The Dolly Parton Experience now open at Dollywood

“Memories and Stories” Abound at The Dolly Parton Experience

To officially set the new area’s opening into motion, country music star Dolly Parton made a special appearance at Dollywood during an event for media attendees and VIP guests on May 23, 2024. Parton opened the show with a live performance of “My Tennessee Mountain Home” followed by an announcement of her new album, “Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables,” set to release November 15, 2024. She gave attendees and fans the first live performance of a song from the album, too.

Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, joined Parton on stage to have a live conversation about The Dolly Parton Experience, which replaces the former Chasing Rainbows Museum at the park.

“It’s been a long three years in the making and it’s three times larger than anything we’ve ever done or created before,” said Naughton. “Overall, it’s a real collection of memories and stories — and not just physical things, as many of the experiences are digital that, of course, are going to allow us to update Dolly’s story because you know she’s always going to continue to grow.”

Experience Elements

The Dolly Parton Experience is composed of four components which each have a different feel, but all contribute to sharing Parton’s rich personal and musical history with park-goers. 

Songteller

Songteller is the standout section of the experience with its reflective butterfly exterior. When guests walk into this exhibit, they are taken through Parton’s history, from her youth to the present day. Exhibit highlights include the “coat of many colors,” which Parton’s mother made for her as a little girl, in addition to several guitar displays, museum placards, and photo opportunities.

My favorite parts of this portion of the museum were the projections on a larger-than-life guitar and the 360°, six-minute documentary film displayed toward the exhibit’s end. The exhibit does not fail to address present-day Parton by highlighting her philanthropic work via her Imagination Library Program and displaying a digital live counter of the books given to children to date. 

Behind the Seams

From a display of some of Parton’s most well-known wigs to videos detailing her most iconic outfits, Behind the Seams provides guests with an inside look into Parton’s closet (and does so using the same preservation techniques as the Smithsonian). I found the videos of Steve Summers talking about Parton’s style fascinating, as her fashion has stood at the forefront (in addition to her music) for years. 

Precious Memories (Dreamsong Theater) 

Precious Memories highlights Parton’s family and friends who helped her pursue her dream. In addition to Precious Memories, Dreamsong Theater is now home to “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends,” a show that highlights the legacy of the Parton family while taking guests through the ages of music with performances from legends including Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and, of course, Parton herself. Parton made a special appearance at the beginning of the first show to help introduce her niece, Heidi, before sitting alongside the audience to watch with them.

Dolly’s Tour Bus 

When you first enter the exhibit, one of Parton’s old tour buses is available to walk through. Although this bus is currently not in use, it provides guests with a feel of what being on the road looked like for Parton throughout the years she spent touring. 

Merchandise (Dolly’s Fan Shop) 

Before exiting The Dolly Parton Experience area, visitors can check out the merchandise store, also known as Dolly’s Fan Shop. This store features a plethora of Dollywood Parks & Resorts exclusive merchandise, including various t-shirts. The store also features an LED light-up display, miniatures of some of Parton’s signature guitars, glassware, cups, and more.

Overall Thoughts on The Dolly Parton Experience

I found The Dolly Parton Experience to take the park to the next level. This museum section provides guests with a plethora of information about Parton, her family and friends, and her career in an engaging way. I especially liked the use of technology throughout and the interactive elements, including photo spots and touch-to-play elements. I like that this experience is not timed (aside from the first week), so guests can move as quickly or slowly as they’d like. And, there are many team members available to help describe the different sections and answer general questions, which is a nice added touch.

If you plan on visiting The Dolly Parton Experience between now and June 2, 2024, timed-entry registration is required in 30-minute intervals between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Dolly Parton Experience is part of Dollywood’s longest operating season ever and among a packed summer of new theme park attractions worldwide.

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