Do you absolutely adore everything Dollywood? If so, it’s time to level up your game and become a superfan. How, you ask? By learning about all the most interesting and lesser-known facts about this amazing park. With that knowledge, you’ll never have trouble impressing your friends and family with all your knowledge. Let’s get started learning about 10 facts about Dollywood we bet you didn’t know.
Dollywood Wasn’t Always Known As “Dollywood”
When you dream about visiting Dollywood, Dolly Parton is undoubtedly the first person you think of. But did you know that she didn’t actually start the park?
Instead, it began as Rebel Railroad and had a Wild West theme, complete with steam trains, a general store, and a lively saloon. Over the years, the park changed names a few times, becoming Goldrush Junction and then Silver Dollar City.
But everything changed in 1986. The new owners, Herschend Family Entertainment, had seen Dolly mention on TV that she wanted to own a theme park. They got in touch, teamed up with her, and together, they renamed the park Dollywood and made it everything it is today.
1 Million Smiles in the First 5 Months
In just your first visit, it’s easy to see why Dollywood attracted 1 million visitors in its first five months. The park offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, live music shows, and authentic Smoky Mountain food and crafts. So, is it really all that surprising that the very first visitors sat in 6 miles of traffic on US 441 just to get in on opening day? Definitely not.
Robert F. Thomas Chapel: The Deliverance of Dolly & Home of Sunday Service
The Robert F. Thomas Chapel at Dollywood is a really special place. That’s because it’s named after the doctor who delivered Dolly Parton at her small cabin home in 1946. Dr. Thomas was well known for his kindness and support of the people in the Smoky Mountains. He was a true treasure to all.
So, when Dolly had the chapel built, she chose to honor this beloved doctor’s life and legacy by naming it after him. And it’s not just for show, either. This chapel holds real Sunday church services every week. So, if you’re at Dollywood over the weekend, you can catch a service with local pastors and some gospel music.
The Dollywood Express Journeyed Through World War II
On the Dollywood Express, you’re taking a ride on an incredible piece of history. The park’s two steam engines served in World War II before arriving at the park to delight visitors. They now enjoy a leisurely existence, taking you and all the other park visitors on memorable trips through the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains scenery.
Employees With 30+ Years of Service at Dollywood Get Their Own Personalized Signage
Dolly honors all her loyal employees with custom-made signs once they reach 30 years of service. These signs match the theme of each employee’s favorite part of the park and include their name and employment start date.
Many even have a few easter eggs for guests to find, such as special messages that reflect the employee’s personality or a special moment from their career. Watch for these signs as you travel through the park and see if you can spot the secret messages on each one.
Dollywood Was the First Theme Park to Have a Calming Room On-Site
If loud noises and busy places get to be too much for you, you’ll be happy to hear that Dollywood has a special calming room just for taking a break. This theme park was the first to add a relaxing space for people who experience sensory overload.
The original calming room worked out so well that they added another one in 2017, this time outside in the Splash Country area. It’s a great spot to relax and catch your breath.
25-pound Apple Pie’s Can be Found at Spotlight Bakery
What do you get when you combine 35 apples, heaps of sugar and flour, and a touch of old-fashioned baking magic? The absolutely gigantic 25-pound Apple Pie at the Spotlight Bakery, of course. With slices weighing 3 pounds each, it’s no surprise that this dessert is famous around the park. Grab a piece to enjoy onsite, or take a whole pie home to enjoy with friends and family. The choice is yours!
No Need to Leave Your Pets Behind When Traveling to Dollywood
If you love to travel with your dogs, you’re in luck when taking a trip to Dollywood. At this theme park, your pet is welcome to kick back and relax at Doggywood while you enjoy the rides and attractions. This quiet retreat features 12 kennel runs and several cottages, allowing your pets to lounge in pure luxury while you’re away.
Dolly Parton is not the CEO of Dollywood
While Dolly is the famous face of Dollywood, she’s not the CEO in charge of running it every day. That job goes to Herschend Family Entertainment. They take care of all the details, like managing the park, keeping it clean, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Dolly Parton Would Never Ride the Rides at Dollywood
Dolly Parton opts out of enjoying her own thrill rides, and for good reason. She’s afraid of roller coasters! Even the milder rides like The Scrambler, Demolition Derby, and The Amazing Flying Elephants are a no-go for Dolly.
Now that you know these cool facts about Dollywood, it’s your turn to share them with everyone. Chat about them with your friends, tell your family, and maybe even share them with strangers while waiting in line at the park. And why not? It’s an excellent way to share your love for this delightful theme park.
