Officials at Dollywood are hinting at a big update to a major attraction in 2026, this is what we know so far
In the 40 years since Silver Dollar City became Dollywood, the one constant has been change. But not just change for the sake of change, the park has been on a consistent upward trajectory. It is now considered among the best theme parks in the country, if not the world. The addition of premium roller coasters like Lightning Rod and the Wild Eagle paired with the variety of additions and expansions make Dollywood a great park that can stand on its own, outside of its connections to the old-time mountain theming.
But that means the park can never really rest. It is always in pursuit of the next improvement. Sometimes that means things have to be let go. Classic older rides like the Flooded Mine may not really have a place in a modern park. Sometimes it’s new ideas that didn’t quite work, like the River Battle.
At the end of each season, there’s a chance that the chopping block will come for something you love. This year, however, Dollywood fans got a reprieve as an executive talking about the future used a word that means an older attraction won’t be replaced. Instead, it will be given new life. That word is refurbishment.
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The announcement
Speaking with the Holler & Hills podcast, Pete Owens – VP of Marketing – talked in broad terms about what is coming for the park’s 40th anniversary. He mentioned several updates and new projects and then casually dropped the following announcement:
“We’re also refurbishing a legacy attraction that we will be able to celebrate in 2026.”
Which attraction will it be? Blazing Fury or Daredevil Falls? Or something else? I think the list of what can truly be called legacy attractions at Dollywood is pretty slim.
The main suspects for the update
Blazing Fury: Opened in June of 1978, Blazing Fury most closely fits the description of “legacy attraction” as it predates Dollywood by nearly a decade. The ride is classic small-time theme park cheese as you ride a small indoor coaster through an 1880s town. The townspeople try to escape an out-of-control fire. There’s one good drop. While it is technically a coaster, it feels a lot more like an old-school-style dark ride. This seems the most likely candidate as it is the park’s true legacy ride. But what are they gonna do? Anything outside of some regular maintenance and a little gussying up will run the spirit of the ride. If there’s too much updating, it won’t be what it was. I think it’s like Small World in Disney. Just make sure it’s safe and well maintained and leave it alone.
Daredevil Falls: I could certainly see that Daredevil Falls – located in Craftsman’s Valley – could use some refurbishment. But as the ride opened in 1998, I would have a hard time calling it a legacy ride. The falls replaced a legacy ride in the Flooded Mine. Maybe the refurbishment would be to add some Flooded Mine theming. But I don’t think it gets us there. I consider this Super Flume Water Ride with a 60-foot drop as a 50-50 chance at best to be the ride Owens was talking about.
Tennessee Tornado: Opened in 1999, the Tornado was a landmark attraction for Dollywood. It marked the park’s intention to become a place for serious thrill seekers. Maybe that place in Dollywood history makes it a legacy attraction. Does the Tornado need refurbishment? I think so. It’s a pretty rough ride with people complaining of headaches and back pain after riding.
Smoky Mountain River Rampage: My friend, this is my dark horse candidate. The River Rampage – a whitewater rafting adventure – opened in 1986, the same year the park became Dollywood. That makes it “legacy attraction” worthy in my mind, and it means there’s a significant anniversary approaching. I can remember when it was the most sought-after attraction in the park. Could it be time for a refurbishment into something a little wilder, a little more rampage-y? I think it’s certainly possible.
Rockin’ Roadway: Opened in 1995, this classic car kids’ ride is still motoring through the park’s Jukebox Junction area. Could it use a little punching up? It could, but 2026 will miss its anniversary by a year. Plus, I think it’s still pretty functional.
The train: There is nothing more “legacy attraction” at Dollywood than the Express Train ride which dates back to the park’s founding as Rebel Railroad in 1961. You don’t get more legacy than that. Could the refurbishment be an addition to the track? A new route for the train? It’s possible, I suppose, but I don’t think it’s as likely as the Blazing Fury or River Rampage.
Personally, I think the smart money is on Blazing Fury, but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s the Rampage.
When will the refurbishment be revealed?
Owens didn’t say when the attraction would be revealed, but the park often likes to use Dolly Parton herself to make big announcements, frequently at the beginning of the season speaking to media and season pass holders. The refurbishment isn’t the biggest announcement out there, though. Owens mentioned a $50 million attraction that will be the first of its kind. There are also more Dolly hotels on the horizon. The refurbishment may be part of the 2025 season-opening, but it’s also possible – since it’s not happening until 2026 – that it comes later in the season.
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Dollywood really needs a campground. There are a lot of people who come Gatlinburg that have campers and would love to camp next to the park and take the shuttle bus.