Dollywood 2025: Exciting New Rides, Shows, and Attractions You Can’t Miss

Dollywood celebrates its 40th anniversary with plays for kids, the return of beloved festivals, a new restaurant, and upgrades all over this legendary theme park. Take a look at what’s new in 2025.

Imagination Playhouse

Heartwarming children’s plays take the stage at this new theater. Each show springs from the pages of books in Dolly’s famous Imagination Library. Here’s a sneak peek:

• “Coat of Many Colors” tells Dolly’s own story of growing up in a poor but loving family. 
• “Violet the Pilot” introduces a plucky young inventor who builds flying machines. 
• “The Little Engine That Could” is the classic tale of overcoming the odds to achieve amazing things. 

Wilderness Pass Restaurant

Before you even see this eatery, you’ll surely smell the mouth-watering aroma of meat cooking over a wood fire. Wilderness Pass dishes up braised beef, rotisserie chicken, and smoked meats, plus sides including mac and cheese and hush puppies. Eat inside, or sit on the patio and get an incredible view of swooping roller coasters.

New Show: “Play On”

Tap your toes and sing along with “Play On,” a show specially created for the park’s anniversary. “Play On” spotlights songs from Dollywood shows over the past four decades.

The “Dollywood” Sign

Imagine the iconic “Hollywood” sign, but make it “Dollywood”! For 2025, the theme park is adding a sign spelling out its name on a hillside overlooking Riverside Junction.

More Parking Spaces

Dollywood is so popular that parking can be a challenge. The park is adding 750 new spaces so it’s easier to find a spot.

Spruced-Up Attractions

Dollywood regulars will appreciate upgrades to old friends including the Blazing Fury and Tennessee Tornado coasters. 

Returning: Seasonal Festivals

Expect the return of the park’s five festivals: I Will Always Love You Music Festival; Flower and Food Festival; Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration; Harvest Festival; and Smoky Mountain Christmas. 

2026 Preview: A New Attraction

Dolly Parton is hinting about a unique attraction in the works for a 2026 opening! This attraction doesn’t have a name yet, but the park mysteriously says visitors will “fly up, over and through the Great Smoky Mountains” without ever leaving Dollywood. 

Spend your time exploring Dollywood, not driving for miles just to get there! Stay in a Pigeon Forge cabin rental close to the theme park, and you’ll be at Dolly’s doorstep in minutes.