Dollywood adds resort, water park by 2027

Dollywood announced on Wednesday that it will launch a series of in‑park tributes and a major resort expansion in 2027. The plans were revealed at a press conference held on the park’s grounds in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where president Eugene Naughton said Dolly Parton would be telling guests to “get back to work” as she set the direction for the park’s future.

The move comes after Dollywood drew 5.8 million visitors in 2023, the highest number in its history, and generated more than $1.2 billion in revenue. Park officials say the new resort will add 1,000 rooms and a 12‑acre water park, making it the largest on‑site accommodation in the region. The tribute section will feature a museum, a stage for live music, and a monument celebrating Dolly Parton’s life and the park’s heritage. Local government officials note the project will create roughly 500 construction jobs and boost tourism dollars for the county.

President Naughton explained that Dolly Parton’s vision for the park has always been to blend entertainment with her personal legacy. “She knew what she wanted Dollywood to be,” he said, adding that the new attractions will keep the park’s family‑friendly focus while adding a “year‑round experience.” The resort’s hotel will be branded as “Dollywood Lodge,” and the water park will be called “River Rides.” The park’s website will launch a booking portal for the new accommodations in early 2024.

Construction is slated to start in spring 2024, with the resort and tributes slated to open in late 2027. The expansion is part of Dolly Parton’s broader strategy to turn Dollywood into a year‑round destination and a key economic engine for East Tennessee. The park’s leadership says the new facilities will allow visitors to stay