Dollywood 2022 What’s New
Dollywood 2022 is now open and Dolly made an appearance to kick off the new season! Friday, March 11, 2022 is the first day open. And Dolly made a special appearance to kick off the 37th year. It’s the first time Dolly has been to the opening since 2019. Friday’s opening day was for pass holders only. Saturday, March 12 is open to the public with tickets.
Update: Opening day on Saturday had to be changed to Sunday at 12:00 PM! First time in 37 years Dollywood had to close on opening day due to snow!
What’s New For Dollywood 2022
Dollywood 2022 Season Opens With Changes
Several changes have been made over the winter and are new for this year at Dollywood 2022. The first thing different is the guest drive-up lanes. The change eliminates the tram driveway intersecting with the guest traffic lanes. The parking complex (theme park and water park combined) now has a one-way circuit which eliminates the two-way traffic pattern of the old parking lots. Also, two more parking toll booths have been added for the convenience of the arriving guests.
A big change within the theme park is that the tunnel connecting lower Craftsman’s Valley to The Village has been removed. Removing the tunnel opens up the area and makes more room. This area of the park could get congested on busy days.
The Iron Horse Pizza restaurant across from the train depot has been renovated. The restaurant is larger with more room for seating. The Emporium located near the front entrance got a complete makeover. The store now carries a larger collection of Dollywood souvenirs and other unique souvenirs and gift items.
Two buildings have been completely removed, The Eagle Shop (part of the second phase of the Craftsman’s Valley widening project)and the Christmas Cottage in Rivertown Junction.
New at Dollywood’s Splash Country For 2022
Little Creek Falls in Dollywood’s Splash Country is getting a makeover. In May when the water park opens the area will be transformed into a splash pad. The change to the area will make it more accessible for people of all abilities.
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is still under construction. It is scheduled to open next year in the fall. The new lodge is the first project in a 10-year, $500 million expansion plan that was announced last June. Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort will have 302 rooms and will be a 5-story resort promoted as a “one-of-a-kind getaway”.
Dollywood Passes
Dollywood Silver Season Pass: starts at $149. The Silver Season Pass includes 2 Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and a discount on lodging.
Dollywood Gold Season Pass: starts at $204, which is $30 less than last year. This pass comes with free parking, a Saturday Early Ride Time for the passholder, 4 Bring-a-Friend Free tickets, discounts on dining, merchandise, and lodging as well as access to special events such as the new “Golden Hour.” Only the named passholder can receive the perks.
Diamond Season Passes have already sold out for the 2022 season, the theme park said.
