A big thanks to Dollywood for inviting me to the media event for the grand opening of Wildwood Grove and for the free park admission for my family!
If you’ve never been to Dollywood, you’re really missing out! Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this family-friendly theme park is packed with award-winning rides, shows, and attractions. Recently, Dollywood opened a brand-new expansion of the park called Wildwood Grove. With 11 new thrilling experiences, it’s the largest expansion in park history.
Here’s everything you need to know about Wildwood Grove at Dollywood!
Dolly Parton’s vision for Wildwood Grove at Dollywood:
Dolly wanted the new section of the park to reflect the time she spent exploring the woods of the smoky mountains as a child.
“When I was a little girl growing up in the hills of the Smoky Mountains, I’d often let my imagination just run away—something I still do now—dreaming these big dreams about what it’d be like to venture off with a family of bears in to the woods or how fun it would be to hitch a ride with the butterflies and dragonflies. All us kids would splash and play in the creeks and ponds around home and have these daydreams about the world around us, and that’s what’s so special about Wildwood Grove. We’ve been able to create a new area to allow families to experience some of those exact dreams we all had when we were little.”
New Family Rides:
The Dragonflier is a thrilling suspended roller coaster that lets guests soar like a dragonfly through Wildwood Grove.
On Black Bear Trail, riders can catch a ride on the backs of friendly bears.
Families ride in a big “leaf boat” on the Great Tree Swing.
Guests will have a great view of Wildwood Grove on the Treetop Tower that rises 40 feet in the air. Families sit inside giant acorns and spin around the top of a tall oak tree.
Riders on The Mad Mockingbird can control the ride by moving the sail of their ride vehicle as it lifts and spins around a tall tree.
Guests can hop on a friendly frog and chase each other around a lily pad on the Frogs & Fireflies ride.
New Play Areas:
To cool off, stop into the Hidden Hollow, a 4,000 sq. ft., air-conditioned indoor play environment. Kids can jump, climb, slide, and play while grownups take a break.
On warm, sunny days, kids can play in the pop jets and splashing pools in the Wildwood Creek play area. There’s also a dry area with musical instruments kids can play.
Wildwood Tree – the Centerpiece of Wildwood Grove at Dollywood:
Dolly says her favorite part of Wildwood Grove is the Wildwood Tree. It’s home to 650 lighted butterflies in bright colors and almost 9,000 leaves. In the evening, the tree comes to life with lights that twinkle and change.
More New Features of Wildwood Grove at Dollywood:
There will also be three new characters for meet and greets and live entertainment.
Till and Harvest restaurant will feature yummy burritos, salads, and a walk-up window with desserts called Sweets & Treats.
Guests can find the perfect souvenir at Mountain Grove Merchants.
Almost $1 million was invested in Wildwood Grove’s landscape, including 400 trees and almost 2,300 shrubs.
Click here to learn more about Wildwood Grove at Dollywood and to purchase tickets!
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I’ve never been to Dollywood, but my kids would 100% love it. Dolly Parton is such an inspiration to be yourself, and I respect how she throws herself into causes she believes in.
Exactly! She’s such a wonderful person!
Wild Wood Grove looks like such a great place to take your family to. My kids would love it there.
They’d have a blast!
Looks like you had a great trip! my mother in law just went there and loved it!
Glad she had so much fun! I hope you get to go too one day soon!