Dollywood Discussion Thread

[jynx242I prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

Heading there next Monday! It's been a couple of years and I am so very excited. Taking my boyfriend for his first visit. I am so looking forward to sharing one of my favorite places with him!

David

[Guy T. KoeppNow with Extra Retarded Flavor]

I am going to make a mad coaster dash around the South as soon as I get back from my work trip on the 6th. Can't wait to get back to Dollywood. It has been too long and we didn't make it there for kidsfest this year. I am angry about that as we made plans several times and always got thwarted by my or Alana's f'ed up schedules. We missed the bubble man. He is awesome!

[tntornadox“Fear can make a donkey attack a lion”]

I know it's quite a bit early for this to come up, but I'm trying to get a trip together for a Saturday in December for me and a friend, and I have a couple of questions I'm hoping you guys could help me out with:

1) Are the Q-Bots still available around that time of year (on the off-chance it's crowded)?
2) What temperature does each coaster close at? Like, how low can it get before each of them shuts down?
3) Any "Only-during-the-Christmas-Season" things that shouldn't be missed?

1) Q-bots are available but on busy days do sell out quickly. Not for rides, but to reserve the shows. They are amazing at Christmas.
2) All coasters except Mystery Mine open on time as long as the temperature is above 36 (MM is 40), they all close when the temp. hits 36.
3) Shows, shows, shows. Ride the rides early in the afternoon (as the park doesn't open until 2PM most days) to ensure you get to ride. Once the temp falls, enjoy the lights and shows. The best is Smoky Mountain Christmas, IMO.

Also, Dollywood now has an app available for both iPhone and Android. It's very well done, be sure to download it!

[ernierockerWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

^Didn't know about the app, awesome!

Heading there next Monday! It's been a couple of years and I am so very excited. Taking my boyfriend for his first visit. I am so looking forward to sharing one of my favorite places with him!

David

Cool! If I didn't have so much work going on I would try to meet up with you guys, have fun though! Not that that will be hard.

[jynx242I prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

^ Mouth is already watering for Cinnamon Bread and the other Dollyfood delights!!!

Oh yeah, and there is a new Wing Coaster I have yet to ride included

[Guy T. KoeppNow with Extra Retarded Flavor]

^You will enjoy.

[deguy123Bonafide Donkey Expert]

^ Mouth is already watering for Cinnamon Bread and the other Dollyfood delights!!!

Hmmmm have one piece of Cinnamon Bread for me! Have a great time

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120822005198/en/Dollywood-Company-President-Ken-Bell-Retires-Dec

After more than a quarter century at the helm, industry veteran and park innovator Ken Bell is retiring from his role as President of The Dollywood Company. Under his leadership Dolly Parton’s theme park has garnered the theme park industry’s highest honor, the Applause Award, and achieved the status as the number one show park in the world. In addition, Bell grew Parton’s park to include an award-winning waterpark, Dollywood’s Splash Country, and launched a hospitality company. Bell also sits on the boards of directors for Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Pirate’s Voyage dinner theatre chain.

Parton announced that Craig Ross, industry veteran, will assume the role as The Dollywood Company President, effective immediately.

“After nearly two years of working with Craig, I know he’s the person who can continue the successes Ken has built for my Dollywood Company over the years,” Parton said. “I am looking forward to the future!”

Ross has worked for more than 30 years in the theme park industry with the last year spent as Vice-President and General Manager of Dollywood under Bell. Ross’ first season marked the launch of Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the US and the park’s largest capital addition to date.

“I am honored to soon have this very special opportunity to carry on the high level of quality and balanced leadership that the Dollywood team has come to expect. I am thrilled to have such a wonderful and talented team to help me grow The Dollywood Company and its world-class brand,” Ross said.

Based in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park which operates nine months a year (late March through December) and offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. A family-friendly vacation destination, Dollywood also includes the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country, voted America’s “Must-See Waterpark.” Dollywood offers all-inclusive vacation planning with a variety of overnight lodging options. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit www.dollywood.com.

[Stitch_101Holy crap you have a HUGE donkey!]

^ That's sad to hear. Dollywood is one of my favorite parks in the country and, with Bell at the helm, has grown and done some amazing things. Here's hoping Ross can keep up the great momentum. I have faith that he will

[ernierockerWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

With this news, I would expect Dollywood to keep doing what they are doing as far as building more thrill rides and expanding.