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| Status: |
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Operating since 1961 |
| Also Known As: |
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Silver Dollar City (77-85), Goldrush (76), Goldrush Junction (70-75), Rebel Railroad (61-69) |
| Phone: |
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865-428-9488 |
| Web: |
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Dollywood's site |
| Address: |
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700 Dollywood Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
USA
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| Visits: |
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234 |
| Rating: |
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| More About This Park |
History:
The original entertainment park on the site of present-day Dollywood opened in 1961 as Rebel Railroad. It was a small attraction that featured a coal-fired steam train, Klondike Kate, a general store and a saloon.
In 1970 the park was purchased by Art Modell, then owner of the NFL's Cleveland Browns, renamed it Goldrush Junction. Between 1970 and 1975 several attractions were added, including: a wood shop, a saw mill, an outdoor theater, log cabins, a campground and children's rides.
In 1976, the park was simply called Goldrush.
Then, in 1977, Herschend Enterprises out of Branson, Mo., bought the park and rechristened it Silver Dollar City, Tenn.
In 1986, Dolly Parton, who grew up in the area, became a partner with the Herschends, and the park became Dollywood. Since then, $160 million in expansions and additions have boosted the park to greater heights as a popular tourist attraction.
Notes:
Owned and operated by Dolly Parton, who visits the park often and has many family members working at the park. It features over 20 rides and the Dreamland Forest, the "world's largest interactive treehouse". Showcases Dolly's life and dreams through her music, her childhood home, and museum. Travel Info:
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| Reviews |
DEJA-VU RULES
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1989
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Dollywood is a good park for the whole family.
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| 9-3-04 15:21:36 |
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RamblinWreck
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 563
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An awesome park with great themeing, a wonderful staff and some of the best food out there, probably a tie with Williamsburg. The setting is great, it is home to my favorite woodie and a great Arrow looper, not to mention as a previous post mentioned a great locomotive. The shows are great and it is just such a wonderful, friendly atmosphere. One of the best parks on earth, and it should be on everyone's map. 5/5
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| 4-10-05 16:43:31 |
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I_E_G
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3
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I work at Dollywood, so it is my home park, and I am a little partial, but I stand by my rating of five stars. Dollywood is one of the best kept secrets when it comes to amusement parks. It has every aspect you could think of, maybe falling short in some categories to other parks, but overall, lands big.
Rides:They have something for everybody, thrills with the multi-looping Arrow Tennessee Twister, or the Wildest Ride in the Woods, the greatest thing to ever happen to the park, one of the greatest woodies of all time, GCI's Thunderhead. A water taboggan that simply can't be matched at a bigger amusement park in the Slidewinder, which is great for families, and one's first big thrills with a 39 inch minimum hieght requirement. Slidewinder banks as hard and steep as Thunderhead, gets you wetter than the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, and is simply a must-ride. Another great family ride is Blazing Fury, a great indoor coaster/dark ride, with cheesy, but classic Dollywood stuff. The family fun continues in Country Fair with 10 new rides for all ages, as well as old favorites, The Scrambler, Wonder Wheel and Demolition Derby. And, we're still expanding.
Entertainment: Simply one of the best entertainment parks there is. During the regular season, it's chocked full of music that exemplifies the Smoky Mountain lifestyle with country, bluegrass, and a great lineup, including The Kinfolks (Dolly's uncle Bill, along with family and friends), Randy Parton, and the award winning Southern Gospel act The Kingdom Heirs. Festival of Nations is worth coming alone. Going out of Dollywood's element, Moscow Circus, a Cirque du Soliel like event, debuted this festival, and will be back next year goes above and beyond. The Smoky Mountain Christmas shows is spectacular. Kids Fest blows you away with the ASA Extreme Sports Show, Clifford the Big Red Dog Stage Show, Mad Science Movie Magic. And, don't miss Dolly at the opening of most of these festivals, and her annual benefit concert during the National Music and Harvest Celebration each year.
Theming: A very important, most overlooked part of an amusement park. Dollywood does this better than most, just falling a little short of Disney and Universal parks. Sometimes, it actually feels like your in a late 1800's logging community.
Friendliness/Cleanliness: Dollywood is by far the most friendliest park I've been too. I know that may sound vain, but I went as a guest alot before I got hired. I've learned working there, that you can enhance a guests' expierence quite drastically with how you act towards them, and that's what everybody there has done to me while I was a guest.
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| 5-29-05 18:17:17 |
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johngray
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6
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I live about 40 miles from Dollywood and am a regular there. The people are so friendly and the atmosphere is so great, that once you walk in, you forget about the world around you. Every show and attraction at Dollywood is geared toward the family and the park operates to the highest safety standards. Even though Dollywood is a great show park, it also has the greatest rides! For the 2006 season, Dollywood will be adding a one-of-a-kind (in North America) Timber Tower, a tower ride that not only rotates, but actually tilts side to side as you are perched at the top. Dollywood is great for anyone in the family and has something for everyone. Its a must to visit!
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| 3-22-06 23:31:39 |
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BryanWood
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4009
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I was absolutely floored with my first visit to Dollywood yesterday. Not a lot of rides, but what rides they have are great. Thunderhead is amazing and Tennessee Tornado is my favorite Arrow looper. They have a nice selection of family rides. Their water rides are great, so is the train. The food is outstanding and the smells you encounter throughout the park are awesome. The scenery and landscaping is great. Tons of nice shops/stands/displays. Tons of shows. It was crowded but the park is so spread out and there is so much to do that I didn't have to wait for rides. If you've never been, make plans. It's one of my favorite theme parks.
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| 4-25-06 19:10:00 |
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I love DW
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1911
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Dollywood is a great park they mix thrills very well with family rides. They truly have something for every member of the family. They have award winning roller coasters, world class shows, and great family adventures. If any one is thinking about visiting Dollywood you should definetly go you won't regret the decision.
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| 6-2-06 1:55:33 |
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