BIG UPDATE:

I'm sorry I haven't updated DWfans in a week or so but I have a BIG update for yall!

Starting with the 2009 Dollywood map!
http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DW/09_DWD_Generic_Guide_Map.pdf

Secondly I have for you all the first 2 entertainment schedules for the 2009 season:
Entertainment Schedule March 28 - 29, 2009 (1,085 KB)

Entertainment Schedule March 30 - April 5, 2009 (159 KB)


More updates coming soon!

Dollywood gets first state ride inspection

The state of Tennessee has begun inspecting amusement rides, and Dollywood signed up to be first on the list in East Tennessee.
The inspections came about as a result of a state law that went into effect at the beginning of this year. Dollywood already got private inspections, but it encouraged the state to have a look as well.
The law requires all rides, big or small, to meet the same safety standards.
The inspections will take place twice per year at fixed park rides and on a sporadic schedule for traveling rides.



LINK TO WBIR STORY PAGE
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=81619&catid=2

Mountain Press - New Dollywood road project nears completion

Derek Hodges/The Mountain Press
PIGEON FORGE — Work is nearing completion on a project to make getting into or by Dollywood from McCarter Hollow Road easier and that means area drivers will soon have some new patterns to learn.According to Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens, the bulk of the work will be completed by the time Dollywood opens March 27. However, an effort to remake the parking area for Dollywood's Splash Country that will eventually lead to a new traffic light on Veterans Boulevard will likely continue until that park opens in May, Owens said.

The work includes widening McCarter Hollow Road and extending the turn lanes into Dollywood. Park officials have said that will make traffic flow better through the area and in the turn lanes on Veterans Boulevard. The Dollywood Company is splitting the bill for that work, expected to top out somewhere between $7 million and $8 million, with the city of Pigeon Forge.



Beyond adding lanes, workers with Charles Blalock & Sons - the lead contractor for the project - are also putting the finishing touches on a new bridge on McCarter Hollow Road, which has been detoured twice as the work has continued and now takes drivers over a temporary roadway through Dollywood's lot. That overpass will allow for the construction of a road between the parking areas for the two parks, which sit on opposite sides of McCarter Hollow, and will mean all traffic for both attractions will be funneled through the one main traffic entrance.



To make that change, which Owens said will make it easier and safer for drivers going to or by the parks, a considerable amount of work is being done on the parking lots. The current entrance to the Splash Country lot will soon be closed, with a new driveway between the two completed.



New parking will be added in both areas and a new exit from Splash Country directly onto Veterans Boulevard will be constructed. That work will likely last through April and will add a traffic light on Veterans, Owens said.



"People coming through that area will have to pay attention because there will be a new traffic pattern through that area soon," he said.



The project has been years in the planning, with the park's ability to recently acquire two properties that abutted the Dollywood parking lots helping to grow the scope of the work. City officials agreed late last year to finance no more than half the total cost of the project, with a cap of $4 million on the portion paid from public coffers.

(SOURCE: Mountain Press)

Thrills In The Hills: REGISTRATION UPDATE!

You can now register for the Thrills in the hills event at Dollywood!

This event takes place May 22, 23 and 24 and offers coaster experiences you won’t find anywhere but Dollywood. Thrills in the Hills admission is just $85 regular; $75 child; and $50 adult Dollywood season passholder and $40 child Dollywood season passholder. Participants get exclusive ride time on Thunderhead, Dollywood's Great Coasters International wooden wonder, named No. 1 in the world in 2005 and 2006. Brave Mystery Mine, the Gerstlauer "showster" named 2007 best new attraction by Theme Park Insider. Twist through the Tennessee Tornado- -the last looping mine-train coaster Arrow Engineering built and deemed the best by many. Explore the Blazing Fury, one of only two rides of its kind in the world. And we're just getting started.

The entire three-day Thrills in the Hills package offers participants flexibility. If you can’t make it for exclusive ride times on Friday night, head to Dollywood on Saturday for more exclusive ride time, a spectacular meal with an informative Q & A session. You might even find yourself aboard Dollywood’s new $5 million River Battle for a special “enthusiast only” water fight. For even more Thrills in the Hills, make sure you purchase a ticket to Dolly’s Dixie Stampede ($25) for an incredible four-course meal and show on Saturday night. Add on a ticket to Dollywood’s Splash Country ($15) and soak up some sun on Sunday with more exclusive ride time at this spectacular Smoky Mountain water adventure park. Discover why the Travel Channel named Dollywood’s Splash Country "one of the best in the world" for the past five years.

Register now for Dollywood’s Thrills in the Hills and receive a free commemorative t-shirt, pin and patch! Click here to register, and we’ll see you at Dollywood’s Thrills in the Hills!

Dolly visits DC about GSMNP (Sha-Kon-O-Hey!)

Dollymania.com has uploaded a video to youtube featuring Dolly Parton is DC. The video features a speech about the GSMNP and also has a few songs from the new musical at Dollywood "Sha-Kon-O-Hey!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx9-MSIdNgc


Enjoy!

Journey to the center of the earth 4d

Dollywood has updated their KidsFEST page with information on their newest 4d attraction "Journey to the center of the earth 4d adventure". ENJOY!

Journey to the Center of the Earth™ 4d

Come along for the ride of your life as Brendan Fraser stars as Professor Trevor Anderson along with his teen-aged nephew Sean and their mountain guide, Hannah, in the action-packed Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D adventure! The trio encounters a series of hair-raising close calls only to discover there is just one way out of this incredible odyssey! Their quest to discover a lost world will leave you on the edge of your seat.

2009 Season Dates: June 12 - August 2
Building or Area of Park: Adventures in Imagination
Minimum Height Requirement: 42 inches
This is an Indoor attraction.
Associated Festivals & Events:
KidsFest (June 12 - Aug. 2, 2009)

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © New Line Productions, Inc. and Walden Media, LLC. (s08)

Dollywood and Dollywood Splash Country Job Fair

Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country Job Fair

Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country will be conducting a Job Fair to be held on Saturday, February 28th 2009 for seasonal positions.

To find out more information or to schedule an appointment for an interview, please call 865-428-3386 or 865-428-9510 starting Monday, February 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

An appointment is required to attend the Job Fair.

Here is a link to the original page on Dollywood.com
http://www.dollywood.com/employment/

Imaginé Update

Dollywood has posted some clips of Imaginé to their festivals page. I have provided a link below for you so you can check it out!

http://festivals.dollywood.com/
ENJOY!

Thrills in the hills 2009

This event takes place May 22, 23 and 24 and offers coaster experiences you won’t find anywhere but Dollywood.

Thrills in the Hills admission is just $85 regular; $75 child; $50 adult Dollywood season passholder and $40 child Dollywood season passholder.

Participants get exclusive ride time on Thunderhead, Dollywood's Great Coasters International wooden wonder, named No. 1 in the world in 2005 and 2006. Brave Mystery Mine, the Gerstlauer "showster" named 2007 best new attraction by Theme Park Insider. Twist through the Tennessee Tornado- -the last looping mine-train coaster Arrow Engineering built and deemed the best by many. Explore the Blazing Fury, one of only two rides of its kind in the world. And we're just getting started.

The entire three-day Thrills in the Hills package offers participants flexibility.

If you can’t make it for exclusive ride times on Friday night, head to Dollywood on Saturday for more exclusive ride time, a spectacular meal with an informative Q & A session.
You might even find yourself aboard Dollywood’s River Battle for a special “enthusiast only” water fight.

For even more Thrills in the Hills, make sure you purchase a ticket to Dolly’s Dixie Stampede ($25) for an incredible four-course meal and show on Saturday night. Add on a ticket to Dollywood’s Splash Country ($15) and soak up some sun on Sunday with more exclusive ride time at this spectacular Smoky Mountain water adventure park. Discover why the Travel Channel named Dollywood’s Splash Country "one of the best in the world" for the past five years.

Keep watching for information on registration!

(Information from Dollywood.com)

CALLING ALL PIN TRADERS!

Inviting All Dollywood Pin Traders!
Pinny Barter’s Pin Post is moving. Come be the first to see Pinny’s new place.

When: March 21, 2009
Where: Dollywood Emporium
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

There will be delicious cookies and punch served, the Design-A-Pin contest winner will be announced and there will be hourly drawings for great prizes. Make plans now to join us!

BECOME A MEMBER!

2009 Membership Benefits for New Members ($50)
Exclusive Pin Trader's Membership CardExclusive Pin Trader's Club PinExclusive Pin Trader's Club T-ShirtExclusive Pin Trader's Club HatExclusive Right to Reserve up to 2 of Each Pin for Purchase by contacting us at pintrading@dollywood.com.

2009 Membership Benefits for Renewing Members ($30)
Exclusive Right to Reserve up to 2 of Each Pin for Purchase by contacting us at pintrading@dollywood.com.Keep watching here for more details on membership benefits for renewing members.

Pin trading is a great way to meet some great people and make new friends!!!

2009 membership dues are $50 for new members, $30 for renewing members. Membership is valid from purchase date through January 2, 2010. Join the Pin Trader's Club today!

Dollywood featured on the Price is right!

A trip to Dollywood was featured on the price is right on February 11, 2009!

Take a look at the clip below! (It also features one of the worst clock games ever!)

FREE Sha-Kon-O-Hey! CD Offer

"FREE Sha-Kon-O-Hey! CD Offer"

Get Dolly’s new Sha-Kon-O-Hey! CD FREE with the purchase of a 2009 Gold Pass! Enjoy all eight of the brand-new songs Dolly wrote that are featured in Sha-Kon-O-Hey!, Dollywood’s newest stage show which premieres May 9 in DP’s Celebrity Theatre. A $10 value, the CD includes the powerful title track along with the poignant “My Mountains, My Home” as well as the six additional songs that take audiences on a spectacular musical journey to the heart and soul of the Smoky Mountains. (CDs may also be purchased at the Dollywood Emporium, Dixie Stampede or on the Great Smoky Mountain Association website.)

For every CD included with a Gold Pass purchase, Dollywood will make a donation to Friends of the Smokies, a non-profit organization devoted to preserving and protecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness. Purchase season passes now!
(Offer valid with Gold Pass purchases made now through March 15, 2009, only.)

Dollywood's 2009 Regular Season Brochure!

Dollywood has release their 2009 Regular season brochure filled with upcoming events throughout the 2009 season.

CLICK HERE

Dolly Parton comes to DC and MD to sing praises of TN

Dolly Parton is coming to Washington, DC and suburban Maryland to sing the praises of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its 75th anniversary.

FULL STORY CLICK HERE

http://www.examiner.com/x-983-DC-Art-Travel-Examiner~y2009m2d6-Dolly-Parton-comes-to-DC-and-MD-to-sing-praises-of-TN

2009 Dollywood and Splash Country Information

Dollywood has release a lot of information requarding their 2009 season:

2009 Regular Season Brochure:
LINK: http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DW/Dw_Broch09.pdf

2009 Rides HeightRestrictions
LINK: http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DW/DW_HRestrictions.pdf

2009: DW Operations Schedule
LINK: http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DW/DW_OpCalendar_2009.pdf

2009 Doggywood Information
LINK: http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DW/DW_Doggywood09.pdf

-----------DOLLYWOOD'S SPLASH COUNTRY INFO----------------------------------------

2009 DSC Operation Schedule
LINK: http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DSC/DSC_OpCalendar_2009.pdf

2009 DSC Birthday Party Information
LINK: http://hfeimages.aristotle.net/General/DSC/DSC_Birthday.pdf

We Have Some Updated 2009 Information!

Dollywood will reopen for the 2009 season on March 28th 2009.

If you are a season pass holder, the sneak preview day will be March 27th 2009. I am not sure of the time yet, but when I find out I will surly post it!

Also anyone interested in Doggywood for 2009 season information is updated on the following link.
INFORMATION

BELOW IS A CALENDAR FOR THE 2009 SEASON OF DOLLWOOD:

Dates & Hours subject to chage without notice

HFEC's Wild Adventure's off season NEWS!

[NOT DW NEWS BUT INTERESTING]
Exciting times lie ahead for Wild Adventures, which along with Kennywood has found a great way to make money in the off-season...

by renting themselves out to a film crew to shoot a major film onsite. Yes, it seems Wild Adventures will become home to a film crew shooting the film Zombieland, starting around February 9th according to this post to Aint It Cool News. They were having locals audition to play jacked-up super-zombies not too long ago (ie: 28 Days Later) and the film will star Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone (Superbad) and Jesse Eiseberg (Adventureland). So if your a local and get in on this, please do send info and maybe some photos my way. Zombie flicks and Theme Parks... a beautiful match.

(Source: Screamscape.com)

Parking Lot Update!

Parking lot 1 Parking lot 2 New Pavilion at DSC!

(CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE!)

Dollywood is hard at work building that new tunnel under the road to connect the Dollywood and Splash Country parking lots as you can see in these photos. Also, a picture of the new Big River Pavilion.

(From Screamscape.com)

Group Outings Are In at Dollywood’s Splash Country’s New Big River Pavilion

Are you ready to dive into your next family reunion . . .looking to make a big splash with your next pool party . . . but you don’t have a pool? You can use our pools plus the awesome water slides and other attractions when you host your next get-together at Dollywood’s Splash Country’s new Big River Pavilion.

Groups of 40 or more can reserve this great new facility; maximum seating capacity is 96. (Dollywood’s Splash Country admission is required.) Groups may use the pavilion for three hours free of charge with the purchase of at least 40 catered meals.

The new facility is open on three sides, so everyone can enjoy the best of the outdoors. Features include restrooms exclusively for pavilion patrons. Food service and drink stations are provided, and a small sound system and podium are available. Guests can even add their own decorations to create a more festive setting (time permitting).

Visit www.dollywoodsplashcountry.com for more info

Dollywood Emprium Extends Operation!

Although the park is closed, the Dollywood Emporium is openWednesday - Sunday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Season Passes now on sale!

Purchase/Renew a Dollywood Season Pass by February 25, 2009 and receive:

>$10 Instant Discount on each set of 3 passes purchased

>2009 Pre-Season Prices Lowest prices of the season

>One Spring BRING-A-FRIEND FREE Coupon (Valid Sunday - Friday, April 29 - May 31, 2009)

>One Spring BRING-A-FRIEND HALF-PRICE Coupon (Valid Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23 or 30, 2009)

>One BRING-A-KID FREE Coupon (Valid any operating day, June 12 - July 5, 2009)

>One 2 FOR 1 GAME Coupon (Expires June 7, 2009)

Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque

Don't miss out on one of the most facinating shows in Dollywood history...
Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque

The unimaginable becomes spellbinding reality as a cast of premier international performers set the stage for mystery and intrigue in Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque. The big top isn’t large enough to contain these daring acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, clowns and high wire artists as they amaze audiences at Dollywood with their athletic ability, lavish costumes, dynamic lighting, mesmerizing music and breathtaking feats.

Performance Dates: March 28 - April 27, 2009
Performance dates and information are subject to change without notice.
Building or Area of Park: DP's Celebrity Theatre

DWFans Moves! and relaunches!

DWFans news and info site is now up and running.

Here you will find info about upcoming events, shows, rides and much information about Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tn.