"We've got new dreams every year:" Dolly Parton talks Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The rains have not stopped Dollywood workers from preparing the park for the new season. The 34th season of Dollywood is set to open next weekend.

Currently the park is getting a facelift, and Dolly Parton says,

"We've got new dreams every year."

"Every year we got something new and wonderful to brag about and talk about,"

Parton said.

"Which is why we're here now."

"This actually is our biggest expansion since we actually opened the park 34 years ago,"

Parton continued.

Crews have been working in the rain to get the theme park ready for Friday, March 15. That's the exclusive opening day for season pass holders.

"

It means a lot of working in the elements for our crews, but it's something they have to do and they take great pride in the work they do when it's finished,"

said Wes Ramey, Dollywood spokesperson.

New this year, the Sweet Shoppe for people with a sweet tooth, and Southern pantry for people who enjoy comfort foods.

The Festival of Nations returns for the spring. Guest performers will be in the park through mid April.

"We also have a group Drumstruck from Africa. The fun part about that show, when you go into show street palace theater, every seats going to have a drum in it. You will use that drum to be a part of the performance,"

said Ramey.

Many of these off season projects will be completed by the time the park opens to season pass holders on Friday.

Dollywood's largest expansion ever, Wildwood Grove, is scheduled to open in May.