parks. My husband and I love Dollywood over Disney World and it’s easy to navigate.
I absolutely do not like this card only use as everytime my husband and I go on any vacation anywhere we much rather use cash as our cards are to be kept for paying bills online only. Also for us as we are in our elder ages we prefer to only spend the cash we have on us. So cards only are not a good idea & would stop us visiting areas where only cards can be used.
Off my list. Don’t have a card. Never will.
Shame on you Dolly…
I think using cards is a better answer to using cash. The kiosks also might be set up with equipment that shows one’s spending at the end of the day for example. And how much is still on the card at the end of the day too.
Never been to the park i feel like the park is destroying the great smoky mountains now I know I will never go to the park cashless is the worst idea ever tearing down trees for another ride also bad idea
A debit card is the same as cash folks so what’s the big deal. No one has to worry about carrying a wad of cash around or making change or getting robbed.
Another opportunity for cyber criminal to steal credit/debit card information from people.
I am curious though. Most places in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area charge an extra fee for using credit and debit cards. Is Dolly planning to do the same thing?
I used to think Dolly was so nice. But then I heard a few rumors that she might be involved in the ‘evil’ side of music and Hollywood. I never believed that until I read this.
This is the road all of us are being pushed down, one needing stopped immediately. As well as business being the number one tool to do so. Her music will always have a special place in my heart, that love will never die. In my eyes she has always stood tall and strong for honesty and truth being number one in a persons life, to not cheat and lie. It is a shame she caved so soon, not the strong women I have believed her to be. No longer is she for small town values, the love and safety of home, family or neighborhood. To push this out to those who have respected her as not just as a entertainer but as a person as well, I’ll never be able see her the same way again such a shame.
A few years back I bought tickets for the park water park too, I got sick and could not go that summer. I wrote the company and Dolly to see if I could transfer my purchase for next season, Nothing…. Never heard one word back. So my daughter and I never went.
Well just one more bad mark against Sevier county now. All these changes that are taking place is not good for this area. And no wonder the bears are being seen all over the towns. Because Corporate America is taking all of their mountains where the have no mountains, trees no food no more nothing .The more cabins the more hotels ,the more people move here. Thank you for changing SEVIER COUNTY TO THE WORST COUNTY NOW. But this is CORPORATE EVEN WHERE DOLLYWOOD AND THOSE BUSINESSES ASSOCIATED with HER NAME. IF YOU WANT YOIR NAME ON SOMETHING FOR THE GOOD WHY NOT OF COURSE GO OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS AND AWAY FROM PUBLIC VIEW OF COURSE AND CJANGE SOME HOTELS INTO A CLEAN ,HONEST RAN. HOMELESS SHELTERS , ONE FOR MALES ONE FOR FEMALES AND ONE FOR FAMILIES. AND ASSIST THE. WITH JOBS AND GETTING BACK ON TRACK INSTEAD OF MORE ATTRCTIONS FOR KIDS .WE AS OLDER GENERATIONS HAVE NOTHING MORE TO DO IN THIS COUNTY.EXCEPT GO TO MOONSHINE stores and drink.
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This policy of no cash is a turnoff that me and most in my circles. Shameful
Don’t like it either but it is more secure for the park workers. You still have to carry cash to add to one of their cards. If you lose the card, you are out of luck
Do not like this at all. Just one more way for your card to be hacked and another way for everything you buy to be tracked. Makes absolutely no sense to put a bottle of water or a candy bar on a dang card.
Dolly is a business woman. There must have been a lot of theft with all that cash. Its not easy to make changes. Take your cash and get the kiosk card and monitor your amount. Dolly needs our support, not our anger.
Hate this. Off my list of places to go
You people are fools if you think Dolly, herself, has anything to do with this decision. She is not involved in the day-to-day operations. As far as the mandatory cashless parks, I am against it. It does go against the ‘family & country’ environment that they are pushing. Just another corporate decision.
Just another way to get tips added to every purchase as if you weren’t paying enough already. You’ll be forced to hit, ‘no tip’ and feel like a schmuck when you want to buy a snow cone.
Trip avoided.
Bad decision the park should accept cash or card they should never make it one or the other when you lose cash to the system then the government can track every move you make financially not a good idea
What happens if…and there will be…a few dollars left on that card at the end of your visit? Dollywood will get a little be richer.
A cashless society is part of an evil agenda to control the population. Boycott any business that plays along.
Here is an idea JUST DON’T GO plenty of other places to visit that’s more than happy to take your cash .
I will only visit places that take cash. Sorry not sorry. CASH IS KING
Torch it! Boycott any business that doesn’t take cash that is illegal and un-American! Just cuz I’m moron in the government thinks that that’s the way it’s going to end up doesn’t mean it’s true I mean remember all of our government officials are basically underage attracted pervs and despicable war criminals. And if we just send them over to Israel they’d all be at home why don’t we do that we can just send Dolly over there too and then we don’t have to deal with her stupid cashless nonsense and we have space for nicer newer boobs as well it’s a great idea free Palestine fawk dolly oh into the government a big f. U. C. K. You
I still want to go to DOLLY WORLD I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED DOLLY. AND MOVING INTO END TIMES PEOPLE THIS IS WHERE THE WORLD IS HEADED SO PUT YOUR BIG GIRL AND BIG BOY CHONIES ON AND MOVE ON
If you don’t want to go cashless get a prepaid card or don’t go I feel as if these reviews are to gas lit dolly grow up
I use cash only. I will not be going there or staying at her resort s. Should be able to whatever you want to.
Used to love to go to Dollywood and the surrounding area. But no more, I know my not going won’t change anything, I just hate seeing a beautiful area destroyed by commercialism. 😞
I am tired of having to incure more fees by using the so called “safety and convenience” of a card!
We are already taxed with the cash we have earned and now more and more fees are being added for card use.
I am sick of it!
Greedy corporations run this world and rob us blind.
When will we finally stand up and say “ENOUGH”……
Shame on you Dolly. Caving in to the anti-christ’s cashless society. I won’t participate
I am against a cashless society as the fees attached to it are making ME cashless! Next they will be pushing a ” subscription” of some sort. Make your monthly payment and get a Free ice cream cone when you visit! Enough with the being forced to own fee based cards managed via the mandatory mobile device ( which incidentally, must be left unsecured somewhere when you are on the rides!)
They can’t turn off cash. The goal is total control with programmable/traceable digital currency and remote controlled vehicles outfitted with 20 surveillance cameras. Resist Big Brother. This is tyranny.
I feel this is wrong. Making it easier for people to get your information off your card! Cash should always be taken. This change my opinion of Dollywood and not for the better.
I think it sad that Dollywood wants to go cashless. Not everyone has a debit card.
not surprised to see cashless poking it’s ugly head in a place people would really trust first. I’m sure these greedy bastards can’t wait until they control every penny. of course we all know where that will lead us. but just like now and a 💩 president going around the world totally destroying us, who cares. surely not americans
The way to fix this. Don’t go cash is always legal Tinder
If we band together, they cannot survive
No more Big Brother!! Cash should be accepted. I’m disappointed in Dollywood..can’t believe they are bowing to own to this way of life. Have been a long time to visitor, not sure I’ll continue.
Count Hughes in Ohio out. Shame.
Came to the comments just to see all the people who have no idea what the “legal tender” part of us currency actually means claiming places can’t do this.
I was not disappointed. Got to love the loud uneducated lot.
I had Dollywood on my list for vacation later this year, I can now write that off, Cash is legal tender, If they do not want my cash to pay for whatever it is I want to use it for then I will not be visiting, simple as that, it does not matter if my family is small in number, so will not make a difference but in my opinion it’s their loss not mine.
I hate not having a choice. We are being forced more & more into a cashless society where privacy no longer exists & every move or purchase can be tracked. You can’t shut down cash that’s in your pocket but digital & cards can be shutdown for various reasons. Disappointed in Dolly for following the trend & won’t be visiting.
I don’t like it and a times I don’t trust using cards. There is nothing better then cash.
And alot of times if they don’t take cash I don’t do business with them.
No need to go there anymore. I will not do business with anyone that doesn’t accept cash.
Sad a place I will never visit and I love Dolly.
This is sooo UnAmerican.. now they’ll probably be long lines at the machines to convert money onto a card. Wow.. We’ve always used cash, if my cash ain’t good enough neither will be to go to her parks!!!
I believe it keeps the cashier’s safer from stick ups. And people who are dishonest. Safety is your park main concern. I would agree with Dolly policy. Good for her. See y’all this summer. Congrats
It’s sad that places are going cashless. Dollywood is to expensive anyway. I went many years ago and I didn’t enjoy it because of all the crowds and waiting
Not sure what everyone is so mad about. My local zoo went cashless years ago. It’s really simple, if we bring cash we go to the kiosk, put our money in and it spits out a prepaid debit card. There’s no fees and if there’s any money left over we can still spend it anywhere we want. No one said it was a debit card specifically for this venue. People just love to complain for no reason. They aren’t forcing you to use your debit card. They aren’t charging extra fees for the prepaid debit card. No one’s making you do anything besides not hand cash to the cashier. This makes transactions easier and faster for everyone. No more waiting behind someone that has to fumble with coins or counting out exact change.
I see they also are jumping on the WEF ban wagon.
Why go cashless? The credit card companies charge the reciepents of the payment a fee for accepting card. By eliminating cash, you are adding profits to the credit card companies.
If you go with teens, and they want to take off and ride some of the faster rides, you can’t give them some cash to buy food or a drink. And it gets HOT during those summer months! That hardly seems fair.
Its not about family or memories. Its about corporate greed. Studies have found that when using cashless methods of payment, individuals tend to spend more when purchasing.
I don’t like dealing with cards and etc. Everything is becoming an age for the young. I like using my cash. My preference and I don’t have to visit the park. May get to where I don’t visit many places.
Dollywood has been corporate ran for years, backed by Coca-Cola. I was a regular season ticket holder then gold ticket holder from the mid-90s up until 2020 (for obvious reasons) if we had a long weekend, across the mtn we’d go to Dollywood fairly regularly… but went to get it back WOW the prices for season passes… they all but force you to get the gold pass, which the price you have to finance thru the park to afford (so they can tack on interest) now a regular season pass with all the things you cant do with it compared to the gold pass. Then with prices getting closer and closer to Disney prices each year… Just go ahead and do it swapnthe name too Disneywood or Mickeywood… now that I cant just pull a $1 outta my pocket and hand it to someone to buy something or play a midway game… just 1 more reason to not renew my passes or EVER darken their door step
I’m pretty sure this is illegal.. AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18, relative to payments by consumers.As introduced, prohibits a person selling or offering for sale goods or services at retail from requiring a buyer to pay using credit; requires a person selling or offering for sale goods or services at retail to accept legal tender when offered by the buyer as payment; violations treated as prohibited practice under Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977. – Amends TCA Title 47, Chapter 18. They have to take cash, state law.
One more place I won’t visit. Cashless business does not get my business.
I love Dolly Parton. But, I respectfully disagree with her decision to go towards a cashless park as a veteran in this country I feel it is wrong to refuse to take the legal tender of this United States for any purchase. Myself and especially the other veterans that have served and some who have given their own lives for this country to not be able to use the legal tender is abominable.
My son and I recently had the opportunity to visit the Kennedy space Center in Florida. It was a last-minute decision, and I was unaware that it had gone to be a cashless attraction I was able to pay for our tickets with my own card. However, my son is disabled and does not have a card as such he had cash. He had close to $200 worth of souvenirs and clothing that he wanted to purchase, but was told they would not take his cash. I was flabbergasted. I felt like I was being told that screw you the American citizen and veteran your cash is not good enough for us. I ended up using my card for him so that he wasn’t disappointed by these people or factions that want to go cashless.
Personally, at this particular moment in time, my thought is to boycott any attraction or business that refuses to take the legal tender of this country. That is so disrespectful to our forefathers, our veterans, and our citizens. I think the only way to stop this is with our money; don’t buy or patronize these businesses.
Signed One angry American Citizen and Veteran
I so agree with others! Every dollar and coin is still legal tender. I feel we as consumers should boycott those businesses that are trying to force us into a cashless society. I remember doing odd jobs for cash for food for my children. My kids saved their change to buy that most wanted item. By going cashless what are we teaching our children. Remember the birthday card with cash ( no more). Stop this change. Quit using the cards use cash. Boycott the businesses that refuse to take cash.
Why does it matter? Come on. Places everywhere are doing this. This isn’t a new thing. Expect it and move on or just don’t go.
This definitely should be illegal, I never would have expected this from Dolly Parton.. guess I’ll never go to Dollywood and neither will any of my family, beyond dissapointing.
In a world where people are crooks n criminals and try to use counterfeit money. Yea cashless is way more safe, it’s quicker and easier for everyone.
Just Embrace it. Crawl out from under the rock you are under and join the current decade everyone else is living in. No offense!
People need to stop going. We are letting the government and businesses control our money. You stop going and funding. They will change. You are giving them access to your money on your card. And for it to be stolen.