Dollywood Theme Park

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival Blooms to Life April 21

Published April 19, 2023 / Last Updated April 26, 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

Guests enjoy more than one million blooms, the fresh tastes of spring and unique entertainment offerings during Dollywood’s annual Flower & Food Festival.

As spring continues to blossom, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 21 – June 11) offers park guests a brilliant backdrop for fun in the Smokies, thanks to more than one million blooms, the fresh tastes of spring and unique entertainment offerings throughout the park. There’s no such thing as too much of a good “spring” at Tripadvisor’s #1 U.S. theme park.

Celebrating its fourth season in 2023, this much-celebrated event transforms Dollywood into a breathtaking display of Mother Nature’s finest handiwork. Elaborate floral installations emerge around every corner, translating nature into living art, each coming together to create an unbelievable presentation of color and wonder.

“This time of year always puts a little ‘spring’ in my step,” Dolly said with a laugh. “Seriously though, there really is nothing like springtime in the Smokies. It is truly amazing to see all of God’s creation blooming to life all around us in these mountains. Our people put a lot of hard work into making sure all of the flowers inside Dollywood stay as beautiful as the ones He has put everywhere for us to enjoy. I hope everyone will come experience this special time in the Smoky Mountains.”

Dollywood’s signature lineup of beloved Mosaiculture icons return, including the topsy-turvy butterfly umbrella, woodland animal friends and the touching depiction of Dolly’s mother crafting the Coat of Many Colors. Other guest-favorite icons also return like the mallard duck, a peacock and a beekeeper tending to a hive. These sculptures are designed in partnership with Mosaicultures International, a Montreal-based company that specializes in the art of elaborate floral decorations.

Just “bee”-side the beekeeper Mosaiculture in Craftsman’s Valley is a brand-new exhibit that puts the focus on nature’s noble pollinator, the honey bee. Hug-a-Bee Honey, owned by Sevierville native Alan Frankenberg, displays hives, showcases beekeeping techniques and educates park guests about the importance of the honey bee in our natural ecosystem. Frankenberg has a varied culinary background, working as a corporate chef for Cracker Barrel, as well as wine director at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, and most recently, food and beverage director at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. He now balances his day job with his passion for educating the public about the conservation of the honey bee.

Back to provide shade along Showstreet is the mesmerizing Umbrella Sky, which brings together hundreds of colorful umbrellas in a brilliant, suspended arrangement that makes for an “Instagram-worthy” background. Guests looking to capture picture-perfect memories at Dollywood can stop by several locations in the park for an amazing photo. These include the Hillside Carpet Display that brings a florally-crafted sunset to Rivertown Junction and the pathways of Adventures in Imagination that are decorated with creative chalk art portraits.

The Tasting Pass Offers a Sampling of Festival Flavors

While admiring the vivid colors blooming throughout the park, guests also can explore a menu crafted with inspiration from fresh spring flavors and Smoky Mountain flair. Returning for this year is the tasting pass, which allows guests to partake in multiple food items at different festival locations.

The tasting pass, which can be purchased in the park or online, is $36.99 plus tax or $33.99 plus tax for gold and diamond passholders. With this pass, guests can sample five food offerings at Flower & Food Festival culinary locations. This year’s festival menu features a Cuban sandwich with mojo sauce, street tacos, pretzel crab melt, garlic butter shrimp mac & cheese, bulgogi nachos, street corn salad, quinoa salad, berries and honey funnel cakes, and hand-decorated flower-themed cookies and cupcakes among many other tasty spring dishes.

Spirited Spring Performances

Returning this year, performers from Australia’s SWAY combine theatrical elements and acrobatics for the artful show called “Bloom!” The surprising experience takes place high above ground with the performers situated atop sway poles. Guests will not want to miss this elevated combination of performance and athleticism.

Dollywood’s streets are filled with music during the Flower & Food Festival. The Hall Sisters, as well as local favorite Kelle Jolly, will perform during the festival in Craftsman’s Valley. A returning favorite show, “A Brighter Day,” features five daily performances at the Back Porch Theater. All shows are included with park admission. A full schedule of live performances is available at Dollywood.com.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

Festival elements carry over into Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa where guests find festive décor and stunning floral accents. Daily mocktails and cocktails will be served in The Lounge at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, each drawing inspiration from the essence of springtime. Families can enjoy live entertainment in the lobby atrium, festival-inspired cuisine at Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery and The Lounge, and festival-themed activities at Camp DW. Guests also can pamper themselves with unique Flower & Food Festival treatments at The Spa.

Plan Your Visit

There’s still much more to enjoy during Dollywood’s BIG 2023 season. Big Bear Mountain, the longest roller coaster in the park’s history, opens in May, while the Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show takes to the skies above the park as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17-August 6). A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 20-Oct. 30) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 4- Jan. 6, 2024)—concludes the park’s 2023 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.

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

Team DollyDollywood’s Flower & Food Festival Blooms to Life April 21

Spring Forward Into Adventure at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Published March 27, 2023 / Last Updated March 28, 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 Family Fun This Spring at the Most Visited Dinner Attraction!

Who’s ready for an exciting spring adventure? If you’re searching for the best way to celebrate the spring season with your family, visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede!

This world-class dinner attraction has locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN — two popular family vacation destinations. Bring your family to Dolly Parton’s Stampede for an evening of unforgettable family fun! Here’s what you can expect when you visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede this spring:

High-Spirited Adventure

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is home to non-stop fun and excitement. During this high-spirited adventure, you’ll witness 32 magnificent horses and a cast of talented trick riders, some friendly competition and comedic fun, incredible aerial performances, spectacular musical productions, and more. There won’t be a moment of boredom during this show.

A Family Feast

While you feast your eyes on the main event, you’ll be served a delicious feast of your own! All guests are served a four-course meal that satisfies all your country cravings. The menu includes The Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup, a Mouth-Watering Tender Whole Rotisserie Chicken, Delicious Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin, and more. Plus, don’t forget to save room for dessert! Dolly Parton’s Stampede also offers vegetarian and gluten-free meals upon request. No one in the family will go hungry!

Long-Lasting Memories

There’s a reason Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the most fun place to eat in Branson and Pigeon Forge! Guests get to enjoy both a delicious dinner and an entertaining performance. When you spend your spring break at the world’s most visited dinner attraction, you’re guaranteed to make memories that will last long after your trip is over. Arrive early for the Horse Walk, where you’ll meet the four-legged stars before the show and even have the chance to take a few photos with them! Then, head inside to get a family photo in The Stampede that you can purchase in the gift shop, along with apparel, toys, plush animals, and other great souvenirs.

Visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede This Spring

Are you ready for an unforgettable spring adventure? Start planning your visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede! Visit the Dolly Parton’s Stampede website to view the show schedule and get your tickets.

Team DollySpring Forward Into Adventure at Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Sail Into Spring Family Fun & Adventure at Pirates Voyage

Published March 27, 2023 / Last Updated March 28, 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

Experience Fun, Feast, & Adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Who’s ready for a swashbuckling adventure this spring? Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is an exciting dinner attraction you don’t want to miss. Experience everything from pirates battling for hidden treasure to high-diving mermaids, all while enjoying a pirate feast!

Pirates Voyage has a location in Myrtle Beach, SC and a location in Pigeon Forge, TN. Don’t miss your chance to set sail on this epic pirate adventure this spring! Here’s everything you can expect when you visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show:

Pirate Fun & Adventure

Your fun at Pirates Voyage begins before the show even starts! Families can “Join the Crew” and be transformed into a swashbuckling pirate or a beautiful mermaid. The makeovers include facial makeup and fun accessories! After you look like you’re a part of the cast, take your seats and prepare for an action-packed show. Captain Blackbeard and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in a battle on land, on deck, in the water, and high above their full-sized pirate ships. You’ll witness sword fighting, acrobatics, a fire stunt, and more.

A Hearty Pirate Feast

While you watch the non-stop action on stage, you’ll get to enjoy a four-course pirate feast that everyone in the family will love. The meal includes Voyager Creamy Vegetable Soup, Buccaneer Bread, Half O’ Roasted Cackler (Myrtle Beach location only), Cracklin Pan-Fried Chicken (Pigeon Forge location only), Swashbucklin’ Sugar-Cured Ham, Cob O’ Buttery Corn, Pirate Herb-Basted Potato, and a specialty dessert. Pirates Voyage also offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.

Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show This Spring

You won’t want to miss the chance to embark on an action-packed pirate journey with your family this spring. You’re guaranteed to make memories that will last long after the show comes to a close. If you enjoy watching the pirates battle for treasure, be sure to stop by the gift shop after the show to get some pirate treasure of your own!

Are you ready to sail into a spring adventure at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show? Visit the Pirates Voyage website to get your tickets.

Team DollySail Into Spring Family Fun & Adventure at Pirates Voyage

Dolly Parton Kicks Off “Big” 2023 Season at Dollywood

Published March 14, 2023 / Last Updated March 15, 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

Season passholders and media enjoy opening day at Tripadvisor’s #1 Theme Park in America

During Dollywood’s annual Season Passholder and Media Preview Day, held on March 10, Dolly Parton unveiled several pieces of information that Dollywood fans have been longing to hear for quite some time.

Dollywood’s 2023 season certainly is shaping up to be one of the busiest years in the park’s history. Two impressive projects—the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort—are both scheduled for completion this year. During the event, Dolly announced Big Bear Mountain’s opening occurs in May, while bookings for HeartSong Lodge & Resort start in June with stays beginning in November.

“I think everyone knows that I try to dream big dreams no matter what I’m doing,” Dolly explained, “and with everything happening at my Dollywood this year, this may be some of my biggest dreaming yet! We’re going to open a BIG ride and a BIG resort, even the calendar got bigger this year! Eugene (Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resort President) better get ready for my next big dreams because everybody knows I like trying to outdo myself! But seriously, this is going to be a really special year for all of our guests here at Dollywood.”

“They’re also starting the year with the I Will Always Love You Celebration, which is something that is very humbling to me,” she continued. “The song has been a very special part of my life and career, but I never thought about them celebrating it at Dollywood. I told them they didn’t need to do it, but when they explained it would be a celebration of songwriting and the talents of songwriters, I knew it would be something truly special.”

Eugene Naughton echoed Dolly’s thoughts about the year, sharing why Dollywood’s 2023 season is a prime example of why the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park continues to place among the best in the industry.

“Over the last several years, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has really elevated into the upper tier of theme park destinations in the country,” Eugene explained. “Just last season we were named the #1 theme park in the United States by Tripadvisor based on actual guest reviews of their time at our properties. With this increased attention comes more guests who are looking to visit a destination outside of the traditional family vacation destinations that have been popular for a number of years.

“We offer a truly different experience at Dollywood, and with the beauty of the surrounding Smoky Mountains attracting even more guests, we’re poised for record growth over the next several years. Big Bear Mountain, as well as HeartSong Lodge & Resort, allow us to take care of our guests in a way that only we can.”

Big Bear Mountain

Big Bear Mountain adds to Dollywood’s already impressive portfolio of world-class roller coasters. At $25 million, the ride is the largest single attraction investment ever at Dollywood, while its 3,990 ft. length makes it the longest roller coaster at the park as well. The ride also features on-board audio, a first at Dollywood, along with plenty of thrilling moments, including three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall. Big Bear Mountain features a 39” height requirement and takes guests to a top speed of 48 mph.

Heartsong Lodge & Resort

The 302-room HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the newest element of the company’s growing hospitality program, provides a space of awe and inspiration for guests thanks to thoughtful details that await around every turn. From spacious accommodations to well-planned amenities, guests can enjoy a variety of spaces to recharge and relax. HeartSong Lodge & Resort is the perfect complement to Dollywood’s first-in-class resort property, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. The resort also features the HeartSong Meeting and Event Center which features 26,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The resort is accepting inquiries now for group booking beginning in January 2024. Interested parties can contact resortgroupsales@dollywood.com or complete the request for proposal at https://www.dollywood.com/heartsong/group-interest.

Additional Days of Operation

If growing Dollywood Parks & Resorts with both a thrilling new roller coaster and a world-class resort isn’t enough to prove 2023 is the biggest season ever, the park operating calendar grows this year with an additional 21 days of operation as compared to the 2022 calendar.

I Will Always Love You Celebration

The I Will Always Love You Celebration takes place now through April 8, kicking off the season with a festive event commemorating the art of songwriting and the stories behind the songs. To celebrate the power of songwriting and storytelling, guests can enjoy a special lineup of performances each Saturday throughout the event in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The Celebrity Concert Series includes Natalie Grant (March 11); Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (March 18); Jo Dee Messina (March 25); Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers (April 1); and Lauren Alaina (April 8). All concerts are included with park admission.

Award-Winning Festivals

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 21-June 11) blooms bright with vivid, larger-than-life flower sculptures that feature more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning event. In addition, Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities with a menu full of delicacies that highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies.

Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show has become a guest highlight, and it again takes to the skies above Dollywood in 2023 as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17-August 6). Another favorite—”Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora”—returns to deliver a mesmerizing “pop” of excitement to guests in DP’s Celebrity Theater.

A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 20-Oct. 30) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans, and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.

The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 4- Jan. 6, 2024)—concludes the park’s 2023 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Dollywood’s BIG 2023 season, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app. For more information about Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, please visit Dollywood.com/HeartSong.

Team DollyDolly Parton Kicks Off “Big” 2023 Season at Dollywood

Dollywood Entertainment Auditions Announced for 2023 Season

Published January 10, 2023 / Last Updated February 10, 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 Audition Schedule for 2023 Theme Park Entertainment Offerings

Dollywood is gearing up for the upcoming season – which begins on Saturday, March 11 — by casting entertainers ready to find their place in the spotlight.

Members of Dollywood’s entertainment team are looking to cast singers, dancers who sing, improvisational actors, costumed characters and musicians who sing. Performers must be at least 18 years old. Available roles for the 2023 season include full-time positions, as well as seasonal — summer and Christmas – opportunities.

Plan Your Audition

Auditions take place at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22, as well as at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Saturday, January 28. Call backs will occur on the same day as the audition. Interested individuals should visit dollywood.com/jobs/auditions/schedule to register for the audition they choose to attend. The Dollywood entertainment team will respond with a confirmation email which includes an audition time slot for the selected audition date.

Singers, improvisational actors and costumed characters should prepare a verse and chorus of two songs in their preferred style, and should bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key. For improvisational actors and costumed characters, one selection should be comedic in nature. A piano accompanist will be provided, or auditionees may accompany themselves on guitar or any other hand-held instrument. All auditionees should bring a resume and headshot. Some auditionees may be called back for an additional movement or vocal audition.

Additional details and audition requirements can be found at Dollywood.com/jobs/auditions. Any additional questions may be directed to auditions@dollywood.com.

Team DollyDollywood Entertainment Auditions Announced for 2023 Season