Dolly Parton to Expand Dollywood [VIDEO]

Dollywood is a magical place that was started by a magical woman. The park has been around since 1986 and now it will undergo a $37 million project, the largest since its opening. The new expansion will be called Wildwood Grove and will feature 11 new attractions.

Dolly Parton held a press conference at the park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on August 3rd where she announced the exciting news.

“When I was a kid I used to pretend I had frogs and butterflies as friends. Of course now, children of all ages, really can ride on the back of a bear and take a ride on a dragonfly” Parton said, referring to the new attractions in Wildwood Grove.

The new addition is supposed to encourage families to find their “heart song” and the theme is whimsical wonder with a 55ft Wildwood Tree at the center of the new land and other wonderful attractions.

“You always hear me talk about dream more, learn more, care more, and be more, well of course that’s our motto at the Imagination Library, and the objective of the Imagination Library is to encourage parents to read more to their children and inspire them. Of course here in Wildwood Grove kids and their parents now can explore and play and imagine together as a family” Parton went on to say.

When Parton was planning the park addition with her team, including Dollywood president Craig Ross, she said that she wanted the land to be “epic”.

“It’s so uncommon that you hear of theme-parks adding an entire new theme area. This is an entire new area with lots of things in it and it really represents our continued commitment to constantly be bringing inspiring and family friendly experiences to life through world class attractions and shows” Ross said.

“I believe everyone has a song in their heart that needs to be set free. Wildwood Grove will be a place where families can learn together about what their heart song truly is” Parton said.

In addition to the new rides, Wildwood Grove will also include a new performance area and restaurant. The new area is set to open in 2019.

You can watch the press conference, which was live-streamed last Friday for yourself below!