The Great Smoky Mountains were alive with more than just the sound of bluegrass this past weekend. On Friday, March 13, 2026, country music legend Dolly Parton made a triumphant, glitter-drenched return to the spotlight to kick off Dollywood’s 41st season. For fans who had spent months worrying over the “Backwoods Barbie’s” well-being, the appearance wasn’t just a season opener—it ...

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has appointed Matthew Sowers as the new executive chef, overseeing all 13 food and beverage locations, including the MICHELIN-starred Victoria & Albert’s. Sowers brings over 20 years of experience from Victoria & Albert’s, where he was previously chef de cuisine. Joining him is Miguel Santeliz, who will take over as chef de cuisine at ...

A family vacation meant for Mother’s Day memories became a descent into a medical nightmare, and now, a major Orlando resort is being held to account in a court of law. On March 12, 2026, a lawsuit was officially filed in Orange County against Westgate Vacation Villas Resort, alleging that a 10-month-old infant suffered a near-fatal overdose after discovering a ...

Construction walls have surrounded the porte cochère of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as refurbishment begins, blocking the entrance area that also houses the monorail station above. This phase of construction is set to continue through early 2027, with previous work including the lobby’s reopening in October 2025 and the opening of the new Perch lobby bar in November ...

Walt Disney World has revealed further details about the ongoing refurbishment of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a 54-year-old hotel that opened alongside Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. Beginning March 23, 2026, the main tower will undergo exterior refurbishment as part of a project that started in September 2024 and is scheduled to continue through late 2027. The hotel’s distinctive design, ...

For generations, the regional theme park was the “easy win” of the American summer. It didn’t require a cross-country flight or a five-figure savings account. You just packed the car, survived a few hours of “Are we there yet?” and spent the day vibrating with adrenaline on the local mega-coaster. Credit: Six Flags But as we hit the 2026 season, ...

When families plan a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, there’s usually a picture-perfect moment that comes to mind: a relaxing afternoon at the pool after a long day in the parks. For many guests, those quiet resort moments are just as magical as stepping onto Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. During busy travel seasons like Spring Break, Disney ...

Walt Disney World vacations require a lot of planning. Guests often map out their trips months in advance, choosing which parks they want to visit, where they want to eat, and—most importantly—where they want to stay. But now, Disney has quietly issued a new warning that could affect thousands of visitors planning trips in 2026. If you’re thinking about booking ...

As the winter frost begins to melt from the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, a familiar excitement is stirring in Pigeon Forge. The countdown is officially on for March 13, 2026—the grand opening of Dollywood’s 41st season. For decades, “Opening Day” hasn’t just been about roller coasters; it’s been about a sighting of the “Backwoods Barbie” herself, Dolly Parton, ...

The red carpet at Universal Studios Hollywood is usually reserved for movie premieres and high-profile celebrities. But this past Thursday, February 26, 2026, the famous entrance was lined with a different kind of crowd: hundreds of theme park employees holding picket signs, chanting for justice, and taking a stand against a looming threat they say is hiding behind the “Olympic ...