BLAZING FURY RETURNS: Dollywood's legendary ride reopens with firefighting flair
- Dollywood guests are shouting a popular refrain again, as the park’s beloved Blazing Fury roller coaster reopened Friday morning. “Fire in the hole” rang out time and again with thrilled visitors enjoying the ride after its recent refreshment. Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton, along with firefighters from the Pigeon Forge Fire Department (PFFD), marked the occasion with a special ceremony shortly after the park opened on Independence Day.
Naughton invited PFFD Chief Tony Watson and several of his firefighters and their families to be the first in line for the attraction, honoring their dedication to the local community while also celebrating the theme of the story told by the historic ride. Built in 1978, Blazing Fury is the longest operating roller coaster at the park, and its tale of fire sweeping through an 1880’s town is one that has entertained millions of guests for generations.
“Storytelling plays a vital part in the Dollywood experience,” Naughton said. “Blazing Fury has a rich history of entertaining guests through a unique combination of a renowned thrill ride and classic storytelling. The experience is a core memory for millions of guests who have visited Dollywood through the years, so it was important that we make some refreshments to the ride to ensure it is here for them for another five decades.
“Blazing Fury is an iconic Dollywood attraction, and we are glad we were able to finish our work in time to open it on July 4th during our 40th anniversary season. I’m proud of our teams who worked on this project, and I’m even more proud to ask our local heroes—members of the Pigeon Forge Fire Department and their families—to be the first ones to ride.”
While the heart and spirit of Blazing Fury remain unchanged, guests may notice a few enhancements throughout the ride. The ride has been refreshed overall with characters receiving new costumes, updated signage, some new track work, and the waterfall area receiving a complete and beautiful rebuild. This work was done with respect for the attraction’s original charm. These efforts reflect Dollywood’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Blazing Fury; extending its life well into the future to create unforgettable moments for generations of guests to come.
During the event, park officials also announced the launch of “Dollywood Radio,” a special new station created by iHeartMedia and available to stream on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio app. Dollywood Radio features programing from Dolly’s unprecedented catalog of music, as well as songs from her favorite artists across country, bluegrass and gospel music. In recognition of the park’s 40th season, the station features songs highlighted as part of Dollywood’s in-park atmosphere music. Listeners also will hear special shout outs from Dolly herself! The station launches on July 7.
“Dolly Parton is a living legend, and now her music, the music she loves, and the fun of her Dollywood theme park, all have a dedicated home on iHeart’s Dollywood Radio, hosted by Dolly herself, said Jon Zellner, President of Programming Operations & Digital Music for iHeartMedia. “This new station captures the heart and soul of the Smoky Mountains, featuring a handpicked blend of country classics, bluegrass, folk, and songs by some of Dolly’s dearest friends in music. We’re honored to partner with Dollywood to bring this one-of-a-kind listening experience to life exclusively on the iHeartRadio app.”
Pete Owens, Dollywood’s Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, echoed the sentiment of Zellner.
“The partnership with iHeartMedia to develop Dollywood Radio is exciting for us because it means our loyal fans can enjoy the sounds and excitement of a day at Dollywood even if they aren’t able to be here,” Owens explained. “We are celebrating our 40th anniversary season in 2025, and our fans have been sharing so many of their favorite memories of the park through the decades. We’re thankful for the opportunity to work with iHeartMedia to celebrate this milestone for the next year. We know our guests are going to enjoy being able to take a little bit of Dollywood home with them!”
Guests who visited the park today also were able to enjoy Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, which runs through Aug. 3. For the park’s 40th anniversary season, the Sweet Summer Nights Dance Party and Drone Show features new scenes to celebrate Dollywood’s rich history of creating memories for generations of families. As the sun sets, Wildwood Grove transforms with a DJ and energetic dancers inviting guests of all skill levels to participate in the fun. When the drones launch, the party takes to the sky, telling a unique Dollywood story through 3D animations, a symphony of light and an accompanying soundtrack. Not only will fireworks light up the sky as part of the show, for the first time ever at the park, several “pyro drones” are integrated into the performance as well.
“Gazillion Bubble Show- Evolution,” returns this summer to DP’s Celebrity Theater with a one-of-a-kind spectacular that kids (and parents) of all ages will love. The entire family will be mesmerized by bubbles of all shapes, sizes and colors. Due to its popularity last summer, “The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” and their playful pooches perform to audiences all summer long. The show, located in Showstreet Palace Theater, highlights the many talents of rescue and shelter dogs from across the country with high-flying fun and antics that will leave every guest begging for more. The new guest-favorite, “Play On,” continues in the Pines Theater and honors 40 years of Dollywood’s award-winning entertainment.
To commemorate the summer fun, guests can capture memories made together at vibrant art installations throughout the park. Kite Sky, a returning favorite photo spot, is located on Showstreet and features bright kites overhead in suspended animation. Other overhead photo opportunities include Bright Sunshiny Day and the Sky of Many Colors. The ever-popular Bubble Foam Zone also returns to Country Fair.
Later this season, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, previously named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2026)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
For more information about Dollywood’s 40th season, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
