food IS a theme park
While the Holiday Season may be here, theme park fans are humming “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” for a different reason: IAAPA!
©Dollywood
The IAAPA Expo – the annual industry trade show event put on by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions – took place from November 17th through the 21st in Orlando, featuring major announcements from theme park major players, including Legoland and SeaWorld.
Something spook-tacular is coming to the Smoky Mountains, and it’s bringing pumpkins, sweet treats, and late-night fun under the stars!
©Dollywood
2026 is shaping up to be a big year ahead for Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Between new ride announcements and even more festivals to fill the season, there’s even more to look forward to on your next visit in 2026. But if you’ve been a fan of seasonal events at Disney World like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and have been BEGGING for more, Dollywood’s adding a brand new experience next fall that you won’t want to miss!
While we usually keep our eyes focused hard on Disney parks around the world and all the latest news coming out of each one, we also keep an eye on the OTHER theme parks around Orlando, because they often all influence each other!
Tron: Ares Overlay
This past week especially, Orlando theme parks have dropped some MAJOR ride news — one announcement that will affect your trip right now, and two that may make you BOOK trips in the future to these parks. This is news you WON’T want to miss!
Get ready to soar over the Smoky Mountains because a new ride is coming to Dollywood!
©Dollywood
Taking flight in spring 2026, NightFlight Expedition is a hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride on a journey “to discover the mystery of the legendary Secret Lake.”
The most highly rated theme park in the United States has a unique feature inside the park!
©Dollywood
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park offering rides, shows, crafts, and seasonal festivals. This theme park was just announced as the most highly rated in the US, according to TripAdvisor. But there is one thing that makes this theme park a little different than others, and guests can only participate in it on Sundays.
The highest-rated theme park in the United States might not be what you expect.
©Dollywood
You’re brain might automatically go to Disneyland or Disney World (hi Disney Adults!), or maybe Universal Studios if all you think about is rides. If we’re including food and nostalgia, Disneyland should take the prize, right?
Many people choose to head to Disney World, Disneyland, or Universal Orlando for their family vacations. These theme parks are a classic for a reason!
Magic Kingdom
Whether it’s due to nostalgia, the magic of Disney, or the thrills of Universal, these are some of the most popular theme parks in the country regarding attendance. However, USA Today just came out with its list of the top ten theme parks in the United States, and Disney AND Universal have been left off of the list entirely.
It takes a lot of work to keep a theme park running in tip-top shape — and a lot of employees to do it.
Orlando Sign
Orlando is home to several theme parks and not all of them are quite as large as Disney World or Universal. Some may not be filled with roller coasters and rides, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth checking out! You might not want to apply for a job at one in particular, though, and you’ll soon find out why.
Disney World’s customer service is known for being top-notch. If something goes awry on your vacation, chances are a Cast Member will be able to sprinkle a little bit of pixie dust and make all your problems disappear.
Cinderella Castle
But, even though Disney World’s customer service is legendary, it still isn’t the best in the country according to a new survey! So, who took the top spot?!
Severe weather can happen at anytime and it is always a good idea to be prepared in case something happens.
©Dollywood
On July 28th, 2024, Dollywood experienced severe weather that impacted their operations. Luckily, no one was severely hurt and the park plans to reopen soon.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
