Check out what’s new during Sevier County Days at Dollywood Parks

Sevier County residents and workers may visit Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country for only a $5 donation during Sevier County Days at Dollywood Parks.

Dolly invites everyone who lives and works in Sevier County to enjoy free admission with a $5 donation per person to benefit Sevier County Food Ministries, a voluntary interfaith ministry that provides essential food assistance to local families.

Sevier County Days at Dollywood Splash Country runs June 3-9, 2019, and Dollywood between June 10-16, 2019.

What’s new at Dollywood theme parks for 2019:

Dollywood’s Splash Country Opens with New Experiences and Innovation

Interactive Events and Less Wait Time Shine in Water Park’s 19^th Season

Dive into summer and Dollywood’s Splash Country for the water park’s 19^th season! This year features an elevated guest experience, exciting events and new offerings—with a splash of innovation. Opening day is Saturday, May 18.

Guests will be delighted to find more picnic tables and more shade this season. In addition to 6,000 square feet of newly-shaded space on the wave pool deck, there are new structures covering more queue lines which gives guests a cooler wait for their favorite Dollywood’s Splash Country attractions.

“Safety and guest excellence are the two most important measurements by which we judge our season’s success,” said Janet Dawson, Dollywood’s Splash Country General Manager. “In the heat of summer, our water park may be the coolest place to be in town, but it can still get hot! For the best experience, we’re always on the lookout for ways to give guests more shade. We think we came up with some new spots that our guests truly will appreciate this season.”

The best way to experience Dollywood’s Splash Country is with your own private mountain oasis—better known at our water park as Retreats. New in 2019, guests have the opportunity to upgrade that Retreat experience with more plush amenities: four Deluxe Retreats now offer a couch, love seat, a fridge stocked with bottled water, and barstool seating overlooking the lazy river.

Another upgrade to look for this season includes even more TimeSaver H2O options. On busy days, water park guests have four ways to spend less time waiting in line. Depending on which level guests purchase, this enhanced wristband technology enables park goers to cut their wait time up to 90 percent!

One of the most anticipated rollouts at Dollywood’s Splash Country in 2019 includes a new dining option called Picnic in the Park. The innovative genius in this new option lies in the opportunity guests have to place a meal order ahead of their visit so that the food is ready when they are.

“Our guests tell us they love our food, but they’ve asked us to find ways to cut down their wait time,” Dawson explained. “With Picnic in the Park, guests can pre-order their food so it’s waiting for them to pick up! We think this will revolutionize the lunchtime experience at our park.”

Live entertainment takes center stage this season—literally! The wave pool deck hosts live bands every Saturday in July and August. Splash Bash LIVE brings artists of all genres to celebrate summer with familiar tunes. Meanwhile, Too Hot Tuesdays with Hot 104.5 will return with a live DJ and family-friendly interactive games. Guests also should mark their calendars for the American Cornhole Organization’s tournament at Dollywood’s Splash Country (June 1) and Water Safety Day in conjunction with World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (June 20).

To kick off the season, Dollywood’s Splash Country is offering Bring-A-Friend-FREE tickets for every Season Pass purchased online through Sunday, May 19. The water park is adding to that incentive with a week of Passholder appreciation offers including 50% off Retreat rentals, as well as discounted souvenir photos, food, merchandise, and a FREE one-time ride TimeSaver H2O coupon.

Dollywood’s Splash Country opens Saturday, May 18. Daily operation continues through Sunday, August 11. After that, the park shifts operations to Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends through Aug. 25. Splash Country opens one final weekend Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 with the last day being Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 2). For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country or any of The Dollywood Company properties, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.

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Visit the new $37 Million Wildwood Grove at Dollywood!

Dollywood again solidified its place among the nation’s premier family destinations as Dolly Parton officially opened Wildwood Grove, the largest expansion in park history. Parton opened the fascinating new land to visitors ready to enjoy its 11 thrilling new experiences. During an early morning media event last week, 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.

“Wildwood Grove is so special to me because so many of the same daydreams and imaginations from my childhood have now found a perfect place at my Dollywood. I hope families will enjoy laughing, playing and exploring together in this great new place that truly does feel like home for me.”

The Dollywood Company President Craig Ross explained the significance of the newest addition to the storied theme park.

“Without doubt, this is one of the most exciting days in the history of our company,” Ross explained. “It is rare in our industry that a park adds a completely new land in its entirety, and as we continue to grow and set attendance records, we needed to add more area to give guests more room to spread out and explore. Additionally, we were able to take many of Dolly’s childhood dreams and create experiences that are uniquely Smoky Mountain-themed and really help tell the story of this beautiful area.

“I know our guests will be thrilled with the great diversity of attractions they will be able to enjoy when they visit Wildwood Grove. We’re extremely proud of the fact that there are experiences here that every member of the family will love and enjoy.”

After stepping into Wildwood Grove, imagination takes flight, delivering explorers on a journey of discovery in this breathtaking area. Remarkable sights await visitors throughout the land. In the distance, the breathtaking Wildwood Tree catches the eye as lively butterflies shimmer in the daylight. Families laugh and play, taking 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 scream with delight as they 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. As the daylight fades, families can bask in a colorful kaleidoscope of summer fun as the area glows to life.

Wildwood Grove also features new merchandise and dining options for park guests. Till & Harvest, which is expected to open around Memorial Day, provides the perfect blend of Smoky Mountain flavors and fresh Mexican cuisine. The menu features a variety of build-your-own style entrees such as burritos, bowls, salads and nachos all filled with wood-fired meats, fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. Along with the Smoky Mountain Mexican flavors, Till & Harvest also provides a spacious open-air patio for families to enjoy the sights and sounds of Wildwood Grove while they enjoy their meal.

Mountain Grove Merchants is the one-stop-shop for guests looking for the perfect gift or souvenir to celebrate their adventure in Wildwood Grove.

Nearly $1 million has been invested in Wildwood Grove’s landscaping, with more than 400 trees and 2,300 shrubs creating a beautiful, yet decidedly natural atmosphere to enjoy. As the landscaping continues to mature, the visual appeal of the area will only increase.

Each day of exploration in Wildwood Grove is an experience families don’t want to miss. These merry memory-making moments are certain to become a treasured part of every family’s visit.

Wildwood Grove Facts

The Wildwood Tree comes to life each evening during a unique nighttime experience which begins June 15. Each season of the year features a spectacular new experience for guests. The Wildwood Tree features nearly 650 lighted butterflies (orange, blue, yellow, pink and multi-colored) and almost 9000 leaves.

Dragonflier— This thrilling suspended roller coaster lets guests soar with a dragonfly as it dips and darts along the gushing geysers and lush landscape of Wildwood Grove. (Vekoma 453m suspended coaster) (1486 ft. in length)

Black Bear Trail— Riders hop on the back of these friendly bears for a spirited trek through their natural habitat. (Metallbau Emmeln Pony Trek)

Great Tree Swing— Guests aboard this thrilling “leaf boat” swing back and forth just like a leaf falling from a giant sycamore tree. (Zamperla Galleon)

Treetop Tower— This family tower gives guests a sky-high view of Wildwood Grove as they soar nearly 40 feet in the air. Riders, seated inside giant acorns, spin around the top of a tall oak tree before gently drifting back to the grove floor. (Zamperla Samba Tower)

The Mad Mockingbird— Tennessee’s state bird—the mockingbird—gives visitors a lift as it flies in a high speed circle around a tall tree. Riders control their ride experience by moving a sail as the birds rush above the ground. (Larson Flying Scooter)

Frogs & Fireflies— Adventurous guests can hop aboard one of these friendly frogs as they chase each other in a spirited race around the lily pad. (Zamperla Jump Around)

Hidden Hollow– This 4,000 sq. ft., climate-controlled area allows families to explore and play in an indoor environment.

Wildwood Creek features pop jets, splashing pools and more wet play activities, while the dry play area at Wildwood Creek features “music instruments” for guests to enjoy.

Three new costume characters call Wildwood Grove home. Flit and Flutter serve as Wildwood Grove’s ambassadors and Benjamin Bear loves to make new friends. Characters will have scheduled opportunities to meet guests each day.

How to take advantage of Sevier County Days at Dollywood Parks:

• Present your state or federal issued photo I.D. and verification of Sevier County residence* or employment** at any designated Dollywood’s Splash Country ticket booth any ONE operating day between June 3-9, 2019, and any Dollywood ticket booth any ONE operating day between June 10-16, 2019.
• Offer good for one day only at Dollywood. Five-dollar donation required at each park for admission for each guest.
• A spouse must present a state or federal issued photo I.D. with same last name.
• Children 3 years of age and younger get in free.
• Anyone 16 years of age or older must present a state or federal issued photo I.D. and verification of Sevier County residence* or employment**.
• Children ages 13-15 must have a state or federal issued I.D. AND be accompanied by someone age 16 or older with a state or federal issued I.D. to enter parks without a parent or legal guardian.
• Children ages 15 & under without a state or federal issued I.D. and still living at home must enter the parks with a parent or legal guardian.
• Admission does not include parking fee, games, food, merchandise or separately ticketed attractions.
• Appropriate attire required.
• Parking fee applies ($15 per car, $18 per RV)

* Electric bill, water bill, personal checking account

** Computer generated payroll stub or check dated within the last 30 days

Sevier County Food Ministries is located at 890 Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville. It operates Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 300-500 families are served each day. Families in need may receive food assistance once per week.

Call 865-428-9488 for information about Sevier County Days at Dollywood Parks.