- New and notable: Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt, Ripley’s Illusion Lab, Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, Goo Goo Chocolate Co., and the Dragons Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium.
- Two are “coming soon” (2025), three are open now.
- These picks balance family fun, hands-on experiences, and wow-factor photo moments.
- Expect strong crowds; book early and plan midweek visits when possible.
Planning a Smokies trip? Put these five new attractions at the top of your list: Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt (Mountain Mile), Ripley’s Illusion Lab (on the Pigeon Forge Parkway near WonderWorks/Titanic), the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster (the area’s only head-to-head mountain coaster), Goo Goo Chocolate Co. (design-your-own candy bar on the Gatlinburg Parkway), and the brand-new Dragons Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg). They’re the freshest experiences in town, blending interactive play, sweet treats, and immersive storytelling; perfect for families, friends, and curious travelers alike.
The 5 New Attractions You Have to Plan to Visit
1) Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt (Pigeon Forge, Mountain Mile)
What to expect: A family-friendly mystery adventure across two Scooby-Doo themed mini-golf courses, plus a gem mine, a candy shop, and playful photo ops.
Status: Coming in 2025.
Why it’s special: Immersive theming, easy to pair with nearby dining and shopping at Mountain Mile.
Trip tip: Aim for morning or after-dinner tee times to avoid peak crowds.
Summary: A colorful, story-led mini-golf experience with extra stops (gem mine, candy) that can anchor a full family outing at Mountain Mile.
2) Ripley’s Illusion Lab (Pigeon Forge Parkway)
What to expect: Optical, photographic, and interactive illusions that flip your perspective and challenge your senses.
Status: Coming soon (2025).
Why it’s special: It’s built for playful, hands-on wonder; think mind-bending rooms and shareable photo moments.
Nearby anchors: WonderWorks and the Titanic Museum Attraction.
Summary: A brain-tickling, highly Instagrammable stop that pairs well with a WonderWorks + Titanic Museum Attraction day on the Parkway.
3) Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster (Pigeon Forge)
What to expect: The only racing mountain coaster in the area with two tracks, timed runs, speed control, leaderboards, 360-degree spirals, an 80-foot double helix, and multiple drops.
Status: Open now.
Why it’s special: Head-to-head racing adds a competitive twist you won’t find on other mountain coasters.
Trip tip: Ride twice: once to learn the line, once to set your best time.
Summary: A one-of-a-kind, adrenaline-forward coaster that’s perfect for friendly rivalries and repeat rides.
4) Goo Goo Chocolate Co. (Gatlinburg)
What to expect: Iconic Goo Goo candies, branded merch, and a “design-your-own” custom candy bar experience (watch chocolatiers make your creation).
Status: Open now.
Why it’s special: Blend of heritage candy and modern, hands-on fun; great for families and sweet-tooth travelers.
Trip tip: Build your bar early in the day to avoid lines, then pick it up after exploring the Parkway.
Summary: Treat yourself to a creative, made-for-you candy experience right in the heart of Gatlinburg.
5) Dragons Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg)
What to expect: Reality meets legend; meet species that inspired dragon myths (like the Gila Monster and Green Tree Python) and touchable, texture-focused exhibits.
Status: Open now.
Why it’s special: Fresh storytelling layered into one of the region’s most beloved attractions.
Trip tip: Book timed entry in peak season to keep your day on schedule.
Summary: A can’t-miss new exhibit inside a top Smokies attraction that mixes discovery, legends, and hands-on learning.
Quick Planner: What’s New, Where It Is, and Who Will Love It
| Attraction | Where | Status | Why Go | Best For | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt | Mountain Mile (Pigeon Forge) | Coming 2025 | Immersive mini-golf + gem mine + candy | Families, fans of themed play | Book morning or post-dinner |
| Ripley’s Illusion Lab | Pigeon Forge Parkway | Coming 2025 | Mind-bending optical/interactive illusions | All ages, photo lovers | Pair with WonderWorks/Titanic |
| Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster | Pigeon Forge | Open now | Only racing coaster; timed runs & leaderboards | Thrill seekers, friend groups | Ride twice to set a PR |
| Goo Goo Chocolate Co. | Gatlinburg Parkway | Open now | Design-your-own candy bar + iconic sweets | Families, foodies | Create early, pick up later |
| Dragons Exhibit (Aquarium) | Gatlinburg | Open now | Myth-meets-reality animal encounters | Families, curious travelers | Timed entry in peak season |
Crowd & Trip-Planning Context
- Most-visited national park status continues to fuel demand in gateway towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
- Expect summer and fall to be busiest; look for midweek visits and early morning starts to reduce wait times.
- Plan to stay in our Smoky Mountain cabins for guaranteed comfort and space for everyone.
Key Takeaway: Lock in lodging early, cluster attractions by area (e.g., Mountain Mile day; Parkway day), and use timed entries where available.
3 Easy Ways to Work These Into Your Itinerary
- Family day at Mountain Mile: Mini-golf at Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt, lunch + shopping, capped with a sunset round.
- Parkway mash-up: Ripley’s Illusion Lab + WonderWorks or the Titanic Museum Attraction, then dinner and a show.
- Thrills & treats: Race the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, then reward yourself with a custom candy bar in Gatlinburg.
Summary: Group by neighborhood (Mountain Mile, Parkway, Gatlinburg core) to cut transit time and boost fun.
FAQs
When will Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt and Ripley’s Illusion Lab open?
Both are expected in 2025. Exact opening dates haven’t been publicly announced yet. Check official attraction pages as your travel dates approach.
Is the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster good for kids?
Yes, riders control their speed, and height/age guidelines are posted on-site. Families often do a warm-up ride, then a second ride to go for time.
Can I really design my own candy bar at Goo Goo Chocolate Co.?
Yes. You’ll pick your mix-ins, watch chocolatiers bring it to life, and leave with a custom creation that’s as fun as it is tasty.
What’s new about the Dragons Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium?
It connects real-world species (like the Gila Monster and Green Tree Python) with the legends they inspired, plus hands-on elements that highlight textures and adaptations.
How crowded will the Smokies be?
Expect strong demand, especially in summer and fall, since the park remains America’s most visited and experience-led travel continues to grow. Book ahead and favor midweek visits.
How to Plan a One-Day “New Attractions” Route
Morning: Start on the Parkway
Pair Ripley’s Illusion Lab with a nearby museum or WonderWorks.
Midday: Lunch + Drive Window
Grab lunch along the Parkway; build in 20–30 minutes for transit to your next stop.
Afternoon: Race Time
Hit the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster; plan two rides to set a personal best.
Evening: Sweet Finish in Gatlinburg
Head to Goo Goo Chocolate Co. to design/pick up your custom bar; stroll the Parkway.
Alternate Day: Mountain Mile Focus
Plug Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt into a Mountain Mile shopping/dining day for a lower-drive itinerary.
Summary: Front-load indoor/interactive attractions mid-day, aim coasters for cooler late afternoons, and save your sweet treat for the finale.
More Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
These are some of the best new attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but they aren’t the only things you won’t want to miss in the area! Check out these top things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
