Last month I did some serious shopping - check out my new reviews!
Last month I did some serious shopping - check out my new reviews!
Member since:16.01.2005
Reviews:21
Members who trust:1
Dolly Parton often jokes that she bought 'Silver Dollarland' and transformed it into a family fun park because it was a cheap way of providing an income to members of her extended family and former employees. There's probably some truth in it but don't be fooled, the entertainment at Dollywood is no afterthought.
Dolly Parton grew up in the Smoky Mountains and at her theme park you can visit a reconstruction of the two bedroom shack she grew up in. It's difficult to imagine a large family coping with so little space but then it's difficult to image the old world crafts in the area thriving and providing employment. It helps that amongst the attractions in the Craftsmans' village you can visit a carriage shop and a blacksmithy and watch the traditional arts practised.
There are the usual range of rollercoasters, dodgems and other rides designed for children of all ages. There is a large aviary housing American Eagles and regular falconry displays. There are a number of renovated steam engines which give tours around the park at intervals throughout the day. The schoolhouse has a teacher for some living history and a magician performs shows from his own stand. On Sundays there is also a service in the park's own chapel!
Snacks, meals and (non-alcoholic) drinks are available around the park from self-service restaurants, kiosks and more formal restaurants. There are plenty of stores stocking promotional merchandise, sweets, music, instruments, gifts and crafts.
As you might expect, there is a great emphasis on live entertainment. Dolly's own greatest hits are regularly performed by members of her family on the 'Back Porch with the Kinsfolks' stage and there are a number of country classics sets on other stages. There are a couple of modern auditoriums which regularly attract other country acts and recently there has been a big emphasis on bluegrass. (This is unsurprising as Dolly has been heavily involved in the bluegrass revival).
When we went in the autumn last year it was not particularly busy but we visited between programmes. There is a special Christmas season, autumn music special and other events through the year. Details of all these events can be found, with a helpful map of the park, on the website - well worth consulting before you visit.
Die hard Dolly enthusiasts (or even those who like Country music visiting the area) will also find details of more of Dolly's entertainment empire. In Pigeon Forge alone, she also has a Splashpark - great fun for 4 years and up - and a Wild West Rodeo supper (again, great for kids 4 years and older).
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I've been intrigued by Dollywood and this review gives some good information about the place and the entertainment. Where is the emphasis in the park - on the rides or on the entertainment?
VC81 27.12.2005 16:54
I love Dolly, and I've heard great things about Dollywood. It sounds a lot of fun! Vic
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Advantages: A lot of different and varied activities for young and old Disadvantages: Price of entrance if visiting once and cost of food/souvenirs etc
Advantages: A lot of different and varied activities for young and old Disadvantages: Price of entrance if visiting once and cost of food/souvenirs etc
very helpful by (33%):
helpful by (67%):
