Dollywood celebrates opening weekend

This year marks Dollywood’s 39th season. The award winning theme park opened for a preview to passholders Friday, and the official opening to the public Saturday. Some changes will be noticed as soon as visitors arrive at the park entrance with the removal of the turnstiles in lieu of a QR code scanning system to enter the park. Park officials also say changes are coming to the Lightning Rod roller coaster’s launch system with the updated coaster returning to operation this spring. This weekend also marks the start of the “I Will Always Love You” festival, in honor of Dolly’s signature song. The biggest update to the park will be a brand new section of the park called “The Dolly Parton Experience”.