PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Tuesday, October 22, 2024) — One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40^th season in 2025. Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when it opened on May 3, 1986, but the mission at its heart remains the same—to create a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024)—As the air begins to cool and hearts begin to warm, families gather for favorite traditions, including a visit to Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana. The festival begins Monday, Sept. 9 and runs through Monday, Oct. 28. Fully embracing the change of seasons, Dollywood is reimagined with stunning park décor inspired by the autumnal beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood entirely transforms again from day to night, and several areas of the park come alive with the glow of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, October 17, 2022) — Things certainly are going to be “BIG” at Dollywood in 2023. The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park is gearing up for a season that includes the debut of Big Bear Mountain, the longest roller coaster in the park’s history, a new celebration of one of Dolly’s most iconic songs, as well as 15 additional park operating days throughout the year. With so much big fun in 2023, a Dollywood season pass should be on everyone’s wish list. The park opens to the general public on Saturday, March 11.

Set to open in the spring, Dollywood’s Big Bear Mountain is the single largest attraction investment in the company’s history. The $25 million roller coaster is nearly 4,000 ft. long, features on-board audio and promises guests a thrilling adventure through the hills bordering Wildwood Grove. This expansion of Wildwood Grove—named the industry’s Best Kids’ Area for three years—takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels. Big Bear Mountain’s 39” inch height requirement allows even younger adventurers to come along for the ride.

Not only do the rides get bigger in 2023, so does the operating calendar. Dollywood guests and season passholders can enjoy an additional 15 days of fun in the Smoky Mountains next season when compared to the 2022 calendar. The additional days come throughout the year, meaning guests can enjoy more of everything the 2023 season has to offer. The park opens at 10 a.m. every operating day through the Harvest Festival. Operation begins at 11 a.m. during Smoky Mountain Christmas.