Dollywood has announced some exciting updates for the 2023 season. In the most recent Season Passholder Preview Day held on March 10, 2023, guests were able to get a sneak peek at what’s in store for us.
Here are some of the major changes you can expect:
I Will Always Love You Celebration
In honor of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” 50th anniversary, the theme park will host a celebration filled with live entertainment throughout the park, photo opportunities, and limited-time offer merchandise. There will be park-wide shows, including Wild Roots, Harmonies of the Heart, and A Brighter Day. Additionally, the Celebrity Concert Series will feature Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Natalie Grant, Jo Dee Messina, Larry, Lauren Alaina and The Gatlin Brothers. The festival runs through April 8, 2023.
Plans for Chasing Rainbows Unveiled
Dolly Parton also revealed plans for a new guest attraction showcasing her legendary life and career. The experience is set to open in 2024 in the area surrounding and including the former Chasing Rainbows museum.
Butterfly Strings Music Store
The park is opening a new store called Butterfly Strings Music Store, which pays tribute to Dolly’s influence on country music. The store, located in Rivertown Junction next to the Back Porch Theater, will sell apparel, gifts, and other merchandise.
The New Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster
The much-anticipated Big Bear Mountain roller coaster is set to open in May 2023. It will be the longest and largest roller coaster in the park, with three separate launches, a waterfall, and onboard audio. This ride is part of the $500 million expansion plan that was first announced in 2021.
HeartSong Lodge & Resort
Dolly Parton’s newest addition to her empire, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, will be opening in November 2023. This 302-room resort will feature high ceilings, exposed beams, and natural layered textures, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind getaway.
More Operating Days
To help guests enjoy all the new attractions, the park will offer more operating days in the 2023 season. There will be an additional 21 days of operation compared to the 2022 calendar.
Other Layout Changes and Updates
The park has made a few other changes, including moving the rental annex for strollers, wheelchair rentals and ECV. They have also moved the TimeSaver Center to Showstreet. We recommend using the Dollywood app to check showtimes and park maps.
When Will Dollywood Open in 2023?
The 2023 season at Dollywood began on March 11 for the general public. Season passholders enjoyed an early preview on Friday, March 10.
Flower and Food Festival
The Flower and Food Festival, presented by Covenant Health, will run from April 21 through June 11. The festival will feature several Mosiaculture displays and a variety of delicacies.
Sweet Summer Nights
Many have been anticipating the return of Sweet Summer Nights Drone and Fireworks Show and if you’re one of them, you’ll be delighted to know it will return this summer along with the show “Gazillion Bubble Show” Aurora.
Dollywood Season Passes for 2023
The price of the Dollywood Silver Season Pass begins at $164. This already comes with 2 Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and you can also get a discount on one-day tickets. This pass is perfect for those who want to enjoy Dollywood’s attractions without breaking the bank. With the Silver Pass, you’ll get unlimited visits to Dollywood during the regular season, which typically runs from late March to early January. However, it’s important to note that the Silver Pass has blackout dates, which means that you won’t be able to use it on certain days.
For just $65 more, guests can opt for the Dollywood Gold Season Pass, which represents tremendous value for visitors. In addition to unlimited visits during the regular season, the Gold Pass includes two Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and a 15% discount on food and merchandise. Unlike the Silver Pass, the Gold Pass has no blackout dates, which means you can visit Dollywood any day during the regular season. If you’re planning on visiting the park multiple times throughout the year, the Gold Pass is a great investment.
It’s also important to note that Dollywood offers payment plans for their season passes, which can help make the cost more manageable. By signing up for the payment plan, you can spread out the cost of your pass over several months.
If you’re not sure which pass is right for you, consider how often you plan to visit Dollywood and whether blackout dates will be an issue for you. Additionally, if you plan on purchasing food and merchandise at the park, the 15% discount included with the Gold Pass can add up to significant savings.
Dollywood also offers one-day and two-day tickets. If you only plan on visiting the park once or twice during the season, these tickets might be a better option for you. However, be sure to check online for discounts or package deals, as these can often offer significant savings.
Here’s a video of Dollywood’s I will always love you 50th celebration: