Dollywood Theme Park
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Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa Nominated for Best Family Resort

Published July 26, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
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
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Vote for Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards

After being named runner-up in 2021 by USA Today readers in the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Family Resort, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa has another opportunity to be named number one in the category.

DreamMore Resort, which celebrates its seventh anniversary this month, has quickly become a sought-after resort. With the upcoming addition of HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which is set to open in fall 2023, Dollywood Parks & Resorts has become well-known as a family vacation destination. In June, DreamMore Resort opened Suite 1986. This new experience invites guests to stay inside Dolly Parton’s former tour bus, which has been turned into the ultimate hotel suite. Suite 1986 illustrates another facet of the country music icon’s life—the free-spirited traveler. The Prevost was Parton’s home away from home as she traversed the country throughout the last 15 years.

Cast Your Vote

Voting is now open and runs through Monday, August 15 at 11:59 a.m. EDT. A link to the voting page can be found at www.dollywood.com/vote. Anyone is eligible to vote and may do so once per day, per device. Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts which includes a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, other expert contributors and more.

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa provides guests with a full-service, comfortable home-away-from-home experience that only Dolly Parton could create. Inspired by Dolly’s childhood in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, a love for music and storytelling and a desire to create a place for families to grow and play, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa brings Dolly’s vision for a premiere family destination to life.

This wonderful resort has several unique areas and experiences for families to spend quality time together. Families can gather to play checkers by the fireplace in one of the resort’s grand living rooms, enjoy a glass of sweet tea in a rocking chair on one of the many porches or swap stories on one of the beautiful garden benches. The resort’s lavish 20-acre property includes premiere amenities and perks to help guests create their own special moments and memories.

Full-service dining, indoor and outdoor pool complexes, and exclusive park privileges—like complimentary transportation to Dollywood theme park and complimentary TimeSaver passes for Dollywood rides and shows—make the property a must-visit experience. Additionally, there are a variety of on-site activities at the resort for families. Through fun-filled activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling and summertime pool parties, Camp DW is designed to inspire children’s imaginations. At night, families gather around the fireplace for a bedtime story with a book selected from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Guests can also roast complimentary marshmallows to make s’mores each night around the fire pit.

During its history, DreamMore Resort has earned several awards. It was named the #1 Amusement Park Hotel in 2018, 2021 and 2022, by USA Today. It has also been named one of Southern Living’s “Best Places to Stay in the South” and one of Travel + Leisure’s “25 Resorts in the US that are Perfect for Families.”

For more information about Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, as well as special offers available at the Smoky Mountain resort destination, visit Dollywood.com/resort.

Team DollyDollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa Nominated for Best Family Resort
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Dolly Parton Shares Her “Heartsong” About Dollywood’s Newest Resort

Published June 24, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
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
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dolly Makes First Appearance at Heartsong Lodge & Resort Construction Site and Gives Exclusive Look at Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience

Dolly Parton visited the construction site of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort on Friday, June 24, marking her first appearance at the property, slated to open in late 2023. During the event, which took place in what will become the resort’s atrium area, Dolly expressed her vision for the 302-room resort while sharing stories about why the Great Smoky Mountains still remain a sought-after respite for her during her hectic schedule.

“In its simplest form, HeartSong is about the Smoky Mountains and why I continue to come back home year after year,” she explained. “It is the place I recharge and stay grounded. The beauty of the mountains—at every hour and in every season—is simply an inspiration. From the time I was a child, I roamed the hills of Locust Ridge and explored God’s coloring book.”

The American Chestnut Foundation Honors Bill Owens

During the media-only event, Dolly also accepted an award from the American Chestnut Foundation on behalf of her late uncle, Bill Owens. Representatives from The American Chestnut Foundation presented Dolly with the Chestnut Conservation Champion Award, which honored Bill for his long history of helping the foundation as they work toward developing a blight-resistant chestnut tree. Their works have helped save the American chestnut after it was almost eliminated due to a fungal pathogen, which spread quickly across the eastern United States in the early 1900s.

“My uncle Bill worked for decades with The American Chestnut Foundation to help their effort in creating a new tree that is blight resistant,” Dolly said. “As a result of that work, he has been honored in a new documentary about the chestnut tree. To honor him, we have this beautiful hybrid chestnut tree on stage. We have some representatives from the foundation here as well.”

Once the resort is completed, the hybrid tree will be planted in a prominent place to honor Bill and the work of The American Chestnut Foundation. Chestnut trees will be featured prominently in the artwork which will adorn the walls of guest rooms throughout the resort.

Dollywood's Heartsong Lodge and Resort
Dollywood's Heartsong Lodge and Resort
Dollywood's Heartsong Lodge and Resort
Dollywood's Heartsong Lodge and Resort

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort

Tucked away in a beautiful cove in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is a well-appointed, reimagined property that features a variety of accommodations and amenities. Welcoming the outdoors in with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures, Dollywood’s newest resort offers lodging options for multi-generational families and couples. Spacious family suites and bunk rooms feature lovely touches that are inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, inviting guests of all ages to gather for meaningful connections. A new guest room rendering also was shared with media during the event.

For one-of-a-kind getaways, the five-story resort also features themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. Many of the rooms include balconies, which provide sweeping views of the vast resort property. This Smoky Mountain lodge features four-story, lantern-inspired windows in the resort’s welcoming atrium, epic indoor and outdoor pools that provide guests a refreshing escape in all seasons, and a picture-perfect outdoor cove with family gathering spaces. With 26,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests. From the two-story HeartSong Event Center to spacious outdoor meeting spaces and event lawn, the resort offers numerous options to provide a unique and inspiring setting for groups.

Dolly’s Tour Bus Becomes the Ultimate Hotel Suite

Media members also had an opportunity to tour Suite 1986—Dolly’s former tour bus, which has been turned into the ultimate hotel suite. Now located at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, the Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience illustrates another facet of the country music icon’s life—the free-spirited traveler. The Prevost was Dolly’s home away from home as she traversed the country throughout the last 15 years. This unique sanctuary is where Dolly wrote dozens of songs and worked on a number of hit projects that continue to cement her status as an international superstar.

Suite 1986 guests enjoy these special accommodations, as well as additional experiences which can be added to the stay. Guests also have the chance to indulge in special culinary creations from the award-winning staff of the resort. The suite features a dedicated concierge service for the entire length of stay, as well as a number of exclusive Suite 1986 items that guests are able to take home as a keepsake from this incredible experience. The tour bus sleeps two guests. In addition, stays include a DreamMore Resort guest room to accommodate up to four additional guests.

Plan Your Stay

The Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience is a two-night minimum and starts at $10,000, and the profit from every stay will be donated to The Dollywood Foundation. Requests for bookings are available now. For more information about how to book this once-in-a-lifetime experience, please visit dollywood.com/suite1986.

For more information about Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, please visit dollywood.com/heartsong.

Team DollyDolly Parton Shares Her “Heartsong” About Dollywood’s Newest Resort
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Forbes Article Names Dollywood Among America’s Best Employers

Published February 23, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
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
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dollywood Stands as Only Theme Park Included on Forbes’ 2022 List of America’s Best Midsize Employers

With hiring events in full swing and great opportunities available for the 2022 season, another national publication has named Dollywood Parks & Resorts as one of America’s Best Employers. Forbes has placed Dollywood on its list of America’s Best Midsize Employers for the second year in a row. The recognition comes on the heels of Dollywood’s recent inclusion on the Top Workplaces 2022 list.

With a caring culture and ample benefits, as well as additional company growth and unparalleled opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees, also known as hosts, understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer.

“I can’t describe how honored we are for the awards we have earned recently. Being recognized regionally is amazing, but to be named to multiple national lists truly is humbling for us,” said Tim Berry, Vice President of Human Resources and a 37-year employee himself. “We really are a large family and—for many of our hosts—that is what sets us apart. We are constantly working to improve as an employer by finding new benefits and opportunities that make our working family stronger.”

“This season we are introducing a new program which provides free lunch to employees during every working shift,” Berry continued. “Last year, we announced an initiative to help our hosts find childcare through our partners at WeeCare and help subsidize a portion of those costs. Herschend Entertainment, our operating partners, announced a new program entitled GROW U. on Tuesday, which will pay tuition across 100 diploma, degree and certificate programs as part of the Guild Education Learning Marketplace. Our success starts with our hosts, so we work hard to make them feel cared for and appreciated every day. We know if they feel that way they will pass that same feeling on to our guests.”

Dollywood Ranks 141 Among 500 Companies

Dollywood was represented well among the 500 companies on Forbes’ list of the best midsize employers. The list includes companies across 25 industry sectors, with only 12 companies on the list in the “Travel & Leisure” category, of which Dollywood was included. Among those companies, Dollywood ranked number 141 on the list and was the only theme park on the midsize list.

Among the companies in the Travel & Leisure sector on the list are World Travel Holdings (93), Drury Hotels (106), Potawatomi Hotel & Casino (213) and Choice Hotels (344). Among the Top 50 companies across all industry sectors on the list are Vera Bradley (1), FICO (2), Penguin Random House (4), Caltech (7), Briggs & Stratton (11), Atmos Energy (18), DocuSign (23), Johnsonville (25), Build-A-Bear Workshop (28), L.L. Bean (35), ESPN (40) and Scholastic (41).

Results Derived From Employee Satisfaction

According to Statista, the firm that administers the best employers survey on behalf of Forbes, an independent survey was taken by nearly 60,000 Americans who work for companies with more than 1,000 workers. In total 1,000 employers were recognized across the 25 sectors. The 1,000 companies are divided into 500 large (more than 5,000 U.S. employees) and 500 midsize (1,000 to 5,000 employees) employers. The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from respondents in an anonymous survey who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employer to friends and family. Their evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively.

Pointing to Dollywood host job satisfaction, the Pigeon Forge park has long been voted as the friendliest theme park in the world. Dollywood is also the only park to win the Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, which factors friendliness of employees into its criteria. The prestigious Golden Ticket Awards are given annually by industry publication Amusement Today. This recognition is the gold standard for theme parks worldwide.

Dollywood Careers

Positions are available at each of The Dollywood Company’s properties and are posted at Dollywoodjobs.com. An upcoming hiring event is slated for Sevier County High School on Saturday, February 26, happening from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Most event attendees are hired on the spot with a position for the 2022 season at either Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Positions are available for the entire length of the 2022 operating season, as well as shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or for those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

Employee Benefits and Park Perks

Dollywood Parks & Resorts hosts receive a variety of unique benefits, including access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided free meals for every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at a WeeCare-affiliated provider. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees.

Additionally, through Dollywood’s operating partner Herschend Enterprises’ GROW U. program, all hosts are eligible for 100 fully-funded diploma, degree and certificate programs across 30 learning partners within Guild Education’s Learning Marketplace. Herschend’s GROW U. utilizes Guild’s Marketplace to offer classes in high-demand fields such as business administration, culinary, finance, technology and marketing. The company will also provide partial funding for 150 additional programs in fields including hospitality, engineering, human resources and art design.

In addition to the long list of employee benefits, there are numerous development opportunities available to help employees grow leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

For more information about working at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, please visit dollywoodjobs.com.

Team DollyForbes Article Names Dollywood Among America’s Best Employers
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Dollywood Company Employees to Receive 100% Free Tuition

Published February 10, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
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
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dollywood Launches Substantial Education Benefit, Available to All Team Members, Starting Day One of Employment

Officials with Dollywood Parks & Resorts announced today that the company will cover 100% of tuition, fees and books for any employee who chooses to pursue further education.

The significant investment in employee education will be made possible by Herschend’s GROW U., a new program piloted by Herschend Enterprises, Dolly Parton’s operating partner in Dollywood. The program makes it exponentially easier for employees, known at Dollywood as hosts, to pursue their personal and professional dreams through education. The program officially launches February 24 for all seasonal, part-time and full-time employees at Dollywood Parks & Resorts. Hosts can enroll in the program on their first day of employment. Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company, said,

“Our goal at Dollywood Parks and Resorts is to provide the best possible experience for both our guests and our hosts. We know when our hosts are happy and feel cared for that they are going to pass that along to our guests. The creation of the program allows another avenue for us to care for our hosts.

“One of The Dollywood Foundation’s key tenets is to ‘learn more,’” Naughton continued. “This program is created with that very tenet in mind. We want our hosts to develop themselves through advanced learning to fulfill the foundation’s other tenets: care more, dream more and be more. When our hosts strive to grow themselves, it makes our business and our community a truly better place. We care about our hosts’ development and we want their future to grow because of love—not loans.”

Herschend’s GROW U.

Herschend’s GROW U. offers eligible seasonal, part-time and full-time hosts more than 100 fully-funded (100% free) diploma, degree and certificate programs across 30 learning partners, including programs in high-demand fields, such as business administration and leadership, culinary, finance, technology and marketing. The company will also provide partial funding, up to $5,250 per year, for 150 additional programs in fields including hospitality, engineering, human resources and art design.

“Herschend’s GROW U. is not only a significant and transformational investment in our employee’s growth, but also our love culture in action,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend Enterprises. “Herschend is rooted in love – it’s evident at every Herschend property, every day – in the way we treat and support each other, how we Create Memories Worth Repeating for guests, and most importantly, how we care for our employees.”

Guild Education, the nation’s leading education and upskilling platform, powers the program. Guild was selected because of their strong reputation for connecting employers and high-value learning providers to create opportunities for America’s workforce. Dollywood Parks & Resorts hosts will have access to Guild’s proprietary Learning Marketplace to select from more than 30 learning providers and utilize resources like professional coaches to support their educational journey.

Dollywood Career Opportunities

For anyone looking to take advantage of the opportunity, as well as the other unparalleled benefits Herschend and The Dollywood Company provides, positions are available at each of the company’s properties and are posted at Dollywoodjobs.com. Upcoming hiring events are slated for Seymour Heights Christian Church (Saturday, February 19) and Sevier County High School (Saturday, February 26). Both hiring events take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Most event attendees are hired on the spot, with a position for the 2022 season at either Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Park Perks and Benefits

Dollywood Parks & Resorts hosts receive a variety of unique benefits, including access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided free meals for every working shift and also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees.

Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at a WeeCare-affiliated provider. Additionally, numerous development opportunities are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College.

For more information about working at Dollywood Parks & Resorts, please visit dollywoodjobs.com.

Team DollyDollywood Company Employees to Receive 100% Free Tuition
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Dollywood Announces Hiring Events for 2022 Season

Published January 12, 2022 / Last Updated February 9, 2023
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
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
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Great opportunities available at Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country and DreamMore Resort and Spa

Dollywood Parks & Resorts is gearing up for an exciting 2022 season by hosting a number of hiring events over the coming weeks. Competitive wages, several exciting new perks—including free lunch for all employees—and more add to the reasons why The Dollywood Company is the perfect fit for anyone seeking employment, regardless of their career aspirations, due to the varied positions available.

From part-time positions for students to full-time careers with ample chances for advancement, and everything in between, working at Dollywood may very well become a lifetime home for those looking for something that provides a fun and exciting work environment. Positions are available at each of the company’s properties, with most event attendees being hired on the spot in a position for the 2022 season at either Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country or Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Hiring Event Details

Available positions are posted at Dollywoodjobs.com, with more being posted as the season nears. The first major hiring event of 2022 takes place Saturday, January 29, at Sevier County High School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional hiring events take place at Jefferson County High School (Saturday, February 5), Seymour Heights Christian Church (Saturday, February 19) and Sevier County High School (Saturday, February 26). All hiring events take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to attend the earliest hiring event possible for the largest selection of available opportunities.

Available Positions

Positions are available for the entire length of the 2022 operating season, as well as for shorter peak season openings, which are perfect for applicants looking for a fun summer position or for those looking to earn a little extra money during the Christmas holidays. Applicants must be 14 years of age or older.

Positions are available on several teams, including Dollywood’s award-winning culinary and merchandise teams and the park operations team, which includes ticketing, transportation, house and grounds and more. Among the openings at Dollywood’s Splash Country are house and grounds, lifeguards and culinary services positions. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa also has a number of openings available, including food and beverage, front desk, bell/valet and housekeeping positions.

Interested applicants may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can indicate their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process. Technical support will be available on-site at the hiring events to assist applicants.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts plans to host a number of hiring events throughout the season to give potential employees an opportunity to attend at the time that best suits their individual needs. Additionally, new job opportunities are posted throughout the year at dollywoodjobs.com.

Employee Benefits and Park Perks

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits, including access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Employees also take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to a large number of regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at a WeeCare-affiliated provider. Numerous development opportunities are also available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College. New this season, employees can enjoy a free lunch every working day.

In 2021, Forbes named The Dollywood Company as one of the best employers in the country, according to a ranking on their website. Dollywood was represented well among the 500 companies on Forbes’ list of the best midsize employers. The list includes companies across 25 industry sectors, with only 20 companies on the list in the “Travel & Leisure” category, of which Dollywood was included. Among those companies, Dollywood ranked sixth and was the only theme park on the midsize list.

For more information about available positions, please visit dollywoodjobs.com.

Team DollyDollywood Announces Hiring Events for 2022 Season

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