New Attraction at Dollywood in 2023: Big Bear Mountain
Dollywood has working on a big expansion as part of a $500 million investment. Part of this expansion includes a record-breaking new attraction at the world-class theme park! Dreamer-in-Chief, Dolly Parton, visited the theme park on August 5th to make the official announcement about the new Dollywood roller coaster, and now, that ride is officially open to the public! Here’s everything we know about the new addition to Dollywood in 2023, Big Bear Mountain:
When Did Big Bear Mountain Open?
Big Bear Mountain opened to all visitors on May 12! Now, you can visit the world-class theme park and experience the longest roller coaster at the park! Get a sneak peak at what to expect while you wait in line below:
What is Big Bear Mountain?
The new attraction at Dollywood is the largest single attraction investment in the history of Dollywood! In 2023, the park is making it all about the bears. This brand new attraction is called Big Bear Mountain, and it is largest and longest roller coaster at Dollywood! On this unique attraction, riders will join Ned Oakley, Wildwood Grove’s resident explorer, on a search party for Big Bear. Climb in Ned’s four-wheel drive SUVs and get ready for so many twists and turns! The ride circles Wildwood Grove for close to 2 minutes on 3,990 ft. of track. It’s also the first coaster at the park that will feature on-board audio and will have 23 different butterfly moments along the ride, more than any other in the park. There is also a waterfall feature that the coaster will fly through, and so much more.
The brand new Dollywood roller coaster is an expansion of Wildwood Grove, which opened in 2019 and is the park’s most successful addition to date! Wildwood Grove is one of the most popular places in the park for families to play and make memories together, and Big Bear Mountain will add a whole new element of fun and excitement. Watch the video below for a sneak peek at the ride:
About Wildwood Grove
Wildwood Grove opened in 2019 as part of a big $35 million expansion at Dollywood. This area is recognized for all of its family-friendly fun and adventure. When you enter Wildwood Grove, you’ll be entering a land of curiosity and wonder. It is home to the beautiful Wildwood Tree, a tree decorated with butterflies and musical instruments, as well as Wildwood Creek, a scenic creek that you can splash in and cool off. There’s also Hidden Hollow, a secret play area with kid-friendly activities, as well as more family-friendly rides like Black Bear Trail, Dragonflier, and Giant Tree Swing.
More Things to Do at Dollywood
Wildwood Grove isn’t the only family-friendly area in Dollywood. The world-class theme park is overflowing with things to do for people of all ages, from kids to adults. Not only can you experience the most thrilling rides in town, but there are also shows, shops, dining, and more for visitors to enjoy! Here are some of our favorite things to do at Dollywood:
Enjoy a Festival
There’s always something happening at Dollywood, and some of visitors’ favorite times to visit are when the festivals are happening! Popular festivals at Dollywood are the Flower & Food Festival, Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas. There are even new additions to the festivals this year, including more drones during Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone show and Hoot Owl Hollow during the Harvest Festival.
Experience the Rides
Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a scenic ride through the foothills of the Smokies, you can do it all at Dollywood. Some of the best thrilling rides include Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine, and some of the best family rides are the Dollywood Express and the Sky Rider! Other popular rides include Thunderhead, FireChaser Express, Drop Line, and Tennessee Tornado.
Enjoy the Food
There are so many delicious places to eat at Dollywood! Whether you want to grab a quick bite or sit down and enjoy a full meal with your family, you can do it all at Dollywood. Visit Aunt Granny’s for an all-you-can-eat meal of fried chicken and fish, cornbread and biscuits, and more. Or, you can stop by the new food truck park for everything from Greek food, to chicken tenders, to sweets. Other popular restaurants are Red’s Diner, Hickory House BBQ, and Granny Ogles Ham ‘n’ Beans.
See a Show
We can never say no to live entertainment! Dollywood hosts a variety of shows throughout the year that will capture the hearts of everyone who watches. Whether you’re in the mood for an incredible musical performance or to see birds of prey, there’s a show for you at Dollywood. Popular performances are Wings of America, Birds of Prey, Smoky Mountain String Band, and more.
Grab a Souvenir
One thing you have to do before you leave Dollywood — shop! Browse through the many shops to find the perfect souvenir. From t-shirts, to stuffed animals, to home decor, you can find it all at Dollywood. Some of the best shops to visit are Dollywood Emporium, The Grist Mill, and The Southern Pantry.
Learn More About Dollywood
Don’t miss your chance to visit Dollywood and enjoy the brand new Big Bear Mountain coaster! Before you visit, be sure to check out our guide for the ultimate Dollywood experience.
