It’s here!!
Dollywood opens for its 36th season today for season passholders and tomorrow for non-passholders! I couldn’t be more excited about the changes they’ve made in the offseason! From everything from more seating for diners to smoother ride experiences, Dollywood took guest feedback and made improvements in all areas of the park!
Ride Updates
There were no additions to the ride & coaster lineup but improvements were made in the offseason to many of the rides and attractions we all know and love.
Likely the most anticipated changes are those to Lightning Rod. The first wooden launch coaster has struggled with frequent downtime since it was introduced in 2016.
Improvements to the track include wrapping it in a hybrid of wood “Topper Track” and steel “Ibox” track. This will lead to more reliability for the ride and much less downtime.
Mystery Mine also got the royal treatment in the offseason. Its track was rerouted in response to guest feedback. This should result in a smoother ride and less rider discomfort.
Due to delays in getting the steel needed for the job, Mystery Mine is not anticipated to be open in time for Opening Day.
Thunderhead and Blazing Fury also were partially re-tracked in the offseason to keep them running at optimal levels.
Additional Seating Areas for Dining
Have you ever grabbed your hot dog & fries from Dogs N’ Taters and not been able to find a table where you could sit and enjoy it?
Or grab some amazing barbecue from Hickory House BBQ and wish you could sit and observe the majestic Eagles at Eagle Mountain Sanctuary across the way?
Offseason improvements have made all of that a piece of cake!
Starting in Rivertown Junction, the Tin Shop between The Back Porch Theater and Dogs N’ Taters was removed. In its place, tables (with umbrellas for shade!) will be installed. This will provide the perfect spot to gobble down some curly fries and enjoy “A Brighter Day” performance on the stage next door.
Moving over to Craftsman’s Valley, Dollywood built a pavilion for those enjoying a meal from Hickory House BBQ. For those familiar with the area, you might realize that means the Blacksmith & Foundry is no longer there. No worries – we’ll get to that in the next section.
The covered structure offers great protection from the sun while dining and is also a great location to watch the magnificent Eagles in their Eagle Mountain Sanctuary.
Changes in Craftsman’s Valley
So I mentioned above that the Blacksmith & Foundry was removed from its place in Rivertown Junction to make room for the new dining pavilion at Hickory House BBQ.
Well don’t worry – it’s found a new home in Craftsman’s Valley.
The Blacksmith & Foundry is now located next to the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. It will offer a retail shop and shortly after the park opens for the season a Build Your Own Knife experience will be added.
Speaking of the Chapel, it got spruced up in the form of a new roof, some replaced siding, and other maintenance projects to keep the beautiful landmark in its best shape.
New Ways to Save Time & Money
I will admit this next one may have been introduced last season but I came across it while at Dollywood last month for a media event.
Drink Free All Season Long At Both Parks!!
The regular refillable mug allows for $.99 refills all season and free refills they day you buy the mug. The upgraded mug gives you free refills all summer long at both parks!!!
Next up are changes to the TimeSaver passes. New for 2021, you can use the standard TimeSaver on any rides you wish for up to 8 times. In the past you were limited on how many times you could ride the most popular rides.
TimeSavers have also gone digital. Rather than marking your pass, hosts can scan the barcode either on a ticket on a lanyard or even your phone.
For more details, check out the Dollywood Blog post on the subject here.
Last is something new that won’t be available until the Flower & Food Festival but I’m too excited to wait to share it until then.
Dining Day Passes!
During the Flower & Food Festival, the Dollywood Culinary Team will introduce the Dollywood Dining Day Pass. For $29.99 ($27.99 for passholders), guests can get 5 of the festival’s featured food items such as lobster roll, fish n’ chips or Cuban sandwiches.
Depending on the success of these Dining Day passes, its possible guests will see them being offered after the Flower & Food Festival and possibly for following festivals.
After last year’s season of uncertainty, I’m looking forward to the upcoming season at Dollywood. The coasters I love will be available more regularly and offer a smoother experience, there will be great new things to eat as well as new ways to stay on a budget and make the most the of the day!!
Will you be making plans to visit Dollywood this year? What’s your favorite thing to do while you’re there?
