Dollywood Theme Park
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Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Feels Fresh, Yet Familiar

Published September 22, 2020 / Last Updated September 22, 2020
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly at Dolly Parton Productions
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
Senior Editor - Amanda Webb
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

The annual Harvest Festival features fall fun, immersive music and thousands of pumpkins.

After being named by USA Today as the country’s best fall theme park event last year, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 25-Oct. 31) is back this season with several fresh changes that echo many of the same warm traditions that make this nationally-known event a favorite for so many.

A colorful, lively atmosphere greets guests each day as the warm autumn sun casts the surrounding Smoky Mountains in bright daylight, displaying the rich, bold hues which blanket the hillsides surrounding Dollywood. The splendor of the mountains highlights the experience for guests with many vibrant new features providing surprises for them throughout the day.

Great Pumpkin LumiNights

By night, Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health continues its expansion into Wildwood Grove, providing more pumpkin perfection to enjoy. In only its fourth year, Great Pumpkin LumiNights has given families a multitude of memories to glow about. New this season, guests can purchase a reduced-price ticket which provides entry after 5 p.m. for those who want to make a quick trip to the park to experience the pumpkins as they glow to life. The limited-time offer, which is just $35 plus tax, is available online only; blackout dates apply.

“We know folks are ready to get out and enjoy the colors of fall and the fresh, crisp Smoky Mountain air,” Dolly Parton said. “This year has been challenging for everyone, but we hope the comfort they feel from coming and visiting us gives them that warm, familiar feeling they’ve shared with their friends and loved ones for so many years here at Dollywood. We have a few surprises planned this year, and I think everyone will agree this is that special escape ‘back home’ we all need right now.”

It is within this backdrop that captivating new experiences will enliven the senses of sight, sound, smell and taste. Throughout the park, reinvigorated decorations and visually-impactful landscaping techniques immerse visitors in a fresh, new look. It will be hard to overlook one of the festival’s newest additions, as guests can peruse more than a dozen colossal pumpkins, ranging from 800 to more than 1500 lbs. each. The massive displays come from growers across the East Coast who look forward to sharing their prize pumpkins with Dollywood park patrons.

Over 800 Concerts

Music plays an integral part of this festival, with the largest number of performances during any event ever at Dollywood! Guests can enjoy more than 800 concerts during the run of the festival from Southern gospel and bluegrass artists appearing on eight different outdoor stages. The sounds echo through the park, creating a highly-engaging entertainment offering. Additional artists can be found roaming the park, literally taking the music to the streets!

Fall Flavors

Culinary creations abound, thanks to the bountiful supply of crops from a Smoky Mountain harvest. The smells of smoked beef brisket, turkey legs and sausage pair nicely with the fresh tastes of fried green tomatoes, fire-roasted corn and sweet potato casserole. For sweet treats, the ever-popular pumpkin spice is in full supply with items ranging from pumpkin spice milkshakes and cinnamon rolls to a twist on the park’s beloved cinnamon bread. Pumpkin praline funnel cake, hot wassail and harvest kettle corn are perfect to carry and enjoy while admiring the beauty of Dollywood in the fall.

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. 25- Oct. 31) during the Harvest Festival. The park is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the festival. For more information and a park operating calendar, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

Team DollyDollywood’s Harvest Festival Feels Fresh, Yet Familiar
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Dollywood Prepares New Display For Harvest Festival

Published September 3, 2020 / Last Updated September 3, 2020
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly at Dolly Parton Productions
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
Senior Editor - Amanda Webb
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dollywood teams prepare a new display for this season’s Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

Dollywood’s hard-working Special Events team is gearing up for this year’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 25-Oct. 31). Last season, the event won USA Today’s 10Best Award as the best fall theme park event in the country, due in large part to the new family-favorite, Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health.

Great Pumpkin LumiNights is a fascinating experience for all ages, as visitors are able to stroll through thousands of pumpkins, including immersive and larger-than-life specialty displays. The event continues its expansion into the park’s newest section, Wildwood Grove, with additional theming elements and displays added this year. Among the new displays is a “sunflower field” with dozens of stacked pumpkins cut sequentially to feature sunflowers. The stacked pumpkin “sunflowers” range in size from 6 ft. to 9 1/2 ft. tall. Carving each stalk takes up to two hours, with additional build time needed to stack the pumpkins and lights to complete the “flower.”

Dollywood guests can experience several new surprises during the Harvest Festival this season, with reinvigorated decorations throughout the park and visually-impactful landscaping techniques which give the event a fresh new look. Dollywood currently is open Friday-Monday. Once the Harvest Festival begins on Sept. 25, the park will be open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of operation (closed Tuesdays and Thursdays during the Harvest Festival). For more information and a park operating calendar, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.

Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Team DollyDollywood Prepares New Display For Harvest Festival
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Dollywood Announces Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days For A Limited Time

Published August 3, 2020 / Last Updated August 3, 2020
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly at Dolly Parton Productions
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
Senior Editor - Amanda Webb
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

For a limited time, Dollywood is offering Everyday Heroes Appreciation plus everyone pays kids price promotion extended which includes season-long refillable drink mug.

Dollywood officials have created a new campaign designed to recognize the hard work and commitment of essential workers.

In celebration of the many frontline workers, first responders, public employees and military who faithfully serve our country and communities, Dollywood’s Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days provides qualifying guests the opportunity to buy a one-day Dollywood admission ticket online for just $39 plus tax for a limited time.

Offer Details

The online-only offer can be purchased now for a limited time and is valid for use now-Sept. 21. Frontline employees need a special redemption code—available from their employer—to complete the transaction. Eligible employees interested in the program should encourage their employers to fill out an online form (Dollywood.com/EssentialSignUp) to request a redemption code for their company.

Everyday Heroes may purchase up to six $39 one-day admission tickets to Dollywood Theme Park as part of the program. Additionally, they can receive rates as low as $129 per night at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

Everyone Pays Kids Price

Dollywood officials also are extending another popular offer that asks the age-old question, “Why do kids get to have all the fun?” Thanks to the Everyone Pays Kids Price promotion, anyone who purchases a regular one-day admission online beginning now can do so at the kids’ ticket price. This ticket also is valid through Sept. 21.

To add to the value of the Everyone Pays Kids Price promotion, each ticket purchased as part of the offer includes a Dollywood refillable drink mug. The mug is valid for unlimited $.99 cold refills through Jan. 2, 2021. It is a great value for everyone looking to squeeze a little more fun out of the summer months. Who says you can’t be a kid again?

Dollywood officials also recently made operational adjustments to the park’s current visit protocol by removing the reservation requirement for guests. The move is in response to favorable feedback from guests, and the confidence of the park’s management team in being able to continue providing a satisfying experience for guests.

Dollywood’s 35th Anniversary Season

There are still plenty of great memories to be made during Dollywood’s 35th anniversary season. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 25-Oct. 31) features Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health, while the season concludes with the 12-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, Nov. 14, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021.

For more information about Dollywood’s 2020 season, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

Team DollyDollywood Announces Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days For A Limited Time
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Tripadvisor Names Dollywood Top-10 Theme Park In The World

Published July 31, 2020 / Last Updated July 31, 2020
Team Dolly
Team Dolly
Team Dolly at Dolly Parton Productions
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
Senior Editor - Amanda Webb
Creative Director - Sarah Chapman
Team Dolly
Latest posts by Team Dolly (see all)

Dollywood included in Tripadvisor’s Top-10 Theme Parks In The World and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa added to Travel & Leisure List

As Dollywood has continued to earn strong guest satisfaction scores and stellar guest reviews based on the quality experience visitors enjoy while at the park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Tripadvisor recently included it in the top-10 of its “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards” for worldwide theme parks.

The park, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, ranked number eight in the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Amusement Parks in the world list and placed number six on the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 United States Amusement Parks. The 160-acre destination scored highly with Tripadvisor users, with many reviews recognizing the friendliness of employees, unique and thrilling rides and attractions, high-caliber entertainment, and Southern-focused cuisine. Dollywood also is “traveler ranked” as the number one thing to do while in Pigeon Forge. According to Tripadvisor, traveler ranking illustrates the “highest rated places of interest or tour operators based on traveler reviews.”

“We are working every day to ensure each member of the family has a world-class experience where they can spend time together making memories they’ll cherish forever,” said Craig Ross, The Dollywood Company President. “Feedback from our guests is critical to maintaining the environment we want to provide. This ranking from Tripadvisor reviewers is a testament to the extensive efforts we make to ensure the quality of the product we offer our guests.”

“To be included in the top-10 with the most iconic parks in the industry illustrates our strong commitment to delivering the absolute best guest experience. On behalf of Dolly and all of our hosts, we are thankful to be named in the company of these amazing parks. This truly is a great honor.” –Craig Ross, The Dollywood Company President.

According to the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best website, “Every year, we pull together all the reviews, ratings, and saves that travelers share from across the globe—and use that info to spotlight the very best. The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best awards celebrate them all.”

On the list for top worldwide parks, Dollywood is the first American park on the list that is not part of the Disney or Universal families. American parks hold 12 of the 25 spots on the worldwide list.

Tripadvisor’s Worldwide Top-10

  1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)
  2. Puy du Fou (Les Epesses, France)
  3. Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Orlando, Florida)
  4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)
  5. Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, Florida)
  6. Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles, California)
  7. Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark)
  8. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
  9. Europa-Park (Rust, Germany)
  10. Paultons Park (Romsey, United Kingdom)

Tripadvisor’s United States-only Top-10

  1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)
  2. Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Orlando, Florida)
  3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)
  4. Universal Studios Florida (Orlando, Florida)
  5. Universal Studios Hollywood (Los Angeles, California)
  6. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
  7. Disneyland (Anaheim, California)
  8. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Orlando, Florida)
  9. Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)
  10. Disney California Adventure (Anaheim, California)

See the full rankings

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa

Additionally, Travel & Leisure recently included Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa on its “World’s Best Awards” survey as one of the “Top-15 Resort Hotels in the South.” According to Travel & Leisure, “Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T&L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe…Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value.”

Dollywood officials recently made operational adjustments to the park’s current visit protocol by removing the reservation requirement for guests. The move is in response to favorable feedback from guests, and the confidence of the park’s management team in being able to continue providing a satisfying experience for guests.

Dollywood’s 35th Anniversary Season

There are still plenty of great memories to be made during Dollywood’s 35th anniversary season. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana takes place Sept. 25-Oct. 31 and features the winner of USA Today’s 10Best Best Theme Park Halloween event in 2019, Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Dollywood’s season concludes with the 12-time Golden Ticket winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, Nov. 14, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021.

For more information about Dollywood’s 2020 season, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

Team DollyTripadvisor Names Dollywood Top-10 Theme Park In The World
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Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival Update and New Season Pass Offer

Published July 20, 2020 / Last Updated July 20, 2020
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Dollywood Officials Announce Flower & Food Festival Ending Date And Unveil Unprecedented New Season Pass Offer

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health—originally scheduled for mid-spring—offers a brilliant kaleidoscope of vibrant colors that has awed park guests, according to the overwhelmingly-positive feedback the event has received since it opened on June 15.

Keeping the blooms bright and beautiful in the heat of an East Tennessee summer would be a challenge for most do-it-yourselfers, but Dollywood’s award-winning landscape team has worked diligently to keep more than 500,000 flowers in phenomenal condition. In fact, the team feels they are able to maintain the flowers’ visual integrity through the majority of the peak summer travel season. With this in mind, the inaugural event will run through Aug. 2, giving visitors a little more than two weeks to enjoy the fabulous festival.

“The Flower & Food Festival was originally planned to take place in the spring when the weather was much more favorable to the various types of plants used in our installations,”said Eugene Naughton, Vice President of Dollywood Parks Operations.

“It is an exciting new event we couldn’t wait to showcase, but the pandemic changed our plans. We still wanted to provide this immersive experience for our guests, so we had to move the festival into the heat of summer. Our teams have really stepped up to the challenge and given visitors an amazing festival to enjoy.”

“I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve seen taking selfies in front of these beautiful Mosaicultures displays and the colorful Umbrella Sky. The event has been well received, and we’re proud that we’ve been able to make it work during June and July. But there’s only a few weeks left, so if you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time to visit!”

New Dollywood Season Pass Offer

Park officials also have announced a limited-time, online-only season pass promotion that provides unprecedented value for visitors. From now through July 19, guests are able to purchase a two-park super pass online for the price of a Dollywood season pass ($139 plus tax), saving $50 per pass purchased. These passes provide guests admission into both Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country through June 15, 2021.

Dollywood officials also recently made operational adjustments to the park’s current visit protocol by removing the reservation requirement for guests. The move is in response to favorable feedback from guests, and the confidence of the park’s management team in being able to continue providing a satisfying experience for guests.

There are still plenty of great memories to be made during Dollywood’s 35th anniversary season. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 25-Oct. 31) features Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health and the Southern Gospel Jubilee. Dollywood’s season concludes with the 12-time winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, Nov. 14, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021.

For more information about Dollywood’s 2020 season, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

Team DollyDollywood’s Flower & Food Festival Update and New Season Pass Offer

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