Roller coasters, musical shows, restaurants—my goodness! With more than 50 rides and attractions spread across 160 acres, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to do at Dollywood. Luckily, Dolly Parton told us what she loves most about the theme park.
Dollywood is one of the most popular theme parks in the country, in part because it is designed specifically for families and offers fun for both young and old.
“We have a little bit of everything – it all depends on how you want to spend your day,” Parton told Travel + Leisure magazine. “If you have kids, they want to ride roller coasters. If you’re a couple, people like to look at arts and crafts. Women like to go to any place where they can buy clothes, shoes, handbags and merchandise.”
As the park’s “Dreamer-In-Chief,” she told the magazine what she loves most about Dollywood.
What is Dolly Parton’s favorite food at Dollywood?
Dollywood has several restaurants within the park, including the Front Porch Café, Grist Mill and the award-winning Aunt Granny’s.
Parton’s favorite food at Dollywood, however, isn’t the park’s famous cinnamon bread. It’s the funnel cake, available at Crossroads Funnel Cakes and Splinter’s Funnel Cakes.
“I always say someone bring me a funnel cake before the day is over!” Parton revealed.
What is Dolly Parton’s favorite attraction at Dollywood?
All the thrill seekers out there deserve a lot of respect, but Parton is not one of them. Dollywood opened its longest and most expensive roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain, last year. You won’t see Parton on it or any of the other roller coasters, though.
“I think I would lose my hair. I think I would lose my nerve before I even started,” she told USA TODAY last year.
Instead, she enjoys participating in the Festival of Nations in Dollywood.
“It was really fun because I got to try out all kinds of costumes,” she recalls.
She also told Travel + Leisure how much she enjoyed the different dishes. “They brought me samples of all the dishes from all these different countries – it was great!” she said.
What is Dolly Parton’s favorite show at Dollywood?
The “Queen of Country” can’t have a theme park without music. The park hosts concerts and musical performances every day. “Forever Country,” “Good Vibes,” and “The Kingdom Heirs” are just a few of the long-running shows.
“So many country singers got their start here at Dollywood and that’s really a wonderful compliment for us!” Parton noted.
Heidi Parton’s Kin and Friends, featuring Dolly’s niece, is one of Dolly’s favorite shows. The show premiered earlier this year as a companion piece to Dollywood’s newest attraction, the Dolly Parton Experience.
“I was very impressed. There is so much talent, not only in my family, but among all the young talent,” Parton said.
The simple things are important
Dollywood is a busy theme park, and you can spend all day exploring the rides and enjoying the food, but one small detail you see as you leave is one of the things Parton is most proud of.
Near the exits of Dollywood and Splash Country water parks, there is a sign that reads “I Will Always Love You.” The sign is signed by Parton and is inspired by the title of her iconic song.
“When they’re exhausted and want to go back to their rooms or wherever they’re from, it’s like saying, ‘Dolly loves us. She said thank you in her own way.’ I love those little touches that make people feel like I said something personal to them on the way out,” she said.
And the message isn’t just a nice quote. “I feel that way,” she added. “I appreciate the people who come through here.”
A theme park with a higher purpose
Dollywood is designed around Dolly Parton, but its mission goes far beyond the music mogul.
Revenue from the theme parks funds Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to children under 5. Proceeds go toward incentives that benefit Dollywood employees and help the communities of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, where Parton grew up.
“They feel like they’re doing business with us, and that’s a good feeling for us,” Parton said of supporting local businesses.
What does Dolly Parton like most about Dollywood?
What she likes most about the park, Parton says, is that it is a place where families can come together and feel at home.
“I’m really proud that this is very family-oriented,” she said. “We’re big on family. Just walk through the doors and you know what to do.”
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing to knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News Sentinel: What does Dolly Parton like best about Dollywood?
