U.S country music legend Dolly Parton has opened her dreamland inspired expansion ‘Wildwood Grove’ to her Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The newest and largest ever development solidified the theme parks place among the United States premier family destinations. Parton opened the fascinating new land to visitors ready to enjoy its 11 thrilling new experiences. During an early morning media event on Friday, Parton shared the inspiration and dreams that led to the creation of Wildwood Grove, calling the area the new standard for Dollywood.
At $37 million, Wildwood Grove is Dollywood theme park’s largest capital investment ever and is the first new area added to Dollywood since Wilderness Pass in 2008. The biggest adventure in Dollywood’s history provides guests of all sizes unique experiences to enjoy together as a family.
“When I was a little girl growing up in the hills of the Smoky Mountains, I’d often let my imagination just run away—something I still do now—dreaming these big dreams about what it’d be like to venture off with a family of bears in to the woods or how fun it would be to hitch a ride with the butterflies and dragonflies,” Parton said. “All us kids would splash and play in the creeks and ponds around home and have these daydreams about the world around us, and that’s what’s so special about Wildwood Grove. We’ve been able to create a new area to allow families to experience some of those exact dreams we all had when we were little.
After stepping into Wildwood Grove, imagination takes flight. Families can take rides inside giant acorns at Treetop Tower and aboard a thrilling “leaf boat” on the Great Tree Swing. Even the bears are friendly in Wildwood Grove, as they let guests meander with them through their own natural habitat at the Black Bear Trail. If smaller guests need a quick break, Hidden Hollow contains a 4,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled area with climbing structures, slides and games where kids and their parents can enjoy play time full of exploration.
Nearby, families will be delighted to take a ride with Tennessee’s state symbol—the mockingbird—in an experience they control themselves at The Mad Mockingbird. Others dip and dart through geysers while suspended from dragonflies on the area’s signature ride attraction, Dragonflier.
At the heart of it all is The Wildwood Tree. This focal point is a beacon for all, drawing families to watch the butterflies play in its leafy canopy, while encouraging others to splash and play in the winding creek that flows at its base. Wildwood Tree comes to life each evening with a unique nighttime experience which begins 15th June. Each season of the year features a spectacular new experience for guests.
ENDS
For media enquiries contact Joanne Campbell at Joanne@ttmworld.co.uk and trade enquires contact James White at James@ttmworld.co.uk or telephone the office 0208 313 1717.