PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One thing is for certain—families love spending time together at Dollywood! Thanks to Dollywood’s Great American Summer, June 14- Aug. 3, guests have even more time to enjoy everything the park has to offer!
After an extremely popular debut in 2013, the celebration is now one week longer, providing families more opportunities to make lifelong memories. Extended park operating hours—10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily—and a spectacular nightly fireworks show create the perfect atmosphere for a fun family getaway.
“With everything that keeps us so busy in life, I’m so glad families love coming to Dollywood to spend quality time together,” Dolly Parton said. “Some of my favorite memories take me back to those warm summer evenings, stayin’ up late, watchin’ the lightnin’ bugs flutter around the hills. Folks loved staying up late during my Great American Summer last year, so much so that we’ve decided to give them an extra week to enjoy it this year!”
Much to the delight of park visitors, Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors returns after a well-received debut in 2013. The nightly fireworks spectacular, which is synchronized to music throughout the park, paints a colorful backdrop across the sky. The show, which includes a song written by Parton specifically for the occasion, begins each night at 9:30 p.m.
New this year, multiple viewing options provide a unique vantage point for Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors. One package allows guests to watch the show from elevated viewing platforms at FireChaser Express before they embark on one of the final rides of the night on Dollywood’s newest attraction. Another option puts guests with a Dollywood host who provides interesting facts and background information about the award-winning park prior to the show. Both options include a snack, a Coca-Cola product and a place in the exclusive viewing area. Both packages have limited availability and can be booked online prior to arrival. Park admission is required.
Guests during Great American Summer find that Dollywood’s award-winning rides, like Wild Eagle and Thunderhead, provide a completely different experience once the sun sets. Guests also can experience FireChaser Express, recently named one of USA Today’s Most Anticipated Theme Park Rides of 2014, at night for the first time!
Several incredible shows highlight the entertainment lineup at Great American Summer.
- My People, which features several of Dolly’s family members, is an amazing show which chronicles Dolly’s incredible journey from the mountains of East Tennessee to the grandest stages around the world.
- A collaboration between Dollywood and the Great American Country cable network, The Great American Country Show is a 40-minute spectacle featuring six singers and a six-piece band, along with video appearances by several GAC personalities. Throughout the season, various country music performers, including Billy Dean (Aug. 22-26), Marty Raybon (Aug. 14-19; Sept. 12-16) and Mark Wills (Sept. 5-9), join the cast to perform some of their biggest hits.
- Everyone feels like a kid during another family-favorite, The Gazillion Bubbles Show. This high-energy production unleashes the amazing fun of bubbles with some amazing tricks guests have to see to believe!
- It’s story time again as The Little Engine Playhouse brings two children’s favorites, One Cool Friend and Ladybug Girl and Bingo, to life in 25-minute musicals featuring sing-along songs written by Dolly. Everyone’s favorite, The Little Engine That Could, comes to the stage with a delightful reminder of what can happen with just a little bit of determination.
Food also makes a statement during Great American Summer with an amazing assortment of summertime snacks, drinks and refreshments only available during this festival. Several popular children’s characters drop by Backstage Restaurant to say hello and offer up a heaping helping of memories. Backstage Restaurant’s pizza and pasta buffet gives kids an incredible selection of pizza, while the dessert buffet includes several kid-tested favorites. Other festive treats are available throughout the park from a taco bar, to “dirt cake” and decorated cookies.
For B-roll, photography and more information, check the Dollywood Media Room at http://www.dollywood.com/Media/Media-Room.aspx.
