Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton Shares Her Big Dreams for Dollywood's Future

Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton Shares Her Big Dreams for Dollywood's Future - More Thrills and Chills

Dollywood is already home to some of the most thrilling rollercoasters in the country, but Dolly has even bigger plans to amp up the park's thrill factor. An insider source revealed that Dollywood is planning to open not just one, but two major new rollercoasters in the next five years.

One of the coasters looks to be a mega-thrilling giga coaster that will tower over 200 feet tall with speeds of over 90 mph. For perspective, Dollywood's current top coaster, Lightning Rod, reaches 73 mph and 167 feet. This new monstrous coaster aims to provide even more adrenaline-pumping drops, inversions, airtime hills and near-misses than Lightning Rod. Coaster enthusiasts predict it may give infamous beasts like Steel Vengeance a run for their money.

The other major coaster planned is a unique launched coaster featuring high-speed acceleration from 0 to 50+ mph in seconds using electro-magnetic propulsion. This technology adds an extra punch of power and excitement compared to traditional chain lift hills. Only a handful of launched coasters exist worldwide, so this would be a huge deal for any theme park, let alone Dollywood.

These new coasters aren't just about records or bragging rights. Dolly wants to give families even more memorable thrills they can experience together. As she said, "My dream is to have a rollercoaster one day that Papaw could ride with all of his great-grands, cause family is everything to me."

For those who prefer less intense thrills, a new family inverted rollercoaster is also in development. This coaster will feature rides cars that hang from the track allowing riders to feel like they're flying through loops and inversions. It provides all the fun with less of the extreme forces.

Not everyone is on board though. Some Dollywood traditionalists feel too many big coasters will detract from the park's wholesome charm. But most enthusiasts welcome the new additions as a chance for Dollywood to be recognized among the world's top theme parks. They want to experience record-breaking thrills without traveling halfway across the country.

Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton Shares Her Big Dreams for Dollywood's Future - Major Hotel Expansion

With thrill rides covered, Dolly's focus shifts to imagining more immersive on-site stays for families. She confessed, “My biggest dream is to have a resort right there at Dollywood. A beautiful hotel, cabins, and lots of choices like at Disney or Universal. That’s what families want so they can play all day and not worry ‘bout driving home tired.”

Insiders revealed preliminary plans for a large-scale resort complex adjacent to Dollywood with numerous accommodation options. The anchor will be a 400+ room themed hotel celebrating Dolly's career and East Tennessee. Expect over-the-top Dolly style infused throughout. The resort will also feature a range of cabins from economical to deluxe. Cabins allow families, especially larger gatherings, room to spread out.

For a truly unique experience, guests can opt to stay in treehouse villas perched high in the Smoky Mountains. Dolly noted, "I just love those crazy treehouses I've seen out West. Wouldn't that be a hoot staying up there with bears and critters all 'round?" The treehouses will offer unobstructed mountain views and multi-level decks with hot tubs.

No Dollywood resort would be complete without paying homage to Dolly's upbringing. Thus, several authentic replica cabins from her youth are being constructed for overnight stays. These cabins will transport guests back in time with humble amenities and nods to 18th century Appalachian living. According to Dolly, “Folks will get to rough it like we did back in the holler. Haul your own water, make popcorn in the fireplace, let critters in. That’s how memories are made.”

While Dollywood executives remain tight-lipped on timelines and costs, construction is slated to begin within two years. The project appears primed to transform Dollywood from a regional attraction to a multi-day destination competing with Orlando and California parks. As the Dollywood experience expands beyond the gates, on-site lodging becomes a necessity. Major players like Disney and Universal offer seamless park-to-hotel transportation and privileges. Now Dollywood aims to do the same.

Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton Shares Her Big Dreams for Dollywood's Future - DreamMore Resort Gets a Facelift

Though only open since 2015, Dollywood’s flagship resort DreamMore is slated for an extensive facelift. As Dolly tells it, “DreamMore made a big splash when she opened. But like any diva, now it’s time to update her look, get glam again.” This makeover aims to keep Dollywood’s premier resort feeling fresh and on trend.

First up is a new family pool complex with expanded deck space, private cabanas, a splash pad, and water features. Dolly recalled her own childhood, saying “We kids were lucky to have a creek to splash in, what I wouldn’t have given for a proper pool.” The new pool aims to be a showstopper, providing families a relaxing oasis steps from their room.

Guest rooms will also receive new furnishings, textures, and amenities for a polished upgrade. Dolly confessed, “I want folks staying in such luxury, they never want to leave their room.” To up the wow factor, another wing of guest rooms and suites are being added, bringing total rooms over 300. More variety means easier access to the popular resort even during peak season.

No makeover would be complete without updating DreamMore’s entertainment and dining. The resort’s Millstone Creek Kitchen restaurant will be rebranded and expanded, doubling seating capacity. Expect an Appalachian-inspired menu with Dolly’s favorites like chicken and dumplings, biscuits, and pecan pie. Entertainment adds lively bluegrass and country music acts in the lobby nightly. As Dolly noted, “Ain’t no better way to end the day than listening to good music with loved ones.”

To further transport guests to Dolly’s Tennessee roots, a new arts and crafts program will showcase traditional Appalachian art forms like woodworking, quilting, basket weaving, and pottery. “We Smokies folk always did everything by hand,” Dolly recalled. “I want to share our traditions and teach a new generation our mountain crafts.” The hands-on activities aim to be family-friendly fun with takeaway keepsakes.

Even with upgrades, Dolly promises DreamMore will retain its signature charm and role as the flagship resort. As she put it, “DreamMore has treated folks so well, it just needs a bit more sparkle to really shine again.” The facelift rejuvenates the experience, welcoming back loyal guests and impressing first-timers. At the heart remains Dolly’s focus on family, fun and celebrating Appalachian culture. In her own words, “DreamMore will always be a place that feels like coming home.”

Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton Shares Her Big Dreams for Dollywood's Future - Dining Upgrades on the Horizon

With thrill rides and lodging covered, Dolly's vision shifts to tantalizing guests' taste buds. As a self-proclaimed "foodie", she confessed her longtime dream of putting Appalachian cuisine on the culinary map at Dollywood. She promised, "Y'all are gonna get a little taste of Tennessee heaven when you dine here soon!" Insiders revealed plans for an Appalachian food revolution coming to Dollywood's eateries in the next few years.

This revolution begins with an overhaul of the park's main dining location, Aunt Granny's Restaurant. The enormous new Aunt Granny's All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet will offer an unbelievable variety of Southern comfort foods and Appalachian specialties. We're talking fried chicken, brisket, ribs, catfish, collard greens, mac and cheese, hushpuppies, cornbread, biscuits and more - all served buffet-style for one affordable price. For dessert, guests can indulge in banana pudding, warm fruit cobblers, chocolate chess pie and other Southern sweets. An insider noted, "It'll be a feast like no other theme park offers with foods straight from Dolly's childhood."

Smaller quick-service spots around the park will also get an infusion of Tennessee flavor. Expect innovative menu items like hollowed-out cornbread bowls filled with pinto beans and ham, pickle brined chicken sandwiches, moonshine glazed ribs, and peanut butter chocolate funnel cakes. Dolly noted, "Our chefs will dream up fun twists on classic recipes I grew up loving." The goal is to provide guests authentic regional cuisine with a dash of Dollywood creativity.

Fine dining gets an upgrade too with a new dinner show featuring Dolly's favorite country cooking coupled with music performances. The barn venue accommodates 250 guests who are treated to a multicourse, family-style meal between musical acts. Fiddlers, bluegrass pickers and country crooners serenade you while passing heaping platters of chicken fried steak, biscuit pot pie, creamy mashed potatoes, baked beans and other Dolly favorites. She said, "I want y'all stuffed with stick-to-your ribs vittles then entertained like you're at my very own supper table." It provides a one-of-a-kind way to experience Dolly's Southern hospitality.

Hello Dolly! Dolly Parton Shares Her Big Dreams for Dollywood's Future - Branson-Style Entertainment Coming Soon

Dollywood's reputation has always been deeply intertwined with music and entertainment thanks to namesake Dolly Parton's legendary career. However, Dolly's dreams for Dollywood's future seek to take the park's entertainment offerings to a whole new level. She confessed, "I want to bring Branson-style shows to the park and really showcase the best talent our great country has to offer."

For those unfamiliar with Branson, Missouri, it's known as the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World" with dozens of theaters featuring major concert productions and variety shows. Dollywood aims to replicate Branson's concept within the park. Insiders revealed plans for a 5,000 seat theater that will host a rotating lineup of high-caliber music and comedy productions. Expect tribute shows celebrating music legends like Elvis Presley, The Eagles, Queen, Journey, Elton John and more.

Additionally, an exclusive partnership with The Grand Ole Opry is in the works. This collaboration allows Dollywood to present Opry touring shows on off-nights from the Opry's Nashville engagements. Fans can enjoy Opry favorites like Vince Gill, Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood performing stripped-down acoustic sets backed by the Opry's all-star band. Beyond music, comedy shows starring Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and other iconic Southern comics add variety to the entertainment roster.

These new productions require a substantial financial investment and have faced skepticism from critics unsure if crowds warrant such large-scale entertainment. However, Dolly sees Branson-style shows as the future, saying "Folks already come here looking to be dazzled with music, stories, and laughs. These big new shows take Dollywood entertainment to the next level. The crowds will come, I just know it."

She also envisions this boost in entertainment as a catalyst for more multi-day visits as guests come early to claim tickets for in-demand shows. As Dolly said, "Getting the chance to see your favorite star up-close in Dollywood's beautiful theater will make this a trip folks will never forget. We want every show to feel like a mini-vacation." To further enhance the experience, preshow dining with themed menus and entertainment will be offered. Imagine enjoying a bluegrass barbecue before an Eagles tribute concert or Southern gospel brunch prior to a Vince Gill show.