Dollywood Looks ahead to Anniversary Season
© Curtis Hilbun
(eap) The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is already looking ahead to its anniversary season next year. Opened on May 3, 1986, the US park will celebrate its 40th season in 2025. While Dollywood Parks & Resorts may look very different now than it did several decades ago, the basic idea is still the same: to create an inviting environment where families can make memories together.
“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” states namesake and owner Dolly Parton. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.”
“And just think, I spent the opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” she added with a laugh. “But look at how far we’ve come since then – and we’re just getting started!”
In the coming season, visitors can look forward to a new anniversary show highlighting moments from guests' favorite shows in the park's long history of entertainment offerings. In addition, guests of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration will enjoy a new drone and fireworks show. Furthermore, there will be a new opening ceremony, which will be performed every operating day during the anniversary season.
The Imagination Playhouse, where plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library are performed, will become a permanent fixture next season, offering its popular shows for younger guests. And the park’s Country Fair area will also be refreshed for the 2025, celebrating the classic fun and family togetherness of this special area of the park. ■
