We're passionate about all things Dollywood and Sevier County, and we want to share that passion with you. Come along as we explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. From Dollywood and Splash Country to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove, there's something for everyone in Sevier County.
We're also big fans of Dolly Parton, and we'll be sure to keep you up-to-date on her latest news and projects. We're sure you'll find something to love here.
This article includes all of my visit to the "I Will Always Love You'' Festival and Opening Week AND A Photo Trip Report that includes some of the pics from my visit.
If you are interested in all of the Festival Flavors that Dollywood serves up, then you need to check out my mouth-watering blog post detailing all the menu items that the park serves for their incredibly popular Tasting Pass menu. In short, you purchase this pass and can get any five items from their vast selection of offerings. All the details are in the blog post. Click Here to go there!
Let's start with the videos, and below that the Photo Trip Report!
Welcome to Dollywood and a new season of fun and excitement! Dollywood was celebrating the "I Will Always Love You'' Festival during this tour around the park. This is Part One.
In Part One - going to be sticking around Showstreet, Rivertown Junction, The Village and Country Fair Areas - the rest of the park in Part Two. I will share some highlights from the Dollywood Express and I've got a Nightflight Expedition construction site progress update from March 25th - it's changed a lot since that time.
PART TWO: I’ll be finishing up my tour of the park to catch all the little details and décor updates that have popped up since last season. In Wildwood Grove, I take a peek at the construction fence for Nightflight Expedition...and continue the park tour. Then, we’re heading into Craftsman’s Valley for a seat at the Valley Theater to enjoy a full performance from the Smoky Mountain String Band.
After that, we’ll take a walk through the Emporium to share some highlights of the new 2026 merchandise—including some early looks at the Flower & Food collection.
NightFlight Expedition!
Last fall, I published a video detailing some of what we might experience in NightFlight Expedition - based off of the only other Mack Rocking Boat attraction - so check it out to get an idea of what we can expect out of this incredible new attraction!
If you're curious about Dollywood's Next Huge Ride - This is It!!
Check out my blog post with all the details that I think I know.
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
Dollywood 2026: Flower & Food Festival - April 17th - June 7th.
Dollywood is now open for its 41st season, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about the Flower & Food Festival — including tasting pass details, entertainment, transportation tips, park tours, and more.
At Dollywood's Flower and Food Festival, Spring splendor blooms around every corner. Celebrate the beauty of the season amongst larger-than-life mosaicultures and half a million vibrant flowers. Awaken your tastebuds with mouthwatering, festival-exclusive fresh flavors. Soak in the spirit of song and story at engaging new shows and returning fan-favorites. Dance and play in a rainbow wonderland under Umbrella Sky, a dazzling art installation that dapples Dollywood in a kaleidoscope of color. Feel Dollywood burst to life from April 18 - June 7 at the Flower and Food Festival!
Tasting Pass & Festival Menu
The Dollywood app is your best friend during festival season. It shows where each specialty food item is located,
and in some cases allows mobile ordering.
Tasting Pass Details:
Includes 5 festival food items
Shareable between guests
Valid for the entire festival — no need to use all punches in one visit
Gold & Diamond Passholders save $3
Price: $39.99 for Passholders, $42.99 for everyone else
Menu items and locations are available on the Dollywood website and app.
Timber Canyon Restrooms: Renovated, enlarged and refreshed.
Wilderness Pass Restaurant: New covered seating area. Menu includes rotisserie chicken, fish, collard greens, and more.
Till & Harvest Menu: Cheeseburger/fries, Chicken Tenders/fries, Smoky Mountain Nachos, Wildwood Grove Rice Bowl & White Bean Queso Dip. See pic....
Cinnamon Bread Price: $12.99. They may have rearranged the entrance/exit situation again. It currently begins and ends at the water tower. Not great pic, but notice Exit/Enter signs.
Ride Updates
Daredevil Falls: New boats with updated colors!
Mystery Mine: Behind‑the‑scenes upgrades including new control systems. Now Open!
Dollywood Express: Converted from coal to oil — safer, cleaner, and able to operate in more weather conditions. Now Open!
Nightflight Expedition
The new hybrid coaster + river rapids attraction continues construction in Wildwood Grove.
As of 4/17/2026, the park suggests a possible mid‑June opening. A soft‑opening is planned for select passholder tiers.
Many people online are skeptical of this opening date given the appearance of the construction site. Once construction concludes, the ride will undergo a commissioning process. The timeframe depends on a lot of variables. The park is still saying ''spring'' which technically goes until mid-June - So We Will Seeeee! Stay tuned to my channels as I will report on any updates from the park.
Check out my video for a closer look at the only other existing Mack Rocking Boat attraction in operation - Mission Bermuda! The next video, below, is my progress update from March 25, 2026.
Shows & Entertainment
Many guest‑favorite shows return for the festival....
Returning Favorites
From The Heart: Dolly’s musical journey (DP Celebrity Theater)
Dollywood 2026: I Will Always Love You Festival Guide
Dollywood is open for its 41st season, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about the
I Will Always Love You Festival — including tasting pass details, new additions around the park,
ride updates, entertainment, transportation tips, and more.
Dollywood opens with a special Passholder Day, which also includes guests staying at Dollywood’s resorts.
This year, Dolly is expected to appear and parade through the park around 3 PM on Friday.
The park opens to everyone on Saturday, March 13th.
The festival celebrates the legacy of Dolly’s iconic song “I Will Always Love You,” originally written as a
farewell to Porter Wagoner as she stepped into her own spotlight. Expect art installations, culinary creations,
and special entertainment throughout the park.
Tasting Pass & Festival Menu
The Dollywood app is your best friend during festival season. It shows where each specialty food item is located,
and in some cases allows mobile ordering.
Tasting Pass Details:
Includes 5 festival food items
Shareable between guests
Valid for the entire festival — no need to use all punches in one visit
Gold & Diamond Passholders save $3
Price: $39.99 for Passholders, $42.99 for everyone else
Menu items and locations are available on the Dollywood website and app.
Timber Canyon Restrooms: Renovated, enlarged and refreshed.
Wilderness Pass Restaurant: New covered seating area. Menu includes rotisserie chicken, fish, collard greens, and more.
Ride Updates
Daredevil Falls: New boats with updated colors.
Mystery Mine: Behind‑the‑scenes upgrades including new control systems.
Dollywood Express: Converted from coal to oil — safer, cleaner, and able to operate in more weather conditions.
Nightflight Expedition
The new hybrid coaster + river rapids attraction continues construction in Wildwood Grove.
As of 3/11/2026, the park suggests a possible mid‑June opening. A soft‑opening is planned for select passholder tiers.
Stay tuned for updates — and check out my video for a closer look at the massive hangar and ride elements.
Shows & Entertainment
Many guest‑favorite shows return for the festival, along with exciting new additions.
Returning Favorites
From The Heart: Dolly’s musical journey (DP Celebrity Theater)
Wings of America Birds of Prey (Craftsman’s Valley Theater)
The Dolly Parton Experience (multiple buildings)
New for 2026
Moto Motion: Freestyle Showdown (Pines Theater)
Artrageous (Showstreet Theater)
Operating Calendar
The park is open every day during the I Will Always Love You Festival, with varying hours:
10 AM – 7 PM
10 AM – 8 PM
9 AM – 11 PM (select days)
Trolley to Dollywood
Opening Day 2025 saw extremely heavy crowds due to Dolly’s appearance — parking lots even closed for a few hours.
Spring Break season also brings high attendance.
Pro Tip: If Dolly is expected to be at the park, consider taking the Pigeon Forge Trolley instead of driving.
It drops you off right at the front gate and can save a lot of stress.
Watch my video guide for everything you need to know about the trolley system.
Transportation Names Explained
Parking Lot Tram: Runs between Dollywood/Splash Country parking lots and the front gate.
Resort Trolleys: Shuttle guests between the resorts and both parks.
Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Trolleys: Public transit systems serving major tourist areas.
Fun Facts & Quiz
Dollywood opened in 1986 — that was Season One.
In 2026, the park is in its 41st season, and Dolly turns 80.
Quiz:
In 2056…
How old will Dolly be?
What season will Dollywood be celebrating?
What year of operation will it be?
Helpful Trip‑Planning Resources
Explore more guides, videos, and planning tools:
Dollywood's 2026 Ride - Hidden Hollow Aviation - Updates, Photos, Videos of it Under Construction.
Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge. I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources and ranked hotels in the area. I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet. Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge. I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources and ranked them in my blog post.
Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as Big Bear Mountain footage.
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