Dollywood ~
At a press conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee yesterday, Dolly Parton and several high profile community members announced some exciting changes that would be coming to Dollywood over the next few years. Perhaps most exciting is that these changes will be bringing in a lot of revenue and jobs for Tennesseans.
As you might imagine, Dollywood is a huge travel destination, not only for Tennessee, but for the entire country. Dollywood opened in 1986 with approximately 3 million people visiting each year. The team at Dollywood is now looking to widen that appeal and turn Dollywood into more of a family resort and full resort.
Dual-Launch Family Roller Coaster Coming to Dollywood In 2014
For all you adrenaline junkies – the Fire Chaser Express Dual Launch Roller Coaster will be opening in Dollywood in spring 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}, helping Dollywood aim toward its goal of entire family inclusiveness.
Dream More Resort Opening in 2015
Dollywood will also be opening it’s own resort that will be centrally located near the parks {Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country}. Dollywood Dream More Resort, scheduled to open in summer 2015, will be nestled on 100 acres in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, adjacent to both Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country. Included in the room pricing is shuttle service to and from the parks to aid in convenience for the entire family. The resort will feature a country theme, complete with fire pits, hammocks and porch swings.
How Does This Impact Tennessee?
This $300 million project investment will help to create 2,500 new jobs in the surrounding area. The state of Tennessee is also joining in by allotting an $8 million dollar increase in tourism statewide with outreach in markets that were not targeted before.
Dolly Parton is currently working on a new CD set to be releaesed by early next year. She will also be touring Europe, Australia as well as doing some shows in the US in the coming months.
The upcoming Dream More Resort looks gorgeous!
I’m always happy to hear of more jobs becoming available anywhere in the good ole USA =)
You got to see Ms. Dolly herself? I’m so jealous!
Yes, I did! It was very exciting. 😀
I have always like Dolly Parton, such a down to earth lady. How nice that this will bring jobs to the area.
Dolly Parton is a hoot. I would love to visit Dollywood. I think my parents visited there once and loved it. So great that it is bringing more jobs into the area.
WOW, such an amazing accomplishment for Dollywood. I actually would love to visit it one day.
I celebrated my 50th birthday at Dollywood! Had a wonderful time, got to see Dolly in the parade. The resort will be a great addition to the area.
Wow! That sounds like a lot of fun! Happy Belated Birthday!
I love the idea of a family roller coaster that some of the younger family members can ride! What a neat thing for Dollywood to expand their vision for family entertainment.
I had no clue thay dollywood attracted 3 million people a year. Wow.
That number really is pretty impressive, isn’t it?
I’ve never been to Dollywood but it’s a place that I’d love to visit. The enhancements and new developments sounds fantastic!