Dolly Parton's Dollywood: What's New for 2011?

To be quite honest, the first time I went there you would have thought I was going for root canal. I had no desire to visit the little blond country twanger's theme park. I assumed it was all neon and noise, trinkets and tunes, bells and whistles and a waste of my money - was I ever wrong!

Let me count how many times I have been back to Dollywood...6 or 7, something like that. That first visit had me hooked. Within a short time at the park I didn't want to leave.

Dollywood is a place that could possibly get old if you visit too frequently, but that doesn't happen. The reason for that is simple. Dolly keeps up with the times and she gives her visitors lots to look forward to each year and the 2011 season is no exception.

2011 is Dollywood's 26^th season, and it will have a new theme play area, a new thrill ride one of the restaurants has been enlarged. Good food and lots of it are available at Dollywood. Rides for everyone and every age, along with wonderful shops where you can buy handmade items, some made right there at Dollywood. There are water rides that will keep you cool, and adventure rides that will test your nerves. When you need to sit and rest a while, there are benches in the shade where you can relax and do some people watching.

Dollywood opens on March 26, 2011 and visitors will line up by the thousands to get into the park to find out what is new and what thrills they may find along the way. Of course, you never know when you might actually run into Dolly herself! She is usually there in Pigeon Forge for opening weekend for the parade and the official opening of her park for the season.

The New Ride for 2011: The Barnstormer

This new ride will be in a section of the park that was named for Dolly's relatives, the Owen Farm. It will take you 81 feet into the air, which is a little to high for me! There will be two 'arms' that swing like pendulums, where 32 riders will sit back to back. The pendulum will swing higher and higher, swinging at a top speed of 45 miles per hour. The ride cost $5.5 million dollars to build and should be a lot of fun. You might hear a little screaming through the foothills of East Tennessee's Smoky Mountains when this ride is in motion! Check out a photo of the Barnstormer under construction - click here.

The Restaurant Expansion

The Red Diner is a 1950's style eatery, which is always busy and that is why the expansion was necessary.

The New Play Area

There isn't a lot of information out about this play area, but knowing the park and how it does cater to kids and family, it should be a welcomed addition.

Dolly doesn't come up with these ideas by herself; she has a team of people who do studies. According to the Dollywood Public Relations Manger, they have a 10-year plan for development. They check facts and figures and see what people like and what could be a possible great new addition. But you can be sure that Dolly herself has input into her specialty, entertainment and special events.

Dollywood opens each year in March and closes at the end of December.

When making your plans to visit Dollywood, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walk. The summer months are hot and humid, be sure to keep hydrated. There are sufficient restrooms and first aid stations throughout Dollywood and the park is well equipped for those in need of special services. Visit the official Dollywood website - click here - for all the information you need regarding tickets, events, entertainment, restaurants, etc.

Whether you spend one day or several day, you will leave with memories to last a lifetime. Dollywood isn't just a place; it's a state of mind, and a fun place in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

Sources:

Dollywood.com

Personal Experience

Knoxville.com