Dollywood Theme Park

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Brings Fall Family Fun Home to the Smokies

Published September 25, 2023 / Last Updated September 25, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Celebrate Fall at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, Happening September 20 – October 30.

With the evening air of the Smokies developing a refreshingly crisp coolness, the time is perfect for Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 20- Oct. 30). A longstanding tradition for many, the Harvest Festival greets guests with an amazing autumn atmosphere, thanks to stunning park décor and the surrounding beauty of the mountainsides draped in vibrant fall colors.

“I wrote a song several years ago called ‘God’s Coloring Book,’” Dolly said, “and there’s no doubt that the Smokies—especially in the fall—display so many of those beautiful pages for everyone to admire. The mountains transform and just become so alive with all the different colors that you want to be outside enjoying the power and beauty of nature. I’m so glad we’re able to share that with all of the guests who come visit Dollywood during this special time of year.

“I truly believe Dollywood is the most beautiful theme park in the whole world because it’s built right here in the middle of God’s Coloring Book”

Great Pumpkin LumiNights

During the day, guests can experience immersive live music, rich harvest-themed culinary creations, and picture-perfect photo ops with more than 12,000 pumpkins throughout the park. By night, the pumpkins come to life thanks to Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. A family-favorite since its inception, the event grows again this year with a “bee-utiful” new display located in Craftsman’s Valley. Guests will be buzzing for the new display located near Hug-a-Bee Honey, the interactive honey bee exhibit which debuted during this season’s Flower & Food Festival.

Flavors of Fall

The bees are not the only ones creating something sweet during the Harvest Festival. Guests are greeted by the comforting smells of sweet pumpkin treats and warm apple cider created by the park’s award-winning culinary team. Delicious fall favorites include a pulled pork sandwich with pumpkin spice BBQ sauce, three bean pumpkin chili, salted maple potato tornado, toasted pumpkin sausage and ricotta flatbread, and spiced pumpkin bisque with toasted pepitas.

Award-Winning Entertainment

A deep-seated tradition in the Great Smoky Mountains, live music is at the heart and soul of fall at Dollywood with Southern gospel, bluegrass and country artists found performing throughout the park. Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Jeannie Seely, Emily Ann Roberts, Dailey and Vincent, Triumphant Quartet, Hannah Dasher and The Isaacs are just a few of the performers set to take the stage at Dollywood.

Performances take place on indoor and outdoor stages throughout the park, allowing the beautiful sounds to echo through the surrounding hillsides and create a highly-engaging entertainment offering. More than 1700 individual performances take place during the festival. A complete schedule can be found on Dollywood.com.

Vibrant New Displays and Returning Fall Favorites

Also new this year, guests will find thousands of vibrant, shimmering leaves swaying in the breeze along Showstreet. Harvest Sky serves as a striking photo backdrop as soon as people step into the park. Hoot Owl Hollow—which debuted last season—returns this year, while other displays have been refreshed or relocated within new areas of the park, extending the footprint of Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

Several other guest favorites return to the Harvest Festival, including the colossal pumpkins—last year’s pumpkins ranged in weight from 800 to 1500 lbs. each—which come from growers across the East Coast. The combined weight of all the colossal pumpkins totals more than 19,200 lbs.! Visiting artisans and makers display their handmade wares at locations throughout Dollywood, with many demonstrating the talented skills and techniques used to create their one-of-a-kind treasures.

Harvest Festival Happenings at DreamMore Resort

The Harvest Festival fun also is celebrated at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa with themed activities and harvest décor planned throughout the resort’s property.

Guests can enjoy live entertainment in the resort’s atrium every Tuesday and Thursday night including performances by Maggie & Owen, Lonesome Roses, Tommy Cox and more. Daily roaming performers also can be found throughout the resort.

The resort’s culinary team is cooking up seasonal dining experiences. In The Lounge, guests can feast upon delicious Harvest-themed food and beverage options with a special Harvest Festival Menu. In The Spa at DreamMore Resort, guests can relax with special treatments infused with honey, pumpkin and vanilla that are reminiscent of harvest in the Smoky Mountains.

Plan Your Visit

With so many opportunities for creating vibrant new family traditions, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is a must-see experience this season.

Dollywood is open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of operation (Sept. 20- Oct. 30) during the Harvest Festival. The park is closed on Tuesdays throughout the festival. For more information and the park operating calendar, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Team DollyDollywood’s Harvest Festival Brings Fall Family Fun Home to the Smokies

Fall Into a High-Spirited Adventure at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Published September 20, 2023 / Last Updated September 22, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Enjoy fall family fun at the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction™

Are you ready to take the reins this fall and experience an unforgettable autumn adventure? Visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede! With locations in both Branson, MO and Pigeon Forge, TN, there’s no better place to celebrate the fall season.

Enjoy thrilling horse riding stunts, stunning musical productions, breathtaking aerial performances, and a delicious four-course feast when you visit this family-friendly, world-class dinner attraction. Keep reading to learn what you’ll love about visiting Dolly Parton’s Stampede in the fall.

High-Spirited Autumn Adventure

Kick off the fall season with an adventure like no other at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. You’ll get to watch as 32 magnificent horses and a cast of talented trick riders perform daring stunts, captivating audience members with their talents. The high-spirited adventure also features friendly competition, aerial performances, musical productions, and spectacular special effects. It’s a show that all ages will love!

Savory Fall Feast

It wouldn’t be the world’s most visited dinner attraction without a delicious meal! You’ll be able to enjoy a four-course feast as big as the autumn harvest when you take your seats. The feast is sure to satisfy all your country cravings, with The Stampede’s famous creamy vegetable soup, a homemade buttery biscuit, a tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecued pork loin, buttery corn on the cob, an herb-basted potato, and a specialty dessert. There’s also unlimited Coca-Cola® products, tea, and coffee. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request.

Fall Family Memories

There’s no better way to enjoy the fall season than by spending time with family members in a place you love! When you visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede this fall, you’re guaranteed to leave with shared memories you’ll cherish for years to come. You can even purchase a souvenir family photo together to serve as a reminder of what an amazing time you had together!

Make Fall Plans

Are you ready to start planning your autumn adventure at Dolly Parton’s Stampede? Visit the Dolly Parton’s Stampede website to get your tickets today!

Team DollyFall Into a High-Spirited Adventure at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Enjoy Fall Family Fun at Pirates Voyage

Published September 20, 2023 / Last Updated September 22, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Fun, Feast, and Adventure Await at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Ahoy, matey! Who’s ready for an unforgettable autumn adventure? Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is the place to be this fall. This popular dinner attraction has locations in Pigeon Forge, TN and Myrtle Beach, SC. We’re sharing why you don’t want to miss the family fun, feast, and adventure at Pirates Voyage this fall season:

Fall Family Fun

One thing every fall vacation needs is fun. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is the perfect place for family fun. Arrive early to Join the Crew, an experience that allows kids (and adults, too!) to transform into swashbuckling pirates or beautiful mermaids. The makeovers are available for all ages for an additional fee!

The main event features Captain Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in a battle on land, on deck, in the water, and high above two full-sized pirate ships in an indoor hideaway lagoon. During the epic pirate battle, you’ll witness sword fighting, cannons blazing, singing and dancing, and more. The show has more than just pirates, though — you’ll meet high-diving mermaids, daring dogs, and salty sea lions in this action-packed adventure.

Fall Pirate Feast

One thing you’ll definitely want to bring with you to Pirates Voyage is your appetite. This dinner attraction is serving a four-course pirate feast this fall that will satisfy pirates and landlubbers alike. The Myrtle Beach location includes Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, Buccaneer Bread, Half O’ Roasted Cackler (Chicken), Swashbucklin’ Sugar-Cured Ham, Cob O’ Buttery Corn, a Pirate Herb-Basted Potato, and Apple O’ Me Eye Pie. The Pigeon Forge location offers Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, a Buccaneer Biscuit, Cracklin’ Pan-Fried Chicken, Sugar-Cured Ham, Corn on the Cob, an Herb-Basted Potato, and a Walk the Plank Peach Turnover.

Both locations serve unlimited Coca-Cola® products, tea, or coffee. Special meals are available upon request.

Fall Memories

The best part about visiting Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show this fall is the incredible memories you’ll create with your loved ones. Adding this popular dinner attraction to your fall vacation itinerary guarantees an evening filled with fun, feast, and adventure!

Are you ready to start planning? Visit the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show website, and get your tickets today.

Team DollyEnjoy Fall Family Fun at Pirates Voyage

Dollywood Earns Five Golden Ticket Awards

Published September 11, 2023 / Last Updated September 12, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Photo FeatureBrothers Pete (Left) and Jack Herschend and Dolly Parton stand on stage after the trio were named 2023 Golden Ticket Legends during the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony on Sept. 9. The Herschends’ partnership with Parton led to the creation of Dollywood theme park, which opened on May 3, 1986.

Most-Honored Park Wins Theme Park Industry’s Top Awards Including #1 Theme Park in the World

Dollywood guests were surprised as Dolly Parton arrived onstage during the 25th annual Golden Ticket Awards presented by Amusement Today, held at Dollywood’s Showstreet Palace Theater on Saturday, September 9. Not only did Dolly receive her own award during the event, her namesake park earned a record five Golden Ticket Awards.

“We’re so proud to have the Golden Ticket Awards here at Dollywood this year,” Dolly said. “This award ceremony is so very special and I think Dollywood is special too, so I think it’s great we were able to host the event here. We don’t do what we do to earn awards, but we’re not going to turn them down either,” she added with a laugh. “Seriously though, our teams work hard to make sure our guests enjoy their time at Dollywood, and these awards honoring what they do sure make me happy because they are getting the recognition they deserve.

“I think the Smoky Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in the whole world, so I hope more people will come visit Dollywood and the Smokies to see what makes this one of those places that I believe you can’t match anywhere else!”

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Dolly Parton and Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton pose for photos after winning the Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park during the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony held at Dollywood on Sept. 9, 2023.

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Dolly Parton and Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton pose for photos after winning the Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park during the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony held at Dollywood on Sept. 9, 2023.

Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment Partners Receive Industry Legends Golden Ticket Award

Dolly, along with her business partners Jack and Peter Herschend, were honored with the Industry Legends Golden Ticket Award. It was the unique partnership between Dolly and Herschend Family Entertainment that created Dollywood from the former Silver Dollar City Tennessee theme park in the mid-1980s. The park opened as Dollywood on May 3, 1986, and doubled its attendance in its first season of operation.

Dollywood received finalist placement in ten total categories and won more Golden Ticket awards than any other park in the world. The awards ceremony takes place at a different theme park each year, with Dollywood last hosting in 2012.

Dollywood Claims Golden Ticket Award for Best Park

Dollywood took top honors at the Golden Ticket Awards by claiming the award for Best Park, an award held the last eight years by Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. The impressive designation follows several years’ worth of recognition of Dollywood’s top status within the theme park industry. The Best Park award is significant because it continues to reinforce what Dollywood guests have been saying for some time; that the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park is considered one of the top family vacation destinations in the country and, perhaps now, the world.

Best Guest Experience

Dollywood continued its clean sweep of the Best Guest Experience category, which was first created in 2019. This marks the fourth-consecutive Best Guest Experience award for Dollywood. Golden Tickets were not awarded in 2020. The Best Guest Experience award combines several attributes—including friendliness, cleanliness and value—into the judging criteria for the award. Dollywood is the only park to ever win the award, a nod to its friendly and welcoming hosts, as well as its clean appearance and overall atmosphere.

Best Kids’ Area

Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove also earned its fourth consecutive award for Best Kids’ Area. The park first won this award in 2019 after that season’s opening of the expansive new area. Wildwood Grove cemented its status for the award this year thanks to the addition of the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster which opened this May. The new ride—manufactured by Vekoma—is nearly 4,000 ft. long and the longest roller coaster at Dollywood. With three launches, on-board audio, plenty of air time and a number of thrilling moments, it has quickly become considered one of the best new coasters in the world.

Big Bear Mountain Named Best Family Coaster

With its new-found fame among Dollywood guests, Big Bear Mountain appropriately earned the newly-created Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster. Guests who have experienced the new ride have applauded its unique attributes, impressive ride length and immersive theming. In voting for the category, Big Bear Mountain was essentially a shoo-in for the inaugural award.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Wins Best Christmas Event

One of the park’s stalwart events, Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, earned its 15th consecutive win for Best Christmas Event. Dollywood remains undefeated in the Christmas category due to the effort of the park’s hard-working hosts who plan for the iconic event year-round. Dollywood’s Christmas festival is so prevalent that it has been showcased in several movies, including Hallmark’s Christmas at Dollywood and last year’s Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas which is now nominated for two Emmy awards.

Additional Accolades

Due in large part to its idyllic location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood earned the runner-up position for Most Beautiful Park, while the park’s creative and talented culinary team took home a second-place finish for Best Food thanks to their varied and extensive menus of high-quality items. The park also finished third in the Best New Coaster category for Big Bear Mountain, and Dollywood’s thrilling Thunderhead remained ranked in the Best Wooden Roller Coaster category, finishing as the fourth best wooden coaster in the world. Big Bear Mountain earned a fifth-place finish in the award for Best New Attraction Installation.

Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, says the record number of awards, including the nod for Best Park in the world, truly shows why Dollywood has become the rising star of the theme park industry.

“I first have to thank Amusement Today and our staff for the effort that went into hosting this year’s Golden Ticket Awards here at Dollywood,” Naughton said. “These awards are helpful for us to understand where we rank in comparison to our peers because those with voting rights represent some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals and enthusiasts within the industry.

“We have spent a lot of effort the last several years focused on our guest and host experience. We want everyone who comes through our turnstiles to have an experience which provides them with happy memories for years to come. We’ve also been very thoughtful with the attractions, entertainment offerings and culinary creations we provide to our guests every single day. I’m very happy to see the results of our hard work recognized by the Golden Ticket voters. But you know what all this means? We have to go back to work coming up with new ideas and innovations to continue pushing us forward. It is an exciting time in this industry and I want to see us remain at the forefront.”

Tim Baldwin, Communications Coordinator for Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, explained why Dollywood continues to rack up more wins than any other park in the world.

“It is a stellar year for Dollywood — its best performance yet,” Baldwin said. “As a finalist in nine categories and taking a record five Golden Tickets, the park has accomplished something notably amazing. For them to unseat the long-time winner for Best Park has to be exciting for everyone involved there. Like its predecessor, Dollywood slowly climbed the ranks over the last ten years and has finally nudged itself up from the second-place position. The expansion of Wildwood Grove with the addition of Big Bear Mountain has paid off. The park knows its audience, and it continues to make forward-thinking decisions that guests love.”

“Each time I enter the park, I am immersed in a sense of welcome,” added Baldwin. “The food, the music, the rides, the atmosphere — there is a heart to it. You can tell it starts at the top. Just as Dolly likes to treat people with kindness and love, Dollywood exudes a sense of happiness. It makes you want to come back. This is why Dollywood has grown exponentially from a regional destination to a national one — and beyond.”

The Golden Ticket Awards

Calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today, the industry’s leading trade publication, the Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a detailed survey sent to a database of hundreds of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans, industry journalists and ride manufacturers around the world in balanced geographical regions. Voters are asked to rate the “best” in a number of categories such as best parks, roller coasters, water rides, food and more. The pool of eligible voters changes every year to ensure the same votes are not cast each season.

The Golden Ticket Awards are the most sought-after awards in the business of amusements and attractions. The awards have become the subject of much discussion by park aficionados the world over and have garnered mentions in such notable media outlets as USA Today and the Chicago Tribune, and by the late radio newsman Paul Harvey. The awards also were the topic of a one-hour Travel Channel documentary.

Plan Your Visit

With two great festivals ahead this year, there’s plenty of fun still to have during Dollywood’s 2023 operating season. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health takes place Sept. 20- Oct. 30, while Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana—now the 15-time winner of Best Christmas Event—is slated for Nov. 4- Jan. 6.

For more information about Dollywood, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.

Team DollyDollywood Earns Five Golden Ticket Awards

Dollywood to Hold Entertainment Auditions in Orlando, Florida on August 19

Published August 11, 2023 / Last Updated August 11, 2023
Team Dolly is a collaboration of writers, editors, and publishers assembled by Dolly Parton Productions. Each member is dedicated to accurately publishing the latest news and historical archives of the living legend that is Dolly Rebecca Parton.

Managing Editor - Jacob Timmons
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly

Dollywood announces Orlando auditions event for 2024 theme park entertainment offerings

Despite several months left in Dollywood’s 2023 operating calendar, the park’s entertainment team is already hard at work preparing for the 2024 season by starting the audition process a little early. With the head start, the team hopes to cast entertainers ready to find their place in the spotlight at entertainment icon Dolly Parton’s world-famous theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Dollywood’s award-winning entertainment team has scheduled auditions in Orlando for the first time ever, with an event planned for Saturday, August 19, at the SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings. Call backs will occur on the same day as the audition.

Members of Dollywood’s entertainment team are looking to cast singers, singers who dance, improvisational actors, costumed characters and character performers. Performers must be at least 18 years old. Available roles for the 2024 season include full-time positions, as well as seasonal—summer and Christmas—opportunities.

Audition Requirements

Singers, improvisational actors and costumed characters should prepare a verse and chorus of two contrasting pop, country or rock songs and should bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key. For character performers, please prepare one pop or country song 45 seconds in length and a 60-second character driven monologue. For atmosphere characters and improvisational actors, please prepare one pop or country song 45 seconds in length and a 60-second comedic monologue. The entertainment team requests no musical theater songs for auditions.

A piano accompanist will be provided, or auditionees may accompany themselves on guitar or any other hand-held instrument. Those auditioning may also bring a phone with an accompaniment track to play. All auditionees should bring a resume and headshot. Some auditionees may be called back for an additional movement or vocal audition.

Register by August 13

Interested individuals should visit dollywood.com/jobs/auditions/schedule to register. The Dollywood entertainment team will respond with a confirmation email which includes an audition time slot. Registration ends on Sunday, August 13.

Additional details and audition requirements can be found at Dollywood.com/jobs/auditions. Any additional questions may be directed to auditions@dollywood.com. SpringHill Suites Orlando at Flamingo Crossings is located at 13279 Hartzog Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

For more information about Dollywood, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app

Team DollyDollywood to Hold Entertainment Auditions in Orlando, Florida on August 19