Dollywood officials have announced plans to develop an approximately $20 million residence hall-style building on-site that will accommodate more than 750 employees. The new housing development will be built in partnership with Wisconsin-based Holtz Builders, Inc., who will operate the facility as one of its accommodation locations, under the company’s International Residence Hall brand. The four-story, 136,000 sq. ft. building is scheduled for completion in May 2022 and offers a vital benefit to many seeking employment in Sevier County.
Residents would include temporary seasonal hosts who are employed at Dollywood through a variety of hiring programs. Those eligible for housing in the new complex include students taking part in the U.S. Summer Work Travel program, Dollywood college interns who are working on specific assignments that provide educational credits and students taking part in U.S. college campus organizations like Campus Outreach, Navigators and Young Life. Employees of other area businesses in similar programs, through organizations like Sevier County’s Southern Hospitality Internship Program, will also be eligible. Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources Tim Berry said,
“We partnered with Holtz Builders, because they have proven successful at helping similar destinations create housing options to support the needs of their growing communities. The Smoky Mountains region has proven to be one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, and with the growth of businesses and attractions in the area, we need more employees ready to support all of those jobs. Employee housing is a crucial piece of the employment equation in this area, and we are glad to partner with Holtz to create this new opportunity here at Dollywood.”
Holtz Builders has earned a stellar reputation for creating partnerships in resort communities to create safe, efficient and affordable housing for seasonal workers. The group has developed housing complexes in other tourist destinations in Wisconsin and Tennessee, as well as facilities that will soon be underway in Maryland. Dollywood provided the tract of land to Holtz for the project, while Holtz will construct, maintain and manage the new property, offering an affordable housing alternative for eligible hosts.
Standard rooms accommodate four residents with four beds, individual lockers, a private bathroom, a large refrigerator, a study desk and a self-contained heating and air unit. ADA accessible rooms have space for two individuals and contain the same amenities as the standard rooms. Additionally, a common kitchen, a gathering space and laundry facilities are included. Wifi is also included and available throughout the building.
The ground floor of the building will be unfinished when residents move in next year, but will be completed soon after to provide additional office space and other facilities designed to support Dollywood Hosts.
“We strive to provide safe and affordable housing for seasonal guests that come from around the world and from the U.S.,” said Dan Bullock, President of the Holtz Companies. “We hope we can have a positive impact on the overall experience they have here in this beautiful community in the Smoky Mountains.”
For more information about Dollywood, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
As a thank you to frontline workers, first responders and public employees who work tirelessly to serve our country and communities, Dollywood’s Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days returns in 2021 and provides qualifying guests the opportunity to buy a one-day Dollywood admission ticket online for just $45 plus tax.
The online-only offer can be purchased now for a limited time and is valid for use until September 22, 2021. 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 to request a redemption code for their company.
As part of the program, qualifying guests may purchase up to six one-day admission tickets to Dollywood Theme Park. Additionally, they can receive rates of up to 30% off per night at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. The resort discount is available through September 22, 2021, for stays any night Sunday-Thursday and is subject to availability.
Additionally, through a new promotion with MEDIC Regional Blood Center, everyone has the opportunity to be an everyday hero. Because of a need for blood throughout the region, Dollywood has partnered with MEDIC to provide a free theme park ticket (while supplies last) to anyone who makes a successful blood donation August 16-20. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by visiting medicblood.org/donate or by calling 865-524-3074. Walk-ins are allowed, but appointments reduce wait times and assist with donor flow. The donation process for whole blood is roughly one hour, including the screening and collections process. Donors should be healthy, drink plenty of fluids and eat a good meal prior to donating.
Any of the admission tickets that are part of the Everyday Heroes Appreciation Days may be upgraded to season passes, allowing guests to continue the fun of Dollywood’s 2021 season during both the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas, presented by Humana.
Featuring thousands of glowing pumpkins that make up Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health, the Harvest Festival (Sept.24-Oct.30) is one of the nation’s top fall events. Dollywood guests can also enjoy the spectacular exhibits of visiting artisans from across the country, or sample the special harvest-themed food items from Dollywood’s award-winning culinary team. Each day is a picture-perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the experiences of a Smoky Mountain harvest.
With festive fun, and more than five million lights, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 6-Jan. 2, 2022) has earned its recognition as America’s favorite theme park Christmas event. From the cheer and joy of traditional holiday shows like Christmas in the Smokies to the excitement of watching Santa at work, as well as enjoying Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions in this merry environment, Smoky Mountain Christmas helps families create wonderful memories that last a lifetime. From award-winning shows and elaborate holiday decorations to twinkling lights and Christmas-themed menus, Dollywood truly captures the essence of Christmas.
For more information about the Everyday Heroes Campaign, visit Dollywood.com/DWHeroSignUp. To learn more about Dollywood’s 2021 season, visit Dollywood.com.
Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights, the reigning winner for Best Theme Park Halloween Event in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards, has an opportunity to retain its title as the industry’s best. The region’s premier family-friendly harvesttime event has quickly become a favorite for guests since it was added to Dollywood’s Harvest Festival in 2017.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana, provides all-day fall fun for the entire family, with the Great Pumpkin LumiNights serving as a glowing end to the evening. Dollywood stays open until 9 p.m. every night during the festival, which runs September 24 through October 30, allowing families more time to enjoy various exhibits throughout the park.
Families will bask in the glow of thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins as they discover whimsical displays all throughout Dollywood’s Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass and upper Craftsman’s Valley. Beyond the impressive displays, guests can find a number of exciting activities and create thrilling memories together.
Musical artists from multiple genres provide hundreds of performances throughout the festival, and visiting artisans showcase their array of talents for guests to enjoy. Special harvest-themed menu items from Dollywood’s award-winning culinary team are also a delight. There is no doubt that each day is a picture-perfect opportunity for families to experience the joys of the Smoky Mountain harvest.
The USA Today contest, which is now live, runs through Monday, August 30 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 include a combination of editors from USA Today, editors from 10Best.com, relevant expert contributors and more. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is also in the running for the USA Today 10Best Award for Best Family Resort.
For more information about Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights and the Harvest Festival, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
In early July, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa was named the #1 Amusement Park Hotel in the country by USA Today readers in the publication’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. Dollywood’s family-favorite resort now has the opportunity to go two-for-two, as it has been nominated for the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Family Resort.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which celebrates its sixth anniversary later this month, has quickly become a sought-after resort destination, prompting The Dollywood Company to announce a 10-year, $500 million investment strategy that includes additional resort properties. The first resort planned as part of the strategy is Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, which is slated to open in 2023.
Voting is now open and runs through Monday, Aug. 16 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, relevant expert contributors and more.
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 premier family destination to life.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa has several unique areas and experiences for families to spend quality time together. Families 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 premier 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 even roast complimentary marshmallows to make s’mores each night around the fire pit.
During its history, DreamMore Resort has earned several awards, including being named the #1 Amusement Park Hotel in 2018 by USA Today, 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.”
A panel of experts and USA Today 10Best editors selected Dollywood Parks & Resort properties and attractions in six categories for award competitions that took place in June. Results included:
Best Amusement Park Hotel - Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa (#1)
Best Amusement Park Restaurant - Aunt Granny’s Restaurant (#1)
Best Amusement Park Entertainment - Dreamland Drive-In (#3)
Best Amusement Park - Dollywood (#5)
Best Outdoor Water Park - Dollywood’s Splash Country (#5)
Best Amusement Park Roller Coaster - Lightning Rod (#5)
Best Amusement Park Hotel - Dollywood Cabins (#7)
For more information about Dollywood’s 2021 season, operating calendars and more, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
Dollywood is searching for its next panel of park insiders who share experiences and tips through online content. For the past five seasons, park guests have found helpful information on Dollywood blogs and social channels thanks to this group of non-employed Dollywood pros.
From best-value suggestions to traffic flow tips and where-to-eat recommendations, Dollywood Insiders provide expert guest perspective to aid others in trip planning. Content is shared via blog, pictures and video.
“We invite veteran Dollywood guests to become our experts,” explained Amber Davis, Digital Publicist. “As the program has grown in popularity, we’ve been able to grow the number of panelists each year. For our next panel, we will select 20 Insiders. These applicants turn their love for Dollywood into a platform for sharing trip-planning advice. Though they don’t receive a paycheck, they do get season passes and exclusive access as they create content for Dollywood channels.”
Dollywood Insiders are relatable. Past Insiders include moms, dads, grandmas, single parents, professionals, bloggers and theme park enthusiasts. Dollywood intentionally selects its panelists from diverse walks of life to best represent Dollywood park visitors. These panelists hail from communities across the Southeast—from Knoxville, Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Charlotte and beyond.
Dollywood Insiders are tasked with pitching and creating blogs and videos that help others learn about Dollywood, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. The Insiders serve on the panel for a one-year term and may re-apply, if interested. Perks of the role include season passes, behind-the-scenes access and invitations to media events.
Applications for the sixth panel of Dollywood Insiders are available now at Dollywood.com/lpg/insider. Applications must be submitted by Monday, July 19 at noon. After interviews, panelists will be selected and notified by July 26.
