With its sprawling indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls, and Southern charm, Gaylord Opryland Resort is one of Tennessee’s top attractions. But if you’re planning a visit, you may be wondering: is there an admission fee to enter the resort?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: There is no admission fee to enter Gaylord Opryland Resort. The hotel, restaurants, shops, and indoor gardens are free and open to the public.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll provide everything you need to know about the entrance policy and fees at Gaylord Opryland. You’ll learn about accessing the resort’s restaurants, shopping areas, and famous conservatory without paying an admission cost.
We’ll also cover paid attractions within the resort that do have a separate entrance fee. Whether you’re staying as a hotel guest or just stopping by to explore this Nashville-area icon, use this article as your guide to free access at Gaylord Opryland.
Free Access to Hotel Common Areas
One of the great things about Gaylord Opryland Resort is that it offers free access to its common areas for both guests and non-guests.
This means that you don’t have to spend any money to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and amenities of the resort.
The Garden Conservatory
The Garden Conservatory is a stunning atrium filled with lush plants and beautiful flowers. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
You can relax on one of the many benches, take in the sights and sounds of the cascading waterfalls, or simply take some breathtaking photos. Best of all, access to the Garden Conservatory is absolutely free!
Water Attractions and Seating Areas
Gaylord Opryland Resort is famous for its water attractions, including the indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, and water slides. These attractions are not only available to hotel guests but also to the general public.
So, whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot summer day or simply want to have some fun in the water, you can do so without spending a dime. Additionally, the resort offers plenty of seating areas where you can relax and soak up the sun or enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.
Shopping and Restaurants
While there are various shops and restaurants located within the Gaylord Opryland Resort, you are not required to make a purchase to enter these establishments.
You can freely explore the shops, browse through unique items, and enjoy the ambiance of the resort’s dining options, without spending any money. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothing, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Paid Attractions and Entertainment
While there are many free amenities and activities at Gaylord Opryland Resort, there are also several paid attractions and entertainment options that guests can choose to enjoy during their stay. These paid experiences offer a unique and unforgettable way to enhance your visit to the resort.
Signature Shows and Experiences
Gaylord Opryland Resort is known for its incredible lineup of signature shows and experiences that showcase the best in entertainment. From live musical performances to captivating theatrical productions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular attractions is the Grand Ole Opry, a country music institution that has been showcasing legendary artists for decades. With a mix of classic and contemporary acts, attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry is a must for any country music fan.
Another highlight is the ICE! featuring experience, an enchanting winter wonderland created entirely out of ice. Each year, a team of talented artisans meticulously carve intricate sculptures and scenes that transport visitors into a magical world. From ice slides to ice sculptures, this attraction is a favorite among both children and adults alike.
Holiday Events and Activities
Gaylord Opryland Resort is particularly renowned for its spectacular holiday events and activities. During the festive season, the resort transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, offering a host of enchanting experiences that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
One of the most beloved holiday attractions is the Country Christmas event. This immersive experience features millions of twinkling lights, lavish decorations, and festive music. Guests can stroll through beautifully adorned gardens, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, or even meet Santa Claus himself.
For those looking for a unique dining experience, the resort offers the Delta Riverboat cruise. This relaxing boat ride takes guests on a journey through the resort’s stunning atriums, where they can admire the holiday decorations from a different perspective.
It’s important to note that prices for these attractions and events may vary depending on the time of year and availability. To get the most up-to-date information on pricing and reservations, it is recommended to visit the official Gaylord Opryland Resort website.
Access for Hotel Guests vs General Public
Guest Room Key Cards
Access to certain areas of the Gaylord Opryland Resort is restricted to hotel guests and can be gained using their guest room key cards.
These key cards are not only used for accessing their rooms but also for various amenities and facilities within the resort. This ensures that only guests staying at the resort have the privilege of enjoying exclusive areas and services.
Perks for Overnight Stays
Guests who choose to stay overnight at the Gaylord Opryland Resort are rewarded with a range of perks and benefits that are not available to the general public.
These perks often include complimentary access to the resort’s fitness center, swimming pools, and exclusive discounts on dining and spa services. Additionally, overnight guests have the opportunity to fully experience the resort’s stunning indoor gardens, waterfalls, and other unique attractions.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a truly immersive experience for its overnight guests, allowing them to fully enjoy the resort’s luxurious amenities and entertainment options.
Whether it’s attending a live music performance, exploring the beautiful atriums, or indulging in the various dining options, staying overnight at the resort provides a unique and memorable experience that cannot be replicated by a short visit as a general public visitor.
For more information about the Gaylord Opryland Resort and its offerings, visit their official website.
Parking Fees and Validation
Self-Parking Rates
Visiting Gaylord Opryland Resort can be an amazing experience, but parking does come at a cost. The resort offers self-parking in their large on-site parking garage for a daily fee. Rates are reasonable but do vary depending on the day of your visit.
The standard daily self-parking rate is $25 per day for non-overnight guests. However, parking is slightly higher on peak days such as weekends and holidays at $30 per day. Valet parking is also available for $35 per day for non-overnight guests.
Overnight guests also pay for self-parking but can get their parking validated for free by showing their room key. This is a great perk to save money during your resort stay. The resort wants to make visiting as affordable as possible while still maintaining their facilities.
Valet Parking Rates and Validation
Valet parking is available at Gaylord Opryland Resort for $35 per day for non-overnight guests. This provides the convenience of having your vehicle parked for you by one of the resort’s valet staff members.
Like self-parking, valet parking is free for overnight resort guests when they show their room key to validate their ticket upon picking up their vehicle. This validation perk allows guests to enjoy the luxury of valet without any additional cost during their hotel stay.
Gaylord Opryland recommends valet parking for those with mobility challenges, as valets can pull vehicles up to the entrance for easy access. Valet parking also allows guests to avoid the large parking garage, especially when carrying luggage or other items.
Other Potential Fees to Be Aware Of
While the Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a wide range of amenities and services to make your stay enjoyable, it’s important to be aware of any potential fees that may be incurred during your visit. In addition to the cost of the room itself, there are a few other fees that you should keep in mind.
Resort Fee for Hotel Stays
One fee that you may encounter when staying at the Gaylord Opryland Resort is the resort fee. This fee is charged per night and covers a variety of amenities and services offered by the resort.
It is important to note that the resort fee is not included in the initial room rate and will be charged separately upon check-in. The exact amount of the resort fee may vary depending on the time of year and the specific package or promotion you have booked.
According to the official website of the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the resort fee includes access to the fitness center, in-room bottled water, local and toll-free calls, and high-speed internet access.
It also includes a discount on self-parking and a coupon book with savings on various resort activities and dining options.
Gratuities for Services
When enjoying the various amenities and services at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, it is customary to tip the staff who provide these services. This includes housekeeping, bellmen, concierge, and any other staff members who go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.
It is important to remember that gratuities are not included in the initial price of your stay. While tipping is generally discretionary, it is customary to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% of the total cost of the service provided. This is a way to show your appreciation for the excellent service you receive during your stay.
By keeping these potential fees in mind and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that your stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort is not only enjoyable but also within your planned budget. Remember to check the resort’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on fees and gratuities.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, Gaylord Opryland offers free access to its stunning indoor gardens, restaurants, and shops without having to pay an admission ticket.
However, certain experiences like seasonal events and signature shows do come with a separate ticket cost. Validating your parking, and understanding any resort fees if staying overnight can help maximize value during your visit.
With this guide, you can now plan your Gaylord Opryland visit knowing exactly what entertainment, attractions, and amenities can be enjoyed free of charge. Take in the beautiful botanical gardens, relax by the cascading waterfalls, and explore the dining and shopping without worrying about extra costs on your Nashville getaway.
