Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dolly Parton and Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton orchestrated a grand tapestry of excitement to unveil the 39th season. This gala affair marked the commencement of a Passholder and Media Preview, where the winter endeavors of Dollywood and the promise of enchanting delights in 2024 were shared with exuberance and anticipation.

Opening week saw Dollywood being bestowed with the distinguished title of one of “The South’s Best Attractions” by Southern Living, underscoring the park’s unparalleled allure, with the article headline proclaiming, “Why Dollywood is Better than Any Other Theme Park.”

The revelry continued with the opening of the I Will Always Love You Music Festival—an homage to Dolly’s illustrious career. The festival, running until April 14, features three captivating shows that promise to captivate the hearts of guests and media alike.

At the heart of the 2024 narrative is the lively “Sing-a-long with Dolly” show at the Back Porch Theater, inviting passholders, media, and Naughton himself to partake in a joyous chorus of Dolly’s timeless hits. The park’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge entertainment was emphasized with a substantial $1 million investment in technology upgrades across theaters and show venues.

As anticipation reaches a crescendo, Dollywood is gearing up for the grand unveiling of the Dolly Parton Experience on May 24—an immersive odyssey chronicling Dolly’s journey from humble beginnings in Locust Ridge to global stardom. This three-times-larger-than-life showcase, crafted under the visionary leadership of Naughton, promises an unparalleled exploration of the iconic artist’s life and legacy. From “Songteller” tracing Dolly’s roots to “Behind the Seams,” offering a sneak peek into the creation of Dolly’s iconic looks, the Experience is set to be a multi-faceted delight.

In the symphony of excitement that is Dollywood’s 2024 season, the reopening of the park’s iconic Lightning Rod attraction takes center stage. The ride now features a new, high-speed chain lift that will provide guests with a more consistent and efficient ride experience. As the coaster trains ascend the first drop, the essence of the ride remains identical to its previous format with the launch system. Personally, experiencing the ride after these enhancements, I found Lightning Rod to offer a smoother ride experience with heightened moments of airtime. The anticipated improvements are poised to welcome an additional 1 million guests annually, ensuring that this roller coaster continues to reign as a fan-favorite and a testament to Dollywood’s dedication to providing world-class attractions.

The extended operating calendar for 2024 has grown to 281 operational days, an increase of 23 days over the 2023 season; this after an additional 21 operational days were added in 2023, ensures that every passholder and visitor has ample time to immerse themselves in the magic Dollywood has to offer. From the Flower & Food Festival (April 19-June 9) with its vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures to the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 15-August 11) featuring the mesmerizing “Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights” drone and fireworks show every night, the park is poised to be a hub of summer traditions.

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (September 9-October 28) arrives two weeks earlier this season, providing more time to celebrate the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins and the enchanting Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (November 1-January 5)—concludes the park’s 2024 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows, and a warm Christmas atmosphere.

Having secured my Gold Season Pass, I’m ready for a season filled with extraordinary experiences at one of the world’s most renowned theme parks. Join me in embracing the fun and thrills in the hills by securing your season pass before prices increase after March 17.

For more details, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Required reading: Dollywood Shines in Southern Living’s ‘The South’s Best’ Awards