The expansions underscore Dollywood’s commitment to providing immersive, family-focused experiences, cementing its status as the nation’s premier family destination. These strategic developments are set to draw record crowds, significantly boosting tourism in the East Tennessee region.

The Evolution of Imagination: Wildwood Grove Expansion

The original Wildwood Grove, which opened as the largest expansion in the park’s history, has become a favorite spot for families, centering on the theme of Dolly’s childhood imagination in the Smoky Mountains. Dollywood is now proceeding with further planned phases of the land, signaling its transformation into an even larger adventure hub.

Recent park announcements confirm that the areas surrounding Wildwood Grove are poised for significant investment. While the official 2026 attraction remains under wraps—teased with hints of a massive indoor, multi-level experience—the ongoing development is part of a grander vision. This expansion is designed to make the park more inclusive and diverse in its offerings, blending high-tech thrills with the natural beauty and storytelling of the Smokies.

Phase III Development: Leaks and official mentions point toward a 43,000 sq ft, five-story indoor attraction launching in the immediate vicinity of Wildwood Grove in the 2026 season. This scale suggests a dark ride or motion simulator, a major shift in park technology.

Enhanced Family Play: The original Wildwood Grove introduced innovative play areas like Hidden Hollow (a climate-controlled indoor space) and Wildwood Creek. Future phases are expected to build on this focus, ensuring a balance of thrilling rides and restful, high-quality family interaction zones.

Boosting Capacity: This massive investment addresses the increasing popularity of the park, creating more experiences to handle larger crowds and reduce wait times, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable day for every guest.

An Unprecedented Holiday Spectacle: Smoky Mountain Christmas

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, consistently voted one of America’s Best Christmas Events, is getting a dazzling refresh. Known for lighting up the mountain with over six million twinkling lights, the 2025 season promises to elevate the festive experience to new heights.

The park is enhancing its signature elements while introducing modern technological spectacles that will leave visitors speechless.

New Aerial Entertainment: Following the successful debut of drone and fireworks shows during the Summer Celebration, Dollywood is integrating a spectacular Christmas drone show into its holiday lineup. This dazzling display will feature hundreds of festive drones dancing across the night sky, illuminating Christmas stories with brilliant, moving light patterns set to merry holiday tunes.

Themed Lighting Zones: The beloved Glacier Ridge area, which transforms a large portion of the park into a winter wonderland, is receiving new light features, ensuring a fresh and captivating experience for repeat visitors.

Returning Favorites: The heart of the festival will continue with award-winning shows like Christmas in the Smokies, the Parade of Many Colors, and the array of seasonal food and crafts that define a traditional mountain Christmas. The Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Pirates Voyage dinner shows will also be fully decked out for the holidays.

These twin expansions—deepening the magic of Wildwood Grove and dramatically enhancing the Christmas spectacle—confirm that Dolly Parton’s vision for Dollywood continues to grow bolder and brighter. The future of the park is set to be one of constant innovation, deeply rooted in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.