At Dollywood’s Splash Country, summertime is playtime! Children are out of school and families have the opportunity to spend more time together making memories. In celebration of the water park opening on May 19, Dollywood is offering a weeklong sale to kick off the season: purchase a two-day Dollywood ticket and upgrade to a two-day, multi-park ticket for free! Guests can take advantage of this online offer until May 18 and the tickets can be used through June 3.
A special ticket offer isn’t the only exciting news. For its 18th season, Dollywood’s Splash Country is delighted to showcase park upgrades. The water park is introducing Too Hot Tuesdays with a DJ on the wave pool deck and lots of new menu items. Guests won’t know which way to look first!
From new landscaping and additional shade to new paint and theming, Dollywood’s Splash Country is hoping to treat water park guests to a mountain oasis getaway. Guests will find new lounge chairs throughout the park this season, and now they can rent Luxury Loungers in addition to Retreats and Canopies for guaranteed shade and comfort in between splashing and playing. The water park also has made improvements to wait times including self-serve ticket kiosks and opportunities to save 90% of the ride wait time with new TimeSaver H2O options—perfect for those hot days when you want to be in the water as much as possible.
“We love combing through guest feedback and delivering solutions to those requests,” explained Dollywood’s Splash Country General Manager Janet Dawson. “This season we’re pleased we can provide so much added value including Platinum TimeSaver H2O, new shade structures over queue lines, and new aquatic wheelchairs.”
Building on the response to the water park’s calming area and accessibility tubes, Dollywood’s Splash Country also is adding aquatic wheelchairs and adult changing tables for families to utilize this season. It is Dollywood’s Splash Country’s desire to make the water park fun for everyone, and simple additions like aquatic wheelchairs can make a big difference for families who have never been able to enjoy water attractions before.
“Our lifeguards and hosts can’t wait to welcome guests back to Dollywood’s Splash Country in 2018,” Dawson continued. “We are so proud of the work we accomplished in the off-season and we know our guests are going to love the upgrades, too. Splash Country will be the place to be this summer!”
New this season, guests can look forward to Too Hot Tuesdays featuring a DJ on the wave pool deck noon – 3 p.m. (Tuesdays May 22 – June 26). Expect family-friendly summer hits and interactive games to enhance the experience.
When it’s time to take a break and enjoy a meal or snack, there are plenty of new offerings for guests to try! Trailhead Tacos is a newly-rethemed eatery that will feature a Tex-Mex menu, while other venues will boast new menu items. Make 2018 the year to try Loaded Tots, a new BeaverTail flavor featuring MoonPie, and a Cookie Dough Dream flavored gourmet milkshake. If guests need more reasons to be excited about topping off their water park day with refreshments, they also can enjoy Splash Country’s new Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Dollywood’s Splash Country opens Saturday, May 19. Daily operation continues through Sunday, August 12. After that, the park shifts operations to Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends with the last day being Labor Day (Sept. 3). For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country or any of The Dollywood Company properties, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
As Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers continues, a refreshing new performance group visits during May, but as talented as they are, it’s their instruments that may catch guests’ attention.
Vocal Trash, which performs in Dollywood’s new Plaza at Wilderness Pass May 9-11 and May 16-24, is best described as “music with a message.” This environmentally-minded cast combines high-energy singers, drummers and dancers to captivate Dollywood audiences with a meaningful experience they won’t soon forget.
“In a day and age where family entertainment is becoming more and more difficult to find, we feel Dollywood is the perfect opportunity to present a positive family-friendly experience for everyone,” group co-founder and performer Steve Linder said. “We are honored to be part of such an admirable brand for good, clean fun and have always considered Dolly herself to be a positive force for the community based on her history of giving back to those who need it.”
Vocal Trash has played to crowds across the nation, presenting their own unique take on recycling and conservation through their “upcycled” musical instruments. The group’s instruments all come from items that most people would consider refuse. Vocal Trash, however, wants to remind audiences that many items have a second useful life.
The Vocal Trash ensemble uses a toolbox bass and an upright milk urn bass. Their percussion section consists of metal trash cans, PVC pipes, pots and pans, and water bottles and jugs, among other landfill-rescued items. The group combines breakdancing, singing, comedy and more to create an experience guests have never seen before.
The band’s message also includes their THINK Program. Utilizing song and dance, the curriculum provides useful methods to teach young minds that their imagination can help them find meaningful ways to reuse items that normally would end up in a landfill. With the number of school groups traveling to Dollywood in the spring, Vocal Trash’s performances are perfect for visiting students.
“Vocal Trash encourages both children and adults to use their imagination in a meaningful and lasting way as it relates to ‘eco-friendly living,’” Linder explained.
For more information about Vocal Trash and Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
Pam Tillis headlined Dollywood's Spring Mix concert series on April 16, 2018. She took the opportunity to spring a new song on her fans which she is including in her upcoming album. The song is inspired by the park's namesake, Dolly Parton and will be well worth the wait for fans of both ladies.
She was once known as the up-and-coming country singer with a famous last name. For years she hit the pavement, knocking on doors, singing demos and jingles. She worked as a staff writer for Elektra Asylum Publishing and later took a job writing for Warner Brothers Publishing.
Now, three decades later, she is a decorated artist with two Grammy wins, three CMA awards, including 1994’s Female Vocalist Of The Year Award, and has over 30 US Billboard charting singles. She long since established her place in country music and holds the title of the first woman invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the 21st century. Now, the child of Country Music Royalty proudly showcases over half a century of some of country's finest songs, stories and artistry.
When asked her favorite Dollywood activity she first jokingly said "the buffet" and noted her fondness for beans and cornbread. And then added she is a big fan of the collection of crafts on display by Dollywood's resident artisans.
Here the "Queen of Denial" chats about songwriting and what it was like growing up around country icons like Dolly and her legendary dad Mel Tillis. She also talks about her current tour dates and appearances.
Q. "Your songs have been recorded by a variety of mainstream artists. Do you have a standout favorite cut by another artist?"
A. "I don't know if the album is still in circulation but it's cool that I had a Conway Twitty cut. I think I'm the only songwriter that has ever had a Conway Twitty cut and a Chaka Khan cut."
Q. "Do you have a favorite story or memory that captures Dolly's friendship and working relationship with your father?"
A. "Actually, I don't even know where to begin. I met her as a little girl. I was starstruck. Dolly played guitar and wrote her own songs. And there weren't a lot of women writing their own songs back then, I didn't feel like, so that made a deep impression on me. She was as talented as any man, if not more so. And then a dream come true, getting to sing on one of her records. And then she came and sang on one of mine. I just want to mention that she took the time to write me a letter when Daddy passed. And that says everything about her."
Q. "You are currently touring doing both your own shows and shows with Lorrie Morgan. You are also a part of the Chicks with Hits tour with Terri Clark and Suzy Bogguss. What about these types of collaborations with other female artists appeals to you?"
A. "I feel like it's such a neat part of my touring schedule. For so many years I found myself ‘the chick’ on a bill with so many dudes. It's just been so great to work with other female artists. They're seasoned pros. We've all got stories to tell and have so much in common as well. It's very comforting to be out there with sisters."
Dolly invited Pam to join her and a host of country stars on her 1993 release, "Slow Dancing with the Moon." And later, Dolly and Pam teamed up for some incredible harmonies on Pam's "Violet and a Rose" from "It's All Relative: Tillis Sings Tillis” released in 2002.
Discover More Spring Mix Concerts At Dollywood
One of Dollywood’s best-known restaurants was recast in 2018 with a little help from another iconic Tennessee brand, Lodge Manufacturing Company. Aunt Granny’s All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet earned its name from the loving nickname Dolly Parton’s nieces and nephews gave her. The eatery has a fresh look this season complete with new menu items which will have guests ready to pull a seat up to the table.
Now named Aunt Granny’s Restaurant presented by Lodge, it features a number of changes. These new elements create a bright and airy space. Guests will find a comfortable respite to slow down and enjoy a meal together. Interior renovations include action stations, like a new carving station. Here guests can watch Dollywood chefs create a number of delightful delicacies.
“Dollywood is known for its quality southern food offerings, and a visit to the buffet at Aunt Granny’s certainly should be on the list for any foodie,” said Dollywood Vice-President Phil Bernard. “With our continuing focus on great food, we felt the time was right to recast the restaurant and add new menu items, while also keeping many of the old favorites.
“The opportunity to partner with Lodge, which is another iconic Tennessee brand, also made perfect sense. When you think of traditional southern foods like fried chicken, cornbread, or apple cobbler, you think of cast iron cookware. And when you think of cast iron cookware, there’s only one company that comes to mind—Lodge.”
The unique partnership with South Pittsburg, Tennessee-based Lodge brings a selection of the company’s famous cast iron cookware into the dining experience. The iconic cookware adorns displays throughout the restaurant. And the buffet line serves food from Lodge products.
“We are extremely excited about the collaboration between these two great Tennessee companies,” said Mike Otterman, President of Lodge Manufacturing Company. “We share company values, consumers, location and brand similarities that should allow us to grow together for many years.”
With more than 130 different items, Lodge Cast Iron produces the largest selection of cast iron cookware on the market. Popular items include skillets, griddles, grill pans, Dutch Ovens and restaurant serving pieces.
Founded by Joseph Lodge in 1896, Lodge is the oldest continuously operating cast iron cookware foundry in the U.S. Also, it's the oldest family-owned cookware company in the country. Henry Lodge, CEO, and Lee Riddle, Vice President of Sales, are fourth and fifth generation descendants of Joseph Lodge.
Located in Dollywood’s Rivertown Junction, Aunt Granny’s was constructed in 1986 and opened during the park’s inaugural season. It is a favorite spot for guests. Its all-you-can-eat format offers a wide selection of the southern staples Dollywood’s foods team has cooked up for years.
The park is fresh off winning Amusement Today’s 2017 Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Food. The foods team has refreshed the menu with a number of items sure to become new guest favorites. Among those new offerings are Southwestern herb baked chicken, country chicken & dumplings, roasted red-skinned potatoes with cheddar cheese & bacon, corn puddin’, and much more. Stone Soup, inspired by Dolly’s famous story about her mother using the classic fable to encourage her children, also finds its way on to the buffet. Those with a sweet tooth have plenty to select from including apple cobbler, various cupcakes, brownies and more.
For more information about Dollywood’s 2018 Season of Showstoppers, please visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
Dollywood kicked off its 33rd season with a special preview event hosted by Dolly Parton. This incredible year is one which surely will be remembered for the amazing quality of entertainment. Dollywood's entertainment team invested $1 million more in its 2018 offerings than any other single year of entertainment in its history.
The preview event featured performances by the National Dance Company of Siberia, PAINTJAM featuring Ricardo Barazza, Janie Fricke, Orleans, Larnelle Harris and others. For the finale, Dolly joined Ladysmith Black Mambazo backed by Orleans for a beautiful performance of "Peace Train." Dolly recorded the song written by Cat Stevens on her 1996 "Treasures" album which featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Dollywood has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Entertainment for nine years. And with 2018's commitment, the park again looks to lead the way for the award.
Festival of Nations (March 16 -- April 9)
Spring Mix Music Series (April 11 - April 29)
Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 25 - June 10)
Summer Celebration (June 16 - August 5)
Rock The Smokies (August 25)
Harvest Festival (September 28 - November 3)
Smoky Mountain Christmas (November 10 - January 5)
Opening day also served as the unveiling of the newly renovated Aunt Granny's restaurant. The eatery is named after the affectionate nickname Dolly's nieces and nephews have for her as she acts as both aunt and granny to them as well as to some of her younger siblings. The restaurant is one of the parks original features. Its buffet style dining offers guests delicious comfort foods including Mama's Stone Soup. Read famous Stone Soup story in A Mother's Love & Inspiration - Avie Lee Parton.
For more information about multi-day ticket options, 2018 Dollywood season passes or Dollywood’s Season of Showstoppers visit Dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
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Photo Credit: Curtis Hilbun
