Planning a trip to Dollywood and the Smokies

[Mich17mak]

I'm planning on going to Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains for the first time this weekend...the weather forecast looks good and I figured it's better to go now rather than the summer. Will Dollywood be crowded around this time of year? I will most likely leave home on Thursday morning and return Monday night (It's about a 6-7 hour trip)...I know that Dollywood has the "come after 3PM and return free the next day" offer, and was thinking of either doing that the day I get there (Thurs), then return to the park Friday afternoon, or maybe just go to the park on Sunday (and hoping it's not crowded). If anyone local has an idea of the crowds at the park, I'd appreciate your input.

[SharkTums]

Even when the park is quite crowded the rides are usually quite manageable. A lot of the guests go for the shows and atmosphere as much as the rides. If it was crowded they offer a VERY affordable skip the line system that I highly recommend.