Attractions
Theme parks, mountain attractions, museums, shows and entertainment venues establish their own military and Senior policies.
Some discounts require online purchase or verification before arrival.
TENNESSEE • SMOKIES • BRANSON
Veteran & Senior Travel Discounts: Tennessee, Smokies & Branson
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge. Dollywood. Branson. Silver Dollar City.
This region offers a mix of free attractions, military discounts, Senior pricing, advance-purchase offers and local savings.
Know what is free. Know what requires verification. Ask before you pay.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
One of America's Most Popular National Parks Has No Entrance Fee
But there is an important parking rule every visitor should know.
No Entrance Fee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge a general entrance fee.
That means you do not need a Military, Senior or Access Pass simply to enter the park.
However, vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes must display a valid parking tag.
This is where many visitors can get confused.
Smokies Parking Tags
| Parking Tag | Current Price |
|---|---|
| Daily | $5 |
| Weekly | $15 |
| Annual | $40 |
Important: Your National Park Pass Does Not Replace the Parking Tag
America the Beautiful Military, Senior and Access passes are not accepted in place of a Smokies parking tag.
If you park longer than 15 minutes, you need the appropriate parking tag unless a specific exemption applies.
GATLINBURG & PIGEON FORGE
Check Every Attraction Before Buying
The Smokies may be free to enter, but the surrounding attractions can add up quickly.
Lodging
Compare military, Veteran, Senior, loyalty and direct-booking hotel rates.
Don't assume the first advertised room rate is the lowest available.
Restaurants
Restaurant discount policies can vary from one location to another.
Ask before you pay.
PIGEON FORGE
Dollywood Military Discounts
Check military offers online before buying regular-price tickets.
Military Ticket & Pass Offers
Dollywood currently publishes military offers for qualifying service members and Veterans.
Military status verification is handled through ID.me for qualifying offers.
Military tickets are available for the 2026 season, and qualifying pass products may include additional benefits.
Dollywood also publishes separate child and Senior pricing on qualifying ticket and pass products.
Verify eligibility and current pricing before purchasing.
Check Pass Benefits
Some Dollywood season-pass levels include discounts on qualifying lodging, dining, shopping and premium experiences.
Compare the value of a pass with individual tickets if you plan to visit more than once.
Senior Pricing
Dollywood publishes separate Senior pricing on qualifying ticket and pass products.
Age cutoffs and exact prices can vary, so check the current ticket page before buying.
Verify Before You Arrive
Military savings may require online verification.
Don't wait until you reach the gate to discover how the discount works.
BRANSON, MISSOURI
A Destination With Strong Military Appeal
Branson has long welcomed Veterans, military families and Senior travelers.
Branson attractions, shows, lodging providers and restaurants may offer military, Veteran or Senior savings.
Because these offers are often set by individual businesses, check each attraction before buying.
Silver Dollar City is one of the clearest current examples.
SILVER DOLLAR CITY
Military & Veteran Offers
Military Daily Admission
Silver Dollar City currently offers discounted admission for eligible U.S. active-duty military, retired military, Veterans and reservists.
Eligible spouses and dependent children living in the household may also qualify under the program.
Current published Silver Dollar City military 1-Day admission: $69 plus tax.
Prices can change.
2026 Military Passport
Silver Dollar City currently offers a discounted 2026 Military Passport.
Eligible active duty, retired military and Veterans, along with qualifying spouses and dependents, may purchase qualifying passes.
Current published starting price: $129.
Online purchase and ID.me verification are required.
Other Silver Dollar City Attractions
Military discounts are also currently published for White Water and Silver Dollar City's Showboat.
Verify eligibility and current prices before booking.
Branson Savings Strategy
- Check military and Veteran attraction tickets
- Ask about Senior ticket prices
- Compare show packages with individual tickets
- Check hotel military and Senior rates
- Check multi-attraction packages
- Ask about restaurant discounts
- Check advance-purchase prices
- Carry appropriate proof of eligibility
SENIOR TRAVELERS
Don't Look Only for Veteran Discounts
In this region, Senior pricing can sometimes be just as important as military pricing.
Theme parks, shows, attractions and lodging providers may publish separate Senior prices.
Age requirements can vary from one business to another.
One location may use age 55, another 60, 62 or 65.
Don't assume you are too young or too old to qualify. Ask what age the Senior rate begins.
Before Your Smokies or Branson Trip
- Check Great Smoky Mountains parking requirements
- Check Dollywood military offers
- Check Dollywood Senior pricing
- Check Silver Dollar City military offers
- Ask about Senior ticket prices
- Compare hotel rates
- Check show and attraction packages
- Ask restaurants before paying
- Search businesses near your hotel
Not a Veteran or Senior?
You can still use Senior Vet Discounts.
Find businesses that support Veterans and Seniors and choose to support those businesses during your trip.
Support the businesses that support them.
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NATIONAL GUIDEAlways Verify Before You Travel
Attraction prices, military offers, Veteran eligibility, Senior rates, parking fees, reservation requirements and other travel policies can change.
Some military offers require ID.me verification or advance purchase and may not be available at the gate.
Always verify the current offer directly with the park, attraction, hotel or business before purchasing.
Page reviewed: September 2026.