DonHelbig

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration returns June 15-Aug. 2 with patriotic drone shows, dazzling fireworks, family entertainment, festival food, and unforgettable summer fun. Here’s why this summer may be the perfect time to visit Dollywood. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-smoky-mountain-summer-celebration-2026/

A 60-foot-tall Rubber Duck has arrived at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for Rubber Duck Days. The limited-time event includes themed food, merchandise, and summer entertainment through June 21. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-rubber-duck-days-giant-rubber-duck/

Disney didn’t change the thrills of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster—but it completely changed the experience. After riding the new Muppets version at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one thing became clear: this transformation works. Here’s why the Electric Mayhem may be exactly what this Disney World classic needed. Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/disney-muppets-rock-n-roller-coaster-review/

Wild Adventures Theme Park in Georgia will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with fireworks, Travis Tritt, Parmalee, LOCASH, Harlem Globetrotters shows and free admission for military members. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/wild-adventures-celebrate-america-festival/

Eagle’s Pursuit, an all-new family launch coaster opening in 2027 at Waldameer, will race through the park’s hillside terrain with two launches, 10 airtime moments, and a surprisingly low 38-inch height requirement. Could this become one of the most family-friendly thrill coasters in the region? Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/waldameer-eagles-pursuit-family-launch-coaster-2027/

Disney has revealed the backstory for Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including H.U.M.A.N. Day and iconic locations from the film. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/disney-reveals-story-details-monsters-inc-land-hollywood-studios/

Who will take there’s an extension coming on the deadline to buy your pass at CW?

Could Six Flags memberships eventually replace traditional season passes? I take a closer look at what this shift could mean for guests and why memberships may become the preferred option for many visitors. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/six-flags-memberships-vs-season-passes-future/

Disney World has released the remaining 2026 dates for After Hours events at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, featuring low wait times, popular rides and complimentary snacks. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/disney-world-after-hours-2026-dates/

Take what you can, give nothing back mentality never flies.

Cleanliness is part of the culture at Holiday World and other parks outside of Six Flags. They know you can have the best rides but if the park isn’t clean guests don’t return. I just got back from visiting Epic Universe and the Disney World parks. As busy as they are they keep the parks clean.

Dollywood’s Splash Country is making a splash this summer with glowing Neon Nights, colorful new food items, upgraded guest amenities and family-friendly fun in the Smokies. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-splash-country-neon-nights-2026-2/

Faith, music, and theme park thrills come together as Gospel superstar Tasha Cobbs Leonard headlines the latest Wild Adventures LIVE! concert event in Georgia. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/tasha-cobbs-leonard-wild-adventures-concert/

Raising Cane’s reigns supreme when it comes to chicken tenders!

Dollywood is adding even more smoky flavor to summer with a new Royal Oak partnership featuring BBQ demonstrations, specialty menu items and enhanced dining experiences throughout the park. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-royal-oak-bbq-partnership/

Wild Adventures is celebrating the birth of three critically endangered Red Ruffed Lemurs, giving families another adorable reason to visit the Georgia theme park this summer. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/wild-adventures-lemur-triplets/

Dollywood’s winning streak continues. The Smoky Mountain destination has once again been named America’s favorite theme park as families begin planning summer vacations. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-americas-favorite-theme-park-2026/

Kennywood is expanding its popular Bites and Pints festival with new France and Germany booths, international flavors, seasonal drinks, and a full lineup of summer events. Details: https://themeparksbydon.com/kennywood-bites-and-pints-2026/

Grand Pavilion at Cedar Point. 🤣

Three record-breaking water coasters. More than 5,100 feet of track. Free soft drinks, sunscreen, parking, and one of the best water park experiences in America. Here’s why Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari belongs on your summer road trip list. Read more: https://themeparksbydon.com/holiday-world-water-coasters/

Open to the world, not select coaster clubs.

I liked the concept for the Morning Rush event. The fail for Cedar Point was labeling it as a replacement for CoasterMania, which then draws the comparison. Offering significantly less, charging more invited the backlash they received. If they had just rolled it out as an all-new event with no reference to CoasterMania, it would have been much better received. The concept was good. How it was introduced was not.

If you're planning a visit to Cedar Point, be advised the park has shortened the seatbelts on Millennium Force and many guests who have been able to ride it for years no longer can. With many guests not able to fasten their seatbelt combined with now only two associates on the floor instead of four, the hourly capacity for the ride has also taken a significant hit.

Dollywood’s Splash Country opens its 26th season with Neon Nights, new food offerings, upgraded amenities and one of the cleanest water park experiences in the Smoky Mountains. Full Story: https://themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-splash-country-neon-nights-2026/