Dollywood is set to undergo its largest-ever expansion with the $37 million addition of a new nature-themed land called Wildwood Grove, the park announced.
Slated to open at the Great Smoky Mountain theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 2019, Wildwood Grove will feature 11 all-new experiences, including six exciting ride attractions such as a suspended family roller coaster called The Dragonflier, the Sycamore Swing, The Mad Mockingbird, Treetop Tower, Frogs and Fireflies and Black Bear Trail.
Guests can also look forward to the 55-foot-tall Wildwood Tree, a new Southwest-style restaurant called Till & Harvest, live entertainment experiences and several indoor and outdoor play areas for families, including Hidden Hollow, a 4,000-square-foot climate-controlled indoor play space.
Meanwhile, Wildwood Creek will feature pop jets, splashing pools and instruments for guests to play.
"We have continued to expand and develop Dollywood over the last several years but Wildwood Grove is the first expansion of the park's footprint since we added Wilderness Pass in 2008," said The Dollywood Company President Craig Ross in a statement.
"We've also incorporated many of their [guests] requests for certain amenities that help make their visit more enjoyable. In Wildwood Grove, you'll find more charging stations, a climate-controlled indoor space for play, larger respite locations, additional play areas which are more inclusive for everyone, and more entertainment opportunities for every member of the family."
The historic expansion is part of the company's 2013 commitment to invest $300 million over a 10-year period. The announcement also comes amid record attendance at the family-friendly theme park.
"It is rare in our industry that a park adds a new land in its entirety. Attendance has continued to increase-we've set attendance records each of the last six years and we're having a strong season this year-so this new area helps satisfy consumer needs as guests have more room to spread out, imagine and explore another chapter in the epic Dollywood story," concluded Ross.
Now through September 2, guests can reserve their 2019 season pass to lock in the current 2018 rate and ensure they're among the first to experience Wildwood Grove when it opens next year.
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