Dolly Parton’s $37-Million Expansion at Dollywood Will Feature New Roller Coaster, Climbing Structure, Restaurant & More

CH, AFF-USA

Dolly Parton’s $37-Million Expansion at Dollywood Will Feature New Roller Coaster, Climbing Structure, Restaurant & More

by Jim Casey | @TheJimCasey  |  August 6, 2018

At a media event on Aug. 3, Dolly Parton revealed plans for a $37-million expansion dubbed Wildwood Grove at her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Wildwood Grove, which is slated to open in 2019, represents the largest capital investment in Dollywood’s 32-year history. Wildwood Grove will feature 11 new experiences for guests, including a new restaurant, climbing structure and roller coaster called the Dragonflier.

“This area is going to give families a place to explore, play and imagine together—but more importantly—it’s a place where they can spend more time together,” Dolly said. “I believe everyone has a song in their heart that needs to be set free. Wildwood Grove will be a place where families can learn together about what their heart song truly is.”

Wildwood Grove’s Featured Attractions:

  • Wildwood Tree: A 55-foot tree that grows from a cluster of natural rocks and boulders, which will serve as the area’s focal point and feature a nighttime show and concerts. Its canopy will be adorned with thousands of butterflies.
  • The Dragonflier: A suspended 453-meter roller coaster that lets guests soar like a dragonfly.
  • Black Bear Trail: A ride where kids can hop on the backs of mechanical bears for a trek around the area.
  • Sycamore Swing: A leaf boat swing which will swing guests back and forth.
  • Treetop Tower: A ride that sends guests 40 feet into the air in giant acorns and spins them around to see the Smoky Mountains.
  • Mad Mockingbird: A ride that spins guests in circles, and they can control their experience by moving a sail.
  • Frogs & Fireflies: A ride where guests can hop on frogs and ride them as they race each other around a lily pad.
  • Hidden Hollow: A 4,000-foot indoor, climate controlled climb structure with slides and games.
  • Wildwood Creek: An oasis with pop jets and splashing pools.
  • Four new costumed characters and entertainment including Flit and Flutter, butterfly ambassadors for the Wildwood Tree, and Benjamin Bear.
  • Till & Harvest: A restaurant featuring fresh Southwest items including burritos, salads, pulled pork, slaw, a topping bar with salsas and a walk-up window with churros and ice cream.

Take a look at some photos from Dolly’s Wildwood Grove media day on Aug. 3, courtesy of Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com.

photos by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Blogs

Best Party Foods

Alright, you are already stressed about having to host this years big party, let alone the idea of needing to have the best food for everyone. It can be a challenge trying to have the best food when you need to accommodate everyone from your brother in laws peanut allergy to your nieces vegan diet.…

Are The Olympics Losing Viewers?

Is it just me or does it feel like the popularity of the Olympic Games are on the downfall? Don’t just take my word for it though, Forbes.com shows that the prime time broadcast viewing from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro dropped from 25.8 million viewers to 15.1 million viewers in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic…

Resolution Flop

One month into the new year, how’s that resolution coming? A lot of us often make new year resolutions that are not actually attainable, and that can be for a variety of reasons. Maybe it’s because you didn’t set a plan to follow, maybe you gave yourself too many cheat days and lost motivation, or…

The Christmas Talk

Some conversations with children can be tough and there are also talks than can sometimes even be awkward. During the Christmas season, eventually there are some questions that may arise that you may not be quite sure how to handle as a parent. While I have not yet reached that stage in my life, I’m…

Headlines