DOLLYWOOD PREPARES FOR “GAME-CHANGING” 2026 SEASON - Groundbreaking new attraction, debut Harvest events, seasons of family fun highlight calendar!

Dollywood—Tripadvisor’s #1 U.S. theme park—is gearing up for a 2026 season unlike any year before in its rich history, complete with the opening of its largest attraction ever, a new harvesttime special event and the inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend. Season passes for this landmark year go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Nov. 1.

The park’s 41^st season opens for all guests on Friday, March 13, with special ride preview days for season passholders in advance of the NightFlight Expedition opening. NightFlight Expedition, at a cost of more than $50 million, is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts and is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. It is the first attraction in the world to merge its four unique experiences into one groundbreaking ride.

 

“I’m often asked if there’s anything I would do differently when it comes to what we’ve accomplished at Dollywood, and I can safely say I wouldn’t change a thing,” Dolly explained. “I’m so proud of what the park has become in its first 40 years, and with what we have in store for our guests this year, it’s safe to say we’re just getting started!

“When we opened the park in 1986, it was hard to imagine that we would be able to open attractions like NightFlight Expedition. It’s so big and so different from anything else we had at that time, that even with all my dreaming I don’t think any of us dreamed of something like this back when we first opened. I’m just honored that so many people have come to visit and support us through the years. It’s because of that support that we’re able to come up with something like this now!”

As the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride, NightFlight Expedition takes Dollywood guests on an unforgettable journey through the Smoky Mountains to search for bioluminescence in the nation’s most-visited national park. During the 5 1/2-minute experience, guests soar on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake by boat.

While NightFlight Expedition certainly is the headline of Dollywood’s 2026 season, several other additions make it a banner year for the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park. America’s friendliest theme park has always been a place where memories are measured in smiles, but now those memories also can be measured in miles thanks to the inaugural Run Dollywood race weekend set for April 25-26, 2026.

Race participants can enjoy the beauty of spring in the Smokies, as well as the unique atmosphere of Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival, as they race the fun-filled course that winds its way through the park and the surrounding area. A full calendar of races is planned for the inaugural event weekend, including the marquee half-marathon slated for Sunday morning. Companion races—a 1-mile kids fun run (ages 4-12), a 5k, a 10k —are scheduled for Saturday morning. Registration takes place on the Run Dollywood page: Dollywood.com/RunDollywood. 

Those ready for even more family-friendly fall fun in the Smokies should look no further than Dollywood’s exclusive new nighttime event, Harvey’s Boo Bash, set for Oct. 16, 23 and 30. The Boo Bash—hosted by Dollywood’s loveable pumpkin character, Harvey—is an immersive, limited-capacity celebration featuring one-of-a-kind entertainment, treats and fun.

A separately ticketed event, Harvey’s Boo Bash begins after Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana closes to regular park guests on the selected nights. The Boo Bash begins at 9 p.m. and runs through midnight, offering guests an evening to enjoy Great Pumpkin LumiNights as well as several exclusive activities and offerings just for them, including a number of candy collecting stations and access to many of Dollywood’s award-winning attractions. Guests also can enjoy unique, event-only food and merchandise offerings, providing visitors with a chance to try new flavors and find exclusive souvenirs available only at Harvey’s Boo Bash.

Great Pumpkin LumiNights glows even brighter every evening during the Harvest Festival (Sept. 14-Oct. 31) thanks to another debut, a new dance party that is sure to light up the night! With upbeat music, dazzling lights and a festive autumn atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to keep the fabulous fall fun going after the sun goes down! Additionally, the Rivertown and Market Square areas of the park will transform into Apple Jack’s Market, with special culinary offerings and décor celebrating the prized harvest treat, the apple. Meanwhile in The Village, Tassletop Junction features grilled corn and area theming in honor of the mighty maize marvel.

 

“Like Dolly said, this year is going to offer so many new experiences and opportunities for our guests to create lifelong memories,” Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton said. “NightFlight Expedition is a game-changing attraction for our industry, and we’re proud to be able to have it here for our guests to enjoy.

 

“I’m a runner, so the opportunity to host our very first Run Dollywood race weekend is exciting for me personally! I can’t wait to welcome the runners here to take on one of the most beautiful and fun courses they will find anywhere. And our first special event of its kind, Harvey’s Boo Bash, provides a great way for our guests to experience our Harvest Festival. There’s no doubt 2026 is going to be our best yet.”

 

Dollywood joins the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th birthday with vibrant red, white and blue décor all across the park from March through August. The Sweet Summer Nights drone show will light up the sky each evening during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration with a dazzling patriotic salute to commemorate this historic occasion.

 

The season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival (March 13-April 12). The instant classic, “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton,” returns to tell Dolly’s remarkable story. This inspirational and uplifting show takes guests along with Dolly for the emotional pull she faced as she left everything she had known in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. “From the Heart” phenomenally tells Dolly’s exceptional story through her own narration and legendary music catalog. The show takes place in Celebrity Theater and runs through the Flower & Food Festival.

 

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 7) blooms bright with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies.

 

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 15-Aug. 2) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition, and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Two more guest-favorite shows, “Bubble Evolution” and “Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience,” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.

 

A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 14- Oct. 31) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate pumpkin displays that are fun for every member of the family. The new nightly dance party, as well as the debut of Harvey’s Boo Bash, provide the opportunity for more memory making in the Smokies. 

 

The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 6- Jan. 3)—concludes the park’s unparalleled 2026 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.

 

Dollywood’s Splash Country kicks off its 26th season on Saturday, May 23, with daily fun through Sunday, Aug. 9. The Smokies’ favorite water park keeps the good times going on weekends and select weekdays through Sept. 20.

 

This summer, the party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. For the first time ever, Splash Country is lighting up the night with Neon Nights—a high-energy, glow-themed event featuring a live DJ, vibrant neon vibes, and unlimited access to select attractions. This separately ticketed event is the ultimate way to keep summer going strong at one of the nation’s most beautiful water parks. Event dates and details will be announced at a later date.

 

With a year of surprises ahead, guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all the fun! Four season pass levels—Diamond, Gold, Silver and the Summer Fun Pass—provide great options for every guest, while the popular Pre-K Imagination Season Pass offers free admission all season long to any child born in 2021 or 2022. Passes are on sale now to current 2025 season passholders and those who registered for the special pre-sale period. Passes go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Nov. 1. Anyone who purchases a 2026 Dollywood season pass can experience this season’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival for free! It’s the perfect Christmas gift for every member of the family. 

 

Dollywood Diamond Season Passes provide a premium experience for guests. In addition to admission all season long to both Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, Diamond passholders receive two flexible Bring-A-Friend Free tickets for Dollywood, two flexible Bring-A-Friend Free tickets for Dollywood’s Splash Country, free general parking, the largest discounts on dining, shopping and lodging, an all-season refill mug, as well as discounts on TimeSaver passes, VIP tours and preferred parking. Guests interested in this pass should act early as there is a limited quantity available. 

 

The Gold Pass options represent tremendous value for guests. The two-park Gold Pass provides admission to both Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country, a flexible Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for Dollywood, a flexible Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for Dollywood’s Splash Country, free general parking, an all-season refill mug, as well as discounts on dining, shopping and lodging. The one-park Gold Pass provides the above, minus the entitlements to Dollywood’s Splash Country.

 

Gold and Diamond passholders can take advantage of another great perk—complimentary TimeSaver line access the first hour of every operating day. This great benefit allows the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions.

 

Silver Season Passes also are available and include the option to purchase reduced price Bring-A-Friend tickets and discounts on dining, shopping and lodging. Select blackout dates apply to adult and senior Silver Season Passes. Child Silver Season Passes do not have blackout dates. The Dollywood Summer Fun Pass provides a lower priced option for guests looking for unlimited visits between April 18 and Sept. 13. 

 

Guests at this world-class family vacation destination can experience even more fun at one of Dollywood’s award-winning resort hotels, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Both properties offer unbeatable hospitality and exclusive complimentary privileges, including TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation, preferred parking at Dollywood parks, and package delivery for purchases made at Dollywood theme park.

 

For more information about Dollywood’s 2026 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Source: Dollywood

Universal Orlando Resort Launches New Multi-Day Tickets for Visits in 2026, Including Universal Epic Universe

 UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT LAUNCHES NEW MULTI-DAY TICKETS FOR VISITS IN 2026 THAT GIVE GUESTS THE OPTION TO ACCESS EVERY THEME PARK, INCLUDING UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE, EVERY DAY OF THEIR VACATION

Designed to Give Guests the Flexibility to Choose How they Want to Spend their Days at the Theme Parks, the New 2026 Ticket Options are also the First Universal Orlando Ticket Product Guests can Use for Multi-Day Access to the New Theme Park, Universal Epic Universe

Universal Orlando Resort is upping the awesome for 2026 vacations with the launch of all-new multi-day tickets that give guests the exciting opportunity to choose how often they’d like to access the destination’s award-winning theme parks – including Universal Epic Universe – for the duration of their visit. Starting today, guests can purchase 3-Day, 4-Day and 5-Day tickets for visits in 2026 that include access to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe, with upgrade options available that include access to Universal Volcano Bay water theme park. Whether they choose a multi-day ticket with park-to-park access, which allows them to bounce between each park on the same day, or a 3-day base ticket that allows them to visit a park per day to really soak up the thrills, these new products give guests the convenience of choosing how they want to experience the excitement of Universal Orlando.

The new 2026 ticket products can also be used for multi-day access to the brand-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, one of the most innovative and immersive theme parks ever created. Guests can enjoy a total of more than 50 incredible experiences ranging from groundbreaking attractions and captivating entertainment to incredibly-themed dining, shopping and so much more across five astounding worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

See below for more details about the new Universal Orlando Resort ticket products now available to purchase:

NEW 2026 TICKETS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT – ON SALE NOW
3-Day Tickets (base and park-to-park options available)	Includes three days of admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and/or Universal Epic Universe.  3-Day Base Ticket: enjoy multi-day access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure OR Universal Epic Universe, with access to one theme park per day. 3-Day Park-to-Park Ticket: enjoy multi-day access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure AND Universal Epic Universe for all three days. Guests can bounce between multiple theme parks on every day of their visit.  *3-Day Florida Resident Multi-Day Tickets are also available to purchase.
4-Day Park-to-Park Tickets	Includes four days of park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe for all four days – meaning guests can bounce between multiple theme parks on every day of their visit.
5-Day Park-to-Park Tickets	Includes five days of park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Epic Universe for all five days – meaning guests can bounce between multiple theme parks on every day of their visit.

1-Day tickets and 2-Day tickets - which include one day access to Universal Studios Florida and/or Islands of Adventure plus one separate day admission to Universal Epic Universe - are also on sale now for visits in 2026. For more information about Universal Orlando’s 2026 tickets available for purchase and the entire destination, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com. 

Source: Universal Orlando Resort Press Release (23OCT25)

Universal Studios Hollywood Initiates Its First Launch of “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” as Preparations Continue for Its Highly Anticipated 2026 Opening!

Universal Studios Hollywood begins extended testing with its first launch of the “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” ride vehicles as the theme park’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster prepares to open in 2026.

The train containing the four ride vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, will be concealed during this initial test phase with the remaining ride vehicles revealed at a later date.

“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will feature 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles as guests travel along 4,100 feet of elaborate track—the equivalent of nearly 12 football fields—constructed with sound reduction technology.

This innovative roller coaster, conceived to immerse guests within Universal Pictures’ exhilarating Fast & Furious universe, features groundbreaking technology designed to create a seamless sensation of drifting cars as guests spin in motion at fast speeds while speeding along an aerial track that winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

 

“Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films, including Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger.

 

The “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences’ decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of contemporary roller coasters across its global theme parks.

 

The ride will join Universal Studios Hollywood’s slate of unprecedented groundbreaking attractions, including the interactive land, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, featuring the critically-acclaimed “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride; “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” highly immersive land that features Hogsmeade™ village, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™ rides; “Jurassic World—The Ride”; Illumination’s award-winning “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” and “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem”; Springfield, U.S.A. and “The Simpsons Ride™”; “TRANSFORMERS™:  The Ride-3D” and “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride,” as well as the theme park’s signature, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction.

 

About Fast & Furious Saga: Over the course of eleven films that have stoked passion in an ever-expanding audience and have earned more than $7 billion at the worldwide box office, Universal Pictures’ record-smashing, homegrown Fast & Furious Saga has become the studio’s most-profitable and longest-running franchise. Across social media platforms, the fan following for the movies and cast has grown into the biggest of any active franchise. Following 2017’s The Fate of the Furious, which debuted in theaters as the biggest global opening of all time, the blockbuster franchise expanded to a multitude of offerings – from toys and video games to an animated series and the hit spin-off title, Hobbs & Shaw. The tenth and most recent chapter in the Fast & Furious Saga, Fast X, raced into theaters May 2023.

#universaldestinationsandexperiences #universalstudioshollywood #fastandfurioushollywooddrift

Source: Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Kids Resort Unveils Details of Themed Lands

 Universal Kids Resort Unveils Details of Themed Lands Featuring Interactive Play Areas and More

Universal Destinations & Experiences unveiled more details about the themed lands kids and families will experience at Universal Kids Resort. The new resort specifically designed and developed for families with young children will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas.

Kids and their families will be able to explore, imagine, and play while enjoying attractions in seven lands made for kids featuring iconic brands and characters:

• DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
• DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
• Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
• Jurassic World Adventure Camp
• DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
• Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
• Isle of Curiosity

“Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create — designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories,” said Molly Murphy, President of Universal Creative. “It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal’s signature storytelling to families close to home.”

Inspired by that spirit, the creative team brought the park to life through a child’s lens.

“We envisioned this park through the unbridled creativity of kids where infinite imagination, curiosity and free-spirited play were core to our design philosophies,” said Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Universal Creative. “It produced a park that’s pure joy and an absolute celebration of what it is to be a kid.”

Families will enter through the Isle of Curiosity, a whimsical gateway with space for kids to explore. This will be the spot to join the one and only Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse for a special meet and greet and a pawsome dance party.

At DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Shrek has transformed a swampy shack into a waterlogged paradise for some ogre-sized fun for his three adorable triplets. Kids and their families will have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona, and they can even take photos in the onion carriage. Two interactive play areas, Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash, will allow kids to stomp and/or splash away.

Families can also venture to DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar. From meeting the fearless hero himself along with Mama Luna, Perrito and friends to taking on the challenging carnival games Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow, the feline fun will be in full force.  

Next, let the games begin at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club where the Yellow Minions attempt to rein in their Purple counterparts leading to water-soaked fun. Families can take part in this action-packed competition, or just relax, and watch the chaos unfold. With a special Minions meet and greet and interactive play areas, there’ll be plenty of surprises.

The excitement continues for kids and families as they experience awe-inspiring and thrilling moments exploring Jurassic World Adventure Camp. Whether it’s meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur or climbing up the Lookout Towers play area to get a Pteranodon’s view of the park, guests of all ages will have an exhilarating journey.

“With all the interactive play areas at Universal Kids Resort where kids can explore, discover and create, we’re really excited about this being a place for kids to play their way. We’re even going to support play with team members who will help kids dream up imaginary worlds with sidewalk chalk or spray themselves silly with water blasters. From blowing bubbles to belly laughs, there will be fun for kids of all ages and interests,” said Robinson.

In addition to the park’s many play areas, Universal Kids Resort features multiple sensory gardens designed to give children and families opportunities to pause, reset, and connect. These carefully crafted spaces invite guests to explore through touch, sound, and color in calming, nature-inspired settings — creating moments of balance within a day full of play.

More fun abounds at DreamWorks’ TrollsFest where the music will be bumping and the energy will be pumping in the liveliest party in Troll Kingdom. Families can meet Poppy, Branch and the rest of the DreamWorks’ Trolls gang at a glitter-filled meet and greet. Two interactive play areas will offer good Trolls-fashioned fun including Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl.

Then, it’s time for an undersea adventure at Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom where kids and their families can have the best day ever as they get to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks in Bikini Bottom since “F” is for friends who do stuff together. There’ll be oceans of nautical nonsense as kids can explore Mussel Beach for some rest and Pineapple Paradise for some playful splashing around.

After all the fun, families can relax just steps away at the Universal Kids Resort Hotel. The colorfully themed on-site 300-room hotel designed with families in mind will offer a place to stay and relax just steps away from the park. The vibrant site will also serve as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort.

More details on the attractions, entertainment, merchandise and foods kids and their families will be able to enjoy at Universal Kids Resort will be announced soon. To stay updated on all of Universal Kids Resort’s newest developments, visit UniversalKidsResort.com.

Source: Universal Destinations & Experiences Press Release (15OCT25)

LumiNight Skies Drone Show Set to Return to Wild Adventures!

Wild Adventures Theme Park will present the LumiNight Skies Drone Show for the second year in a row on October 25, transforming the evening sky into a dynamic display of color, light and music. The show highlights the final weekend of Great Pumpkin LumiNights, the premier fall tradition for South Georgia families.

The LumiNight Skies Drone Show will feature synchronized drones performing to a soundtrack of popular music. The show is included with park admission and begins at 9 p.m.

The LumiNight Skies Drone Show last year was the park’s first ever drone show,” said Asher Raymond, public relations specialist. “This year, we aim to bring even more fun in the sky to cap off a fantastic fall season. The best spot to view them is none other than our new-for-2025 Water’s Edge area.”

 

The drone show takes place during Wild Adventures’ Great Pumpkin LumiNights, a family-friendly fall event that transforms the park once the sun sets with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, towering sculptures and light displays, glowing entertainment and delicious pumpkin spice treats.

 

“Guests can not only ride their favorite rides and meet their favorite animals, but make new fall traditions with their families,” said Adam Floyd, director of marketing & sales. “Whether it's trying some Pumpkin Spice BBQ Ribs, seeing a hula hoop cirque act or taking in all the glowing light displays, there’s a ton of fun to be had at Great Pumpkin LumiNights.”

 

The Great Pumpkin LumiNights Sale has been extended through October 19, where guests can purchase single-day admission tickets for just $39. This limited-time offer saves guests $20, and tickets purchased through this sale are good through October 26 to experience the fall event.

 

2026 Season Passes are also now on sale for the lowest price, which includes admission to this year’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright. Season Passes are for purchase for as low as $89.99.

 

For more information about the LumiNight Skies Drone Show, Great Pumpkin LumiNights and admission offers, visit WildAdventures.com.

#luminights #droneshows #wildadventures