Dollywood is now open for the 2018 season. I visited the park opening weekend to see what was new as well as to check out the park’s annual Festival of Nations event.
Although this is a relatively quiet year for Dollywood (the park is focusing on its entertainment lineup), there are still a few interesting updates and changes throughout.
(Keep reading for a surprise Dolly Parton cameo!)
Although the day started out somewhat dreary, by noon the sun was shining and the temperature was near-perfect.
Now through April 9, the park is hosting its annual Festival of Nations event. You can listen to and watch international musical acts and performances while also enjoying a sampling of culinary creations from around the globe.
Now that I live closer to the park and visit more frequently, I enjoy having the time to check out what all this event has to offer.
Naturally, me being a fan of all things food, I wanted to see what cuisines were represented.
First stop, Germany.
Let’s be real: it wouldn’t be an international food festival without German sausage.
I didn’t get to try the Canadian Beavertails, unfortunately. Hopefully, I’ll make it back to the park before the festival ends.
Some of the selections were new to me. I’ve heard of paella, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen it spelled out and certainly haven’t tried it.
And if the park’s cinnamon bread wasn’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, France has some delicious crepes.
These are only a few of the outdoor food stands. There are several other stands as well as additional offerings at some of the park’s restaurants.
But it’s not all about the food during Festival of Nations. The live entertainment is also stellar.
As a Dollywood Insider, I had a chance to go backstage after the National Dance Company of Siberia performance. I highly recommend seeing the show — it was unlike any dance production I’ve ever seen. You can read more about it in my post over at the Dollywood Insiders blog.
Some of the Festival of Nations decorations were giving me Expedition Everest vibes:
I think I’ll take Dollywood. Sorry, Yeti fans.
Although I miss the leaves on the trees, their absence offers some nice views of Lightning Rod’s towering lift (launch) hill.
Speaking of Lightning Rod, the coaster was running…consistently…with two trains. Unfortunately, it later downgraded to a one-train operation, which resulted in a considerably longer line.
But the two-train operation early in the day allowed me to get five rides almost back-to-back.
Words can’t convey how much I love this ride. Do yourself a favor and make the trip to Dollywood. Even if you don’t like the ride, you still get to spend a day at Dollywood. It’s a win either way.
(Read my full review of Lightning Rod from 2016 here.)
Back in Rivertown Junction, Aunt Granny’s is sporting a refreshed look with new menu items. I didn’t make it inside, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about the renovation. And, as the sign says, it’s still an all-you-can/care-to-eat buffet.
Fun fact: Aunt Granny’s is named after Dolly Parton, who is known as “Aunt Granny” by her nieces and nephews. The eatery opened in 1986 when the former Silver Dollar City park was transformed into Dollywood.
Moving across the park to Timber Canyon, the massive land clearing has provided new views of the park.
These views likely won’t be around for long, so be sure to take a ride on the Dollywood Express next time you’re at the park.
Dollywood’s reopening means that the world-famous Dollywood cinnamon bread drought is over! (although it is now available year-round at the DreamMore Resort).
Unless you’re a frequent Dollywood visitor, you may not notice one of the other changes at the park. The former Apple Jack’s Sandwich Shop building was removed and has been replaced by an outdoor seating area.
I had a hard time remembering what the Apple Jack’s building actually looked like, so I consulted Google’s street view:
The building was aging, but it did have a nice covered seating area.
Another fun fact: the second floor of Apple Jack’s once housed an apartment for Dolly. After the 2010 season, it was converted into office space.
From digging around online, I can’t definitively say when the sandwich shop closed. This image was taken in 2013. The closed doors and lack of signage lead me to believe that it was already closed.
If you have any insight, please share in the comments section below.
I’m not exactly sure what the purpose of this small structure is — there are no seats or tables under it. Am I missing something? Let me know in the comments section.
While I’m not crazy about the openness of the area (and lack of trees), it does provide some much-needed tables for all the eateries in the surrounding Rivertown Junction area.
I missed the fact that the “Inventor’s Mansion” building was removed. See above for a photo of the building from a couple of years ago.
The house was once home to a walk-through attraction similar to Grandfather’s Mansion at Silver Dollar City. The tunnel under the mansion that leads to Craftsman’s Valley was untouched.
Excuse me while I step on my soapbox: Thunderhead is a 14-year-old GCI wooden coaster. It’s a little rough around the edges — but never has it been rough enough to dissuade me from riding it. I don’t understand the flack that it gets from enthusiasts.
One of the most noticeable changes in 2018 is the addition of The Plaza at Wilderness Pass.
It’s an open space designed for the rest and relaxation of guests (another reason why I love Dollywood). The area will be transformed during the park’s different seasons to accommodate decorations and special events.
You can watch Wild Eagle soar overhead as you take a breather.
This frame will no doubt achieve Instagram stardom.
Guests really seemed to love the area. Not many parks invest in an area solely for the rest and relaxation of guests — it isn’t something that can be marketed on a billboard or in a commercial. But it no doubt enhances the guest experience. Investments like this are why so many people (myself included) keep coming back again and again. I could probably spend every weekend at the park and be totally content.
Mystery Mine was closed for most (if not all) the day prior, and during my visit it seemed to be operating at a reduced capacity. The queue line crawled.
But I didn’t mind — I love the view from the stairs on the outdoor portion of the queue.
So while the construction, Lightning Rod being open, the food, etc., were all great, the highlight of the day was finally seeing Dolly Parton in person during a surprise parade:
It took me 15 years of Dollywood visits, but I was finally able to see the legend herself.
The clouds began to gather as the day came to a close. I made it to my car just as the rain started to fall. But overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the 2018 coaster season. I look forward to putting my season pass to good use this year.
Save $5! If you’re visiting Dollywood this year and haven’t bought tickets yet, use the promo code “DWINSIDERS11” for $5 off general admission when you buy tickets online at Dollywood.com!
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