As you know, our family loves to travel! As much as we enjoy the beach, all-inclusive resorts, and Walt Disney World, the place we end up the most is Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains. Because we go so often and it is a place that our whole family loves, I am excited to announce that I was selected to be a Dollywood Insider! Basically, that means I get to keep doing what I love (traveling to the Smokies and Dollywood!) and then I get to share it with you! I found out I was selected 2 weeks ago! In that same e-mail, I was invited to an event with Dolly Parton (yes! The Dolly Parton!) to hear the announcement of the new area that is being added to the park for the 2019 season! Ya’ll, I canceled my hair appointment and said, “YES, I will be there!!”
First of all, as an Insider, I am part of an amazing team of bloggers, vloggers and influencers. About half of the team made it for the big announcement and we were escorted in with the media. We had the best time and we are going to get to hit up Dollywood again this weekend together! The announcement began with a video highlighting the Smoky Mountains. I could not be more proud of the area that I call home and Dolly Parton does such a good job showcasing the mountains she grew up in as well. Then the announcement about the all new Wildwood Grove was made! In true Dollywood fashion it is based on the mountains that surround the park!
You guys, this new land is going to be amazing! Although Dollywood adds new rides, shows and festivals every year, it’s the first new area to be added to Dollywood since 2008. Wildwood Grove encourages families to explore, play and imagine together! This new land will feature 11 thrilling new experiences for guests, comprised of six unique ride attractions, a 55 foot tall Wildwood Tree, live entertainment, various indoor and outdoor play areas for families to enjoy, a new restaurant and more!
We were able to see some renderings of Wildwood Grove and it is going to be beautiful! As a child, Dolly used her imagination as she played outside in the Great Smoky Mountains. She has used those memories to be the focal point of Wildwood Grove. Guests will be able to ride on the backs of bears on Black Bear Trail, soar like a dragonfly on the new thrilling suspended roller coaster called The Dragonflier, and soar 40 feet in the air while riding Treetop Tower.
There are going to be so many play offerings for children! The very first structure being built, in this new area, is the 4,000 square foot indoor play space! It will be a climate controlled area that will make it fun in the summer or winter! Another great space to cool off will be Wildwood Creek! It will offer pop jets, splashing pools and more!
I’m extremely excited about the food! Honestly, I am always excited about food! We were treated to some of the fare that will be featured in Wildwood Grove and you need to start getting excited too! The featured dining will be named Till and Harvest. It will feature Southwest favorites with a Southern twist. The selection will include burritos and salads, including a toppings bar with assorted salsa’s. There will also be items such as pulled pork and coleslaw, churros and ice cream!
Wildwood Grove is set to open in the spring of 2019, but don’t wait to visit Dollywood then! Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, featuring Pumpkin LumiNights, starts at the end of September. It will double in size from 2017! This festival also features the largest Southern gospel celebration in the world. The season ends with the 10-time winner for Best Christmas event, Dolly’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. It’s my personal favorite season at Dollywood! You don’t want to miss out on all the fun to be had this year and next at Dollywood!
