Dollywood's special 40th Anniversary documentary —"The Dollywood Dream” is now available on You Tube
WES RAMEY | DOLLYWOOD PARKS AND RESORTS
(PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.) - As Dollywood continues celebrating its successful 40th season, many fans and theme park enthusiasts have been digging in to learn more about what has made this once small park an innovative force within the industry. A new documentary, now available on the Dollywood Parks & Resorts YouTube channel, chronicles the park’s rise from a small roadside attraction to a leading destination for guests from around the globe.
“The Dollywood Dream” recounts the story of the park’s origins—from how the property was first developed in 1961 through modern day—with the retelling of stories and firsthand accounts from Dolly Parton, herself, along with Jack and Pete Herschend, her Dollywood business partners. The documentary also features commentary from former park presidents Ken Bell and Craig Ross, as well as current park president Eugene Naughton. Dolly Parton Productions’ Ted Miller, former park general manager Barbara Joines and Dollywood VP of marketing and public relations Pete Owens also share what has made the park a powerhouse within the theme park industry.
Viewers learn more about how the Herschends built their company and acquired the Pigeon Forge property in the 1970s, creating Silver Dollar City Tennessee in the process. They also learn how Miller was instrumental in connecting the Herschends with Dolly to form Dollywood. The values and ideals shared by Dolly and the Herschends have not only created one of the most successful partnerships within the theme park industry, but also shaped an experience that is unparalleled at any other park.
Dollywood is a place where guests can come to escape together and create lasting lifetime memories they’ll hold dear forever. The inviting atmosphere found at Dollywood is unique, leading to the park’s long list of recent accolades. Just a few of the awards earned since 2022 include:
Dollywood has been named Tripadvisor’s #1 U.S. Theme Park based on actual guest reviews (2022, 2024)
Forbes’ Top 300 Best Customer Service (#27 out of all industries; one of only two theme parks on the list) (2024)
Forbes’ America’s Best Midsize Employer (2022, 2025)
USA Today National Top Workplace (2022, 2025)
National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA)- Favorite Theme Park (2023, 2024, 2025)
Southern Living: Best Attraction in the South (2024)
#1 attraction in the world “Guests Want to Return To” (2024)
Newsweek Top Customer Service Award (2024)
After premiering exclusively on partner television stations in early May, “The Dollywood Dream” is now available on the Dollywood Parks & Resorts YouTube channel for general viewing at home. “The Dollywood Dream” was created in collaboration with Devin Olson Media. It was directed by Devin Olson, produced by Jenna Olinger, and executive produced by Pete Owens and Scott Durand.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) continues the park’s 40th anniversary celebration. This festival is everyone’s favorite summer tradition and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th season. “Gazillion Bubble Show: Evolution” and “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, previously named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4, 2026)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
For more information about Dollywood’s 40th season, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
