Dollywood Is Already Shedding Light on Exciting New Things Happening in 2026

By 1986, Dolly Parton was already a global icon, having racked up 19 number one hits by that point. An established movie star, she'd also already played lead roles in two Hollywood blockbusters, 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Dollywood

Never one to rest on her laurels, Dolly decided to invest in her dream of having a big attraction in the heart of her beloved Smoky Mountains. The next thing you know, we had Dollywood. It opened in 1986, but the concept was revealed four years earlier in an interview with Barbara Walters.

Initially, it was a quaint attraction with very few rides. But the brilliant businesswoman that is Dolly Parton knew that it could rival any of the other popular theme parks dotting the nation's landscape. Today, Dollywood is one of the nation's most popular theme parks, and it only gets bigger every year.

Dollywood 2025

New shows, renovated attractions, and new restaurants were among the many highlights that marked the opening of Dollywood's 40th season. Take a look.

But despite the youth of this new season, we're already learning exciting new information about what to expect at Dollywood in 2026.

Dollywood's New Attraction in 2026

Among the excitement of the new season was a tease of what's coming in 2026. At 2025's season preview day, attendees enjoyed a video that indicates whatever is coming next year will allow guests to "take flight."

And construction on a gigantic "footprint" on the Dollywood property has not gone unnoticed.

We do know this. When it comes to Dolly, bigger is better. Her team is working on something spectacular, and now we can't wait for spring 2026.