What’s the Dolly Parton Experience? Dollywood teases new attraction ahead of 2024 season

Dollywood is undergoing some big changes for a big year. Although the newest attraction still has gray walls and cement floors right now, soon it will be a colorful display of butterflies and Dolly Parton's legacy for Dollywood regulars and first-timers to enjoy.

Dollywood's 2024-25 season will be the park's longest ever, staying open for 280 days. That's 23 more days than the previous season.

There's a special day each year when Dolly Parton puts on a show just for Dollywood season ticket holders. That day is today! We'll bring you the show - and Dolly - live at 11 a.m. This page will be updated with the stream below.

“We've said that we want to be the number one family destination in the United States and we're charging off on that path,” Dollywood president Eugene Naughton said during a Feb. 15 preview event.

Guests will get the full Dolly Parton Experience this year. Along with rides, festivals and food, opening this spring is an immersive museum that will allow parkgoers to journey with Dolly from Locust Ridge to stages around the world.

As much as it’s a museum, the new addition will be an attraction, said Pete Owens, the park’s communication director.

“This is an opportunity for us to create experiences and to share some of those (Dolly) artifacts that you've come to know and love, and a lot of new things, frankly, a lot of things that folks have never seen here,” Owens said.

Dollywood opens March 9 for its 39th season, but season passholders will get a special preview day March 8.

Here’s what’s new at Dollywood for 2024.

The Dolly Parton Experience

The new Dolly Parton Experience is a multibuilding museum that spans Parton’s iconic career, spotlights her signature styles and wigs, and honors her family. It’s located in the former Adventures in Imagination area, which hasn’t been renovated since 2002. The entire interactive museum project is three times larger than the former Chasing Rainbows Museum.

The Dollywood Experience will feature these three exhibits:

• Songteller: Guests walk through exhibits spanning Parton’s life and career that share the inspirations behind her biggest hits and accomplishments.

• Behind The Seams: A curated selection of Parton’s signature style over the decades is displayed in this exhibit and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of the iconic looks.

• Precious Memories: At the DreamSong theater, audience members can learn about the importance of faith and family to Parton.

The Dolly Parton Experience is expected to open in late May.

New Dollywood entertainment

In honor of its namesake, music performances and shows are a vital part of the Dollywood fun. The park has invested $1 million in its entertainment spaces and productions, and there will be more shows on the schedule than previous years.

Four new shows will debut this year, including one for the Dolly Parton Experience written by Parton and featuring her niece, Heidi Parton. Other productions include “From the Heart” directed by Broadway director John Dietrich, “Trio, Again” featuring Three Times A Lady trio and a new sing-along show.

New food items for 2024

Part of any amusement park adventure is enjoying all the food options available. Pizza, pork, pies and everything in between - Dollywood has it all. Elevated favorites, new dishes and several desserts will debut throughout 2024.

Created by culinary director Aaron Banks and executive chef Christopher Seabrook, here’s what’s new on menu this year:

• White chocolate cranberry bread pudding

• Mason jar Goo Goo Cluster cheesecake

• The Pines Theater garden salad

• Pickled deviled eggs

• Smoky corn chowder

• Fried green tomato and mozzarella

• Spicy BBQ pork rinds

• Smoked Memphis Bar-B-Q Ribs

• Honey garlic chicken

• DragonFly Lemonade with mango and dragon fruit boba

• Hot cranberry tea

Upcoming Dollywood festivals and events

Award-winning festivals and events are ongoing at Dollywood throughout the entire year. With each event, the park is transformed with unique décor and fun activities. The 2024 season kicks off with the 2nd I Will Always Love You music festival, which celebrates the art of songwriting.

• I Will Always Love You Music Festival – March 9-April 14

• Flower and Food Festival – April 19-June 9

• Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration – June 15-Aug. 11

A full calendar of events is available at dollywood.com.

How much are Dollywood tickets?

• Dollywood tickets are $92 for adults. Child and senior tickets are $82.

• Season passes that offer access to festivals and events throughout the year, discounts and other benefits are $164-$239. Payment plans are available.

• Dollywood tickets and season passes can be purchased at Dollywood.com.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dollywood 2024 season features Dolly Parton Experience in Pigeon Forge