After Dolly Parton's Cancellation, Dollywood Theme Park Drops Bombshell

Following news of Dolly Parton’s cancellation, the iconic Dollywood theme park–which consistently tops America’s favorite resort destination lists–has dropped a bombshell announcement.

Dolly Parton has long described Dollywood as a place where families can make memories together, and this season, the park has once again adjusted its schedule to host the annual Harvest Festival, which began September 12, 2025.

Nestled in Pigeon Forge, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood continues to draw guests from around the country with its blend of attractions, food, and entertainment. Co-owned by Parton and Herschend Entertainment, the resort is home to experiences like the Lightning Rod roller coaster, Southern-inspired dining locations, and, of course, the famous cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill.

Last year, the singer met with Travel + Leisure at the then-newly opened HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where she reflected on the variety Dollywood offers: “When you come to Dollywood, everybody has a different agenda. We’ve got some of everything—it all depends on how you want to spend your day.”

Her comments came not long after she paused touring to care for her husband, the late Carl Dean, who passed away in March this year. Parton also spoke about the food and merchandise, as well as the cultural value of the Dolly Parton Experience, which debuted May 24 of that year. The exhibit included Songteller: Dolly’s Journey, highlighting her path from her Sevierville beginnings to becoming one of country music’s most celebrated performers.

Dollywood holds personal meaning for Parton, who said she values the little touches, such as the “I Will Always Love You” sign seen as guests exit Dollywood and Splash Country. “They’re going to see on the way in that they’re going to have a lot of fun,” she explained. “But when they’re worn out and ready to go back to their rooms or wherever they come from, it’s like, ‘Dolly loves us. She said thank you in her own little way.’ I love the little touches that make the people feel like I’ve said something personal to them on their way out.”

Parton also acknowledged the effort it takes for families to make a trip possible. “Growing up hard myself, I know that it’s not easy to save up enough money to take the whole family to a park. It’s a lot of work, so I appreciate every bit of that.”

Dollywood often ranks in popularity alongside—and in a lot of cases even above—destinations like Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With rising costs at larger parks, Parton’s heartfelt connection with her guests provides Dollywood with something unique: the sense that there is a person behind the experience.

When asked what she was most proud of about her park, Parton gave a simple answer: “I’m real proud of the fact that this is very family-oriented.”

And Dollywood’s attraction is only going to grow after the resort made a bombshell announcement earlier this week.

Both inside Dollywood and on their social accounts, the future was laid bare. Anchoring 2026 will be a brand new “first of its kind” attraction that combines land, water, and air. Called NightFlight Expedition, the indoor attraction is currently being built on site in Pigeon Forge and is described as “the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride.”

“The attraction is designed to engage families with its vivid storytelling and to delight thrill-seekers with its innovative elements,” Dollywood said (via Blooloop).

“During the ride experience, guests will take a nighttime flight over the Smoky Mountains, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious lake by boat,” the outlet shared.

Take a look at Dollywood’s official attraction teaser below:

NightFlight Expedition – coming 2026!

What happens in the Smoky Mountains after the sun goes down? Soar, plunge, climb and navigate the first ride of its kind in the world.

 

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A post shared by Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@dollywood)

The attraction will cost Dollywood $50 million, the largest amount paid for a single attraction in the resort’s history.

“I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition,” Dolly Parton said in a press release, via Knox News.

“A lot of people ask me about my favorite season in the Smokies, but no one ever asks me what my favorite time of day is,” the outlet reported on the country star’s comments. “Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life!”

Despite showing such enthusiasm, Parton was not present at Dollywood on September 17 for the NightFlight Expedition announcement as she had planned to be. As confirmed by the resort on Tuesday, September 16, a change in Dolly Parton’s schedule led to the musician cancelling her appearance at the theme park.

NightFlight Expedition is expected to open next year, marking a major milestone in Dollywood’s four-decade history.

How do you feel about this “first-of-its-kind” attraction coming to Dollywood? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!