Soon you can stay in Dolly Parton's former tour bus, the Gypsy Wagon, at DreamMore Resort at Dollywood

 Source: KnoxNews.com/Gannett

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ever wondered how the free-spirited yet glamorous Dolly Parton lived life on the road? You can be one of the first to stay overnight on her actual one-of-a-kind tour bus. But it'll cost you. 

The tour bus, known as Suite 1986 at Dollywood DreamMore Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge, is taking reservations.

Guests must drop $10,000 for a two-night stay in the colorful, cozy space that's full of Dolly's belongings and custom amenities, from a sparkly guitar to a cabinet for her many wigs. 

"(I) decided to retire it because I wasn’t touring that much anymore and it just was sitting there," Parton told the Knox News, part of the USA TODAY Network. "And I thought this could be put to really good use."

Got the cash to be the first guest? A portion of the proceeds from every stay will be donated to the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.  

“If you’ve got money – and a lot of people do – they just want to experience that,” Parton said. 

What is Dolly's Suite 1986 like inside? 

The 45-foot bus includes a couch, kitchen, dining table, two separate toilets, a tub and a large bedroom. It's full of warm colors, cozy pillows, fresh flowers and quite a few sparkles.

Parton customized the bus with a full-size refrigerator, electric doors and a wig cabinet (the wigs were replaced with colorful cowboys hats during our tour).

She tore out three of the six bunk beds to build a closet, which displays Dolly's attire, including sky-high Christian Louboutins, shiny gowns and butterfly jewelry.

The walls are adorned with custom murals depicting life on the road and the bedroom features floor-to-ceiling pink and purple decor, from the bedspread to the custom-painted ceiling. 

Guests of Suite 1986 will get special culinary creations, dedicated concierge service and exclusive Suite 1986 swag to take home. 

The tour bus sleeps two guests, and the reservation comes with an additional DreamMore room that sleeps four. 

It's located in a gated space just outside DreamMore with easy access to its restaurant and amenities.

The space was created for Dolly to use during her visits to Dollywood Parks & Resorts, but now she's giving others the chance to stay instead. 

How did Dolly Parton spend her time on the tour bus? 

Parton traveled an estimated 360,000 miles in the 45-foot Prevost from 2008-2022. She said the suite really reflects how she lived while on the road. 

She wrote several songs and albums on the bus, according to Dollywood Parks & Resorts, including "Backwoods Barbie" and "9 to 5: the Musical." 

Much of her time there was spent doing ordinary things, too. She watched TV, reheated meals she cooked at home, and kept her show clothes and show wigs on the bus.

Because she almost always stayed on the bus instead of a hotel and does not enjoy flying, the bus had to feel like home during her tours. 

“I loved all my time on the bus, I was traveling with my friend Judy (Ogle), my best friend from Sevierville. We’ve been friends since we were in the third grade and we just traveled all those miles together," Parton said. "But we’ve had lots of wonderful memories of people that would come on the bus to visit, when we traveled around, dignitaries, stars, everybody, but all the memories are special to me."

She often traveled from her home in Nashville to places like Los Angeles or her hometown in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Source: KnoxNews/Gannett

Source: KnoxNews/Gannett

Source: KnoxNews/Gannett

Source: KnoxNews/Gannett

See additional photos at the source, here.

Watch my video tour of DreamMore Resort. I've included some info from Dolly herself talking about Suite 1986 (at 16:54) DreamMore Resort & Spa video tour.

June 29, 2022 Update from the Dollywood Blog.

Media members also had an opportunity to tour Suite 1986—Dolly’s former tour bus which has been turned into the ultimate hotel suite. Now located at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, the Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience illustrates another facet of the country music icon’s life—the free-spirited traveler.

The Prevost was Dolly’s home away from home as she traversed the country throughout the last 15 years. This unique sanctuary is where Parton wrote dozens of songs and worked on a number of hit projects that continue to cement her status as an international superstar.

Suite 1986 guests enjoy these special accommodations as well as additional experiences which can be added to the stay. Guests also have the chance to indulge in special culinary creations from the award-winning staff of the resort. The suite features a dedicated concierge service for the entire length of stay, as well as a number of exclusive Suite 1986 items that guests are able to take home as a keepsake from this incredible experience.

The tour bus sleeps two guests. In addition, stays include a DreamMore Resort guest room to accommodate up to four additional guests. The Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience is a two-night minimum and starts at $10,000. The profit from every stay will be donated to The Dollywood Foundation. Requests for bookings are available now. For more information about how to book this once-in-a-lifetime experience, please visit dollywood.com/suite1986.

Our Dreamer-in-Chief is always dreaming up new ways for guests to enjoy time together, create memories and get a glimpse into her world. Stay tuned for more on HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Suite 1986!

Courtesy The Dollywood Blog

Courtesy The Dollywood Blog

See The Dollywood Blog for the rest of the story, here.

Dolly visits Dollywood

Dolly Visits Dollywood

Source:  WATE News Link

 PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dolly Parton visited the future place of her new HeartSong Lodge and Resort in Pigeon forge and shared her vision for the property.

On Friday, Dolly spoke about the resort that is set to open in late 2023 as part of a $500 million expansion by the Dollywood Parks & Resorts group. She explained how the placement of the resort and why it means so much to her.

“In its simplest form, HeartSong is about the Smoky Mountains and why I continue to come back home year after year,” she explained. “It is the place I recharge and stay grounded. The beauty of the mountains—at every hour and in every season—is simply an inspiration. From the time I was a child, I roamed the hills of Locust Ridge and explored God’s coloring book.”

The large resort will be nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and will feature a wide variety of amenities for guests. The resort will feature high ceilings and exposed beams and natural layered textures. It will also have large family suites and bunk rooms that can accommodate the whole family. The resort will be five stories and will have special themed suites and loft rooms. 

ort is located adjacent to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.

According to a release from Dollywood, this Smoky Mountain lodge features four-story, lantern-inspired windows in the resort’s welcoming atrium, epic indoor and outdoor pools that provide guests a refreshing escape in all seasons, and a picture-perfect outdoor cove with family gathering spaces. With 26,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests. It will feature a two-story event center, an outdoor meeting space, and event lawn to host a wide variety of gatherings.

Read the rest of the story at the link here. 

Dolly took a casual jaunt through Dollywood in her classic DeWitt motor car.

photo courtesy of Dollywood

photo courtesy of Dollywood

photo courtesy of Dollywood

photo courtesy of Dollywood

Dollywood's Menus 2022

If you're looking for the 2023 Menus - CLICK HERE

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2022 INFO BELOW

Hi Everyone!   I see a lot of requests on social media for Dollywood's Menus. Well, look no further, they're (almost) all right here!

Please click on any picture to see a larger version.

Table of Contents

• A note about food allergies
• Dollywood Menus
• Fall Tasting Pass Info
• Link to Dollywood's website for their eateries (jump to the bottom)
• 2022 Refillable Mugs (jump to the bottom)
  

A note about Food Allergies

Jennifer B. responded to a Dollywood Facebook group with information that would be very helpful for some of you with concerns about food allergies.  Here's what she said:

"Every food stand has a red allergen binder for all products served at Dollywood and Splash. Just ask to see it before ordering. My son has food allergies as well and we were able to see ingredients for each item to know what was safe."

The entry for the Front Porch Cafe mentions that specific restaurant is set up as the best option at Dollywood for those with food allergies.  Scroll down for more details about the Front Porch Cafe in the Showstreet area, next to Market Square.

Tasting Pass for Smoky Mountain Christmas 2022!

Check out my blog post for a complete rundown of the prices and the full list of menu items available.  Bonus:  I have made a map with all the locations of the tasting pass menu items circled - check it out at THIS LINK.

Dollywood Menus (Alphabetical)

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👉 Aunt Granny's - Rivertown Junction

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👉 Blue Ribbon Cones - Country Fair

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👉 Country Cookers - Kettle Korn - Rivertown Junction

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👉 Crossroads Funnel Cakes - Rivertown Junction

8/31/22

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👉 Dippin Dots - Throughout the Park

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👉 Dogs N Taters - Rivertown Junction

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👉 Food Truck Park/Plaza/Neighborhood

There were no food trucks in the park on my 8/31/22 visit.  I have not heard any announcements about their return for the LumiNights Festival or Smoky Mountain Christmas, at this time.

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👉 Front Porch Cafe - Showstreet

8/31/22

Front Porch Cafe Update - June 28, 2022.

From the Dollywood Blog, Link here.

Dollywood is changing its Front Porch Café menu mid-season to give you what you asked for this year.

Starting July 2, guests who dine at Front Porch Café will be able to order off an á la carte menu rather than select family-style options. I love that Dollywood is a place that recognizes the value of feedback—and is willing to pivot as needed to meet guests’ expectations.

Make a mental note that this location is the best place to eat if you have food allergies. Our team can accommodate most needs. You’ll see gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options on the new menu!

Starters

Fried Green Tomatoes V

Start with deep-fried, cornmeal-breaded green tomatoes, add sweet-roasted red pepper sauce and basil oil, then top with freshly-crumbled goat cheese. You’ve made a delicious decision to begin your dining experience at Dollywood!

Korean BBQ Pork Belly Tacos

The savory tastes of crispy, fried smoked pork belly, Korean BBQ, grilled pineapple salsa and pickled red onion are the perfect way to start any meal.

Cheesy Collard Green Artichoke Dip

Our Southern twist on spinach artichoke dip adds tangy collard greens for a start to the meal that has quickly become a crowd favorite. Garlicky, toasted baguettes take this dip sharing experience to another delicious level!

From the Garden

Caesar Salad V

Enjoy a cool classic salad combination of romaine lettuce, roasted tomatoes, shaved parmesan and garlic crostini, all drizzled with Caesar dressing.

Strawberry Spinach Salad GF, V

The flavorful spring salad blends baby spinach, fresh strawberries, candied pecans and goat cheese, complemented with balsamic vinaigrette.

Traditional Wedge Salad GF

A refreshing, cold wedge of iceberg lettuce harmonizes with bacon, crumbled blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, eggs and scallions, topped with housemade buttermilk ranch dressing.

Add chilled, marinated, grilled chicken breast to any salad

Between the Bread

Sandwiches served with seasoned fries or salad.

“PBLT” Smoked Pork Belly BLT

Toasted Texas toast sets the stage for a delicious combination of slow-smoked pork belly, our signature “comeback” sauce, sliced beefsteak tomatoes and Bibb lettuce.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

The crispiness of buttermilk fried chicken breast, topped with our signature “comeback” sauce, housemade pickles and cole slaw, is perfect for satisfying every appetite.

The Front Porch Burger

When it’s time for a juicy hamburger, our grilled ground beef patty topped with sharp cheddar, bacon-onion jam, Bibb lettuce and beefsteak tomatoes will more than satisfy that craving!

Ultimate Vegan Burger GF, VG, V

Looking for a different twist and taste with your burger? It’s our grilled plant-based protein patty, topped with red onion marmalade, smashed avocado and chipotle vegan mayo.

Entrées

Slow Herb-Roasted Half Chicken | Chicken Jus GF

This hearty and savory chicken dish is paired with garlic mashed potatoes and Southern green beans, creating a delicious meal to add to your Dollywood day.

Vegan Roasted Tomato Pasta GF, VG, V

A blend of housemade tomato sauce, basil oil, blistered tomatoes, marinated peppers and vegan parmesan cheese top off delicious gluten-free penne pasta.

Smoked St. Louis Ribs GF

This tasty plate of spice-rubbed St. Louis-style pork ribs, fried corn and BUHS’s Ò maple baked beans will have folks talking about its deliciousness long after the meal is done!

Kids’ Meals (For guests ages 9 and younger)

All kids’ meals are served with a choice of side (French fries or fruit cocktail), drink (Coca-Cola beverage, 2% or chocolate milk) and a chocolate chip cookie.

Vegan Hot Dog VG, V

Nathan’s All-Beef Hot Dogs

Macaroni and Cheese V

Chicken Nuggets

Desserts

Banana Pudding Cheesecake with Chantilly Cream V

Adding the creamy deliciousness of banana pudding with the rich taste of cheesecake makes a perfect dessert combination. Sugar-glazed banana, vanilla wafers and caramel drizzle add a little something extra to this flavorful dessert.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake V

Chocolate lovers, this culinary deliciousness will quickly become your favorite – with warm chocolate cake that surrounds an explosion of even more chocolaty goodness inside. The taste experience is elevated even more when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

 Southern Peach Cobbler V

Southern peach cobbler is made up of sweet peaches enclosed in a delicious, fluffy cobbler crust for a classic treat that is the perfect final serving to any meal. Served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Gluten-Free Brownie GF, V

Beverages

 Sweet Peach Iced Tea

While it tastes like a perfect summer day, this refreshing sweet peach tea definitely is a year-round favorite – a tasteful combination of peaches, honey, and sugar in a sweet peach syrup paired with delicious iced tea.

Southern Strawberry Lemonade

Adding flavorful fruit to a classic tangy beverage, our Southern strawberry lemonade is a delicious way to cool off and be refreshed on hot summer days.

Sangria Mocktail

Fruity, sweet and refreshing flavors combine for a tasty mocktail drink that’s a perfect pairing with any entrée, sandwich, appetizer or salad here at the Front Porch Café!

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👉 Grandstand Cafe - Country Fair

8/31/2022

8/31/2022

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👉 Granny Ogle's Ham 'n' Beans - Craftsman's Valley

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👉 Grist Mill - Craftsman's Valley - Cinnamon Bread 

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👉 Hickory House BBQ - Craftsman's Valley

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👉 Iron Horse Pizza - The Village

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👉 Lakeside Lemonade - Rivertown Junction

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👉 Lumber Jack's Pizza - Timber Canyon

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👉 Market Square Big Skillet - Rivertown Junction

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👉 Midway Market - Country Fair

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👉 Miss Lillian's BBQ Corner

Summer Celebration menu 2022-ended Aug 8th.

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👉 Miss Lillian's Smokehouse

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👉 Mr. Jerry's Sit-N-Sip 

Refreshments - Craftsman's Valley

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👉 Pork Rinds - Craftsman's Valley

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👉 Red's Drive-In - Jukebox Junction

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👉 Showstreet Frozen Lemonade - Showstreet

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👉 Showstreet Ice Cream - Showstreet

Summer Celebration menu 2022

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👉 Showstreet Snacks - Showstreet

June 2022

8/31/2022

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👉 Skyview Snacks - Wilderness Pass

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👉 Splinter's Funnel Cakes - Wilderness Pass

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👉 Spotlight Bakery - Showstreet

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👉 Sweet Shoppe Candy Kitchen - Showstreet

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👉 Sweets and Treats - Wildwood Grove

summer celebration menu 2022

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👉 The Dog House - Wilderness Pass

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👉 Till & Harvest Food Hall - Wilderness Pass

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👉 Volunteer Supply - Wilderness Pass

Volunteer Supply is one of the Picnic in the Park locations, which sells these Grab n Go type of snacks and meals.  I have found three other Picnic In the Park locations with the same offerings....

• Volunteer Supply (#39 park map) - Wilderness Pass
• General Store (#56 park map)- Craftsman's Valley
• Gazebo Gifts (#11 park map) - Showstreet - this seems to be an occasional pop-up location.
• Temples Dry Goods (#80 park map)- The Village - See images below

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👉 Temple's Store - The Village

Picnic In The Park Location