Dollywood Kicks Off 2024 Season with Reopening of Lightning Rod

(eap) The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge (Tennessee) starts into this year’s season today. While the park is only open to season passholders today, Dollywood will open its gates to everyone again as of tomorrow. With a total of 280 opening days, the park will be open on more days than ever before. Visitors can look forward to the well-known attractions as well as various shows and events during this particularly long season. In addition, the popular hybrid coaster “Lightning Rod” is celebrating its reopening today. The wooden roller coaster with “IBox” steel track from Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), which opened in 2016, was closed at the end of October 2023 to be refurbished. The frequently problematic launch at the start of the ride was replaced by a fast chain lift.

Furthermore, the new “Dolly Parton Experience” will welcome park visitors as of May this year. The exhibition about the life of the successful singer, actress and entrepreneur Dolly Parton is divided into three buildings and themed areas. Hence, the exhibition is around three times the size of the former “Chasing Rainbows Museum”. In the “Songteller” area, Dolly fans will be able to discover exhibits that reflect Dolly’s life and her unique career. In “Behind the Seams”, selected items of the singer’s wardrobe that represent her unmistakable style will be presented. Also, a new exhibition has been added to the “Dreamsong Theater’s” waiting area, which is dedicated to the importance of faith and family for Dolly. ■