While we’ve already covered what is possibly the biggest change at Dollywood in 2024 — Lightning Rod’s launched lift hill replaced with a chain — that’s not the only Dollywood 2024 change you’ll notice this season.
Lightning Rod’s launched lift hill was replaced with a traditional chain lift for the 2024 season.
Keep reading for eight minor Dollywood 2024 changes and updates you might notice (or miss) during your visit this season.
1. The Dolly Parton Experience Construction
The new-for-2024 Dolly Parton Experience is still under construction and is expected to open in May. You can get a glimpse of the construction site if you look through the gaps in the construction wall encircling the area.
The Dolly Parton Experience is bigger than just one attraction — it encompasses an entire area and includes multiple buildings. It replaces and expands upon the former Chasing Rainbows Museum (pictured above) in the theme park’s former Adventures in Imagination section, which opened in 2002.
The Dolly Parton Experience will open in May.
Learn more about the Dolly Parton Experience here.
2. Lots of Pink and Dolly Parton Music
Dollywood kicked off the 2024 season with the all-new I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which runs through April 14. The Dolly-inspired event includes three new shows celebrating Dolly’s career.
The park is decked out in pink with decorations and sparkling art installations, and Dolly music can be heard around every corner. And it wouldn’t be a Dollywood day without delicious food. Tasting stations are sprinkled throughout the park.
3. Dizzy Disk Has Been Removed
Fans of the Dizzy Disk ride will be sad to learn that the Zamperla Disk’O model is no more.
Dizzy Disk opened in 2005 as part of the new Country Fair area, which contained a slew of kid- and family-friendly rides.
The space in the County Fair area where the ride stood has been covered with artificial turf and picnic tables.
While no official reason was given by Dollywood, the ride was prone to downtime. It will be interesting to see what the park has planned for the space.
4. New Cinnamon Bread Ordering Process
Cinnamon bread fans, rejoice — there is a new ordering process, which should reduce your time in line.
Rather than ordering and picking up your loaf (or loaves) of cinnamon bread inside the Grist Mill, you now order at a counter at an adjacent building (I believe this was formerly an Icee/drink station).
Once you’ve placed your order, you proceed into the Grist Mill to pick it up. This seems much more efficient, so hopefully it will save everyone time during the busy periods.
5. The Plaza at Wilderness Pass is Gone
What was once home to the interactive River Battle boat ride, the Plaza at Wilderness Pass is no more.
The space was expansive and used the former River Battle station as a covered seating area.
River Battle, a Mack Splash Battle boat ride, opened in 2008 and closed at the end of the 2017 season.
The Plaza was also home to seasonal installations like the giant LED Christmas tree during Smoky Mountain Christmas and the tree of pumpkins during Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
The site is rumored to become a restaurant, but as of this posting the park has not released any official details. Whatever it becomes, I hope it includes some open seating, as I always enjoyed relaxing in this area.
6. New TimeSaver and Rental Location
The building that once housed the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum near the front of the park is now a joint TimeSaver/special experience reservation center and a stroller/ECV/wheelchair rental facility.
The TimeSaver reservation center has moved around the park a few times over the years, and I think this location near the entrance makes the most sense.
7. Fresh Paint on FireChaser Express
FireChaser Express is sporting a new coat of pain in 2024.
I actually preferred the faded green look as I felt it blended in with the lush green surroundings. But I can’t deny that the shiny new paint looks really slick.
8. Miss Lillian’s Mill House is Temporarily Closed
Dollywood fan favorite Miss Lillian’s Mill House restaurant is temporarily closed for what appears to be renovations.
Carpenters were hard at work installing new roof shingles and insulation was in place, ready to be covered by siding. Hopefully the restaurant will reopen soon.
But fear not, Miss Lillian (as seen above) is still outside entertaining guests in the Craftsman’s Valley area of the park.
Have you visited Dollywood yet in 2024? What other Dollywood 2024 changes or updates did you see? Let us know in the comments section below.
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