Dollywood has revealed the official 2024 season opening date, as well as announced several updates made to the amusement park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts anticipates another big year, following the success of their massive 2023 season. In 2023, the park introduced Big Bear Mountain, later awarded the title of the Best New Family Coaster globally. Additionally, the company expanded its lodging offerings with the October 2023 opening of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
When Does Dollywood Open For 2024 Season?
The park is gearing up to open to the public for its 39th season on March 9, 2024, and season pass holders one day prior on March 8, 2024. The 2023 season will include 23 additional operating days, as well as new park amenities and updates.
“Our Dollywood Parks & Resorts properties have truly become among the top vacation destinations in the entire country,” said Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company. “We’ve earned several great honors this past year, including being No. 27 on Forbes’ list of Best Customer Service in the entire country. Recognition like that comes because of the effort we place each day on ensuring the guest experience for every person who visits us is the best it can possibly be. We really believe the only way to do that is by asking guests for their honest opinions and listening fully to their responses. Several of the projects we outlined here today — including the new restroom facility in the ticket plaza, as well as the more efficient ticketing system — are just two more ways we’ve taken that feedback and are acting on it.”
Notable Dollywood Park Updates
New Ticketing System And Restrooms Added To Ticket Plaza
When the park opens for the 2024 season next month, there will be several changes to the park, and guests will notice the first change upon their arrival: a new ticketing system.
“We’ve improved the process at the front gate to create a more efficient experience when entering the park,” a social media post revealed of Dollywood’s new ticketing system, featuring a QR code entry rather than the previous turnstiles, which will make entrance to the park even quicker, cutting the entry time from eight to ten seconds to just one second.
The park also added a restroom facility to the ticketing plaza for guests convenience.
New Entertainment
The second update made to Dollywood is new entertainment has been added as part of the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, with three new shows celebrating Dolly’s iconic career. The remarkable narrative of her journey unfolds in “From the Heart—The Life and Music of Dolly Parton,” a new show held in the Celebrity Theater.
“[From the Heart is] a live production show telling the story of Dolly Parton’s life and songs live on stage,” Naughton previously told WATE. “We actually had a Broadway New York producer create the show for us, and it’s of spectacular quality.”
“Sing-A-Long with Dolly” is another new show taking place at Dollywood. The show offers an interactive experience where guests can joyfully sing along to some of her most cherished songs at the Back Porch Theater.
Lastly, “Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady” pays homage to the iconic Trio album, released by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt in 1987. The Three Times A Lady trio is composed of singer/songwriters Lauren Mascitti, Kenney Scott, and Hannah Blaylock and brings a timeless performance to Dollywood guests at the Showstreet Palace Theater.
The I Will Always Love You Music Festival will take place from March 9 to April 14.
Lightning Rod Launch
The coaster’s lift is being replaced with a high-speed chain lift, allowing nearly 1 million more guests to ride the ride each year. After the lift update, fans will get to enjoy the same thrilling ride experience.
The Lightning Rod rollercoaster will reopen in Mid-March.
The Dolly Parton Experience
From her childhood home in Locus Ridge to stages around the world, The Dolly Parton Experience (formerly The Chasing Rainbows Museum) provides a look into Parton’s iconic life and career through multiple interactive attractions. The experience will allow guests to learn more about the park’s Dreamer-in-Chief through curated exhibits, live entertainment and more.
“Our guests are clamoring for more Dolly and this is just going to fill that cup up,” Naughton shared (per WATE). “Being able to tell her story better and connect her story to our guests better in an emotional way, I think will pay long-term dividends. I think the world really needs it. I think everyone needs a little bit more of Dolly Parton.”
Situated across various buildings, the diverse Dolly Parton Experience comprises displays that encompass her legendary career, the origin and outcomes of her greatest aspirations, the significance of her family, and a specially curated exhibit showcasing Dolly’s evolving signature style. Offering guests an extensive dose of Dolly, the experience is three times larger than the previous Chasing Rainbows Museum.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore three unique encounters, each unique designed to narrate Dolly’s journey, including Storyteller, Behind The Seams and Precious Memories. A fresh merchandise venue will also be available, and Dolly’s home on wheels (tour bus) makes a comeback in a new location.
The Dolly Parton Experience, which is set to open sometime in May of 2024, will also feature a Dolly gift shop and “Dollyized” restrooms.
2024 Season Dollywood Schedule
Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Music Festival (March 9-April 14)
The I Will Always Love You Music Festival takes kicks off the 2024 Dollywood season with three new shows, including “From the Heart—The Life and Music of Dolly Parton” at Celebrity Theater, “Sing-A-Long with Dolly” at the Back Porch Theater and “Trio, Again featuring Three Times A Lady,” taking place at the Showstreet Palace Theater.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival, presented by Covenant Health (April 19-June 9)
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring larger-than-life flower sculptures. Guests can wander through this immersive experience, surrounded by over half a million vivid blooms, creating a spectacular festival atmosphere.
Additionally, the culinary team at Dollywood showcases their world-class expertise with a menu filled with delicious treats that highlight the delightful flavors of spring in the Smokies.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, presented by Food City (June 15-Sept. 1)
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration remains a beloved summer tradition for everyone. This year’s festivities feature the nightly Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show at Dollywood. Additionally, the popular “Gazillion Bubble Show” makes a return to captivate guests at the Celebrity Theater.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana (Sept. 9-Oct. 28)
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, a cherished family tradition for many, kicks off two weeks earlier this season, offering guests an extended opportunity to celebrate the beauty of fall.
The festival boasts a multitude of carved pumpkins, captivating performances by talented artists such as Suzy Bogguss and Rhonda Vincent, and the delightful experience of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Recognized as the world’s best theme park harvest event, Great Pumpkin LumiNights showcases intricate displays that appeal to every family member. With delectable culinary offerings, skilled artisans, and autumnal delights in the Smokies, this is an ideal time to bask in the picturesque charm of Dollywood.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 5)
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, recognized as the premier Christmas event, kicks off earlier this year, providing guests with an extended opportunity to enjoy the festive holiday decor. Concluding the park’s 2024 season, this event enchants visitors with six million lights, heartwarming holiday shows, and the inviting Christmas spirit that has become a hallmark of this joyful season.
Dollywood Operating Calendar
See a Dollywood’s full operating calendar below. “We’re excited to bring y’all 23 more days of Dollywood next season for a total of 280 operating days – the most EVER at Dollywood,” the award-winning park shared on social media.
Tickets For Dollywood 2024
Dollywood Season Pass Benefits
With so much more to offer in 2024, Dollywood guests looking to maximize their Dollywood experience should consider securing a season pass to ensure they can enjoy all the excitement.
The Gold Pass offers exceptional value, with early purchasers receiving a Bring-A-Friend Free ticket, complimentary general parking, and discounts on dining, merchandise, and lodging. Additionally, Diamond passholders, though sold out, and Gold passholders gain exclusive access to special “Golden Events,” featuring unique activities tailored just for them (perks are only applicable to the named passholder).
Gold and Diamond passholders can also take advantage of the fantastic daily “Golden Hours.” During the first hour of each operating day, Gold and Diamond Season Passes function similarly to TimeSaver Passes, providing the named passholder with expedited boarding privileges on Dollywood’s top-notch rides and attractions, including Big Bear Mountain.
For those opting for Silver Season Passes, they include a Bring-a-Friend Free ticket and a discount on Dollywood lodging. It’s important to note that select blackout dates apply to adult and senior Silver Season Passes and Silver Bring-a-Friend Free tickets, while Child Silver Season Passes do not have blackout dates.
Keep in mind that season pass prices for Dollywood are set to increase after March 17. For further details on Dollywood’s 2024 season or season passes, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
