Why Dollywood Is One Of The World’s Most Popular Places To Visit

In a recent report, Dollywood was named the world’s top tourist attraction that travelers want to return to most. What is it about this theme park owned by singer Dolly Parton in the heart of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains that people find so appealing?

From a recently opened resort to a new Dolly Parton Experience—all part of a half-billion dollar, 10-year expansion plan—here’s what you need to know.

The Dolly Parton Experience

As Dollywood heads into its 39th season, there’s plenty of news, including more operating days than ever (280 days—which is up 23 from last season) and revamped shows, including a new interactive sing-along featuring Parton’s greatest hits. But the headliner is the Dolly Parton Experience, which is designed to immerse visitors in the singer’s journey from her humble beginnings in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, to worldwide fame. This new interactive exhibit—which replaces the former Chasing Rainbows museum—blends curated exhibits and live entertainment. The Dolly Parton Experience features elements like:

Songteller: This area showcases Parton’s roots from Sevier County to her journey to Nashville, including her favorite mementos, a room dedicated to her record-selling albums and a 360-degree projection mapped story of her life.

Behind the Seams: Formerly a shop called Dolly’s Closet, this exhibit now gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at how Parton’s iconic style comes to life, inspired by her book of the same name.

DreamSong Theater: The theater’s lobby now hosts the Precious Memories exhibit, honoring Parton’s friends and family. The new show, “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends,” spotlights songs and stories written by Parton’s niece, Heidi Parton.

Imagination Library: This is a tribute to Parton’s foundation, which focus on literacy and is inspired by her father’s inability to read or write. The exhibit highlights Dolly’s commitment to providing books to children worldwide.

Dollywood’s New Rides and Attractions

Dollywood continues to thrill guests with new rides and attractions, including nine roller coasters. Highlights include:

Big Bear Mountain: Opened last summer, this $25 million roller coaster is the park’s longest, stretching 3,990 feet. It includes three launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and—of course—great audio, all themed around the Great Smoky Mountains and Parton’s roots.

Lightning Rod: This popular wooden coaster that hits lightning quick speeds of 73 mph has been revamped with a new high-speed chain lift, allowing for 1 million more rides per year.

Annual Festivals

Throughout the year, Dollywood hosts a variety of annual festivals that offer unique experiences and attractions. Here’s a sampling:

Flower & Food Festival: Through June 11, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival dazzles visitors with over a million blooms and elaborate floral sculptures by Mosaicultures International. Highlights include a sculpture of Parton’s mother stitching the famed Coat of Many Colors and a beekeeper sculpture with live beehives. The festival also features a menu inspired by fresh spring flavors, including Cuban sandwiches, street tacos and berry and honey funnel cakes. Guests can purchase a tasting pass to sample multiple dishes.

Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration: Kicking off on June 15, this family-favorite celebration includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show every night through August 11, with weekend shows through September 1.

Harvest Festival: In the fall, the park transforms into an autumnal wonderland with more than 12,000 pumpkins, thousands of shimmering leaves, a honey bee exhibit, harvest-themed culinary creations, live music, artisan demonstrations, Great Pumpkin LumiNights and more.

Smoky Mountain Christmas: Dollywood wraps the year up with a holiday-themed festival featuring over six million twinkling lights, dozens of spectacular Christmas trees, heartwarming holiday shows, festive food and visits from Santa Claus.

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort

Dollywood’s newest hotel, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, just opened last fall. The 302-room lodge, inspired by Parton’s love of the Smoky Mountains, blends mountain adventure with luxury. HeartSong offers various amenities, including family suites and bunk rooms, all designed for multi-generational families with Smoky Mountain-inspired décor. The Cove is an outdoor area with fire pits, a zero-depth entry pool, a splash pad and seasonal poolside dining. And then there’s Camp DW, where there are activities for families from arts and crafts to storytelling to marshmallow roasting.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

Dollywood’s original resort, DreamMore Resort and Spa, just completed a major room refresh. The 300-room resort is infused with all things Dolly, from a hall of album covers to Parton’s family recipe for Stone Soup at its Song & Hearth restaurant. Guests enjoy priority access to Dollywood, a free TimeSaver pass, complimentary trolley transportation to the park and early admission on Saturday mornings.

Dollywood’s Splash Country

For people looking to cool down and chill out, Dollywood’s sister park, Splash Country, has towering slides, tons of pools and family-friendly splash zones. Like Dollywood, the water park is built into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and has plenty of food and entertainment, including dance parties with live music next to the wave pool.

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