Recap of Dolly’s March 10 Visit

• Wes Ramey

During today’s annual Season Passholder and Media Preview Day, Dolly shared a few pieces of information that I know you all have been waiting to hear for quite some time.

You’ve probably heard us say it before, but our 2023 season certainly is shaping up to be one of the busiest years in Dollywood’s history. The two biggest projects— Big Bear Mountain and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort—both are scheduled for completion this year. In fact, during the event, Dolly announced Big Bear Mountain’s opening occurs in May, and bookings for HeartSong Lodge & Resort start in June with stays beginning in November. 

In addition to kicking off our 38^th season, Dolly was able to experience the I Will Always Love You Celebration, an event that honors the 50^th anniversary of her writing what is one of her most iconic songs. 

She also unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art attraction that showcases her legendary life and career. There are still some details to be shared, but the experience is planned for a 2024 opening in the location of the former Chasing Rainbows museum. 

As our dreamer-in-chief, Dolly is always thinking up big plans for what we’re going to do next here at Dollywood. That’s what makes working around here so much fun; you never know what is next!

“I think everyone knows that I try to dream big dreams no matter what I’m doing,” Dolly explained, “and with everything happening at my Dollywood this year, this may be some of my biggest dreaming yet! We’re going to open a BIG ride and a BIG resort, even the calendar got bigger this year! Eugene (Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resort President) better get ready for my next big dreams, because everybody knows I like trying to outdo myself! But seriously, this is going to be a really special year for all of our guests here at Dollywood.”

“They’re also starting the year with the I Will Always Love Celebration, which is something that is very humbling to me,” she continued. “The song has been a very special part of my life and career, but I never thought about them celebrating it at Dollywood. I told them they didn’t need to do it, but when they explained it would be a celebration of songwriting and the talents of songwriters, I knew it would be something truly special.”   

There’s no doubt this is going to be a huge year at Dollywood, and we hope you’re planning to come along for the ride. Here’s a quick look at what to expect this year! 

• Big Bear Mountain- This is the largest single attraction investment we’ve ever made at Dollywood. It’s 3,990 ft. in length which makes it the longest roller coaster at the park as well.
  
  

• The 302-room HeartSong Lodge & Resort adds a beautiful new lodging property that is the perfect complement to our first-in-class resort, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.
  
  
  
  
  
• The I Will Always Love You Celebration takes place now through April 8, kicking off the season with a festive event commemorating the art of songwriting and the stories behind the songs. To celebrate the power of songwriting and storytelling, guests can enjoy a special lineup of performances each Saturday throughout the event in DP’s Celebrity Theater. The Celebrity Concert Series includes Natalie Grant (March 11); Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder (March 18); Jo Dee Messina (March 25); Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers (April 1); and Lauren Alaina (April 8). All concerts are included with park admission.
  
  

If growing Dollywood Parks & Resorts with both a thrilling new roller coaster and a world-class resort isn’t enough to prove 2023 is the biggest season ever, the park operating calendar grows this year with an additional 21 days of operation as compared to the 2022 calendar. What are you waiting for? The season has begun! We’ll see you soon.