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Dollywood announces a $300 million investment

plan over the next 10 years

Update : 27/08/13 - 18h27 Published by François Mayné the 25 August 2013, New.

The company behind the Dollywood entertainment destination in Pigeon Forge, USA, has unveiled a massive 10-year $300 million investment plan that will include the addition of new attractions and resorts, resulting in the creation of more than 2,500 new jobs in the region.

Dollywood announces a $300 million investment plan over the next 10 years.

Led by famous country singer Dolly Parton who has been partners with Herschend Family Entertainment to operate the facilities since 1985, Dollywood has become one of the most popular theme park destination in America and is regularly awarded by trade associations for the quality of its offering. Located in heart of the natural surrounding of Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, the property features a 150-acre theme park (Applause Award holder), a 35-acre water park (Dollywood's Splash Country) and lodgings (Dollywood Cabins) for an annual attendance of over 2.5 million guests.

First details on the phase 1 of the investment plan, more exactly for the 2014-2015 period, have been disclosed during a press conference. Two years after the opening of the country's first wing coaster Wild Eagle (designed by Bolliger & Mabillard) and one year after the opening of Tennessee’s first and only water coaster RiverRush (supplied by ProSlide), Dollywood will add another innovative new ride to its theme park with the nation's first dual-launch family coaster.

Named FireChaser Express, the ride will be inspired by the local fire stations with the front-vehicle of the train themed like an old fire truck. Designed by German manufacturer Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, the track – whose layout has not been disclosed by the park – will be 2,427-feet (740-meters) long for a maximum height of 12 stories. The train will travel forward and backward, leaving the loading station in one direction and returning in the opposite direction.

Phase 1 of the investment plan includes the opening of US's first dual-launch family coaster: FireChaser Express (2014)

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort is scheduled to open in 2015 as part of the company's 30th anniversary celebrations.

To mark the company’s 30th anniversary in 2015, Dollywood will open the 300-room Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, its second venture in the lodging industry. Situated on 100 acres of land (40.4 ha) at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the hotel will feature a large variety of accommodations, a full-service restaurant, an indoor pool, a spa, an amphitheater for outdoor entertainment, an event lawn with craft demonstrations and special entertainment as well as 8,000 square feet (743 sqm) of indoor meeting space.

“With Dolly Parton’s vision and world-class properties like Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark as our foundation, The Dollywood Company is poised to become a family vacation destination like no other,” said Craig Ross, President of The Dollywood Company. “Dolly welcomes folks into her home and her heart, and our plans to grow and expand The Dollywood Company are steeped in her desire to bring families closer together by creating experiences delivered from the heart.”

According to an independent economic impact study commissioned by The Dollywood Company, the new project destinations and hospitality investments will add $150 million annually to the local economy. Additionally, more than $7 million in state and local taxes will be generated by the company’s 10-year investments while most of the jobs created will impact positively the hospitality and construction industries.

Herschend Family Entertainment - Gerstlauer Amusement Rides - Ride Entertainment Group - Hotel / Lodging / Hospitality - Roller Coasters - - - - -

Written by François Mayné

François Mayné Publishing Director » Contact Us
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IAAPA Attractions Expo
(26 articles found)

IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 debuts next week in Orlando read more

World theme park capital Orlando is about to welcome the global attractions industry for the 2013 edition of IAAPA Attractions Expo, the annual...

EVENT | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on November 10, 2013

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The NewsParcs' Theme Park Supplier's News of the Week is a round-up of the latest news relative to companies supplying the theme park industry around the world. This weekly report covers topics such as corporate announcements, ...

NEW | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on October 13, 2013

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NEW | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on July 23, 2013

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NEW | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on July 9, 2013

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FEATURE | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on February 6, 2013

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The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has made a positive assessment of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2012, the...

EVENT | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on December 7, 2012

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CORPORATE | IAAPA Attractions Expo - Published on November 25, 2012

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The Board of Governors of The Applause Award, one of the most prestigious award within the amusement and theme park industry, has announced the...