Dollywood, a park that has cemented its place as a true staple in American entertainment, is grappling with a challenge many businesses dream of: too much success. They know it, and anyone who has visited recently knows it too. Capacity, or rather the lack of it, has become the talk of the Smoky Mountains. But it seems the park isn’t just aware of the problem; they’re allegedly gearing up for what could be the most aggressive expansion in their history. The next five years, specifically from 2027 through 2031, are rumored to see an unprecedented injection of capital, potentially bringing two new roller coasters and a park expansion even larger than Wildwood Grove.
So, what exactly is on the drawing board? Let’s break down the alleged timeline. For 2027, the focus seems to be on filling some gaps. After the anticipated NightFlight Expedition, an ‘off year’ is predicted, but not without additions. A major thrill flat ride, a Starflyer, is high on the list. Imagine, towering high above the park, offering unparalleled views of the Smokies – a visual spectacle certainly, and a thrill for many. It’s practical too, potentially fitting into the Country Fair area where the old Zierna Disco once stood. Meanwhile, Dollywood’s Splash Country is also said to be overdue for an upgrade, with a major water coaster, perhaps similar to Holiday World’s Mammoth, being a strong candidate. This would be a significant addition, catering to families with those large circular rafts, a clear differentiator from other regional water parks.
Move to 2028, and attention reportedly shifts to the park’s heart: the Owens Farm area. Currently, this segment is often described as the smallest and perhaps the least developed. This is where a new thrill coaster is expected to land, some 12 years after Lightning Rod debuted. Speculation runs wild on the type. A B&M dive coaster is considered, offering those classic vertical drops and panoramic views. But then there’s the capacity question. Dollywood has seen recent attractions like Big Bear Mountain and Dragonfly struggle with throughput. So, a Vekoma suspended thriller coaster intertwined with a family boomerang coaster is another intriguing idea. This ‘dual package’ concept, seen overseas, could deliver two coasters for the price of one project, theoretically boosting ride count. Yet, the most likely contender? A Mack Rides hyper coaster. Known for their versatile, twisted drops and airtime hills, a Mack hyper could maximize the given terrain and offer intense thrills without sacrificing capacity as much as some other options. It seems Dollywood is looking for not just a thrill, but a workhorse.
Now, 2029 is pegged as a quieter year for the theme park itself. Think new special events or expanding existing ones. The real underlying work, however, is said to be on a new resort, with 2029 or 2030 being the projected opening. This makes sense; more guests mean more beds, and Dollywood is not just a day trip destination anymore. 2030 would then focus on broader park improvements, like expanding restaurant capacity and generally shoring up infrastructure to handle the ever-increasing attendance. It’s less about flashy rides and more about the fundamental guest experience. Because, as we all know, a hungry crowd is not a happy crowd.
The grand finale of this alleged five-year plan culminates in 2031 with the largest expansion in Dollywood’s history. The focus? The upper train loop. This area, currently a vast empty field, could be transformed into an entirely new themed land. We’re talking three to four new flat rides, several kid rides, and even a new mini-show venue. A second train station up there would be key, providing easy access to this elevated area. The big attraction? A modern Vekoma mine train coaster, complete with tunnels, intricate layouts, and strong theming. It would even be a nod to the park’s past, as a mine train coaster once occupied the space where Tennessee Tornado now stands. The good news for Dollywood is they reportedly own ample land around this area, making such a massive undertaking entirely feasible. The question isn’t whether they can, but whether they should. With crowds showing no sign of slowing, it seems the choice is clear: expand, or risk being overwhelmed. More rides, more shows, more food – it’s the tried and true formula for theme park growth, and Dollywood appears poised to follow it aggressively. Whether this means less time waiting or just more people waiting for more attractions remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Dollywood is about to get a whole lot bigger.
