Dollywood…as comfortable as Dolly!

August 22, 2009

If you miss the old days when you visited Nashville’s Opryland Theme Park where they had great musical shows, carnival rides, games and loads of family fun, those good times are still here in Tennessee. Travel about 160-miles down the road to Pigeon Forge. Dollywood has great musical shows, but they have notched them up to the next level and added a whole lot more. Oh–there’s something else about Dollywood…it’s as comfortable as an “old shoe”, even if this is your first visit!

Tremendous Musical Productions

My Dollywood get-away started with the musical SHA-KON-O-HEY. It’s about the Great Smoky Mountains, and how this area’s beauty easily becomes a vital part of your heart and soul–your life. I don’t want to tell you the plot, but it features eight original songs written by Dolly Parton. The visual effects are phenomenal, and this is live theatre so they can’t use animation or special effects. SHA-KON-O-HEY is a must to see! (see pictures below)

In addition to SHA-K0N-OHEY, there are numerous “live” music shows throughout the park (see below).

Enjoy An Old Fashioned County Fair

After that show, we headed to the County Fair area and rode the Wonder Wheel, along with the Waltzing Swinger that took us up high above the park and whirled in a circle (reminiscent of the Tennessee Waltz at the old Opryland park, but more modern and comfortable). You’ll love the Dizzy Disk, Shooting Star, carousel, and more roller coasters than you could imagine. Photo ID: upper L-R: Atop the Wonder Wheel the scenery is more breathtaking than ever, then the Smoky Mountain River Rampage is white water rafting with twists, turns, dips and fun! Lower L-R: Then get ready for the ride of a lifetime as you careen down a waterfall on the log flume. Fly high above Dollywood on the Waltzing Swinger and get an above ground view of the park.

Check Out The Roller Coasters

There is a roller coaster for children, the brave and bold—there’s a roller coaster for everyone at Dollywood. The classic old wooden roller coasters to modern variations on this fun ride. While you’re in the thrill mode, definitely check out the ZIP LINE at Dollywood!

Step Into Dolly’s Life

We visited Dolly’s Chasing Rainbows Museum, walked through her attic of treasures, saw her many awards and got an insight into this caring woman who created the Books From Birth program to help reduce illiteracy by having age appropriate books mailed monthly to children from birth to age five. See the actual “Coat of Many Colors” that Dolly’s mom made for her.

All Aboard…Ride A Real Train

Then we rode the Dollywood Express. This is a real 110-ton coal fire steam locomotive that takes you on a adventure through the history of the Smoky’s.

Watch Horse-Drawn Carriages Being Crafted

There is so much to see and enjoy at Dollywood. For example, did you realize they actually make horse-drawn carriages. Talk with the craftsmen who actually make a wide selection of hand-made carriages. Usually around thirty each year roll away from the Valley Carriage Works at Dollywood.

Eagle Aviary

Dollywood is also the home of the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. This 30,000 square foot covered hillside is the largest eagle aviary in the nation. The American Eagle Foundation uses this habitat for the recovery and protection of bald eagles. Since 1985, this organization has operated to preserve nature’s most impressive bird of prey. In addition to caring for injured eagles, many eggs have been hatched in captivity at its Dollywood based headquarters and released into the wild. Check the American Eagle Foundation’s website: www.eagles.org

Soak-In The Dollywood Difference

The positive and serving attitude of Dollywood’s family of employees makes your visit there very enjoyable. They all seem to genuinely be having a good time, and it flows naturally to the guests. As you drive out of the parking lot, the words of one of Dolly’s greatest songs is printed on signs: I will always love you! And you know, it feels sincere.

(L-R Photo ID) Stroll the beautiful “Friendship Garden” with tributes to your favorite entertainers. Also, watch glass being blown and stained glass art being created. Dollywood offers beautiful treasures to keep memories of your trip alive.