Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions are ready to start the 2023 season - with more to come

Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel
·3 min read

Winter isn't officially over for more than a month, but even before that seasonal change arrives, the 2023 season begins for some of the attractions in Pigeon Forge at Gatlinburg.

Others - including some brand-new offerings - are scheduled to start their seasons a little later, but even those springtime opening dates will be here before you know it.

Check out these attractions and rides opening in the Smokies in the coming weeks.

Pirates Voyage

The Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show in Pigeon Forge will begin its 2023 season on Feb. 10.
The Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show in Pigeon Forge will begin its 2023 season on Feb. 10.

  • The fifth season of Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show begins Feb. 10.

  • The show features pirates, mermaids and a cast of colorful characters as they “fight” for Davy Jones’ coveted sunken treasure. The show features sword fights, cannon blasts, acrobatics, fire, animals and music.

  • The meal includes soup, fried chicken, ham and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.

  • Information/tickets: piratesvoyage.com/pigeon-forge

Dolly Parton's Stampede

  • Dolly Parton’s Stampede opens for its 36th season Feb. 10.

  • The 2023 season features all new performances featuring equestrian acts with 32 horses, aerial acrobatics, singing, dancing and new music.

  • The four-course meal incudes soup, rotisserie chicken, barbecued pork and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.

  • Information/tickets: dpstampede.com/pigeon-forge

Dollywood

  • Dollywood's 2023 season opens March 11, but season passholders will get a special preview day March 10.

  • The park promises big things for this year, including new attractions, resorts and expansions.

  • Information/tickets: dollywood.com

More:Roller coasters, new resort, giant gas station: Big attractions coming to Smokies in 2023

New rides in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

Some attractions are slated to open this spring, but should be worth the wait. Here are a few rides and theme parks to look forward to.

Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood

  • Dollywoods’ longest roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain is on track to open this spring. The final piece of the new ride was installed in January.

  • The two-minute roller coaster in the Wildwood Grove section of the park will travel through hills, turns, tunnels and even waterfalls at speeds up to 48 miles per hour and a maximum elevation of 66 feet.

Hellbender at Anakeesta

  • Anakeesta is set to debut the Hellbender mountain roller coaster in the coming months.

  • The double-rail roller coaster will include tunnels, twists and turns through the forest and along the mountainside. It gets its name from the Hellbender salamander species native to the Great Smoky Mountains.

  • The attraction is located in the park’s new European-styled village as part of a major expansion to the theme park that will also include BirdVenture, an aviary-inspired adventure zone.

Dig’n Zone

  • Dig’N Zone, a new construction-themed park for adults and kids, is scheduled to open in Sevierville this spring.

  • The park will have more than 25 attractions allowing families to ride, drive and operate different construction equipment like forklifts on a go-kart track and excavators with modified buckets to swing around.

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains Park: Smokies parking fees start March 1 - here’s what to know

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter for Knox News. He can be reached by email at devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow Devarrick on Twitter @dturner1208. Enjoy exclusive content and premium perks while supporting strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attraction open dates for 2023