Photo Feature – Brothers Pete (Left) and Jack Herschend and Dolly Parton stand on stage after the trio were named 2023 Golden Ticket Legends during the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony on Sept. 9. The Herschends’ partnership with Parton led to the creation of Dollywood theme park, which opened on May 3, 1986.
Dollywood guests were surprised as Dolly Parton arrived onstage during the 25th annual Golden Ticket Awards presented by Amusement Today, held at Dollywood’s Showstreet Palace Theater on Saturday, September 9. Not only did Dolly receive her own award during the event, her namesake park earned a record five Golden Ticket Awards.
“We’re so proud to have the Golden Ticket Awards here at Dollywood this year,” Dolly said. “This award ceremony is so very special and I think Dollywood is special too, so I think it’s great we were able to host the event here. We don’t do what we do to earn awards, but we’re not going to turn them down either,” she added with a laugh. “Seriously though, our teams work hard to make sure our guests enjoy their time at Dollywood, and these awards honoring what they do sure make me happy because they are getting the recognition they deserve.
“I think the Smoky Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in the whole world, so I hope more people will come visit Dollywood and the Smokies to see what makes this one of those places that I believe you can’t match anywhere else!”
Dolly Parton and Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton pose for photos after winning the Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park during the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony held at Dollywood on Sept. 9, 2023.
Dolly Parton and Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton pose for photos after winning the Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park during the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony held at Dollywood on Sept. 9, 2023.
Dolly, along with her business partners Jack and Peter Herschend, were honored with the Industry Legends Golden Ticket Award. It was the unique partnership between Dolly and Herschend Family Entertainment that created Dollywood from the former Silver Dollar City Tennessee theme park in the mid-1980s. The park opened as Dollywood on May 3, 1986, and doubled its attendance in its first season of operation.
Dollywood received finalist placement in ten total categories and won more Golden Ticket awards than any other park in the world. The awards ceremony takes place at a different theme park each year, with Dollywood last hosting in 2012.
Dollywood took top honors at the Golden Ticket Awards by claiming the award for Best Park, an award held the last eight years by Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. The impressive designation follows several years’ worth of recognition of Dollywood’s top status within the theme park industry. The Best Park award is significant because it continues to reinforce what Dollywood guests have been saying for some time; that the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park is considered one of the top family vacation destinations in the country and, perhaps now, the world.
Dollywood continued its clean sweep of the Best Guest Experience category, which was first created in 2019. This marks the fourth-consecutive Best Guest Experience award for Dollywood. Golden Tickets were not awarded in 2020. The Best Guest Experience award combines several attributes—including friendliness, cleanliness and value—into the judging criteria for the award. Dollywood is the only park to ever win the award, a nod to its friendly and welcoming hosts, as well as its clean appearance and overall atmosphere.
Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove also earned its fourth consecutive award for Best Kids’ Area. The park first won this award in 2019 after that season’s opening of the expansive new area. Wildwood Grove cemented its status for the award this year thanks to the addition of the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster which opened this May. The new ride—manufactured by Vekoma—is nearly 4,000 ft. long and the longest roller coaster at Dollywood. With three launches, on-board audio, plenty of air time and a number of thrilling moments, it has quickly become considered one of the best new coasters in the world.
With its new-found fame among Dollywood guests, Big Bear Mountain appropriately earned the newly-created Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster. Guests who have experienced the new ride have applauded its unique attributes, impressive ride length and immersive theming. In voting for the category, Big Bear Mountain was essentially a shoo-in for the inaugural award.
One of the park’s stalwart events, Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, earned its 15th consecutive win for Best Christmas Event. Dollywood remains undefeated in the Christmas category due to the effort of the park’s hard-working hosts who plan for the iconic event year-round. Dollywood’s Christmas festival is so prevalent that it has been showcased in several movies, including Hallmark’s Christmas at Dollywood and last year’s Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas which is now nominated for two Emmy awards.
Due in large part to its idyllic location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood earned the runner-up position for Most Beautiful Park, while the park’s creative and talented culinary team took home a second-place finish for Best Food thanks to their varied and extensive menus of high-quality items. The park also finished third in the Best New Coaster category for Big Bear Mountain, and Dollywood’s thrilling Thunderhead remained ranked in the Best Wooden Roller Coaster category, finishing as the fourth best wooden coaster in the world. Big Bear Mountain earned a fifth-place finish in the award for Best New Attraction Installation.
Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, says the record number of awards, including the nod for Best Park in the world, truly shows why Dollywood has become the rising star of the theme park industry.
“I first have to thank Amusement Today and our staff for the effort that went into hosting this year’s Golden Ticket Awards here at Dollywood,” Naughton said. “These awards are helpful for us to understand where we rank in comparison to our peers because those with voting rights represent some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals and enthusiasts within the industry."
“We have spent a lot of effort the last several years focused on our guest and host experience. We want everyone who comes through our turnstiles to have an experience which provides them with happy memories for years to come. We’ve also been very thoughtful with the attractions, entertainment offerings and culinary creations we provide to our guests every single day. I’m very happy to see the results of our hard work recognized by the Golden Ticket voters. But you know what all this means? We have to go back to work coming up with new ideas and innovations to continue pushing us forward. It is an exciting time in this industry and I want to see us remain at the forefront.”
Tim Baldwin, Communications Coordinator for Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards, explained why Dollywood continues to rack up more wins than any other park in the world.
“It is a stellar year for Dollywood — its best performance yet,” Baldwin said. “As a finalist in nine categories and taking a record five Golden Tickets, the park has accomplished something notably amazing. For them to unseat the long-time winner for Best Park has to be exciting for everyone involved there. Like its predecessor, Dollywood slowly climbed the ranks over the last ten years and has finally nudged itself up from the second-place position. The expansion of Wildwood Grove with the addition of Big Bear Mountain has paid off. The park knows its audience, and it continues to make forward-thinking decisions that guests love.”
“Each time I enter the park, I am immersed in a sense of welcome,” added Baldwin. “The food, the music, the rides, the atmosphere — there is a heart to it. You can tell it starts at the top. Just as Dolly likes to treat people with kindness and love, Dollywood exudes a sense of happiness. It makes you want to come back. This is why Dollywood has grown exponentially from a regional destination to a national one — and beyond.”
Calculated from an international poll conducted by Amusement Today, the industry’s leading trade publication, the Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a detailed survey sent to a database of hundreds of experienced and well-traveled amusement park fans, industry journalists and ride manufacturers around the world in balanced geographical regions. Voters are asked to rate the “best” in a number of categories such as best parks, roller coasters, water rides, food and more. The pool of eligible voters changes every year to ensure the same votes are not cast each season.
The Golden Ticket Awards are the most sought-after awards in the business of amusements and attractions. The awards have become the subject of much discussion by park aficionados the world over and have garnered mentions in such notable media outlets as USA Today and the Chicago Tribune, and by the late radio newsman Paul Harvey. The awards also were the topic of a one-hour Travel Channel documentary.
With two great festivals ahead this year, there’s plenty of fun still to have during Dollywood’s 2023 operating season. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health takes place Sept. 20- Oct. 30, while Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana—now the 15-time winner of Best Christmas Event—is slated for Nov. 4- Jan. 6.
For more information about Dollywood, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer is officially in full swing! As a true lover of all things summer, Dolly embraces the joy, warmth and freedom that this time of year brings.
“Summer is when everything comes alive,” Dolly says. “It’s a time to let loose, have fun and create unforgettable memories.”
This summer, Dolly is not only enjoying the simple pleasures of the season, she’s been busy making headlines with her latest projects and achievements, giving everyone even more reason to celebrate alongside her as she continues to soar to new heights.
Dolly joined forces with some of Rock music’s most legendary artists, along with today’s biggest stars, for her first-ever Rock album, Rockstar. Inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly teamed up with an all-star roster of musicians for the 30-song collection, which includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Releasing November 17, 2023, Rockstar is now available for pre-order and will also be available as a 4 LP set, 2 CD set, digital download and for streaming on all digital service platforms.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library opens a new chapter this summer as they celebrate a huge milestone in early childhood literacy, surpassing 200 million books gifted globally since 1995, thanks to over 2,800 local affiliates around the world who are dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books each month to children. With the rollout of new statewide programs in California and Montana, they’re expanding access to free books, inspiring children everywhere to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More!
Stampede into summer fun at the world’s most visited dinner attraction, Dolly Parton’s Stampede. With locations in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, get ready for friendly competition, thrilling horse riding stunts, phenomenal musical productions and more — not to mention a delicious four-course feast!
Are you ready to spend your summer on a swashbuckling adventure? Visit Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Myrtle Beach, SC, or Pigeon Forge, TN. Both locations take guests on an epic pirate journey featuring high seas escapades and romance, complemented with a hearty four- course pirate feast.
Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June 17 – Aug. 6). With thrilling rides, captivating shows and the new Big Bear Mountain attraction, this summer will be unforgettable. Enjoy the mesmerizing “Sweet Summer Nights” with dazzling drones and fireworks, interactive water shows, bubble-filled fun, live entertainment and delicious seasonal treats. With extended park hours, guests can make memories until 9:30 p.m. and stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa for a complete summer getaway.
Nestled adjacent to Dollywood theme park, there is no better way to spend the hotter, longer days than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. East Tennessee’s friendliest water park is now open for its 23rd season until September 10, with more shade, more food and more opportunities to make a splash all summer long.
Bookings have begun for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated HeartSong Lodge & Resort, where guests can start making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023. Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
Dolly keeps making waves with her upcoming Rockstar album, releasing on November 17. Witness Dolly’s rock star dominance as “Bygones” (ft. Rob Halford) with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5 becomes her 2nd consecutive #1 self-penned rock song on the Classic Rock Songs chart, following the smash hit “World On Fire,” as seen in her electrifying performance at the ACM Awards! Plus, don’t miss “Magic Man (Carl Version)” (ft. Ann Wilson) with special guest Howard Leese. Get ready for rock and roll magic!
In a thrilling new collaboration, Dolly joins forces with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Slash and talented Chris Janson in their latest song, “21 Forever.” The soaring track is now available to stream, from Chris Jansen’s album The Outlaw Side of Me.
As we savor the sun-kissed days and embrace the carefree spirit of summer, let’s celebrate the happy moments, big and small, that make this season so wonderful.
Sittin’ on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straightback chair on two legs, leaned against the wall
Watch the kids a playin’ with June bugs on a string
And chase the glowin’ fireflies when evening shadows fall
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the fields near by
Love,
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.”
Another important milestone for Dollywood’s newest resort property, the much-anticipated Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, takes place on June 26 as guests can begin making reservations for stays this fall. The earliest available stay date is November 3, 2023.
On June 26, guests can visit Dollywood.com/HeartSong and search for available dates to plan their visit to the Smokies’ newest premium resort.
Created with the same award-winning service and attention to detail made famous at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds to the welcoming hospitality offerings guests have come to expect when visiting Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
“The opening of the booking window really starts to make things feel real,” said Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts President. “To know we’re just a few short months away from welcoming our first guests to this magnificent new property is really exciting. Each time I walk through HeartSong Lodge & Resort, it changes and evolves so much; it causes my anticipation of opening day to increase more and more. I believe everyone is going to be in awe as soon as they walk through the front doors. The hardest decision for our guests probably is going to be trying to decide which of our world-class resorts to stay at next!”
With its location in the rolling foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers a place where awe and inspiration await guests thanks to thoughtful details that emerge around every turn. From spacious accommodations to well-planned amenities, guests can enjoy a variety of spaces to recharge and relax within the 302-room lodge. Welcoming the outdoors in with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures, Dollywood’s newest resort offers lodging options for multi-generational families and couples. Spacious family suites and bunk rooms feature lovely touches that are inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, inviting guests of all ages to gather for meaningful connections.
For one-of-a-kind getaways, the five-story resort also features themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. Many of the rooms include balconies with sweeping views of the vast resort property. This Smoky Mountain lodge features four-story, lantern-inspired windows in the resort’s welcoming atrium, epic indoor and outdoor pools that provide guests a refreshing escape in all seasons, and a picture-perfect outdoor cove with family gathering spaces. With 26,000 ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests. The resort offers numerous options to provide a unique setting for groups, including the two-story HeartSong Event Center, numerous outdoor meeting spaces and an event lawn.
Guests can discover delicious new dining options, created by resort chefs, in the full-service restaurant, lounge, private dining room, and Songbird Market Grab & Go eatery. In addition, Honeysuckle & Pine Storied Goods Mercantile offers unique gifts and treasured keepsakes from this very special place.
All Dollywood resort guests also receive priority access to Dollywood parks, as well as Saturday early park entry for exclusive ride time on one of Dollywood’s world-famous attractions. Additionally, resorts stays include complimentary Dollywood TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation and package delivery for items purchased inside Dollywood theme park. All privileges only are available for guests with valid park admission.
For more information about Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, please visit dollywood.com/heartsong.
Guests have a range of experiences to enjoy throughout the day and into the night at one of the nation’s top theme park destinations during this year’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration at Dollywood, happening June 17- August 6. With the addition of the park’s newest thrilling attraction, Big Bear Mountain, this surely is a summer to remember in the Smokies.
Two of Dollywood’s biggest summertime traditions return due to tremendous feedback from park guests. “Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights” returns bigger, brighter and bolder with even more drones lighting up the night sky high above the Pigeon Forge park. A first-of-its-kind theme park spectacle when it debuted in 2021, the guest-favorite is back with a show that combines 500 high-tech drones with a world-class fireworks extravaganza designed to put an exclamation point on the evening.
As part of the Sweet Summer Nights experience, a DJ and energetic dancers bring fun to the streets of Wildwood Grove during two dance parties that will have everyone on their feet. As the party nears its conclusion, the celebration takes to the sky as the drones, operated by Dollywood’s partner Dronisos, launch into the air for an unforgettable display.
The Gazillion Bubble Show also returns in 2023 with a mesmerizing burst of excitement for guests in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The show provides many moments where guests will be surrounded by “gazillions” of bubbles for a fun and unpredictable experience that captivates the entire family.
Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration features so many fun ways for guests to interact with water during their Dollywood day. Interactive shows “Liquid Beats” and “Hydro Jive Junction” will have guests splashing and singing along during refreshing performances.
Guests can cool off on a hot summer day in the wonderful water hose fountain installation found in Market Square during “Liquid Beats.” This interactive performance brings together dozens of water hoses to create a fountain that delivers cooling excitement to guests of all ages. During “Liquid Beats,” a landscaping-themed percussion troupe maintains the natural beauty of the Smokies, as they bring this new entertainment vision to guests. In Jukebox Junction, “Hydro Jive Junction” features a musical maintenance worker trying to repair a faulty fire hydrant. Dancing ensues as the fire hydrant turns into a refreshing sprinkler for guests to enjoy, as the cast sings and dances to familiar favorites such as “Singing in the Rain” and “Splish Splash.”
Music is the soundtrack of our lives, especially during a summer family road trip. Dollywood’s Entertainment Team brings to life the road trip “vibe” and takes guests on a summertime journey with the return of “Good Vibes” and its playlist of summer road trip classics. The Tones and Good Vibes have summer playlists that will have families wanting to hit cruise control and sing along.
An authentically-Southern summer greets guests as soon as they enter the park. The Dollywood entry statement in front of Showstreet Palace Theater welcomes guests with themed décor, including Kite Sky. Throughout the park, larger-than-life activities, including Jumbo Backyard Games, Parachute Play Party, Noodle Takeover (a dazzling array of suspended pool noodles hanging in the summer sky) and more, allow parents to relive beloved childhood pastimes while creating new memories with their kids. The Bubble Foam Zone will cool guests off on the hottest of summer days by covering families head to toe in a giant bubble-filled plaza.
Two new experiences highlight the festival this summer. Oscillation, created by The Urban Conga, features giant crystals that come alive through movement. The installation acts like a theremin, an unusual musical instrument that is played without touch. As guests walk toward the piece, it plays different sounds and pitches which vary based on the distance from it. Also new is Noodleville, a walkthrough experience that features 520 pool noodles in a 12 ft. by 24 ft. area. Kids—and kids at heart—will enjoy walking through this fun, tactile installation.
It’s story time again as The Imagination Playhouse showcases three favorite books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, including “Coat of Many Colors,” based on Parton’s song and children’s book of the same name. This season’s featured shows are “Coat of Many Colors,” “Violet the Pilot” and “The Little Engine That Could.” The shows feature sing-along songs that kids of all ages enjoy. Thanks to Penguin Books, guests can enjoy several decorative and interactive photo opportunities for children and their families in the lobby of Heartsong theater prior to each show.
Dollywood’s culinary team is cooking up the tastes of summer with mouthwatering hibachi skillet chicken, ultimate pork rind nachos and the antipasto salad. Guests also will enjoy sweet treats, including a s’mores funnel cake and refreshing paleta flavors including mango and cookies & cream. Thanks to the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration Tasting Pass, the tastes of summer are now available with a convenient option to sample multiple items for one price. The tasting pass, which can be purchased in the park or online, is $36.99 plus tax or $33.99 plus tax for gold and diamond passholders. The tasting pass is available each day of the festival.
Guests at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa also can soak up the summer fun and sun during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Filled with live entertainment, family activities, spa specials and more, the resort is the perfect home away from home for guests on their summer adventures.
Resort guests will enjoy daily live entertainment with daily roaming performers including The Roberts Sisters and Willow Osborne. On select nights of the week, a variety of performers will delight guests in the Atrium, including Owen Tharp, Melissa Hale, Tommy Cox, Jesse Blue Eads and more. Guests can see the Sweet Summer Nights fireworks display each night from The Swimming Hole side of the resort.
Additionally, Camp DW offers a variety of festival-inspired activities each day including butterfly canvas painting, magnet painting, tie dye, dream jars and more. On select days, Camp DW will host the Giant Beach Ball Bash and pool games at The Swimming Hole Outdoor Pool. In the evenings, families can join Camp DW hosts around the wood-burning fire pit for complimentary s’mores roasting and bedtime stories in The Barn from 7 – 8 p.m. Guests also will enjoy Family Movie Nights and Pillow Making on select evenings.
Special summer-themed menu items are cooked up by the resort’s culinary team, while festival-inspired treatments are available at The Spa.
During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, guests can take advantage of extended summer hours allowing them to make memories until 9:30 p.m. For more information about Dollywood, please visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
