I went to Dollywood for the first time last Thanksgiving. I also could say I was a bit disappointed. I am not much into rides anymore and it just didn't have a lot to fill my time. Shows did not seem as good. I am sure it does have its merits and I am sure if I rode the rides I would probably feel differently. I went because I was driving cross country from Springfield, MO to Charleston, SC and then to St. Augustine, FL and then back. But I will say I probably won't go back at least not soon. Although I would love to hit up their bluegrass festival too.
I will say I was doing all this traveling and all alone so that probably biased it some too.