Why Does Dolly Parton Have Her Own Theme Park?
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
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Every year over 2.5 million people visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, coming to experience the thrilling roller coasters, enthralling entertainment offerings and the talented local craftsmen. Today we are here to answer a tale as old as time; why does Dolly Parton Have Her Own Theme Park?
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Before Dollywood
02:47 Dolly Takes Over
04:55 Sponsorship
6:14 Dolly's Changes
10:08 Conclusion
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I grew up in East Tennessee and can say that Sevierville simply would not be what it is today without Dolly's investment in the area. I was in the band in high school and when we showed up to Sevierville High (her alma mater) I was shocked at how beautiful the school was. That's Dolly. We happened to be playing at their homecoming game, and I found out that (at least at that time in the 00s) she performed at all of their homecoming games - as in, she was there! It was surreal to see a household name performing for and chatting up the crowd at a high school football game. Dolly is a selfless woman who cares deeply about East Tennessee and she created Dollywood as another way to provide opportunities to people in the area. It also happens to be the park that turned me into the coaster nerd I am today : )
Dolly is a national treasure.
It’s not sevierville high, it’s Sevier County High School
My grandmother lives up there and I go there almost ever summer it’s so much fun
It’s not Sevierville. It’s Sevier County HS and her statue is in the atrium of the school.
Didn't she also run a scheme in the U.S where she supplied books for poor kids? She's been very lucky to have talent and with hard work to have been able to make a lot of money. Lots of people would let that go to their heads, but Dolly seems pretty kind and humble, with a sense of community. She comes out with some great one liners too - 'It takes a lot of money to look this cheap' is a classic😅
Dolly is like the saint of the south. She's the perfect representation of southern charm. My grandparents had the joy of watching her bloom into a super star from her very first radio broadcast as a small child in Sevier county all the way up until they passed away.
She’s Appalachian not Southern stop stealing cultures.
Saw the title and immediately said "Cause she deserves it" And I stand by that. Dolly is an angel .
Dolly Parton might honestly be my favorite person currently living. It’s so neat to see such a wholesome person who gave as much as she could to her local area and who is consistently kind, loving, dedicated, and open. The fact that when I see stories like “Dolly Parton often comes to the local football games still” or “Dolly donated a bajillion dollars to covid vaccines” or “Dolly has one of the most amazing children’s literacy charities I’ve ever heard of” and more I’m completely unsurprised because of her reputation speaks a lot about her.
Dollywood is one of the coolest parks I have ever been to. Yes the rollercoasters are rightfully world famous to the enthusiasts like myself, but one of my favorite moments was just sitting there, eating my cinnamon bread and just taking in the fact that I was in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth, the Smokey Mountains, and how much Dolly, one of the greatest singers of all time, wanted to preserve that feeling for generations to come.
That cinnamon bread is to die for
cinnamon bread all day
I was there two weeks ago but missed out on our Dollywood day because my daughter was sick and I stayed back with her. Bummer because she's the only one of the kids that actually likes roller coasters. Going to have to make another trip. It sounds amazing
I have to agree, the roller coasters were fabulous. I actually almost threw up and I NEVER get sick on rides! I loved seeing all of her memorabilia too!
Dolly is the closest thing we have to Angel on earth.
its my dream to come 1 day. been orlando but thats all so far
Absolutely correct my friend. Probably one of - if not the best, examples of what a human being should be.
When I was a kid I thought Dollywood was a museum for Dolly Parton’s bras. I had no idea of the history. Thanks for the video!
Lol
Not far from the truth 🤣
LMAO who told you that
lol
A museum for all her wigs 🤣😂
Dollywood's a beautiful park. Having been a few times myself, I can say that it's one of the best theme parks I've ever been in. Amazing theming, really friendly staff, and a train ride that simply cannot be beaten. (Not that I'm biased or anything. Plus, I've got a friend who works on the train there as well.) If you have a chance on your trip, definitely check out Tweetsie too. It's my local theme park, and while it's small, it's probably my favorite place in the world.
Cinnamon bread. Mmmmmmm yummy
It’s a really nice park! I liked everything about it!
It's great but it's still second to Silver Dollar City
Not really a country music fan, but I love Dolly because she cares about people.
She is the Kindest Lady on Earth.
When I visited the park eight years ago it was very full yet i felt relaxed. It was so nice to got out of a ride and suddenly find yourself discovering part of her life as if the whole park is a huge museum.
Dollywood is probably one of the best parks in the world. I live about 3 hours from there and we used to have season tickets as a kid. It’s such a different experience! It’s much more like Disney than a Six Flags. It’s far more authentic than Disney. Would I say better than Disney, no, but in a similar class. It has fun for all ages! Shows all day for those who don’t ride rides. Even an in house Southern Gospel quartet, something you can’t find anywhere else. Probably one of most unique things about Dollywood is the staff. Most theme parks have a staff of almost exclusively young adults/teens, at Dollywood, many more of the staff are older, nicer. Kinda feels like your grandpa is checking your harness for the roller coaster, just a much more home town vibe.
Although Dollywood is essentially a well-operated local amusement park with highly themed areas, and can’t compare to the scope of Walt Disney World or Tokyo Disney Resort, its operation feels like old-school Disney. Many long-time Disney fans consider Dollywood to be the last outpost of classic Disney theme park quality in the States. Enjoy the food and atmosphere!
Dolly is the type of person The Walt Disney Company needs on its board of directors. She seems to have the mindset of Walt and Roy Disney when it comes to capital investment and guest experience. It's a matter of building something worthwhile where guests will be willing to pay for the greater quality of experience, not how much guests are willing to pay before they feel they're being fleeced.
Dollywood is way more wholesome than Disney. What makes so many people like this park so much is a multitude of things, 1. its cheaper. 2. Its more steeped in reality. 3. Its rooted in the surrounding people, places and lifestyles. 4. And this is the most important, its absent of perversity. 5. Its got great thrill rides, 6. Cinnamon bread.
Disney doesn't off their consumer any of the things listed. Its a cartoon factory brought to life by the corporate merch pushing machines of profiteering and lifeless exchanges.
Yeah! In that sense Dollywood is probably more comparable to a lot of European theme parks and the industry over there, than the contemporaries across rhe United states like your Six Flags or Cedar Fair park or local amusement park.
@@Thekidthatwantstodie Buddy, most of gen Z doesn't even like Disney or the way they run things. They're just peak greed of some old white men in suits out for unhinged profit maximization, and nobody likes that.
Our family just went to Dollywood and preferred it to Disneyworld. It’s wasnt crazy crowded. Great rides. We bought the fast pass and it was actually worth it and got our moneys worth. Grounds were clean. People seemed to take pride in working there. Just a great time.
Disney is a money sucking machine now. Parks are crowded from lines to dining to shows. It’s brutal, and they just keep charging more and more for everything.
I am going there for the first time next month instead of our annual trip to Disney World, and I am so excited!
Hope you enjoy it. Try the cinnamon bread, it’s fantastic!
It’s a fun park! My only complaint is it took forever to get something to eat. Bring some snacks!!
I kinda laughed dollywood off when I heard about. I went last year. It blew me away. I would say its definitely in my top 5 theme parks I've been too, (maybe 3). Both in theme and rides. Highly recommend it
People forget how savvy of a businesswoman Dolly is. A theme park is a good way to mix real estate with the entertainment industry, and to draw in money/investment/tourism from all over the world increasing productivity and job numbers in the area. I'm surprised no other entertainers have done something like this; the property alone has probably at least 10xed since she bought it.
I like going to Dollywood in the off season cause the only people there are seniors who wanna look at the crafts and see the shows, meanwhile there's no one in line for the rides
But bring a change of clothes. I went to their fall festival in October (many years ago), and I was amazed at the non-existent lines for the water rides. My first ride I got drenched. Then I hit that cold autumn air. I was freezing for the rest of the day.
Love dollywood. Been to a ton of theme parks but dollywood is by far my favorite. Very clean. The abundance of trees helps keep the temperature reasonable. The artisans are really something else.
I hope when dolly passes that they still take care of the park and the employees.
Why do I have a feeling more and more people will start going to Dollywood for good wholesome family fun instead of Disneyland and all the controversy they’ve recently experienced?
Oh wow what did they do now? 😂 I stopped supporting them after the new Mulan movie
You realize that Dolly is a fierce advocate for the LGBT community, right? Take your bigotry somewhere else. Dolly doesn't want you in her park.
Dollywood doesn't have an agenda, but Disney does
Dollywood is an amazing park, far better in just about every measure (yes, including theming and atmosphere) than any of the parks at Disney World, and Dolly Parton deserves all the credit she gets for her long-term investments into the park and the Sevierville area as a whole
“Dr. Robert F. Thomas, was a mighty mighty man, and he delivered more than half the babies in this county, and among them he delivered me” ❤️ such a good song of hers
Funny story time. The Hershend family contacted Dolly after a 20/20 interview where she said she wanted to start a theme park. Dolly’s philanthropy is amazing for not only the region. But the entire state and country
That's the way I heard it too. The Hershends saw that TV story and were like "Uhh, we aren't going to try to compete with Dolly!" and offered her a partnership instead.
Dolly is a queen. First visited last year, beautiful place! Honestly my second favorite amusement park behind Disneyworld (but that’s hard to top)!
Disney is easily the nicest theme park, no way to beat it with that kind of money but Dollywood is definitely a nice park worth the trip!
Dolly Parton is a national treasure and a living legend. She is pure class, character, niceness, honesty and politeness personified.
Dolly is the most wholesome person, I love her so much
Okay, That is going to be my next goal!! Thanks for this! Do a complete coverage on the park!! This grandma really loves your channel!
As someone who is both a coaster nerd and an absolute admirer of Dolly Parton, I've been wanting to visit this park for a long time! It was awesome to hear about the history of this place - it really is fascinating.
The coasters are fantastic! I actually almost hurled and I never get sick on rides lol
I visited what was then Silver Dollar City in 1981. It reminded me a lot of Knott's Berry Farm during the 1970s. The frontier theming was a lot like the western theming I grew up with in Southern California.
Nowadays, I'm familiar with Dollywood as a partner with the American Eagle Foundation. Both organizations celebrate American Eagle Day on June 20th.
I feel like the real question is, why does Dolly only have _one_ theme park?
Agreed!
She doesn't have any.
i live in southern illinois, and while i am a decent drive away from Dollywood, Dolly’s work, kindness and compassion does so much for people in rural midwest! She is a cornerstone of so many communities, and she works so hard to give back, especially in her home region. Dollywood is one of the most beautiful, well maintained, and entertaining amusement parks I’ve been too, with by far some of the best staff you’ll ever have the pleasure to interact with!!
I miss The Thunder Express soooo much. I’m from the area and grew up with this roller coaster but so many have forgotten it. It’s a precious gem in my memory, just like thunder road, tennessee twister, and the river ride with mannequin escapees jump scaring you as you float along. Hope you enjoy your time in East Tennessee with us. Dolly has imprinted positively on our little part of the map and has been there to help during disasters and gave us programs to improve literacy. If you have time come Morristown to visit Panther Creek State Park or visit the home of Davy Crockett Museum. Enjoy the your time here in the smokies.
If you do only one thing at Dollywood it should be going to the Grist Mill and getting a warm loaf of cinnamon bread. That alone will get you coming back year after year. Seriously. It’s that good.
i went to dollywood with my family in september and had NO IDEA how much fun we would have. we went there for two days and were never bored. i had no idea the roller coasters would be so good! and the staff was so friendly. definitely recommend.
Can't wait to hear your first-hand review, Luke. Really seems like an incredibly themed park
Beautifully narrated! My parents brought me and mu siblings to the park in 1988 when I was in 7th grade and I loved riding the train and taking photos from the train out the window. Besides the train, seeing the glassblowing was my favorite and all of the craftsmen shops were fascinating.
Hey Luke! Great video. Excited for you to experience Dollywood for the first time. I grew up making trips to the Smoky Mountains and Dollywood was a highlight when the family would agree to splurge on the tickets. Granted, it's far cheaper than a Disney or Universal park but it's definitely the "e-ticket" experience in the area. Dollywood is high on my list of non-Disney/Universal parks in terms of quality.
While you're in the area, if you have the time, definitely go up to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It's free entry and has lots of great places to hike. Waterfalls, dense forests, old rounded mountains with the distinctive "smoke" that give the mountains that bluish-gray tint in the distance. Plenty of things to see.
I think you will find the surrounding communities entertaining. Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg are a hodge podge of southern small town, mountain community, and tourist trap filled with all sorts of weird attractions (looking at you wonderworks, titanic museum, Ripley's haunted house, Ripley's believe it or not, and the infinite number of fudge stands and pancake cabins). Heck, Gatlinburg has a ski resort (Ober Gatlinburg) open year round. A new Buccee's location off I-40 in Sevierville is being constructed. It's part of a chain of gas stations originating in Texas that have the largest layout of it's kind. If they open by the time you will be visiting, definitely stop there and take a look at just how big that spot is. Great BBQ and store branded food and merch. Good spot for fairly priced gas and a clean restroom to boot!
Looking forward to your follow up review
Dolly is my very distant cousin, but she still comes to family reunions, sends merry Christmas cards, and will remember our birthdays. I love you Dolly!
Hope you have a great time! I love Dollywood ; it's very kitchy and fun.
the chance I might run into reviewtyme while I'm at Dollywood in a few weeks is mind-blowing
I've only been to Dollywood once but it was lovely! Very relaxed feel, but well kept and really beautiful. Mystery Mine was my favorite ride, I loved it's combination of dark ride and coaster!
Dollywood is one of the best parks in the world, you’re going to love it! Have fun there!
Dolly is a good old fashioned sort at heart. Where as time has moved and in her success, Dolly never forgot her roots, values and traditions. Dolly recreated her own home, the closest comfort to many. Dolly is more popular now than what she was back in her hey day. If that is ever possible.
Really great retrospective, looking forward to you review of the park when you visit in just a few weeks!
i respect all channels that time stamp sponsors.
While Dolly Parton is an overall great person it seems, and Dollywood no doubt benefits Tennessee greatly- let's not be mistaken here, it's also made her boat loads of money
Make sure you go to the ole grist mill and grab a loaf or two of cinnamon bread. It's so good I bought a cinnamon bread t shirt
Dollywood is awesome and so much fun !! I went in 2012 as Wild Eagle opened and was blown away with the style and impact of the world class rides … the home style food is a hoot too !! Tennessee Tornado is a must do too .
Great video , thanks and look forward to your review
It’s Wild Eagle
@@volssuperfan3339 bloody auto correct
Ty
That song in the background of your sponsorship is so nostalgic. Rct3 theme music
Wow! Must be hell of long, long, long flight or flights for you to get there! Have a pleasant trip!
Why does Dolly have her own park?
Because she's Dolly!!
Hey fellow Aussie. We're heading over in October. Excited to see your review post going.
I always asked myself this question because it's so just so unusual. Glad to get an answer from you guys!
I’m born and raised from East Tennessee and live maybe an hour at most from Dolly Wood. I go there and back on day trips a lot. It definitely isn’t like Disney World where it’s ginormous, pricey, and can’t be just a day trip for those who don’t live in the area price wise I mean. It really deserves more credit then it gets. It’s quite innovative when it comes to the roller coasters. Of course it has those old classic theme park rides but the coasters are the best. I’ve always love the shops too. We have some wonderful local candle makers there at the moment as well as some beautiful crystals since honestly the East TN area is a good place to find crystals and gemstones. It will never be Disney but it doesn’t need to be. It’s Dolly. The park shines simply because you can tell there was so much thought and care put into it and Dolly is so genuinely proud of what she’s created.
can't wait to see your review after your visit.
A real church is also present in my home park Gardaland in Italy!
I live 4 hrs from Dollywood and I love it. I try to go adleast onse a year but haven’t due to Covid plan on going later this year. Bjt it’s a great place and it’s something u want to go back to
I love theme parks that are set in picturesque settings. Dollywood and Busch Gardens Williamsburg are blessed with gorgeous scenery.
Dollywood is charm and cute theme park and simple happy
Dolly Parton is such a literal beacon of joy. She never let fame get to her head, and constantly is sharing her wealth with those who may need it
I’m from Atlanta but as a kid we would take field trips to Dollywood. Always amazing
Great Video mate
using the background music from RCT3 took my back to my childhood. havent heard that track in years. will have to fire that game up again soon.
Thanks again for world class content dude :) love your work
You will love it dude! I had a great time there!
The butterfly dress is beautiful! Never saw one like that one.
Luke. I'm so excited for you. If you are a fan of her music, Dolly sometimes visits the park (unannounced) Her visit there is as or even more thrilling than the rides you'll find there. Her park & Silver Dollar City have both received the prestigious "Applause Award" For Outstanding Themed Park. Make sure you get a cinnamon bun!
OMG, that hoodie... I just can't... Great video!
I’d read a book called, Why Dolly Parton is better than Walt Disney. For science.
Excuse Me?
@@racheljackson4428 The book in the video! I’d read it if it was real haha
i adore dolly, she’s such an incredible person and hugely inspirational
I will always love you, Dolly Parton. Your “Coat of Many Colours” backstory hit straight to my heart as a little poor kid who sometimes didn’t even have a matching pair of shoes. And it’s not a front, you really are a good’un.
🌈❤️
I live in the area and have been several times. The Wild Eagle is a must ride. It's smooth and enjoyable. I hate the Mystery Mine so much lol. The only thing that really sucks though is the tourist traffic it contributes to.
Never knew that Dolly has a theme park! Now I wanna go.
Being from Ohio all my life and going to many amusement parks around the east coast with family, and even with Kings Island and Cedar Point as my home parks. I've gotta say Dollywood is easily a favorite park to go to, such a beautiful place to visit with amazing rides. I'm a huge fan of Mystery Mine and lightning rod! Cannot wait to get back again soon.
I looked this up I don't remember exactly how it began but I know that she did serve on the board of directors for the park at one point and she did resign because there were some issues but because it's her name she makes significant income from that park to the point that she doesn't really perform any country music anymore
I love SDC and want to go to Dollywood eventually!
I’ve always wanted to go here. And why not!? She’s legend
And her reason for not riding her own rides, made me laugh out loud. She’s funny too!
You will love Dollywood, it has a ton of charm and nothing there is cheap: everything is well done and integrated nicely. BTW here are some recommendations to maximize your day:
1. If you want all the coaster credits skip LROD and go ride Fire Chaser Express first thing, that ride gets a very long line very quickly and unlike LROD it doesn't have a single rider line. After that go to Dragonflyer because it only has one train and it also gets an insanely long line and if it's open do Mystery Mine after (another low capacity ride that gets a long wait). When you ride LROD use the single rider line, you won't get to pick where you go and you can't ride with your partner but the wait time is easily less than half the regular queue line. The other rides aren't much of an issue and will probably have somewhere between 30-40 min wait most of the day at most.
2. The train runs every hour if you want to ride the train get there 10-20 min early or you won't be able to ride it.
3. The food here is awesome no matter where you go it's not just standard amusement park food. The Skillet and Granny's are probably the best places. Oh and don't forget to stop by the Grist Mill and get cinnamon bread, it's very good.
4. Make sure to stop at Valley Wood Carvers, there is a little Easter egg there that's easy to miss if you don't know about it. It's a little wood carved mouse that in a tiny hole on the desk in the back, it's a tribute to a long time employee
I’m born and raised in Tennessee and I’ve never been to that part of Tennessee at all, including Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg 😭😭
8:11 Bob Hope!
She has one because she’s one of the greatest performers and human beings to have ever walked the earth.
because of those huge beefers. its a show of respect for them
Why wouldn’t you?! I would have one, too! 😂 Dollywood is on my bucket list! I love Dolly! 😄💕
Rebel town looks fun id pay alot for that experience.
I've been here and I love it!
I am so desperate to visit this park :) I would especially love to visit it during its halloween event
you guys should be bigger, you guys are awesome
I just want to go for the food. Some of the best from what I’ve heard
Dollywood was the best part of my childhood!
Kinda incredible that the origins of Dollywood was based off Tweetsie railroad, and that even as that park changed hands loads of times, Tweetsie is still there! I spent many a summer holiday at both those parks, although Tweetsie was undoubtedly much smaller.
Honestly, this is a super interesting story
How do people get there flying? It's not really near a major city. Do you guys buy stay on site?
My family visited Rebel Railroad when I was about 10 years old.
Love Dolly!!!!!
Every once in a while, you can meet Dolly at the park.
I once had my own near-Parton experience.
I went last year and it was amazing
Hey happy Friday and happy Easter Dolly Parton hope you enjoy your weekend I love your Dollywood park I'm looking at the video now looks beautiful like you're in fantasy Island looking at the park I wish I could come there sometime I like to see dolly in person yeah one on one thank you and God bless you 🙏💕💕💕💕🐰🐰🦋🦋🦋🦋🌹🌹🌹🌹💋💋💋🤠🥰🎸🎤🎵🎼🎶
Great place for children. It's so good my Disney money vacations there.
she seems wholesome and charming in all the right ways.
Because she's Dolly freaking Parton, my dude. No other explanation needed. She's an icon, a national treasure, and the embodiment of everything good in this world.
Hes british
@@tiredandsleepy69 that's no excuse Lol. Dolly is worldwide!
@@earthdaddy is she tho
@@tiredandsleepy69Definitely. If anyone doesn't know, they should. Maybe you should do some more research about the things she's done to help people all over the world and come back.
Catholics have Mother Theresa and the Pope. Us Southerners have MRS. DOLLY PARTON & sweet tea. The two sweetest things South of the Mason Dixon Line.
i would want to go for the church service ...church and rides? Awesome combination God bless her