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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With 2022 only a few weeks away, Dollywood is gearing up for the new season, which begins on Saturday, March 12. Entertainers who are ready to find their place in the spotlight should start planning for auditions now.
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 2022 season include full-time positions, as well as seasonal—both summer and Christmas opportunities.
Auditions will take place at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Saturday, January 15 and Saturday, January 22, as well as at the Marriott in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Saturday, February 19. Auditions are by appointment only and must be scheduled by calling (865) 429-9752. Appointments will only be taken Wednesday, January 5–Friday, January 7 between 9 AM and 4 PM. Appointments will be accepted until all slots are full. Walk-ins will not be accepted, and only auditionees are allowed to enter. Callbacks will occur on the same day as the audition.
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 handheld 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.
Even with plenty of fun still to go during Dollywood’s 2021 season, thanks to the award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, Dollywood plans for an even bigger 2022. Plans include larger festival offerings, the return of two guest-favorite experiences and a new season pass structure that allows guests more options as they plan for next year. The park opens to the general public for the 2022 season on Saturday, March 12.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health, happening April 22 - June 5, grows larger with several new iconic Mosaiculture displays that increase the overall footprint of this colorful springtime event. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests as they make their way through hundreds of thousands of 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 innovative Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show was one of this season’s most memorable highlights to date, and in 2022 the show expands with even more drones taking to the skies above the Smoky Mountains. In collaboration with Intel Drone Light Shows, Sweet Summer Nights combines the advanced technology of hundreds of sophisticated drones with a traditional fireworks extravaganza. It’s the perfect way for families to celebrate their unforgettable day at Dollywood. Sweet Summer Nights, which also includes a nightly dance party, takes place each evening during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, June 18 - August 7.
The Gazillion Bubbles Show, one of the most requested shows at DollywoodExciting , also marks its return during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Back for the first time since 2017, the Gazillion Bubbles Show promises to leave every child and child at heart with smiles on their faces, thanks to “gazillions” of bubbles and guest interactions that make up every performance.
A family tradition for many families, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana returns September 23 - October 29, celebrating the beauty of fall in the Smokies with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented artists and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that create the picture-perfect photo op for families to enjoy. New in 2022, guests will have a hoot in Craftsman’s Valley as it transforms into Hoot Owl Hollow, thanks to a number of owl-themed displays both in the park and suspended in the trees above.
The 13-time winner of Best Theme Park Christmas event, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana concludes the park’s 2022 season. Beginning November 5, 2022, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas runs through January 1, 2023 and features festive holiday shows, five million beautiful lights and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
With so many new things to experience in 2022, it is the perfect time for a Dollywood season pass. To accommodate the ever-evolving needs of Dollywood guests, a new season pass structure—Silver, Gold and Diamond—has been created to allow more options to tailor the overall guest experience.
The Dollywood Silver Season Pass starts at $139 and offers unlimited visits, two Bring-a-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging. For just $55 more, guests can opt for the Dollywood Gold Season Pass. The Gold Pass, which is priced $30 less than a 2021 Gold Season Pass, represents a tremendous value for guests thanks to unlimited visits, Saturday Early Ride Time for the passholder, four Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, and discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging. In addition, the Gold Pass provides free parking, a one-day unlimited refill mug per pass, various other discounts and access to special “Golden Events,” exclusive events just for Gold and Diamond passholders. Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type.
The new Diamond Season Pass provides a premium experience for guests. Diamond passholders receive six Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, larger discounts, an all-season unlimited refill mug per pass and a free one-time preferred parking admission per pass. Diamond passholders also receive many of the other perks assigned to both Gold and Silver passes. In addition, Diamond Season Passes provide the passholder unlimited access to Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Gold and Diamond Pass Holders can also take advantage of another exciting new perk created for the 2022 season, Dollywood’s new daily “Golden Hours.” During the first hour of each operating day, Gold and Diamond Season Passes will operate just like TimeSaver passes, allowing the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions. Passes for 2022 are on sale now.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2022 season or season passes, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app. Dollywood’s 2021 season concludes with Smoky Mountain Christmas, which begins Saturday (Nov. 6).
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana—the 13-time and only winner of Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Christmas Event—has been nominated in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for Best Theme Park Holiday Event.
The USA Today contest, which is now live, runs through Monday, December 6 at 11:59 a.m. A page with a link to the voting page can be found at 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, expert contributors and more.
The theme park industry’s premier Christmas event has been a long-held tradition for generations of guests since its debut in 1990. With more than five million holiday lights, festive holiday performances and a cheerful Christmas atmosphere, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas truly captures the essence of Christmas. From the joy of traditional holiday shows to the excitement of watching Santa at work in his Smoky Mountain cabin, Dollywood’s Christmas festival helps families create memories to share for a lifetime. Guests can also enjoy Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions that operate in this merry environment.
Dollywood’s family favorite shows light up both indoor and outdoor stages. The festival’s headline show, “Christmas in the Smokies,” has been a must-see for families every Christmas season since it began more than 30 years ago. Families will also enjoy “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “O’ Holy Night,” “Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs,” “The Mistletones,” “Appalachian Christmas with the Smoky Mountain String Band” and more.
Returning for its second year, the “Merry & Bright!” fireworks display is a sparkling ending to a Christmas-cheer filled day at Dollywood. “Merry & Bright!” fills the sky above Dollywood with dazzling lights set to the rhythm of upbeat contemporary holiday hits. The show—which was only on weekends in 2020—was so popular that guests will now be able to experience it each evening of operation during the festival! Families can dance and sing along to favorite Christmas songs as the fireworks shine and shimmer above, creating another special memory before leaving the park.
For those looking to celebrate the holidays with the perfect family meal, Dollywood’s team of chefs has a menu full of culinary surprises sure to delight. From creole-roasted turkey breast and smothered pork loin to braised beef short ribs and lobster bisque, a number of hearty favorites are sure to remind guests of Christmases past. An array of unique items abounds, including eggnog cheesecake, hazelnut churros, Santa’s chilled cocoa and more.
For more information about Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
