Dollywood celebrated Dolly’s story in 1998 with the addition of "Paradise Road: The Life and Songs of Dolly Parton." The major Broadway-style show chronicled the superstar’s amazing career. Dolly lent her life story and her songs to a young Janelle Arthur as she played little Dolly. The production was showcased in Celebrity Theater.
Dollywood’s 13th season also marked the opening of Daredevil Falls. It was a unique waterfall ride featuring a 63 mph free fall. Dolly opened Daredevil Falls with a little help from the flying Elvises. As the flying Elvises flew overhead Dolly introduced the world to the tallest and fastest flume ride in the United States.
New entertainment offerings marked Dollywood's season 12 with the addition of three new shows. American Dream was a country music show starring Randy Parton. Country Treasures was a dynamic production show highlighted by comedy performances by Grand Ole Opry legends, Shenani-Guns. U Pick Nick was a Nickelodeon®-themed high-energy kids show.
Imagination Station introduced one of the world’s largest LEGO® play areas. By broadening the scope of entertainment selection at the theme park, Dollywood provided quality entertainment options for everyone in the family! In the fall, an expanded Harvest Celebration and Southern Gospel Jubilee opened. It allowed families to hear the soulful sounds of some of Dolly’s favorite Southern gospel music and enjoy the splendor of fall in the Smokies.
Dollywood Boulevard, an $8 million expansion, anchored the park’s 11th season. A $5 million state-of-the-art simulator ride was added. It was based on the classic 1957 Robert Mitchum film, “Thunder Road.” The ride was the world’s largest Turbo-Ride® Action Adventure featuring a contour-flair screen measuring 55 feet high and 70 feet wide. A themed restaurant and merchandise attraction completed the area.
Also in 1996, Dollywood introduced the popular Southern Gospel Jubilee during the park's fall Harvest Celebration. The country's largest Southern Gospel event featured gospel greats J. D. Sumner & The Stamps, the Lewis Family and the Kingsmen. This addition to the festival celebrates Dolly’s love for music, especially the gospel she grew up listening to as a child in church. Dolly said,
“Growing up in church with a musical family, that’s where my love of music and singing really took hold. I wanted to honor our rich musical heritage by adding the Southern Jubilee to our Harvest Celebration.”
Following the success of her Stampede in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Myrtle Beach, SC, Dolly Parton and her team of developers set their sights on Branson, MO. With about 40 other country theaters in Branson, Stampede would have some competition. In 1995, the doors opened for the first time.
While similar to the Stampede in Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, the Branson location had its own unique attributes. The open air stables, where guests could view the 32 magnificent horses starring in the show, were extended and stretched from the parking area to the front doors. It was all part of the family experience intended for guests. Its saloon show in the Carriage Room featured unique performers—including a singing cowboy who rode his horse into the audience and a juggling comedian.
The main show at Dolly Parton's Stampede included some of the same top-notch trick riding, performing and comedy as the other locations, and of course, a four-course feast that would not leave you hungry.
Dolly unveiled Jukebox Junction, a new seven-acre section of Dollywood featuring a blast from the past. This $6 million 1950s themed area included the 1,000-seat Pines Theater, Red’s Diner and the Rockin’ Roadway. The Rockin’ Roadway is a ride featuring classic replica cars.
Entertainment included "Let the Good Times Roll," a tribute to rock 'n' roll. Jukebox Junction also included a variety of merchandise locations offering classic memorabilia and nostalgic items that completed the area.
