DonHelbig

Dollywood has unveiled its 2027 operating calendar, and there are some exciting changes ahead for visitors planning a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! The park opens March 11, following a March 10 passholder preview day. Among the biggest highlights are the return of the popular Barbecue & Bluegrass festival over Labor Day weekend and the expansion of Harvey’s Boo Bash from three nights to six. The Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights return September 11 through October 31, followed by Smoky Mountain Christmas beginning November 5. With seasonal celebrations throughout the year, which Dollywood event are you most looking forward to experiencing in 2027?

Good morning, good afternoon, and goodnight Terpy, wherever you are.

There were signs.

Holiday World is known for roller coasters, water rides and free soft drinks, but its latest national recognition highlights something just as important: the guest experience. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari ranked No. 40 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service list — the highest-ranked entertainment company in the country. I’ve traveled three hours from Cincinnati to visit Holiday World 30 times over the past three years, and I can attest to the outstanding customer service. FULL STORY: ⬇️ https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-forbes-best-customer-service-ranking/

They don’t need the name on the marquee for guests to know Kings Island and Cedar Point are now Six Flags parks.

I like the logo!

If they’re opening the turnstiles and taking the guests money, they can’t use employees back in school as an excuse for the lack of staffing. There are schools in Orlando the last time I checked, but those parks open seven days a week year-round have it figured out.

It took longer to build that stand than it did to build Mystic Timbers. The new Chef will need to spend less time posting videos and photos on his social media channels and more time in the kitchens for the F&B experience to improve.

As the long gone but not forgotten Terpy no doubt would say, there is the issue that both are registered trademarks of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

One night of ice doesn’t make up for the past two seasons of no ice on many days for those who paid for drinks. They’re going to have to prove they can keep the machines filled with ice every day, all day in 2027 to regain many of those who have chosen not to renew their drink plan because of this issue.

On my last visit, at Grain & Grill they tried to give me two chicken tenders the size of my thumb. They were scraps from the pan. I told the associate I wasn’t burning one of my meal plans on that and would wait for them to bring out more tenders. The associate told me no, “that’s what you’re getting.” That wasn’t what I was getting and walked out.

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is serving up the flavors of fall through Oct. 31, with hearty comfort foods and decadent desserts joining the park’s famous cinnamon bread. And with a Tasting Pass good for up to five festival foods, there’s plenty worth arriving hungry for. FULL STORY: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-harvest-festival-food-2026/

These surveys don’t mean anything. They’re simply done to create online chatter. It’s working for them.

Within the next three years (2030), I can see the parks in the remaining Six Flags chain having one Halloween event targeting guests of all ages. At Kings Island, they’ll come anyway. 😆

Enthusiasts might view it that way. The majority visiting the park could not care less.