Wonderful news! After 10 patient years, exciting NEW additions are coming to Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s famed amusement park filled with Southern flair in Pigeon Forge, TN. As the largest capital investment for the park at $37 million, this “new land,” dubbed Wildwood Grove, will harbor a 55-foot magical tree, 6 imaginative rides, live music, play and dining options, plus a few creative characters. Set to open in 2019 next to the park’s Timber Canyon, guests can expect new thrills, brilliant performances, captivating experiences, and treasured memories to last a lifetime. Whether visiting with family, friends, coworkers, teammates, or the person you bumped into on the Parkway, there’s something for everyone at Dollywood — the new home of the enchanting Wildwood Grove!
Wildwood Grove
As Wildwood Grove is still growing (aka under construction) at Dollywood, dig deep into your imagination and bring the legend of Wildwood Grove to life. Once upon a time, there was a young girl who ventured deep into the Great Smoky Mountains forest at the beckoning of the great wind’s song. After traveling past grazing white-tailed deer, around playful black bear cubs, over tranquil streams, and through shimmering firefly colonies, she came to the end of her journey, where awaited the Wildwood Tree, wider than the greatest trunk and taller than the highest evergreen, imbued with the spirit of the land and home to dazzling butterflies. Thus, the inspiration for Dollywood’s “new land” began — at the heart of the Smokies.
Sure to be as magical as the legend itself, the awe-inspiring, 55-foot Wildwood Tree will indeed take root in Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove, in which $1 million is set for landscaping alone with more than 1,000 shrubs and 400 fellow trees. The entrance will resemble an ancient fallen tree, where you’ll pass through its hollow trunk into the whimsical grove. Upon entry, your eyes will be immediately drawn to the majestic Wildwood Tree, featuring a natural platform for live performances. When the sun sets, and the stars rise, Wildwood Grove presents a feast for your eyes — butterflies dance and lanterns glow as the tree awakens with a magical show!
Check out this sneak peek of Wildwood Grove!
Whimsical Attractions
Imaginative to say the least, the 6 brand-new rides to be featured at Wildwood Grove will each incorporate a Smoky Mountain theme, from darting dragonflies, frolicking black bears, and drifting leaves to flying mockingbirds, falling acorns, and hopping frogs!
- The Dragonflier | 1400+ foot suspended roller coaster by Vekoma
- Black Bear Trail | bear trekking ride by Metallbau Emmeln
- Sycamore Swing | giant swaying leaf by Zamperla
- The Mad Mockingbird | high-speed flying scooter ride by Larson International
- Treetop Tower | 40-foot-tall spinning ride by Zamperla
- Frogs and Fireflies | jump around ride by Zamperla
Refresh & Recharge
In between exploring the “new land” and conquering all the rides, take a break, sit back, and relax at Till & Harvest, a brand-new restaurant featuring Southwestern dishes, mouth-watering sides, and a variety of salsas at the topping bar. After enjoying a hearty meal, curb your sweet tooth at the walk-up window, offering rich ice cream, classic churros, and other yummy confections.
On warmer days, head to Wildwood Creek, where the kids and kids at heart can enjoy splash pools, pop jets, and special “musical instruments.” Looking to get away from the summer sun or winter breezes for a bit? Venture inside Hidden Hollow, a 4,000-square-foot play place with fun games, climbing structures, slides…you name it!
Introducing New Characters!
Wildwood Grove just wouldn’t be complete without a few — new — friendly faces. Ever keeping watch over the majestic Wildwood Tree, Flit and Flutter will soon join the Dollywood crew. These Wildwood butterflies look forward to greeting and interacting with guests of all ages. And don’t forget to say hello to Benjamin Bear, who loves to show visitors his favorite spots in the grove!
Stay Close to the Parkway
Although Wildwood Grove has a long way to grow (we couldn’t resist), Dollywood is famous today for a reason. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, this Smoky Mountain amusement park offers loads of attractions and rides, top-notch performances, seasonal additions, annual festivals, and so much more. Best of all, Dollywood is a place where precious moments and lifelong memories are plentiful.
With so much to enjoy at Dollywood, a close location to the Parkway will make your Pigeon Forge trip much easier. At Cabins for YOU, we have a variety of lodging options within a short distance to the park. Wave goodbye to bland hotel rooms and book a relaxing cabin stay — with homey conveniences and bonus amenities to boot! Whip up homemade meals in the fully equipped kitchen, watch feature films in the home theater, splash in your private indoor pool, soothe tired muscles in the outdoor hot tub, cuddle in the king-size bed, and soak in stunning mountain views. Simply fill out our Options for YOU form or dial 1.800.684.7865 to get the ball rolling.
Play at Dollywood today, reserve your cabin stay, and don’t forget to come back to explore Wildwood Grove in 2019!