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{{Short description|Theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, US}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{For|the Deccani language film industry sometimes referred to as Dollywood|Deccani cinema}}
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{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Dollywood
| image = Dollywoodsign1.jpg
| location = 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, [[Pigeon Forge, Tennessee]]
| location2 = 37863-4102, [[United States]]
| coordinates = {{coord|35.805702|-83.528838|type:landmark_region:US-TN|display=inline,title|notes=<ref>{{Google maps | url = https://maps.google.com/maps?q=35.805702,-83.528838&num=1&t=m&z=15&layer=t|access-date = August 21, 2012}}</ref>|format=dms}}
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.dollywood.com/}}
| owner = Dolly Parton Productions (50%)<br>[[Herschend]] (50%)
| opening_date = {{Start date|1961|06|10}} (64 years ago; as Rebel Railroad)
{{Start date|1986|05|03}} (39 years ago; as Dollywood)
| previous_names = {{unbulleted list|Rebel Railroad (1961–1963)|Goldrush Junction (1964–1974)|Goldrush (1975–1976)|Silver Dollar City, Tennessee (1977–1985)}}
| season = March – January
| visitors = 3.8 million annually
| area = {{convert|168|acre|km2}}
| rides = 50 rides and attractions
| coasters = 10
| water_rides = 2
| slogan = Love Every Moment
| theme = The life and music of [[Dolly Parton]], [[Appalachia]], the 1950s (Jukebox Junction)
| status = operating
| logo = Dollywood logo.svg
| caption = Entrance sign to Dollywood
| operator = [[Herschend]]
}}
'''Dollywood''' is a [[theme park]] that is jointly owned by [[Herschend]] and [[Country music|country]] [[singer-songwriter]] [[Dolly Parton]] through her entertainment company, Dolly Parton Productions. It is located in the [[Knoxville, Tennessee|Knoxville]] [[Knoxville metropolitan area|metropolitan area]] in [[Pigeon Forge, Tennessee]], near the gateway to [[The Great Smoky Mountains]]. Hosting nearly 3 million guests in a typical season from mid-March to [[Christmas and holiday season|the Christmas holidays]], Dollywood is the biggest ticketed tourist attraction in [[Tennessee]].<ref name="crk414">King, Caitlin R., [https://abcnews.go.com/print?id=10375636 "Dolly Parton Celebrates as Dollywood Turns 25"], Associated Press report as published on the ABC News website, April 14, 2010, retrieved April 18, 2010</ref> It has won several international awards.

In addition to standard amusement park [[List of amusement rides|thrill rides]], Dollywood features traditional crafts, food, and music of the [[Great Smoky Mountains|Smoky Mountain]] area. The park hosts a number of concerts and musical events each year, including appearances by Dolly Parton and her family as well as other national and local musical acts. 

The theme park is the anchor of Parton's {{convert|150|acre|adj=on}} Dollywood amusement destination, which also includes the {{convert|35|acres|ha|adj=on}} sister water park [[Dollywood's Splash Country]], the {{convert|20|acres|ha|adj=on}} Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/dollywood-plans-300-million-expansion-dreammore-resort-1398281|title=Dollywood Plans $300 Million Expansion With DreamMore Resort|website=[[International Business Times]] |date=August 26, 2013}}</ref> and the {{Convert|5|acres|ha|adj=on}} Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction.

== History ==

=== Rebel Railroad (1961-1963) ===
The park opened on June 10, 1961 as a small tourist attraction owned by the Robbins brothers from [[Blowing Rock, North Carolina]]. Named "[[Dollywood Express|Rebel Railroad]]", it included a [[Steam locomotive|steam train]], [[general store]], [[blacksmith]] shop, and [[bar (establishment)|saloon]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Rebel Railroad - Goldrush Junction - Silver Dollar City (Closed) |url=https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/8439 |website=roadsideamerica.com |access-date=May 9, 2020}}</ref> With a theme inspired by the centennial of the Civil War, the train ride let visitors experience "attacks" by Union soldiers, train robbers, and [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. The train and its riders were protected by Confederates who fought off the attacks. The park was modeled after the Robbins brothers' first successful theme park, [[Tweetsie Railroad]] in Blowing Rock.

=== Goldrush Junction (1964-1974) ===

For the 1964 season, the park was renamed "Goldrush Junction". A special announcement was made in the May 24, 1964, edition of ''[[Knoxville News Sentinel]]''. As part of the name change the park switched to a wild west theme similar to its sister park Tweetsie Railroad.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hollis |first=Tim |last2=Soward |first2=Mitzi |date=2011 |title=Lost Attractions of Sevier County (Images of America) |location= Mount Pleasant, SC|publisher=Arcadia Publishing |page=56 |isbn=9780738587622}}</ref>

In 1970, [[Art Modell]] – who also owned the [[Cleveland Browns]] [[American football|football]] team – bought Goldrush Junction. The park retained the railroad and added an outdoor theater and the Robert F. Thomas Chapel.<ref name="pigeonforgechamber.com">{{Cite web | url=https://www.pigeonforgechamber.com/this-history-of-dollywood/ | title=The History of Dollywood |website=Official Pigeon Forge Chamber| date=July 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511014511/https://www.pigeonforgechamber.com/this-history-of-dollywood/|archive-date=May 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dollywood Rides & Attractions {{!}} Robert F. Thomas Chapel |url=https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/rides/robert-f-thomas-chapel/ |access-date=2023-12-01 |website=www.dollywood.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Goldrush (1975-1976) ===

For the 1975 season, the park name was changed to "Goldrush". In April of 1976, Jack and Pete Herschend, owners of [[Silver Dollar City]], bought Goldrush. The park continued to operate as Goldrush for the 1976 season.

=== Silver Dollar City (1977-1985) ===

In 1977, the Herschends renamed Goldrush to "Silver Dollar City Tennessee", making it a sister park to their original [[Silver Dollar City]] in [[Branson, Missouri]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dollywood.com/About-Us/Dollywood-History|title=The History of Dolly Parton's Family Amusement Park – Dollywood|website=www.dollywood.com|access-date=July 6, 2017}}</ref> The Herschends spent about $1 million upgrading the park upon purchase and added other improvements over the years.<ref name="pigeonforgechamber.com" /> Also in 1977, the train ride added two new [[steam locomotive]]s, the #70 and the #71, plus the remains of engine #72 for spare parts, from the [[White Pass and Yukon Route|White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad]].

=== Dollywood (1986-present) ===

[[File:DW Wild Eagle.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|[[Wild Eagle]], America's first [[wing coaster]]]]

In 1986, Dolly Parton, who grew up in the area, bought an interest in Silver Dollar City. As part of the deal, the park reopened for the 1986 season as "Dollywood". In 2010, Parton said she became involved with the operation because she "always thought that if I made it big or got successful at what I had started out to do, that I wanted to come back to my part of the country and do something great, something that would bring a lot of jobs into this area."<ref name=crk414 />

Dollywood has approximately 4,000 people on its payroll, making it the largest employer in the community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eteda.org/data-library/major-employers/largest-employers/|title=Largest Employers – East Tennessee Economic Development Agency|website=www.eteda.org|access-date=2019-11-04}}</ref> From 1986 to 2010, the park doubled in size to {{convert|150|acres|ha}}. On November 16, 2010, Dollywood earned the [[Liseberg]] [[Applause Award]], which Dolly Parton accepted during a ceremony at [[International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions|IAAPA]] Attractions Expo 2010 in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]].<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6AF4M520101116 Dolly Parton theme park wins top industry award] // Reuters, November 16, 2010</ref>

==== 1980s developments ====
On May 3, 1986, Silver Dollar City Tennessee reopened as Dollywood. The new Rivertown Junction area included Smoky Mountain River Rampage, a whitewater rafting ride; Back Porch Theater; Aunt Granny's Dixie Fixins' Restaurant; and Dolly's [[My Tennessee Mountain Home|Tennessee Mountain Home]], a replica of the cabin that was Parton's childhood home. Also new was "Rags to Riches: The Dolly Parton Story", a museum displaying articles and mementos from Dolly's life and career. "The Butter Churn" (a [[Wipeout (ride)|Trabant ride]]) was removed at the end of the season. Park attendance doubled to more than a million guests during the first season as Dollywood.<ref name="History">{{cite news|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|title=Dollywood milestones|url=http://archive.knoxnews.com/entertainment/family/dollywood-milestones-ep-1053813800-362296971.html|access-date=October 14, 2016|date=April 25, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018202943/http://archive.knoxnews.com/entertainment/family/dollywood-milestones-ep-1053813800-362296971.html|archive-date=October 18, 2016}}</ref>

In 1987, the Daydream Ridge area opened and included the Mountain Slidewinder water toboggan ride, Mountain Dan's Burger House, Sweet Dreams Candy Shop, The Rainbow Factory blown glass shop, and Critter Creek Playground. Engine #70 was restored to operation. In 1988, the 1,739-seat Celebrity Theater, featuring the "Showcase of Stars" celebrity concert series, was constructed adjacent to the entrance of the park.<ref name="History" /> Five new children's rides were added to the Fun Country area, including a [[Zamperla]] Balloon Race. The [[Dollywood Foundation]] was established to provide books and schools supplies to the children of [[Sevier County, Tennessee|Sevier County]]. Thunder Express, a steel mine train coaster, was built adjacent to Blazing Fury in 1989. The ride was relocated to the park from [[Six Flags St. Louis|Six Flags Over Mid-America]]. The 1989 season was the last for the National Mountain Music Festival, which was a carryover from the Silver Dollar City years.<ref name="History" />

==== 1990s developments ====
In 1990, a 1924 antique [[Dentzel Carousel Company|Dentzel Carousel]], originally built for Rocky Springs Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was relocated to the park. Situated near the train depot, it took over the space previously occupied by the Silver Dollar Saloon. The 600-seat Gaslight Theater opened near the carousel. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival premiered in November, extending the park's operating season into December.<ref name="History" /> Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, an outdoor aviary, was added in 1991 along with the Wings of America Theater, site of the Birds of Prey show, and the 300-seat Valley Theater.

The Showstreet area was added in 1992 and included the Showstreet Palace Theater, The Butterfly Emporium, The Backstage Restaurant, The Spotlight Bakery, Friendship Gardens, and WDLY-FM, a working radio station.<ref name="History" /> To accommodate the expansion, the park's main entrance moved from Rivertown Junction to Showstreet. The Barnwood Theater was converted into Imagination Station, an interactive children's play area. Dollywood's annual attendance topped 2 million for the first time during the 1992 season.

In 1993, the Fun Country area was renovated and became The Country Fair with three new rides: The Wonder Wheel, a {{convert|60|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall [[Ferris wheel]]; Twist and Shout, a scrambler ride; and Tennessee Twister, a tilt-a-whirl.<ref name="History" /> The Balloon Race ride was relocated to the Daydream Ridge area to make room for the new attractions. Also new at the park was "Sunset Musicfest", a summer music festival. A year later, in 1994, the Gaslight Theater became the Heartsong Theater, named for the multi-media musical presentation that told the story of Dolly Parton's life. In 1995, the Jukebox Junction 1950s "Main Street" themed area was added and included Rockin' Roadway miniature car ride, The Pines Theater, Red's Diner, and Cas Walker's Music Store. The Sunset Musicfest did not return for the 1995 season.<ref name="History" />

The Dollywood Boulevard area was added in 1996 and included Thunder Road, a turbo-simulator ride based on the [[Thunder Road (1958 film)|1958 movie of the same name]]. Silver Screen Café, a 1950s cinema-themed restaurant, and Centerstage gift shop were also in the area.<ref name="History" /> In 1997, the "U Pick Nick" children's show focused on themes from the [[Nickelodeon]] television network and played in Celebrity Theater. The Flooded Mine dark-ride was closed and demolished in October, and Silver Screen Cafe became DJ Platters in the Dollywood Boulevard area.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Morning Call|title=Nickelodeon 'Slime' Winner Is Local Boy|url=https://www.mcall.com/1997/07/22/nickelodeon-slime-winner-is-local-boy/|access-date=July 27, 2016|date=July 22, 1996}}</ref> Daredevil Falls, a new shoot the chutes flume ride, opened in the area formerly occupied by the Flooded Mine a year later in 1998. At the time, it was billed as "The Highest and Fastest Waterfall Ride in America" with its {{convert|62|ft|m|abbr=on}} drop.<ref>{{cite news|department=Travel Advisory|title=Dollywood Has Become Wetter and Wilder|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/14/travel/travel-advisory-dollywood-has-become-wetter-and-wilder.html|access-date=October 14, 2016|work=The New York Times|date=June 14, 1998}}</ref> Thunder Express was closed in September and sold to [[Magic Springs and Crystal Falls|Magic Springs Theme Park]] in Arkansas. The antique carousel was removed at the end of the season and replaced with a new [[Chance Rides]] carousel.

In 1999, the [[Tennessee Tornado]], a steel looping coaster, opened in the area formerly occupied by Thunder Express. Also new was the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, while the Balloon Race ride was removed.<ref name="History" />

==== 2000s developments ====
The Daydream Ridge area was renovated and became Dreamland Forest, a children's mountain-themed interactive play area in 2000. The Festival of Nations international music festival premiered a year later in April 2001. [[Dollywood's Splash Country|Dolly's Splash Country]], a new {{convert|25|acre|m2|adj=on}} water park opened adjacent to Dollywood's parking lot.<ref name="History" />

Dollywood Boulevard was renovated and became a new area, Adventures in Imagination, in 2002. Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure, a new simulator film, replaced Thunder Road, and a new Dolly museum called [[Chasing Rainbows Museum|Chasing Rainbows]] opened in the building formerly occupied by DJ Platters.<ref name="History" /> In 2003, summer children's festival KidsFest premiered, and Imagination Station was converted into Celebration Hall, a special events facility. It was also the final season for the "Showcase of Stars" celebrity concert series.

A new area of the park, Thunderhead Gap, opened with the [[Thunderhead (roller coaster)|Thunderhead]] wooden roller coaster in 2004.<ref name="History" /> The construction of the new area opened up a new valley for park expansion. The Country Fair Falls log flume was demolished in November, and most of the other Country Fair rides, including the Swingamajig, Tennessee Twister, The Convoy, and The Barnstormer, were removed at the end of the season to free up space for newer rides that were added for the 2005 season. The new rides included Dizzy Disk, Amazing Flying Elephants, Lemon Twist, Shooting Star, Sky Rider, VeggieTales Sideshow Spin (children's roller coaster), Waltzing Swinger, Piggy Parade, Busy Bees, and Lucky Ducky. The National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration was also new in 2005.

In 2006, the [[Topple Tower|Timber Tower]] ride, along with Lil' Loggers Landing, Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek Boat Float, and Lumberjack Lifts, opened in a new area adjacent to Thunderhead. The Barbeque & Bluegrass festival also premiered. The 2007 season included the addition of [[Mystery Mine]], a [[Gerstlauer]] Eurofighter coaster with two vertical lifts hills and dark ride elements. The ride's climax featured fire effects in front of the riders, a 95-degree {{convert|85|ft|m|adj=on}} drop, a heartline roll, and a dive loop. The $17 million (${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|17000000|2007}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}) ride used an abandoned mine shaft theme.<ref name="History" /> In 2008, [[River Battle]], an interactive water raft ride, was built in a new section of the park called Wilderness Pass that connected the Timber Canyon and Craftsman's Valley areas. "Thunder Road" returned to the motion theater (Imagination Cinema) and replaced Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure. Della's Lye Soap shop moved from Craftsman's Valley to the Wilderness Pass area. A new exhibit housing the Wings of America show birds moved to its former location. The Polar Express 4-D Experience was shown in Imagination Cinema during the park's Smoky Mountain Christmas.

In 2009, Dollywood presented two new shows, "Imaginé" by Le Grand Cirque and "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke", which featured music written by Dolly Parton and told the story of the last family living in the Smoky Mountains at the time it became a national park. "Imaginé" headlined the park's Festival of Nations. "Thunder Road" was renamed "White Lightning" and then changed to a new attraction, ''Journey to the Center of the Earth: 4-D Adventure'', based on the 2008 film. In 2009, an upcharge zipline attraction called SkyZip (owned by Skyline Eco-Adventures of Maui, [[Hawaii]]) opened at Dollywood, becoming the first multi-line zip line tour inside a theme park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dollywood to introduce zip line attraction |url=http://www.knoxnews.com/business/dollywood-to-introduce-zip-line-attraction-ep-410205734-359486341.html |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=www.knoxnews.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Magazine |first=Maui |date=2011-03-02 |title=Sky's the Limit {{!}} Skyline Zipline on Maui |url=https://www.mauimagazine.net/the-skys-the-limit/ |access-date=2022-08-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== 2010s developments ====
The Adventure Mountain attraction opened at a cost of $5 million in the Wilderness Pass area in 2010.<ref name="crk414" /> It included three distinct adventure courses, Geyser Gorge, Black Bear Cliff, and Rocky Top, that ranged from easy to expert with 100 different rope features, swinging beams, suspension bridges, flying islands, and floating stairs. Adventure trails ranged from a few inches above the ground to more than {{convert|26|ft|m}} in the air. The area also included a scaled-down play area called Camp Teachittoomee for younger children. Also for the 2010 season, Dollywood brought back "Sha-Kon-O-Hey! Land of Blue Smoke" and changed its logo for the 25th anniversary.

In 2011, a new area called Owens Farm with a $5.5 million giant swing called [[Barnstormer (ride)|Barnstormer]] replaced Dreamland Forest. The barnyard-themed area included a play area for younger guests. Christmas on Ice, a new ice skating Christmas show, premiered in DP's Celebrity Theater and headlined Smoky Mountain Christmas. [[Wild Eagle]] opened March 24, 2012, and was the first [[Bolliger & Mabillard]] [[Wing Coaster]] in the United States. It was also the biggest investment in Dollywood history. In 2012, the operator of SkyZip sued Dollywood, blaming the park for damaging the zip line network during its construction of Wild Eagle, but Dollywood blamed the damage on storms. Settling out of court, Dollywood took over SkyZip operations from Skyline Eco-Adventures, and closed the attraction in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Operator of zipline sues Dollywood |url=http://www.knoxnews.com/business/operator-of-zipline-sues-dollywood-ep-404020689-357743901.html |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=www.knoxnews.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SkyZip at Dollywood Reviews & Info |url=https://www.themeparktourist.com/guides/dollywood/skyzip |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=Theme Park Tourist |date=July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Timber Tower was dismantled before opening in 2012 due to a lawsuit with the ride manufacturer.<ref name="History" /> Also in 2012, Dollywood dropped the [[VeggieTales]] name from Sideshow Spin, removing any mentions of the franchise from the ride altogether.<ref>{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Sideshow Spin|location=Dollywood|url=https://rcdb.com/2950.htm|accessdate=August 24, 2021}}</ref> In December of the very same year, the park announced that Adventure Mountain would be closed permanently following the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2012/12/adventure-mountain-leaving-dollywood.html|title=Adventure Mountain Leaving Dollywood for 2014 Project|date=December 10, 2012 |publisher=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref>

Dollywood dedicated 2013 to encouraging families to spend time together. New shows for the season included Cirque Shanghai, Mystic India, and One World Party as part of Festival of Nations along with more than 50 new international food items. The park also introduced "Great American Summer", a new summer festival that replaced KidsFest. It included the [[Great American Country]] Show, Gazillion Bubbles, The Little Engine Playhouse, and Salute to America. Dollywood extended its hours and added a nightly [[fireworks]] show. Smoky Mountain Christmas added a new show that was Dolly Parton's version of [[Charles Dickens]]' ''[[A Christmas Carol]]''. Dollywood's slogan for the year was "Make Time for Happy!" Imagination Cinema became Dreamsong Theater and played Dolly's ''My People'', a show about Dolly's family.

In 2014, [[FireChaser Express]], a dual-launch family coaster, replaced Adventure Mountain in the Wilderness Pass area of the park.<ref name="History" /> Dollywood's slogan was changed to "Love Every Moment", and Smoky Mountain Christmas added a [[Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer]] meet-and-greet called Holly Jolly Junction. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa opened adjacent to Dollywood's Splash Country in 2015. For the 30th anniversary of the park, the park redesigned the entrance for resort guests and added two new shows to Festival of Nations called "Rhythm of the Dance" and "Timber". Cas Walker's was demolished to make room for a new attraction, and six new shows were added to "Great American Summer" along with the revival of the Showcase of Stars concert series. Also new was Rock the Smokies, a Christian music festival, and Rudolph and friends returned to the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

In 2010, Parton said that she would like to open more Dollywood parks in the future. "We definitely want to expand with new things every year, eventually with a resort," she said. "We may eventually have Dollywoods in other parts of the country, where we can kind of be true to whatever's going on in that part of the world."<ref name="crk414" /> On August 21, 2013, Parton announced Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa,<ref name="10YrAnnounce">{{cite web|title=10 Year Announcement|url=http://www.dollywood.com/Media/Press-Releases/10-Year-Announcement.aspx|access-date=December 11, 2013|publisher=The Dollywood Company}}</ref> which opened on July 27, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harrington|first1=Carly|date=July 27, 2015|title=Dollywood's DreamMore Resort in Tennessee welcomes first guests|url=http://archive.naplesnews.com/business/dollywoods-dreammore-resort-in-tennessee-welcomes-first-guests-ep-1206873649-330752841.html|access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref>

[[Lightning Rod (roller coaster)|Lightning Rod]], a [[Rocky Mountain Construction]] wooden coaster, opened on June 13, 2016. It opened as the world's first launched wooden coaster as well as the [[List of roller coaster rankings#Fastest wooden roller coasters|fastest wooden coaster in the world]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Dollywood's Lightning Rod coaster officially opens|url=http://www.wbir.com/news/local/dollywoods-lightning-rod-coaster-officially-opens/242436671|access-date=October 14, 2016|work=WBIR|date=June 15, 2016}}</ref> A year later, in 2017, a {{convert|200|ft|m|adj=on}} freefall ride called Drop Line, which replaced Timber Tower, opened along with a junior roller coaster called Whistle Punk Chaser. Two new seasonal events debuted, and Dollywood's Splash Country added the TailSpin Racer mat racer slide complex. Sideshow Spin and [[River Battle]] were removed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/YOF2017|title=New in 2017|access-date=November 30, 2016}}</ref>

In 2018, the former River Battle site was transformed into the Plaza at Wilderness Pass, a new open space with covered seating for relaxing and enjoying seasonal events.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2018/03/16/dolly-parton-breaks-down-whats-new-dollywood-2018-season-theme-park-opening-day/406603002/|title=Dolly Parton breaks down what's new for Dollywood's 2018 season at park's opening day|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|access-date=July 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref> With the debut of the Spring Mix three-week music series, the 2018 "Season of Showstoppers" also marked the park's largest investment in entertainment in Dollywood's history. The 2018 Festival of Nations includes three headliners that are new to Dollywood: Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos (Pines Theater), National Dance Company of Siberia (Celebrity Theater), and [[Ladysmith Black Mambazo]] (Showstreet Palace Theater).<ref name=":0" /> The first Summer Celebration event includes various performances and attractions, including DRUMLine Live! in Celebrity Theater, a show that focuses on the musical styles of marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It uses technology, including video screens and special effects, to enhance soul, R&B, country, and other types of music.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2018/06/15/dollywood-check-out-parks-new-show-drumline-live-pigeon-forge-marching-band/682751002/|title=Dollywood: Check out the park's new show, DRUMLine Live!, debuting on Saturday|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|access-date=July 1, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Renovations included upgrades to Aunt Granny's and re-branding and renaming of two shops.

Work began in October 2017 on "Wildwood Grove", adding eleven new experiences to the park. Attractions include a suspended family coaster ([[Dragonflier]]), a restaurant (Till & Harvest), an indoor play area (Hidden Hollow), an outdoor splash pad (Wildwood Creek), a swinging boat ride (The Great Tree Swing), and a 50&nbsp;ft tall tree with a canopy covered in butterflies (The Wildwood Tree).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/money/business/2018/03/07/dollywood-tn-things-do-attractions-pigeo-forge/400741002/|title=Dollywood files plans to add eight attractions including pony-riding track, swinging rides|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|access-date=July 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref> The $37 million 5-acre development, described as "a land built from Dolly Parton's dreams", opened May 10, 2019. It was part of a $300 million 6-year expansion project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2019/05/10/dolly-partons-dollywood-wildwood-grove-new-attraction/3630075002/|title=Dolly Parton opens Dollywood's Wildwood Grove Friday. Here's how the new area stacks up|last=Jones|first=Maggie|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|date=May 10, 2019|access-date=May 20, 2019}}</ref>

==== 2020s developments ====

In October 2019, it was announced that the park would add its first new festival in 14 years. Dollywood's Flower & Food Festival will feature 10 to 15 feet tall topiaries based on Dolly's songs like "Coat of Many Colors", photo opportunities, a rainbow sky over Showstreet, and food. The festival was to have commemorated the park's 35th season and run from May 8 to June 14, 2020, but was deferred to May 7 to June 13, 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Maggie|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2019/10/21/dollywood-pigeon-forge-2020-season-new-festival/4052754002/|title=Dollywood introduces Flower and Food Festival for 2020|date=October 21, 2019|work=[[Knoxville News Sentinel]]|access-date=February 9, 2020}}</ref>

Dollywood filed plans in October 2019 for a new resort adjacent to Splash Country and DreamMore Resort. It is planned to feature a 310-room hotel, a 325-seat restaurant, and a conference space. The plans indicate the resort will create 100 jobs.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Cole|url=https://www.wbir.com/article/life/people/dolly-parton/dollywood-plans-to-build-new-resort-in-pigeon-forge/51-0656ad2b-ee31-440c-a87b-65ba2ec3beca|title=Dollywood plans to build new resort in Pigeon Forge|date=November 26, 2019|work=[[WBIR]] 10 News|access-date=February 9, 2020|publisher=[[Tegna Inc.|Tegna]]|publication-place=[[Pigeon Forge, Tennessee]]}}</ref> In June 2021, Dollywood announced plans for a $500 million expansion of the complex, including more details about the planned hotel complex announced in 2019. The new resort, with the name revealed to be the HeartSong Lodge & Resort, will have 302 rooms, five floors of suites, a four-story atrium with a large central fireplace, and multiple shopping and culinary experiences. HeartSong Lodge is scheduled to open in 2023, along with campgrounds, three additional resorts, and a "record-breaking" attraction for the theme park.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Whites-Koditschek|first=Sarah|url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/06/dolly-parton-investing-500-million-in-new-smoky-mountain-resort.html|title=Dolly Parton to open new Smoky Mountain resort; part of $500 million regional investment|date=June 6, 2021|work=AL.com|access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Gariano|first=Francesca|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/dolly-parton-expanding-dollywood-half-billion-dollar-renovation-t220966|title=Dolly Parton is expanding Dollywood with half a billion dollar renovation|date=June 5, 2021|work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]|access-date=June 9, 2021}}</ref>

During the 2022 off-season, a few changes were made to better the park and provide more space and improve efficiency. The Silver Dollar Mine tunnel, connecting the lower section of Craftsman's Valley and The Village, was removed. The area now provides a more open space for guests to walk through and also allow a chance to relax and enjoy the views of the passing Dollywood Express.<ref>{{cite news |title=Old mine tunnel removed during Dollywood construction project |url=https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/old-mine-tunnel-next-to-dollywood-express-removed/51-e549bba4-78e4-4ed4-beb9-15b5caf54a5f |access-date=April 21, 2022 |work=WBIR |date=January 26, 2022}}</ref> Also, the parking complex was renovated to better utilize the lots at both Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country to provide a more efficient experience for guests as they enter the property. The principal change being the swapping of the guest traffic lanes with the tram lanes, which removes previous points of intersection between the two. The multi-property parking complex now employs a one-way circuit which eliminates the two-way traffic pattern of the old parking lot layout. Also, the addition of two extra parking toll booths (four attendants), as well as more staging lanes for the toll booths, will result in a reduction of time spent waiting to enter the property. Other projects throughout the Dollywood theme park property include the renovation of Iron Horse Pizza (formerly known as Victoria's Pizza) to include greater production capacity and more seating space for guests. The Emporium also received a complete makeover, providing a modern shopping experience as guests look to find unique Dollywood keepsakes. Also, as guests have continued to ask for more room to provide spacing in the park, two buildings were removed to allow for wider walkways — the former Eagle Shop (part of the second phase of the Craftsman's Valley widening project) and the former Christmas Cottage in Rivertown Junction.

On August 5, 2022, it was announced that a new roller coaster named [[Big Bear Mountain (roller coaster)|Big Bear Mountain]] was under construction and opened on May 12, 2023. It is also the longest in the park's history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-05 |title=New Dollywood roller coaster coming in 2023 to be park's largest |url=https://www.wate.com/news/all-about-dolly-parton/new-dollywood-roller-coaster-coming-in-2023-to-be-parks-largest/ |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=WATE 6 On Your Side |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Areas ==
{{further|List of Dollywood attractions}}
Dollywood is organized into 11 themed areas: Showstreet, Rivertown Junction, Craftsman's Valley, The Village, Country Fair, Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass, Jukebox Junction, Owens Farm, Adventures in Imagination and Wildwood Grove reflect the historical eras and culture of [[East Tennessee]], while Owens Farm and Adventures in Imagination explore Dolly Parton's life and imagination. Many attractions focus on the history and culture of the [[Appalachian Mountains|Southern Appalachian]] region.

[[File:Dollywood train.jpg|thumb|right|Dollywood features the [[Dollywood Express]], a full-size steam train, one of the park's signature attractions.]]
===Showstreet===
Attractions include Showstreet Palace Theater and the Celebrity Theater.

===Rivertown Junction===
Attractions include Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home, Back Porch Theater, and Smoky Mountain River Rampage whitewater rafting ride.

===Craftsman's Valley===
Attractions include Dollywood Grist Mill, Valley Theater, Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, Wings of America Theater, Robert F. Thomas Chapel, Calico Falls Schoolhouse, [[Tennessee Tornado|Tennessee Tornado coaster]], Blazing Fury coaster, [[Daredevil Falls]] flume ride, and craft exhibits.

===The Village===
Attractions include the {{RailGauge|3ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow-gauge railway|narrow gauge]] [[Dollywood Express]] steam train, Imagination Playhouse, Village Carousel.

===Country Fair===
Rides include The Amazing Flying Elephants, Lemon Twist, Shooting Star, Sky Rider, The Waltzing Swinger, Piggy Parade, Busy Bees, Lucky Ducky, Dolly's Demolition Derby, and The Scrambler.

===Timber Canyon===
Attractions include the [[Mystery Mine]] coaster, the [[Thunderhead (roller coaster)|Thunderhead coaster]], Drop Line, Whistle Punk Chaser, and Lumberjack Lifts.

===Jukebox Junction===
Attractions include the Rockin' Roadway car ride and Pines Theater. Also featured is [[Lightning Rod (roller coaster)|Lightning Rod]] a high-speed lift wooden roller coaster.

===Owens Farm===
Attractions include [[Barnstormer (ride)|Barnstormer]], a barn and plane styled giant swing attraction. It also includes soft play areas and a splash pad.

===The Dolly Parton Experience===
Attractions include Behind the Seams and Song-teller Museums

===Wilderness Pass===
Attractions include The Plaza at Wilderness Pass, [[Wild Eagle]] – America's first winged coaster – and [[FireChaser Express]], a dual-launch coaster that launches forward and backward.

===Wildwood Grove===
Opened in 2019; attractions include [[Dragonflier]], a suspended family coaster; Big Bear Mountain, a family launched coaster; The Mad Mockingbird, a flying scooter ride; The Wildwood Tree, a {{convert|50|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} lighted tree; and Till & Harvest Food Hall, a Smoky Mountains-inspired restaurant. In 2023, [[Big Bear Mountain (roller coaster)|Big Bear Mountain]], a launching steel family roller coaster, was added.

== Festivals and annual events ==
Dollywood hosts six of the South's largest festivals between the months of March and December:
* Running normally from mid-March to mid-April, Festival of Nations offers cultural events by performers from around the world. This festival has been retired since the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and was replaced with The I Will Always Love You Festival, which started in 2023.<ref name="FON">{{cite web|title=Festival of Nations|url=http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/Festival-of-Nations.aspx|publisher=Dollywood|access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref>
* From late April until mid-May, the Barbeque & Bluegrass presented by [[Bush Brothers and Company]] is a bluegrass music and barbecue festival.<ref name="BBQBluegrass">{{cite web|title=Barbeque & Bluegrass|url=http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/Barbeque-and-Bluegrass.aspx|publisher=Dollywood|access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref>
*Starting in 2021 (originally 2020), and scheduled to run from mid-May and running until early June, is the Flower and Food Festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbir.com/article/entertainment/events/dollywoods-new-flower-food-festival-to-brings-spring-fun-to-the-smokies-in-2020/51-647d2b11-e915-4d60-8425-5b8ddaf27953|title=Dollywood's new Flower & Food Festival to bring spring fun to the Smokies in 2020|website=wbir.com|date=October 18, 2019 }}</ref>
* Summer Celebration (formerly Great American Summer) includes Night of Many Colors, a nightly fireworks display set to music; 3D Light and Drone Show, Night Experience, night performances and rides in the dark; and new shows, such as DRUMLine Live! and iLuminate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2018/06/11/dollywood-new-summer-celebration-feature-extended-hours-shows-pigeon-forge/690314002/|title=New Dollywood festival, Summer Celebration, to feature extended hours, entertainment|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|access-date=July 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref>
* Harvest Festival presented by Humana features Southern Gospel music, professional craftsmen,<ref name="Harvest">{{cite web|title=National Southern Gospel Festival|url=http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/National-Southern-Gospel-Harvest-Celebration.aspx|publisher=Dollywood|access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref> and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
* Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana is a 13 time award winner of Golden Ticket's Best Christmas Event and features seven holiday performances, 5 million Christmas lights,<ref name="Christmas">{{cite web|title=Smoky Mountain Christmas|url=http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/Smoky-Mountain-Christmas.aspx|publisher=Dollywood|access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref> Glacier Ridge (in which part of the park has frozen over), and a nightly parade.

== Rankings and awards ==
In 2010, Dollywood received the [[Applause Award]], an honor presented biennially by the [[Liseberg]] amusement park in Gothenburg, Sweden. The award recognizes a theme park "whose management, operations, and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry with their foresight, originality, and sound business development."<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.liseberg.se/om-liseberg/applause-awards/| title=Liseberg Applause Award}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://dollyparton.com/family_destinations/dollywood/2010-liseberg-applause-award| title=2010 Liseberg Applause Award| date=November 16, 2010}}</ref>

In 2017, Dollywood won Golden Ticket awards from ''[[Amusement Today]]'' for Friendliest Park, Best Christmas Event, Best Food and Best Show.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://goldenticketawards.com/winners-announced/ | title=Winners Announced!| date=September 9, 2017}}</ref>

In 2018, Dollywood received a Golden Ticket award from ''Amusement Today'' in the Best Food category, marking the park's fourth win in seven years.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/dollywood-best-theme-park-food/041718|title=Dolly Parton's Theme Park Was Awarded for Having the Best Food|date=April 17, 2018|work=The Daily Meal|access-date=July 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref> In addition to three dinner show options, more than 25 vendors serve meals and snacks, ranging from barbecue ribs, pizza, corn dogs, and pork rinds to cinnamon bread, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and banana pudding made using Dolly's recipe. The park also received Golden Tickets for Best Shows, Friendliest Park, and Best Christmas Event and was ranked the third best park in the world.<ref name=":1" />

In the 2018 ''[[USA Today]]'' 10Best Readers' Choice Awards – awards voted on by the general public – Dollywood was ranked as the sixth Best Amusement Park in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-amusement-park-2018/|title=Best Amusement Park Winners: 2018 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards|website=10Best|date=June 22, 2018 |language=en|access-date=July 1, 2018}}</ref> Additionally, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa was ranked first in the Best Amusement Park Hotel category, and Aunt Granny's Restaurant was ranked first in the Best Amusement Park Restaurant category. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa, which opened in 2015, includes family-oriented amenities and provides direct access to the theme park. Aunt Granny's opened the first year the park operated as Dollywood. It uses an all-you-can-eat buffet format with comfort foods like chicken and dumplings, tacos, and steaks along with a salad bar and health-conscious choices.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.10best.com/interests/family-travel/best-award-winning-water-parks-and-amusement-parks/|title=These are the best amusement and water parks|work=10Best|access-date=July 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

Dreamland Drive-In was ranked third in the Best Amusement Park Entertainment category,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-amusement-park-entertainment-2018/|title=Best Amusement Park Entertainment Winners: 2018 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards|website=10Best|date=June 22, 2018 |language=en|access-date=July 1, 2018}}</ref> and Dollywood's Splash Country was ranked sixth in the Best Outdoor Water Park category.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-outdoor-water-park/|title=Best Outdoor Water Park Winners: 2018 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards|website=10Best|language=en|access-date=July 1, 2018}}</ref>

In 2019, Dollywood won Golden Ticket awards for Best Kids' Area, Best Guest Experience, and Best Christmas Event of 2018.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://goldenticketawards.com/ | title=The Golden Ticket Awards – Presented by Amusement Today}}</ref>

In 2019, Coaster101.com named Lightning Rod "Wooden Roller Coaster of the Decade".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Dollywoods-Lightning-Rod-wins-Coaster-of-the-Decade-Award-566350361.html|title=Dollywood's Lightning Rod wins "Coaster of the Decade Award"|website=WVLT|date=December 19, 2019 }}</ref>

In 2021, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas won the [[Golden Ticket Award]] for Best Christmas Event for the 13th straight year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-10 |title=Dollywood wins 4 Golden Ticket awards including Best Christmas Event for 13th consecutive year |url=https://www.wate.com/news/all-about-dolly-parton/dollywood-wins-4-golden-ticket-awards-including-best-christmas-event-for-13th-consecutive-year/ |access-date=2021-12-05 |website=WATE 6 On Your Side |language=en-US}}</ref> In June of 2022, [[Tripadvisor]] named Dollywood the number one theme park in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sellers |first=Christine |date=2022-06-17 |title=Dollywood Named Number One Theme Park In The U.S. By Trip Advisor |url=https://countrynow.com/dollywood-named-number-one-theme-park-in-the-u-s-by-trip-advisor/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Country Now |language=en-US}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Trains|United States}}
* [[List of Dollywood attractions]]
* [[List of Dollywood entertainment]]
* [[List of amusement parks]]
* [[List of amusement parks in the Americas]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.dollywood.com/}}
* [http://www.hfecorp.com/ Herschend]
* {{RCDB|4593}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060710203217/http://timelines.home.insightbb.com/dw_years.htm Themepark Timelines]
* [http://www.mypigeonforge.com/whattodo_dollywood.aspx Dollywood] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402072735/http://www.mypigeonforge.com/whattodo_dollywood.aspx |date=April 2, 2013 }} at Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

{{Dollywood}}
{{Dolly Parton}}
{{HFEC}}
{{Navigation Applause Award}}
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[[Category:Dollywood| ]]
[[Category:Pigeon Forge, Tennessee]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1961]]
[[Category:Music of East Tennessee]]
[[Category:Music venues in East Tennessee]]
[[Category:Music venues in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Resorts in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Sevier County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Landmarks in Tennessee]]
[[Category:East Tennessee]]