Dollywood celebrates its 37th season this year and it gets underway for those with passes on March 11, and to the general public on March 12.
To welcome everyone, Dollywood is hiring a few hundred people and the Dollywood Job Fair started February 26 at Sevier County High School.
So what’s new this year at Dollywood?
The first change you will notice see is the changing of the guest traffic lanes with the tram lanes. Doing this will take out the points of intersection. The parking complex features one-way circuit which removes the two-way traffic pattern of the old layout. You’ll also see 2 additional parking toll booths.
You’ll also no longer see the tunnel connecting lower Craftsman’s Valley to The Village which in turn now allows visitors a location to spread out and have lots of open space.
The Ironhorse Pizza restaurant (formerly Victoria’s Pizza) has been renovated and there is now more and more room to make more pizza. Moreover, The Emporium got a complete makeover and now displays some very unique souvenirs.
The former Eagle Shop as well as Christmas Cottage in Rivertown Junction are both gone. As a result, walking around the park will feel a little more comfortable. But the change wasn’t always an easy one. These two are familiar favorites and many were disappointed that they had been removed.
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Little Creek Falls is currently undergoing a makeover. It is one of the first attractions you’ll notice when in Splash Country and by May, the area will be made into a splash pad. This will make it more accessible and able to provide fun and play for people of all abilities.
Opening of Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort
The HeartSong Lodge & Resort is set to open in fall of 2023, and this is the first project of the company’s $500 million expansion plan which was announced last June 2021. It showcases 302 rooms and 5-storeys resort and promises to be a “one-of-a-kind getaway.”
Season Pass Changes
If you are not familiar with the rates in this park, here are some info that may help. Take note that some passes are already sold out for the season.
Dollywood Silver Season Pass: $149
This already includes 2 Bring-a-Friend Free tickets plus a lodging discount
Dollywood Gold Season Pass: $204 (less $30 compared to last year)
This pass comes with free parking, 4 Bring-a-Friend Free tickets, a Saturday Early Ride Time for the passholder, discounts on lodging, merchandise and food as well as access to special events for the named passholder.
Diamond Season Passes: Sold out for the season
Related News: Dollywood Tuition Scholarships for Employees
Visiting Dollywood or any of the 2 dozen themed attractions owned by Herschend Enterprises will now help the park’s employees in their higher education goals.
The company announced last week it will fully cover the tuition, books and fees for any of its 11,000 employees who want to pursue higher education through its “Grow U” campaign. This offer is available to both part-time and full-time employees.
The company has partnered with Guild Education for this endeavor and is working with nearly 3 dozen institutions to offer fully-funded degrees, diplomas and certificate programs in various fields including culinary, finance, business administration marketing and technology. Additionally, their employees can receive funding of up to $5,250 per year for 150 other programs, like engineering, hospitality, art design and human resources.