Dolly Parton Names 2017 Year of the Family

Dollywood adds two rides and two special new events in 2017

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Coming off a record year which featured the best new attraction of 2016,
Lightning Rod, as well as the successful first anniversary of
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, The Dollywood Company continues to provide
more unique experiences at each of its family-friendly properties.

Two new family rides debut this summer at Dollywood providing thrilling
new adventures for guests. The first is Drop Line, a 200-foot tall
free-fall experience that towers over Timber Canyon and provides an
incredible view of the park before its exhilarating finish. The drop
tower ride lifts Dollywood guests nearly 20 stories above the Canyon’s
pool, before plummeting them back to the ground in a thrilling rush.
Also new is Whistle Punk Chaser, a junior coaster which throws exciting
twists and turns at Dollywood’s younger loggers, helping prepare them
for the day they can join their parents aboard the award-winning
Thunderhead wooden coaster.

“As everybody already knows, family is very important to me,” Dolly
Parton explained. “These days, there doesn’t seem to be enough time for
families to be together, whether you’re a just a couple like me and Carl
or you have 12 kids like my family did growing up. That’s why we
continue to add all these new rides and shows for families to experience
together.

“We have something for everyone, but even more important, we have
something for you AND your family. We’re adding so much this year; I’m
calling 2017 ‘the year of the family!’”

In addition to the new attractions, families have two engaging new
events to experience 2017. Just in time for families enjoying spring
break, the park will introduce enra, a Tokyo-based dance company
which was featured on America’s Got Talent in 2015. The group wowed
audiences with their high-energy multi-media dance, light and video
fusion show. Interactive video and lights combine with the talented
performers to create a unique, cutting-edge experience for guests.

In October, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival adds the spectacular GREAT!
Pumpkin LumiNights event. This nighttime event immerses families in
fabulous fall pumpkin illumination. Additionally, a new pumpkin trail
comes to life after dark with a number of spectacular pumpkin displays
glowing with the fire of fall. The festival also includes the Southern
Gospel Jubilee which brings in the greatest Southern gospel talent
around.

“We are really excited about adding the GREAT! Pumpkin LumiNights to
our Harvest event,” Gene Scherrer, Dollywood Vice-President and General
Manager said. “We’ve created a number of impressive displays that will
light up the night and allow us to add some new experiences for families
to enjoy the fun of fall in a uniquely Dollywood way.”

The company also recently announced the addition of TailSpin Racer, a
multi-lane, mat-racer-style slide to Dollywood’s Splash Country for
2017. The parks’ 2017 additions are all part of Parton’s $300 million
investment in Dollywood announced in 2013.

About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized
leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the
150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country;
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As
unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010
Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade;
winner of nearly 30 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 25 Brass Ring
Awards for Live Entertainment (more than any other theme park in the
world). In 2014, Dollywood was named a top three US theme park by USA
Today and TripAdvisor recognized Dollywood as a top 20
worldwide theme park in 2015. Dollywood is open nine months a year (late
March through early January) and offers rides and attractions, shows,
and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood’s
Splash Country, recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s
most beautiful waterparks and named 2009’s Must-See Waterpark by the
International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, operates
from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 300-room Dollywood’s DreamMore
Resort provides guests spectacular mountain views and family-friendly
amenities next door to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash
Country. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins offers luxurious cabin
accommodations overlooking Dollywood. For more information, call
1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.
Operating days and hours vary.

Contacts

The Dollywood Company
Pete Owens, 865-428-9486 or 865-755-7972
Director
of Communications
powens@dollywood.com
or
Wes
Ramey, 865-428-9484 or 865-640-3805
Public Relations Manager
wramey@dollywood.com
or
Amber
Davis, 865-428-9601 or 865-591-1002
Publicist
aldavis@dollywood.com
or
Ellen
Liston, 865-428-9629 or 865-919-7001
Publicist
eliston@dollywood.com