Dollywood was proud to host the American Coaster Enthusiasts’ 45th annual Coaster Con, held June 18-21, 2023. With 6,500 members from 16 countries, American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is the world’s largest ride enthusiast organization and is dedicated to the mission of promoting and enjoying roller coasters worldwide. Coaster Con takes place at different host theme parks each year; the event was last at Dollywood in 2012.
Nearly 1,300 members attended, making this year’s Coaster Con the largest in its history, breaking the previous record (set last year at Coaster Con 44) by more than 400 guests. In fact, it is believed this event is the largest single enthusiast group meeting ever to take place anywhere in the world. As part of their monumental 45th annual national convention, the group enjoyed a number of special events and activities, including exclusive ride times, lift hill tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and even a Midway Olympics competition.
Coaster Con arrives right on the heels of the opening of Dollywood’s newest roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain – the largest single attraction investment in the park’s history, which opened in May with much fanfare.
The $25 million Big Bear Mountain roller coaster launches park guests from its ride station on an exhilarating search for the elusive “Big Bear,” a mythical bear of epic proportions, which is said to live in the hills near the park’s Wildwood Grove area. At 3,990 linear ft., the ride is ¾-mile long and becomes the longest roller coaster at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park. Featuring a top speed of 48 mph, Big Bear Mountain takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns, and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall.
In addition to becoming the longest roller coaster at Dollywood, Big Bear Mountain–built by ride manufacturer Vekoma—also marks the first attraction at the park to feature on-board audio. The sound system provides auditory thrills to match the ride’s dynamic movements as guests come daringly close to Big Bear. The highly-detailed coaster trains resemble four-wheel-drive SUVs and feature working headlights and taillights. Each coaster train seats 20 guests.
“Through the fun story elements and phenomenal theming, you really are immersed in the ride experience,” explained Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts. "Add in the audio elements guests experience along the way and you can quickly understand why I believe this is going to be another home run for Dollywood Parks & Resorts. With this expansion of Wildwood Grove, I think we’ve elevated to being one of the best themed areas of any park in the world.”
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things certainly are going to be “BIG” at Dollywood in 2023. The Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park is gearing up for a season that includes the debut of Big Bear Mountain, the longest roller coaster in the park’s history, a new celebration of one of Dolly’s most iconic songs, as well as 15 additional park operating days throughout the year. With so much big fun in 2023, a Dollywood season pass should be on everyone’s wish list. The park opens to the general public on Saturday, March 11.
New in 2023, guests will be able to celebrate what has arguably become one of Dolly’s biggest hits, "I Will Always Love You." To observe the 50th anniversary of this monumental song, the I Will Always Love You Celebration takes place March 11-April 8, kicking off the season with a festive event commemorating the art of songwriting and the stories behind the songs. In addition to honoring Dolly’s iconic status as a songwriter, the event will recognize a number of noted singer/songwriters with headline performances throughout the festival. Additionally, the Songwriters’ Showcase in Showstreet Palace Theater places the spotlight on a number of up-and-coming songwriters, allowing Dollywood guests the opportunity to enjoy their incredible talents.
Set to open in the spring, Dollywood’s Big Bear Mountain is the single largest attraction investment in the company’s history. The $25 million roller coaster is nearly 4,000 ft. long, features on-board audio and promises guests a thrilling adventure through the hills bordering Wildwood Grove. This expansion of Wildwood Grove—named the industry’s Best Kids’ Area for three years—takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels. Big Bear Mountain’s 39” inch height requirement allows even younger adventurers to come along for the ride.
Not only do the rides get bigger in 2023, so does the operating calendar. Dollywood guests and season passholders can enjoy an additional 15 days of fun in the Smoky Mountains next season when compared to the 2022 calendar. The additional days come throughout the year, meaning guests can enjoy more of everything the 2023 season has to offer. The park opens at 10 a.m. every operating day through the Harvest Festival. Operation begins at 11 a.m. during Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 21-June 4) blooms bright with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests as they make their way through more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning festival. 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 burst of excitement to guests in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The show provides many moments where guests will be enveloped by “gazillions” of bubbles for a fun and unpredictable experience that captivates the entire family. Liquid Beats, Hydro Jive Junction and the Bubble Foam Zone all return in 2023 after their popular debuts during this year’s festival.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (September 22-November 4) 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 (November 11-January 6) — concludes the park’s 2023 season with five million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
Dollywood’s 2023 season is so big, guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all of the fun! Three season pass levels—Diamond, Gold and Silver—provide great options for every guest, while the popular Pre-K Imagination Season Pass offers free admission all season long to any child born in 2018 or 2019. Passes are on sale now with reduced pricing until October 30 for current Dollywood season passholders and those who pre registered for this special offer. On October 31, season passes go on sale to the general public.
Dollywood Diamond Season Passes provide a premium experience for guests. In addition to admission all season long, Diamond passholders receive Saturday Early Ride Time, four Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, the largest discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging, an all-season unlimited refill mug per pass, as well as discounts on TimeSaver passes, VIP tours and preferred parking. In addition, Diamond Season Passes provide the passholder season access to Dollywood’s Splash Country.
The Gold Pass represents a tremendous value for guests thanks to Saturday Early Ride Time for the passholder, two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, a one-day unlimited refill mug per pass, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise, and lodging. Both Diamond and Gold passholders also receive access to special “Golden Events,” exclusive events an activities just for them. Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type.
Gold and Diamond passholders also can take advantage of another great perk, daily “Golden Hours.” During the first hour of every operating day, Gold and Diamond Season Passes operate just like TimeSaver passes, allowing the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions.
Silver Season Passes also are available and include two Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging. Select blackout dates apply to Silver Season Passes and Silver Bring-a-Friend Free tickets.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2023 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
Dolly Parton announced the newest addition to Dollywood Parks & Resorts, the $25 million Big Bear Mountain, a nearly 4,000 ft. long roller coaster which allows guests to embark on an unforgettable expedition through the Smokies in search of the elusive “Big Bear.” Big Bear Mountain, which at 3,990 ft. becomes the longest roller coaster at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee park, marks the expansion of Dollywood’s newest area, Wildwood Grove.
“The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” Dolly said. “I’m excited our guests will be able to head out on their own trip into the Smokies to see if they can find that Big Bear! Whether he’s out there or not, I’m sure they’ll find a lot of memories along the way that they’ll keep forever.”
Photo by Curtis Hilbun
Big Bear Mountain’s massive structure hugs six acres of undulating topography which runs along the border of Wildwood Grove, with riders racing through the wilderness before soaring high above the forest on the search for the legendary bear. Featuring a top speed of 48 mph, Big Bear Mountain takes guests through three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels, including a pass behind a waterfall. And, the minimum height requirement for Big Bear Mountain is 39”, allowing even younger adventurers to come along for the ride.
According to legend, Big Bear is a massive black bear who has been roaming through Wildwood Grove for as long as anyone can remember. While no one has ever seen him, telltale signs regularly appear in the hills surrounding the Grove. Dollywood guests are invited to join Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley, on an adventure to find Big Bear. From his base camp, located just a stone’s throw from the Grove’s Hidden Hollow, Oakley takes adventurers for the rides of their lives in his specially-outfitted, “four-wheel drive SUVs.”
In addition to becoming the longest roller coaster at Dollywood, Big Bear Mountain, built by ride manufacturer Vekoma, also marks the first attraction at the park to feature on-board audio. The sound system provides auditory thrills to match the ride’s dynamic movements as guests come daringly close to Big Bear. Dollywood Company president Eugene Naughton shared,
“Big Bear Mountain is an exciting ride that really is going to be a game changer for us. Not only is it the largest coaster we’ve built, but it includes features—like on-board audio—that are new for our company. Big Bear Mountain also expands the footprint of Wildwood Grove and serves as another monumental step in the ongoing investment plan Dolly and I announced in June 2021. She’s keeping me busy. Now that we’ve announced Big Bear Mountain, I’ll start working on the next projects she has lined up for me!”
With an anticipated opening date in the spring of 2023, daring adventurers will not have to wait long to join Ned Oakley on his search for Big Bear on Big Bear Mountain. Guests ready to join in the excitement can pre-register for a 2023 Dollywood season pass by visiting Dollywood.com/2023SP from August 5 - September 30. Those who register during this time receive the guaranteed lowest price on passes, as well as access to an exclusive ride event for Big Bear Mountain in spring of 2023. Pre-registrants are able to purchase 2023 season passes beginning October 17.
In 2022, Dollywood celebrates a year full of exceptional experiences, with each season unlike the next. After the conclusion of the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, thousands of pumpkins glow to life this fall as part of the Harvest Festival presented by Humana (September 23 - October 29). The season concludes with the most popular theme park Christmas event in the world, Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (November 5 - January 1, 2023).
For more information about Big Bear Mountain, please visit dollywood.com/BigBearMountain.
