The 2021 season of Dollywood is just around the corner! Opening day is Saturday, March 13th however season passholders have exclusive access to a preview on March 12th. Emily will be sure to be there to show you the NEW updates Dollywood has for guests this season. Check out the new ride updates, shows, and dining news below!
1. Flower and Food Festival is BACK!
Dollywood first introduced the Flower and Food Festival in the summer of 2020 and has brought it back for 2021! This festival will be replacing the much loved Festival of Nations that normally kicks off the new season. This year’s Flower and Food festival will be April 23rd- June 7th. Guests will be immersed into flower- filled floral sculptures and colors to celebrate Spring and Summer in the Smokies. In addition to the flower sculptures, guests can enjoy the 12 locations throughout the park with new menu items created by the Dollywood culinary team….YUM! The festival will also feature the Melodies of Spring concert series throughout at the park! More than 25 southern gospel and contemporary christian artists can be found throughout the park!
2. Lightning Rod Will ReOpen on a New Track
This one of a kind wooden roller coaster made its debut in2016 and quickly became a fan favorite for its high speed and thrills! It unfortunately shut down in 2020 due to mechanical changes and improvements. The new track being installed by manufacturers are excited to reopen the roller coaster just in time for the 2021 season!
3. Mystery Mine, Blazing Fury and Thunderhead Will Also Get New Tracks
According to Dollywood’s insiders, guest feedback showed that the spooky thriller ride, Mystery Mine, wasn’t the smoothest and most enjoyable ride to experience. Due to manufacturers being overseas, the new track should be completed a few weeks after opening day. Keep this mind when planning your trip! Thunderhead has been in the process of receive a new track for years. Little by little it has made progress and is now half way done! Blazing Fury is one the oldest rides inside the park so updates are needed to keep it around for years to come!
4 New Shows at Dollywood
Many guests come to Dollywood to experience the seasonal shows with foot stomping music, talented dancers and musicians, and the world class entertainment. Dollywood is uping the game by adding a list of new shows and performances you won’t want to miss all year long! “Harmonies of the Heart” will be offered as the park opens and will feature members of Dolly’s family. “The Tones”, a modern version of the original group, Gem Tones, will also be new this year. Located at Back Porch Theater, guests can enjoy “A Brighter Day.”
5. More Dining Spaces Throughout the Park
Dollywood doesn’t lack in the delicious food department. From BBQ, platters, dessert, and that gooey cinnamon bread, Dollywood realized it was beginning to run short on open dining spaces for guests to relax. Hickory House will now have a covered dining area as well as dining space beside Dogs N Taters. While adding much needed dining space, park officials have been able to make more room for walkways so guests don’t feel as congested.
6. Robert F. Thomas Chapel Renovations
New roofing, wood, paint and more is coming to the historic Robert F. Thomas Chapel in Craftman’s Valley! The chapel offers weekly services for park guests as well as seasonal entertainment performances. During the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival, guests were able to enjoy candlelight carolers outside the chapel. The renovations will make guest access to the chapel safer and more updated for years to come!
7. Craftsman’s Valley Updates
The Blacksmith shop will be moved and provide guests with new experiences! In addition to the dining space updates and wider walkways, the blacksmith shop will be moved adjacent to the chapel. They will now offer a new experience for guests to craft their own knife.
8. Dining Day Pass During the Flower and Food Festival
Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival will now offer a dining day pass during April 23rd- June 7th festival dates. Dining day passes will give you 5 entrees to test out the new dining options. Passes will be $29.99 however Dollywood Passholders receive a discounted price of $27.99.
9. Future Festivals Have Been Confirmed!
Guests love visiting Dollywood during their famous festivals such as the Summer Celebration, Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Smoky Mountain Christmas. In addition to these festivals, Dollywood announced that there will be more exciting news throughout the year. Check back for more info!
