Dollywood Season Preview 2021

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originally posted on 3/12/2021

Photo: Courtesy The Dollywood Company. View full-sized image.

If you believe lightning can’t strike twice, it is time to plan your trip to Dollywood in 2021! After its closure during 2020, Lightning Rod reopened to the public Friday, March 12th at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park after the completion of retracking of two-thirds of the ride with IBox track by the original manufacturer, Rocky Mountain Construction.

According to Dollywood’s Pete Owens, vice president of marketing and public relations for The Dollywood Company, the retracking will offer guests a smoother, more stable experience that still features that fast, out-of-control ride we love from Lightning Rod. Now the question: is it wood or steel?

Lightning Rod isn’t the only coaster that received significant winter maintenance, all with guest satisfaction in mind. Mystery Mine saw a change to the track layout! During the exterior portion of the ride, riders will now take a left turn rather than experience a sharp drop. Blazing Fury received significant off-season maintenance, and Thunderhead had some track work completed.

Dollywood opened for the season without the usual appearance by Dolly herself. Dolly shared, “I wish I could be there for the opening, but the doctors said I need to wait until after I’ve had the second dose of the vaccine. Let’s all be patient. All of this stuff is going to be over soon, and I know it won’t be long until we can be together.” The park is now open most days, but be sure to check the calendar for some weekday closures before planning your visit.

Roller coasters aren’t the only refreshed draw this season; festivals are back with Dollywood’s special touch to enhance your experience. April 23 kicks off the arrival of Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival. Through June 7, guests will be delighted by more than half-a-million brightly blooming flowers that make up numerous displays and lavish landscaping throughout the park. New this year is the option of a Flower & Food Festival Dining Pass, which allows guests to partake of multiple entrees at a number of culinary locations during the springtime event. This festival is just the first of four festivals in 2021, including Summer Celebration, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and Smokey Mountain Christmas.

American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.