The Dollywood Company is always bringing new ideas to life, and they are currently working on an unprecedented half-a-billion dollar investment strategy that will take place over the course of the next decade in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas.
When first announced, officials said the investment will include four new resorts, a campground and a record-breaking new attraction for the theme park.
The first project is the 302-room Dollywood HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
The all-new resort will accommodate the continued growth of the Smokies, and it will be located across from Dollywood’s flagship resort, DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge.
Details about the growing lodging business and resorts three, four and five have yet to be revealed.
Read Also: Dollywood rides ranked: 10 best coasters and rides in the park
When will the HeartSong Resort open?
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort is set to open in the fall of 2023.
On June 24, 2022, Dollywood held a media event with Dolly Parton, where she made her first public appearance at the construction site of the new HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
At the event, a special presentation was held by the American Chesnut Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breeding the American chestnut tree in the Eastern U.S.
This group was special to her late uncle, Bill Owens. During the event, Parton performed her song “HeartSong”.
What will HeartSong Lodge & Resort look like?
Parton and Dollywood President Eugene Naughton discussed plans for one of the newest lodging options in the region, which will feature more than 300 rooms and a pool about 50 percent larger than the one at DreamMore.
The new resort will also feature a stunning four-story atrium with lantern-inspired windows and a stone fireplace that will offer sweeping views to showcase the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Another new feature will be the balconies so guests can better enjoy the outside environment.
The Smoky Mountain lodge will have families in mind with a picture-perfect outdoor cove and family gathering spaces.
There will also be a two-story HeartSong event center with outdoor meeting space and an event lawn.
The lodge’s progress and overall expansion of the Dollywood theme park accomplish Parton’s goal of bringing visitors to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and also gives jobs and economic opportunity to the folks who live here.
It also offers folks around the globe the best tourism experience when they visit.
“Nobody dreams alone,” said Parton at the event.
“… When you dream, you have to put wings, legs, feet, hands, everything on them. That means you’ve also got to find the right people to help you make those dreams come true. I’ve been so fortunate in my life to have been blessed with great people all through my lifetime to help me see the dreams come true.”
What is there to do at HeartSong Lodge & Resort?
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort will feature a variety of accommodations and amenities.
Accommodation options will include unique multi-generational family suites and bunk rooms and themed suites with loft rooms tucked into the dormers.
Amenities will include an all-season indoor pool, an outdoor pool, an outdoor “cove with family gathering spaces, a communal fire pit and a screened-in porch.
The five-story resort will feature high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures.
“With the success we’ve experienced at DreamMore Resort, we feel this is the perfect time to expand our portfolio of resorts,” Naughton said at a previous event.
How much will HeartSong Lodge & Resort cost?
There has not yet been a formal announcement in regards to what guests can expect in terms of cost.
The Dollywood Company’s premiere resort, DreamMore, currently averages about $250-400 per night, depending on the season.
Suite 1986 at DreamMore
Guests can now enjoy a unique opportunity when staying on-site at the Dollywood resort. Media members were able to tour the newest experience at the Dollywood Company, Suite 1986.
Suite 1986 is parked at DreamMore. The tour bus has been transformed into a completely unique overnight experience.
This bus was used by Dolly Parton during her life on the road from late 2008 to March 2022. The suite will offer a dedicated concierge service. Also, guests will receive exclusive Suite 1986 items that they can take as a keepsake.
The bus traveled about 360,000 miles throughout North America. Parton has notoriously spent a lot of her time on tour buses since she does not enjoy flying.
How much will Suite 1986 cost?
There is a two-night minimum to stay on the bus, and the experience starts at $10,000.
A portion of the proceeds from every stay will be donated to the Dollywood Foundation.
In this bus, Dolly Parton customized the decor to match her life. It has lovely touches like special hand-painted murals and jewel-toned fabric and decor.
The bus sleeps two guests. Additionally, the stay includes a DreamMore Resort guest room to accommodate up to four additional guests.
Suite 1986 is an authentic Dolly Parton experience that will give guests a unique and genuine look into the icon’s life.
Requests for bookings are now available. For more information, visit dollywood.com/suite1986.
Read Also: The Dolly Parton tour bus: A look at how our Appalachian queen travels
Additional investments at Dollywood
Since 2010, The Dollywood Company has invested millions into its properties as part of its ongoing investment plan.
Expansions undertaken since 2010 include Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, roller coasters Lightning Rod and FireChaser Express, as well as TailSpin Racer at Dollywood’s Splash Country.
In 2019, the park opened the $37 million Wildwood Grove expansion.
Park officials have also alluded to an all-new ride in 2023 that will be a record-breaking attraction. However, details have not yet been released.
HeartSong Lodge & Resort discounts and specials
Reservations for Dollywood’s newest resort are not yet available.
Ready to let the everyday stresses of life melt away? While you wait, you can stay at the sister resort, DreamMore. Check Booking.com for rates on the DreamMore Resort.
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one of the best family vacation destinations in the U.S.
The park has been top rated on traveler-ranked lists that are based on guest reviews such as Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Top 25 United States Theme Parks and Top 25 Worldwide Theme Parks.
Dollywood features seasonal festivals including the Flower & Food Festival in the spring, the Summer Celebration and the famous Smoky Mountain Christmas event.
In the fall, the park features several pumpkins and decorations as part of the Harvest Festival presented by Humana.
Guests looking for special offers and packages at Dollywood’s other properties should visit Dollywood.com.
Sometimes you can also find a few deals on their Tripster page. The Dollywood Company also includes Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park.
Will you be planning a refreshing escape in the rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains anytime soon? Let us know in the comments!
Wonderful news!
My family would love to come . Janet