The early start signaled a new trend for the Pigeon Forge area. With the lights on and music playing, the Pigeon Forge off-season began shrinking.
When Dixie Stampede opened in 1988, operators shut down the popular dinner show attraction for the winter in October. The next season, they were from April to October. In 1993, the theatre opened its doors on, March 10.
“The season has definitely lengthened,” said the marketing director for Dixie Stampede. “That’s what we’re all working to do. I think the time when everyone will be open year-round is sneaking up on us fast.”
Dolly opened the sixth season of her Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with a new featured illusion. While it has been a well-kept secret, rumor is that it involves people disappearing before your very eyes. It is another way to add to the fun.
"The Legend of the Christmas Rose," tells the story of two star-crossed lovers while blending the American Wild West, the Civil War and old-world Southern charm.
This romantic saga tells the story of Sam and Sarah, who were parted by the Civil War. The distance was not enough to ruin their love. Throughout the battles, Sarah and Sam wrote letters to each other, expressing their feelings. Dolly’s "Legend of the Christmas Rose" featured traditional holiday music with Civil War influences, along with square dancing, singing, period costumes, elaborate sets, special effects and friendly competitions.
"The Legend of the Christmas Rose" began showing at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge on November 20, 1992. At the same, a similar Christmas show was performed at Dolly’s attraction in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Dolly's Dixie Stampede in Myrtle Beach, SC held its grand opening on June 22, 1992, nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. Dolly was welcomed by a sold-out crowd and cheers on opening night.
Dolly made quite the first impression to the Myrtle Beach crowd, as she was lowered from the ceiling on a lighted gazebo dressed in true Southern Belle attire. She then made her way around the stage in a horse-drawn wagon. She was met by local and state leaders, including Myrtle Beach Mayor Bob Grissom and South Carolina Lt. Gov. Nick Theodore. She was given the keys to the city and presented with a proclamation from the state.
Before leaving the stage, Dolly told the crowd how excited she was about this new venture in Myrtle Beach.
“This seemed like a wonderful place, just like down in Pigeon Forge, because people love to go to the beaches in the daytime just like in the Smokies they like to go to the parks. At night they like to clean up, go out and be entertained.”
Following Dolly’s appearance, her guests enjoyed a show in the Dixie Belle Saloon and then the main show—which includes trick riding, comedy, audience participation and, of course, a four-course feast.
When Dollywood asked Dolly to create her perfect street, it included a glamorous theatre, shopping options, a garden and restaurants. It was only natural that from that dream came a colorful promenade shaping into Showstreet, the new front door to Dollywood. Dolly said,
“As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a big star like all the big names in Hollywood on the big screen. I loved all the glitz and glamour, and that was my inspiration for Showstreet.”
Showstreet is complete with the Showstreet Palace Theatre, where dreams like Dolly’s can be realized by everyone who visits.
Dollywood’s seventh season opened with a seven-acre expansion. The expansion included the 1,000-seat Showstreet Palace Theatre featuring the new show, Fire on the Mountain. It also introduced WDLY, a fully functional radio station. Friendship Gardens and Starwalk, a gardenscape area featuring more than 35,000 flowers and plants was also added. Finally, a full production bakery plus a variety of entertainment, food, attractions and merchandise completed the new addition.
Dolly and Dollywood partnered with the American Eagle Foundation to bring the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary to Dollywood. The 1.5 million-cubic-foot naturally landscaped outdoor aviary provides a home to the world’s largest presentation of “non-releasable” bald eagles.
Also included in this expansion was the Wings of America theatre built next door to the sanctuary. It featured the Birds of Prey Show. Dolly and Dollywood are both proud to host the sanctuary and these amazing birds.
The 400-seat Valley Theatre also opened new in 1991. Located in Craftsman’s Valley, it provided yet another stage to showcase the incredible entertainment available to Dollywood guests.
