Dollywood ~
Yesterday, I rode on over to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and attended a press event at Dollywood. I mean, if Dolly Parton invites you to something you go, right? 🙂 At any rate, any of you that are my actual Facebook profile friends know that Dollywood was going to be making a huge announcement at 11am. So, let me round all of the cool things they had to say up for you. 🙂
First, let me say that Dollywood has been a huge money maker for Tennessee, as one might imagine. Dollywood opened in 1986 and 3 million people visit each year. So, they have been conducting research to see what would make the park even cooler and have come up with a lot great “upgrades” that they plan to implement over the coming years.
Nation’s First Dual-Launch Family Roller Coaster Coming to Dollywood In 2014
The Fire Chaser Express Dual Launch Roller Coaster will be opening in Dollywood in 2014. This roller coaster is the first of it’s kind in the country and will be able to accommodate those riders that are 39 inches up {approximately 4 years old}. I know that I have taken my daughter to many amusement parks and watched her face fall as she was told over and over that she was not tall enough to get on certain rides. Though I am not a roller coaster person myself {as Dolly said that she was not either during the event, but my daughter is}, I must say that I am very impressed with the sound of this. I love family resorts that actually are for the whole family.
300 Room Dream More Resort Opening in 2015
Dollywood is opening it’s own resort to make it easier for those that love Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country to access the parks and have a true family destination vacation. Dollywood Dream More Resort, scheduled to open in summer 2015, will be situated on 100 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, adjacent to Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country. Shuttle to the parks will be included in your stay to make things super convenient. What I personally loved most that they shared about the coming resort was that it would have the beautiful country feel that is exactly what Dolly Parton is about. Rooms will have great views and porch swings, fire pits and hammocks will be found on the grounds. Love it!
So, What Does This Do For Tennessee?
All of this is part of a $300 million project investment in the Dollywood brand that will be made over the next 10 years. Tennessee is also allotting an $8 million dollar increase in tourism statewide. All of this means more revenue coming into the state which means more jobs! 2,500 to be exact! So, if you are looking for a job…. 😀
Where Can I Catch Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton will be filming a movie for Lifetime at the park for the next couple of days, so if you go to Dollywood be sure to keep an eye out as you might see her. 🙂 She also said that she is working on a new CD which will be out in the fall or early next year and she will be touring Europe, Australia and doing some shows in the US soon.
On a personal note, Dolly Parton has really gone out of her way to help the area in which she was raised {Sevierville} and I really think that speaks a lot about her character. I really looking forward to all of the exciting things to come for Tennessee.
I saw her perform once in Atlantic City and she really put on a show. I also couldn’t believe how tiny she was.
We drove by Dollywood when we were traveling around in our fifthwheel but it was in the off season and it was not open. It’s a beautiful area of the country, that’s for sure.
I have always loved Dolly Parton (especially in the movies 9to5 and Steel Magnolias), but I’ve never been to Dollywood. This week they had a story about her foundation and its reading program. Now I love her even more!
Pigeon Forge is like my second home – and I have never even been to Dollywood shame on me. I’m so happy to know they are improving and I would die to see Dolly.
That is so awesome – I;d love to see it one day and it is so great for the state
Oh my goodness! That would have been amazing! I would love to one day go to Dollywood! How fun!
I love it when celebs give back to their communities!
Wow that looks like a great time!
Oh I love Dolly! Looks like a wonderful time!
lol, wow, a Dolly Parton family roller coaster? THat sounds interesting.
She seems so genuine. She seem to care about where she was raised. I have always admired her.
Dolly is amazing! I just heard an interview with Garth Brooks and he speaks very highly of her. It makes you think about all she’s done and how long she has been in the business. She is well-known and so are the things she does.