Our 2022 Golden Ticket Awards Ballot

With the Golden Ticket Awards presented by Amusement Today being announced this coming weekend in San Antonio at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, I figured it would be interesting to our readers to get some insight into the awards categories, who we voted for and our rationale behind it.

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Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster Set to Open at Dollywood in Spring 2023!

Press Release from Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Friday, August 5, 2022) — Dolly Parton today announced the newest addition to Dollywood Parks & Resorts, the $25 million Big Bear Mountain, a nearly 4,000 ft. long roller coaster which allows guests to embark on an unforgettable expedition through the Smokies in search of the elusive “Big Bear.” Big Bear Mountain, which at 3,990 ft. becomes the longest roller coaster at the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park, marks the expansion of Dollywood’s newest area, Wildwood Grove.

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Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Celebrates the Beauty of the Smokies

Press Release from Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, TN (September 20, 2021) — Dollywood, one of America’s favorite fall family destinations, celebrates the splendor of autumn in the majestic rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains during the Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 24- Oct. 30). The annual guest-favorite event includes the family-friendly Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health, which has quickly become a cherished experience for parkgoers.

A longstanding family tradition for so many, the Harvest Festival greets guests with the surrounding mountainsides draped in vibrant colors. Dollywood’s landscaping and fresh décor accent the autumn atmosphere and bring the beauty right into the park, making it ripe for families to create their picture-perfect pumpkin photo ops to share with friends!

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Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival Blooms to Life April 23 with More Than Half-A-Million Flowers.

Press Release from Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Monday, April 19, 2021) — As spring continues to blossom throughout the Smoky Mountains, guests to Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 23- June 7) can enjoy more than half-a-million blooming flowers, a new dining pass that provides an unforgettable culinary journey, and a warm spring atmosphere filled with the sounds of inspirational music emanating from stages throughout the Pigeon Forge park.

This fresh festival delights guests with lavish landscaping and massive floral sculptures that are brought to life by an array of more than half-a-million bright and vibrant flowers that serve as the cornerstone of the event. Fun and discovery are around every corner, thanks to expansive displays which include a vivid butterfly umbrella, various scenes featuring mischievous and friendly animals, and even a depiction of Dolly’s mother quilting the Coat of Many Colors. These “Mosaicultures” are developed in partnership with Mosaicultures International, an internationally-known company from Montreal that specializes in these one-of-kind creations. 

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Numerous Projects Enhance Dollywood Guest Experience For 2021 And Beyond

Press Release from Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, TN. (Wednesday, February 24, 2021) — While no one could have predicted how Dollywood’s 35th anniversary season would begin in 2020, a strong finish to the year—coupled with extremely positive guest reviews of the overall park experience—means employees are gearing up for a busy 2021 season. Members of the media today toured Dollywood to see firsthand what guests can expect when the park opens for its exclusive Season Passholder Day on March 12 and for the general public on March 13.

As one would expect from Dolly Parton’s theme park, entertainment plays a crucial role in what guests will enjoy during the park’s 36th season. New during this year’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 23-June 7), the Melodies of Spring concert series features contemporary Christian artists, Southern gospel groups and other fresh and inspiring acts all appearing inside DP’s Celebrity Theater. Among the artists currently scheduled are Matthew West, Big Daddy Weave, I AM THEY, Rebecca St. James, Sidewalk Prophets, the Rhett Walker Band, Triumphant Quartet and many more.

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