Dollywood Grand Opening 2026! WE SAW Dolly Parton, NEW Food, Rides, NightFlight Expedition & MORE
Key Moments
Editorial Summary
The creators document their experience during the 2026 season opening at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The visit begins with a passholder preview day, featuring low crowds and access to the I Will Always Love You festival. The creators explore new merchandise at the Emporium, including items themed after the upcoming NightFlight Expedition ride and Dolly Parton's signature style. They also sample culinary festival offerings, such as a strawberry cupcake and a sausage and cabbage skillet. The video highlights various park attractions, including the Dollywood Express, which has transitioned from coal to oil power, and several roller coasters like Lightning Rod and Tennessee Tornado. The experience culminates in a media event where Dolly Parton makes an unexpected appearance. During her speech, she discusses her recent work on a Broadway musical and a new hotel in Nashville. Park leadership also provides details regarding the highly anticipated NightFlight Expedition, an immersive indoor coaster, and upcoming seasonal events like Boo Bash and new nighttime activities at Splash Country.
Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.
How This Review Compares
This review is more critical than the all-time creator consensus.
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Thank you so much to Dollywood for inviting us, getting to hear from Dolly for a straight half an hour of her being hilarious, amazing, and just a treasure.
We're so excited for this ride to open this year.
The energy in the park is amazing today. We saw so many friends. We've made so many Smoky Mountain friends.
Dolly is so Dolly. She is so classic, so iconic, so just a queen. We love her.
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