News Project 2019: Wildwood Grove

[Kyle]

In my most recent trip to Dollywood this past December, there was a HUGE clearing of trees and land next to the Timber Canyon area of the park. (By Thunderhead, Mystery Mine, Wild Eagle, and Fire Chaser Express. See the attached pictures from the railroad). According to Pigeon Forge TN Guide, Dollywood officials just met with the Pigeon Forge Planning Commission to review the 5 acre expansion that they’re hoping to open in the 2019 season.

According to the article: Community Development Director David Taylor was quoted in the local newspaper, The Mountain Press, saying “There’s going to be about eight different attractions, a restaurant, separate building for restrooms, there’s going to be water features, shade structures; just a lot of different things in this area.”

Article: https://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/blog/things-to-do/dollywood-expansion-2019/

Once The Pigeon Forge Planning Commission uploads the PDF file of the meeting minutes, I’ll post them here!

 

[Pretzel Kaiser]

RE: Dollywood Expansion

Now I'm wondering if I should hold off my trip for a year...

 

[Zachary]

RE: Dollywood Expansion

You shouldn't. Dollywood's expansion schedule has been damn near unparalleled in the US for years now and I have yet to see any signs of it letting up. If you keep waiting for a lull, you may be waiting for years.

 

[Kyle]

RE: Dollywood Expansion

You shouldn't. Dollywood's expansion schedule has been damn near unparalleled in the US for years now and I have yet to see any signs of it letting up. If you keep waiting for a lull, you may be waiting for years.

Zachary is right! Back in 2013 Dolly announced over the course of several years they'd be investing $300 million into the parks/resort. My regional director for the Imagination Library has told me they're way ahead of schedule already, so there's more good to come! And that's just adding to their already amazing expansion schedules of the past.

 

[Kyle]

RE: Dollywood Expansion

Here are some site plans from the Pigeon Forge Board Planning Commission. What can be seen is a swinging ride, a Vekoma swinging family coaster, and the other details of the expansion. The entrance will be next to Mystery Mine, where the track crosses over the pathway.

Plans were provided by WBIR News and the Pigeon Forge Planning Commission.

 

[Zachary]

RE: Dollywood Expansion

This looks like a splendid addition for Dollywood. Their flat ride collection is a big weak point for the park and this is a great step towards solving that issue.

That's not to play down the coaster either. The new Vekoma family invert looks like a great deal of fun. A faster, more intense Freedom Flyer (Fun Spot Orlando)? Yes please.

POV of the same model (Vekoma Suspended Family Coaster 453m) at Fårup Sommerland:

 

[Shane]

RE: Dollywood Expansion

I got my hopes up when I read swinging family coaster... That said, Vekoma’s new stuff has actually looked really good lately.

 

[GrandpaD]

What makes Dollywood's ninth coaster so unique? Here's 5 reasons from Dollywood Insiders.

 

[GrandpaD]

The first look at the new area.

 

[Shane]

I'll be there to check out the new land the weekend of June 13-15.

I will say based on the photos, it's unfortunate that an area that is supposed to be themed to a wooded forest grove has so few trees. It just goes along with the recent trend in construction to clear cut areas because it is easier to get equipment in. I guess in 30 years this place will actually look look like a nice forest. The themeing is totally on point though, its a beautiful addition with a lot of really great attractions for all ages.

 

[b.mac]

Dragonflier's appendages.

 

[SukaUniFl]

I will be checking it out this weekend. I wanna ride everything. Will take pics as I can. First trip to Dollywood & so far not so bad.

 

[----------------------]

I was thee today too, it was closed for a private event, media I guess?

 

[jtrothrock]

Media event this morning. Officially opens to public at noon today. Media will be positioned to capture the first public visitors in the area as the rope drops. Previous had only been vips and pass holders who bought or renewed during a certain period. At least to my knowledge.

 

[GrandpaD]

You can't open a new area at Dollywood without Dolly!



And, of course, the butterflies are out!

 

[GrandpaD]

Dragonflier in action. Looks like folks are in cages.

 

[Crunchewy]

Did you ride it? How is it, and what is the line like (how long a wait)?

 

[GrandpaD]

"Y'all can't leave my new place without a keepsake.

 

[GrandpaD]

Did you ride it? How is it, and what is the line like (how long a wait)?

I'm just posting pics. Never been there. (All pics via @Coaster101 on Twitter)

Nice place to cool off on hot days.