"Heartsong," a film narrated by Dolly, debuted in the Heartsong Theatre, in 1994. It conveys Dolly’s fond memories and feelings for the Smoky Mountains. The film features the powerful story of her original song, "Heartsong." It was filmed in the park and at Dolly’s childhood home in East Tennessee. Dolly was so impressed with the finished theatre, that she said,
“I knew we would create an entertaining experience for the guests at Dollywood, but never guessed we would create such emotion.”
The Heartsong Theatre experience is a production of Jack Rouse Associates. It incorporates 70 mm film and specially created animation. The audience is wowed by a unique outdoor sensory experiences through the theatrical lighting and special effects, including the new, "nature round" sound.
As Dixie Stampede Myrtle Beach, SC prepared for its second Christmas season, Dolly wanted to make sure there was something for everyone. Combining a love story, Christmas traditions and fun, the Christmas show in Myrtle Beach brought the true spirit of Christmas to life.
Dolly’s "The Legend of the Christmas Rose," tells the story of a star-crossed love between a Northern woman and Southern man. The two celebrate their engagement on Christmas Day, 1875 with a parade, singing, dancing and merriment. Soon, a rivalry breaks out between the North and the South. The friendly competitions bring some fun to the table, with audience members taking part in the festivities. The Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus, arrives to complete the celebration at Dixie Stampede's Christmas show in Myrtle Beach, SC!
The holiday theme at Dolly’s dinner attraction is pulled together with elaborate decorations covering the inside and outside, including garland and bows, and strings of shining white lights. Guests also enjoy Dixie Stampede's fabulous four-course family feast complete with our very own Specialty Dessert.
Following a shorter than expected break after the first season, Dolly opened her Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach for its second regular season on, February 12, 1993. Soon after, Dolly and her attraction received praise from SC Governor Carroll Campbell.
As one of South Carolina’s top new job providers, Dolly’s Dixie Stampede was given the Top Job Creator Award. The dinner show created 200 jobs when it opened in June of 1992. Plans to remain open for 10 months out of the year increased their annual employment. Before the opening of her Dixie Stampede, Dolly was quoted as saying,
“I love to entertain, but I also love to help people,”
when asked about the economic impact of opening a dinner show in Myrtle Beach.
The initial 200 jobs included musicians, singers, trick riders, stable hands, comedians, magicians and horse riders. Because of the show’s success, Dolly and her team had planned to hire even more people for Dixie Stampede's second season.
Guests were welcomed to Dolly's Dixie Stampede for its sixth season by Dixie Belle. If first impressions matter the most, she was something to remember.
The introduction of Dixie Belle added to the Dixie Stampede pre-show experience. Guests are ushered into the saloon, where they can enjoy snacks and specialty, non-alcoholic drinks with some Southern entertainment. Part of the entertainment includes Dixie Belle, the establishment’s fictitious proprietor. Belle greets guests, makes small talk while her piano and banjo players entertain guests with various kinds of music –including ragtime and state songs. Dixie Belle even sings a few songs herself.
Dolly’s Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, opened for its sixth season on March 10, 1993.
No summer is complete without going to the fair and that’s why Dolly created the Country Fair at Dollywood. The Country Fair area opened, adding a new feature to Dollywood's skyline, the 60-foot Wonder Wheel ferris wheel. Dolly wanted every child to be as excited about the Country Fair at Dollywood as she was about the county fair when she was young.
“As a little girl, I couldn't wait for the county fair to come to town every year. Everybody got excited about the rides on the midway. I called on those memories when I created the Country Fair area.”
Other popular modern-day midway rides were added, including the Tennessee Twister (also known as the Tilt-a-Whirl) and Twist and Shout (also known as the Scrambler). Nostalgia-themed additions included old-time games and a variety of "blue ribbon" foods to complete the fair experience.
