You’ll Want to Ride Dragonflier Dollywood Twice. Once for the Thrill, Once for the Views

If your idea of a good time includes flying through the air with your stomach in your throat, keep reading. Dragonflier Dollywood is not here to gently ease you into the day.

It’s here to steal your breath and maybe your voice. One swoop and you’re questioning every life decision, in the best way possible.

Yes, Wild Eagle has loops and Lightning Rod hits you like it’s late for something, but this? This one dances.

It swoops and dives with the smoothness of a dragonfly dodging responsibilities, minus the drama of a 200-foot drop.

It’s the sweet spot between big thrill and big fun, without the full-body clench required on rides like the Blazing Fury.

Basically, it’s the kind of family coaster that lets you feel like a daredevil while still keeping your composure.

You’ll glide, you’ll twist, and you’ll probably laugh until your cheeks hurt. It’s giving dragonfly energy with rollercoaster confidence.

And by the time you’ve caught your breath, you’ll already be planning your second ride, because once is absolutely not enough.

But First, Buy Your Discounted Dollywood Tickets

Hoping to score the best deal on Dollywood tickets? You’re in luck! Tripster offers the lowest online rates right now—no coupon codes, no last-minute stress, just easy savings.

Want to make your trip even more budget-friendly? Bundle your Dollywood tickets with a nearby hotel stay for one convenient price.

You’ll save money and avoid the chaos of trying to coordinate everything last minute.

Why Travelers Love Booking with Tripster:

💥 Instant ticket confirmation

🚫 No promo code needed

💸 No surprise fees at checkout

📱 Mobile-friendly experience

🛎️ Bundle hotels + attractions

💼 Stress-free booking process

Looking to pack in even more adventure? Mix and match your Dollywood passes with other local attractions for a custom package that fits your vibe—and your wallet.

From splashy waterpark days to scenic Smoky Mountain rides, it’s all just a few clicks away!

Quick Reference Guide

Height Requirement: Min: 39 inches (Under 48 in. must be accompanied by someone 14 or older) Max: 81 inches

Best for: The whole family

Thrill level: 5/10 

TimeSaver Eligible: Yes

Location: Wildwood Grove

About the Ride

Dollywood Dragonflier is a suspended family coaster that delivers just the right amount of chaos: fast enough to thrill, but smooth enough to ride twice. 

From the very first swoop, it’s clear this ride isn’t here to mess around, Dragonflier wastes zero time easing in.

One turn and you’re already gliding sideways through the trees, wind in your face, adrenaline gently knocking at the door. 

And with a height requirement of just 39 inches, that’s huge for families with young riders ready to graduate from kiddie rides to something more grown-up. 

It’s also refreshingly low-drama when it comes to logistics—no complicated harnesses, no intense pre-ride briefings that make your seven-year-old nervous.

Just a simple, secure seat and that delicious anticipation as the train clicks into motion.

The lack of inversions also means anyone can enjoy the thrills without holding their breath the entire ride. And yet, the speed, topping out at 43 mph, still makes your heart race.

Suspended roller coaster gliding low through trees at Dollywood, with riders’ legs dangling mid-air

Suspended Thrills Without the Scary Stuff

What makes the Dollywood Dragonflier (not Dragonfly) coaster stand out isn’t towering drops or loop-de-loops—it’s the way it uses terrain to trick your senses.

You’re not soaring through sky-high thrills, you’re gliding just above the ground, banking tightly around trees, brushing past branches, and diving through a sudden tunnel that flips the tone from scenic to heart-pounding in a second.

It’s fast, fluid, and immersive in a way that makes you feel like part of the landscape.

Designed by Vekoma, this suspended family coaster skips the stomach-drop theatrics in favor of nonstop momentum.

There are no dead zones, no clunky stops—just a smooth sprint of motion, curves, and glides.

The ride leans into the illusion of flight, giving you the sensation of skimming through a forest like a dragonfly dodging sunlight, wind on your cheeks, and just enough surprise to keep you grinning from start to finish.

Riding Tips That Make Dragonflier Dollywood Even Better

There’s riding a coaster…and then there’s riding it well. With the right game plan, Dragonflier Dollywood goes from “that was fun” to “that was legendary.”

Especially if you’re balancing thrill-chasing kids and a snack-filled day bag. Here’s how to make every second of Dragonflier count.

When To Ride

The golden rule is early or late. Hit Dollywood Dragonfly first thing in the morning, especially if you have Golden Hour access from a Dollywood resort stay.

It’s when the lines are shortest, the air is coolest, and your crew is still fresh.

Your second-best window? Evening. Around dinnertime, crowds thin, and you can swoop through Wildwood Grove as the sun sets. Dreamy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Visiting on a busy day or during a school break? Invest in a TimeSaver Pass. You’ll skip the longest lines and ride more without resorting to bribing your kids with churros.

Weather Considerations

Before making the trek across the park, take a moment to glance at the posted signage near the ride.

Dragonflier may close temporarily due to weather, especially high winds or temperatures 36 degrees Fahrenheit or below, so it’s best to check before hyping the kids up.

Motion Sickness Concerns

Remember to go easy on the breakfast burrito. Coasters and heavy meals are a bad mix. Stick with bland snacks like toast, crackers, or a soft pretzel. You want butterflies, not regrets.

Secure Your Valuables

Last but never least: Secure your stuff. Anything loose (sunglasses, hats, phones) will become a coaster casualty if not stored properly. Use a locker or stash them in a zipped bag or pocket.

Where You Sit Matters

Your seat matters. The back row packs the most punch, giving you extra whip through the curves. For a smoother ride that still delivers thrills, aim for the front or middle cars.

Set Expectations for Littles

If you’re riding with a younger kid, let them know what to expect. Dollywood Dragonflier doesn’t go upside down, but it’s fast and swoopy. Perfect as a “big kid” ride that doesn’t go full beast mode.

Regardless of where you sit, during the ride, sit upright with your head back against the headrest, especially during that first sudden drop.

It prevents any motion-related aches and keeps you feeling grounded while you’re pretending not to scream.

Train of Dragonflier coaster swooping around a curve, riders laughing and raising their arms

Plan Your Perfect Dollywood Day With Tripster

If Dragonflier Dollywood is already on your must-ride list, don’t stop there. This park is packed with family-friendly attractions that are just as swoop-worthy, splashy, and memory-making.

Want to keep the magic going long after your feet hit the ground? Tripster helps you find hotels close to the park so you’re never more than a few minutes away from bedtime—or that all-important pool break.

And let’s not forget the after-dark fun. From live music to jaw-dropping illusionists, Dollywood’s evening shows are where the sparkle really starts. (Bonus: No sunscreen required.)

Traveling with a crew? Build-your-own packages make it easy to bundle theme park tickets, lodging, and extras without pulling your hair out or missing anything big.

We’re talking skip-the-line rides, early park entry, and enough insider perks to make you feel like a planning genius. All that? It’s just part of the deals you’ll only find here.

Whether you’re riding solo or organizing a full family escape, we take the guesswork out of planning your trip, so you can focus on screaming through tunnels and soaking in the Smoky Mountain views.

So go ahead and bookmark that ride photo. You crushed it—and we’re here to help you make it epic!

Dragonflier Dollywood FAQs

You’ll find it in Wildwood Grove, Dollywood’s most whimsical and family-focused area, surrounded by nature-themed attractions perfect for all ages.

Not at all. With a minimum height requirement of 39 inches, it’s designed as a “next step” ride for kids who are ready to graduate from the gentler stuff without diving straight into the big-league scream machines.

It reaches speeds up to 46.6 mph, which feels even faster thanks to the tight curves, tree-level track, and free-hanging seat design.

Early morning or late evening are your best bets. Resort guests can also take advantage of Golden Hour entry for shorter wait times and cooler temps.

If you want a more intense ride, head to the back row for extra whip. For a smoother, more scenic ride, aim for the front or middle seats.

It’s weather dependent. The ride may close during high winds or when temperatures drop below 36 degrees, so plan accordingly—especially in cooler months.

Absolutely. It’s thrilling without being punishing, making it ideal for adults who want fun without the post-ride Advil.

There’s a test seat available for guests who want to ensure a comfortable fit. You’ll also want to secure loose items and avoid riding right after a heavy meal.

Use Tripster to find nearby hotels, bundle park packages, and score deals on tickets, shows, and more—so you spend less time planning and more time flying.


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Written by Jennifer Ong

Jennifer is a Content Writer at Tripster, specializing in budget optimization and money-saving travel strategies. With a sharp eye for value and a...


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