A WHAT'S UP AT DOLLYWOOD Year 2022 In Review!

Hi Everyone,

It's time for my first ever Year In Review for What's Up at Dollywood the bloggy vlog and the YouTube Channel!

First though, I want to thank all of you out there that take the time to watch my videos and read my blog.  I am so grateful for every one of you and I truly appreciate it!  

Starting this channel and blog has been a fascinating learning experience.  I love sharing my videos and blog stuff with all of you.

Let's jump in and take a look at each of the videos from 2022.

🟢First, in February, I took a tour of the DreamMore Resort.  This tour included seeing the Gypsy Wagon - Dolly's most recent tour bus that is now available for booking.  I also check out Dolly's Time Capsule which is a chestnut wood box with a song that will be played on Dolly's 100th birthday!  Check that out below.

🟢 My next video was for Opening Day of Dollywood for the 2022 Season. 

🟢Dollywood's Emporium - a tour of the updated-for-2022 Emporium.  It underwent a facelift and I'll show you around.  There's a lot of Dolly Parton merchandise available now.

🟢Mountain Laurel Home Goods Store - a really quick run around the store.

🟢Flower and Food Festival - this video focused mainly on the festival features and some of the park.

🟢General Park Update - this video focused on the park but also included some of the Flower and Food Festival.

🟢Sweet Shoppe and Southern Pantry - this video is focused entirely on the Sweet Shoppe and Southern Pantry.  If you're looking for an edible gift or treat for yourself from Dollywood, this store is a do-not-miss!

🟢Mountain Blown Glass Shop - this video is focused entirely on the super cool Mountain Blown Glass Shop in Craftsman's Valley.

🟢Summer Celebration - this was my longest video from 2022 at an hour and a half of good, summer fun at Dollywood.

🟢August brought us Dollywood's announcement for Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster.  I had two videos from that day - one of the animated promotional video.  The second contained the entire announcement with Dolly Parton and friends.

🟢Drone & Fireworks Show - this video focuses only on the Drone and Fireworks show from the Summer Celebration Video.  

🟢Doggy Parton Merchandise.  This video focuses on Dolly's new line of dog toys and apparel.  The Doggy Parton line of merchandise at the Emporium is featured in this video.

🟢Good Vibes Show.  This video is a complete performance from start to finish of Good Vibes.  They're a feel-good group of singers and musicians that entertain with clever covers of former hits!  You will not be disappointed!

🟢Another Big Bear Mountain Construction update.  This one is from August 31st.

🟢Dollywood's Christmas-Ween Video.  This is a general park update showing off the Christmas decorations set up for the filming of Dolly's movie for NBC.  Halloween decorations were being set up at this time, making for an unusual combination of Christmas and Halloween.

🟢Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.  Once again, I showcase the whole park during this popular festival.  The park really comes alive after sunset as the decorations glow and wind blows cool autumn air into Dollywood.

🟢Another Big Bear Mountain Construction update.  This one is from September 28th.

🟢Mountain Laurel Home Goods.  I take a bit slower look around the store, which is full of autumn merchandise this time.

🟢Big Bear Mountain Animated POV.  This is the FULL POV that was not previously provided by Dollywood.  The other animation video cut in and out of POV and off-ride animated footage.

🟢Another Big Bear Mountain Construction update.  This one is from November 16th.

🟢Smoky Mountain Christmas - Take a look at Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, 2022 Edition.  I show you the entire park all spruced up with Christmas decorations and filled with seasonal music.  At the end I will show you some of the Christmas Merchandise available at the park.  Check it out.

🟢YouTube Shorts:  Big Bear Mountain Construction update from November 16th - in Short-Format.

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The What's Up At Dollywood Bloggy Vlog! 

I began this blog in June.  I felt as though I needed a companion site to my YouTube page in order to get more information out to my viewers faster than I am able to by video. 

And you know what, I didn't expect a blog to be as much fun as it has turned out to be!  I actually enjoy writing!  English was not my favorite subject in school, so on one hand I am pretty surprised by this development.  It turns out though, blogging is just a different style of storytelling.  I think the key for me is that it makes an enormous difference when you enjoy the subject matter!  Reading 200-year-old literature stories and stuff like that...well, not sure how to say it, but I did not connect in any type of way to material like that.  Amusement parks and fun stuff - I Am In!

Another cool feature of the blog is I can produce content for the blog that doesn't work as well for videos.  Here are some examples of what I mean.  My post about Flying To Dollywood is one of my most popular posts.  It's not necessarily easy to get to Dollywood if you're coming from far away, so I have information that can help you out.  Another post, Top Hotels in Pigeon Forge is popular as well.  I've combined ratings using several credible resources to produce an overall average score for each hotel, and I've got sortable columns on my spreadsheet with unique features listed out like indoor pools, hot tubs, fireplaces, pet friendly and other popular amenities that people search for.  It would be pretty challenging to make a video about 30+ hotels.  How to use the Pigeon Forge Trolley is another popular post.  Folks love Breakfast, that was evident in this post about the Top Breakfast Spots in PF.  If you are not sure where to start with your trip planning to the area, begin here with my post about planning your trip.  My most read post was about all the menus at Dollywood - check that out here.  I plan to update this for 2023.  If you're interested, you can read my Welcome Post on the blog if you want to know more about ME, and why do I do all of this stuff.  Posts like the ones I've mentioned (and all the others) can save you Time and Money on your Dollywood Adventure!  I enjoy helping people out.

I noticed I also gravitate towards news about Dolly Parton a lot too.  Frankly, you cannot have Dollywood without Dolly Parton, so I see the two as being perfectly hand-in-hand.  Also, she's interesting, and constantly in the news because people adore her so much. They love her generosity and love to hear her music and want to know like literally everything they can know about her, so I am going to continue including Dolly Parton focused content as well.  

My blog address is https://whatsupatdollywood.blogspot.com/.  Check it out!  I even have a promo video about it 😁

In closing, 2022 has been a transformative year for my Dollywood projects.  My plans for 2023 include much more of all of these types of articles and videos and I'm hoping to get in front of the camera a little in 2023.  I am a total behind-the-scenes kind of television producer, but it's time to adjust and just do it already, lol.  I know folks love to see faces in videos, so I promise to try a bit harder to accomplish that in 2023.  We Will See! 

Thanks again for reading and watching along with my channel and blog.  Happy New Year to you all and we'll keep it up in 2023!

-JEFF

Dollywood Weather Alert for Tuesday December 27th, 2022 - CLOSED TUESDAY

 UPDATE 12/27/2022 - Hi Everyone, Dollywood has updated their operations schedule for Tuesday and decided to remain closed Today, Tuesday, December 27th, 2022.

🦋🦋

Monday's forecast in Knoxville was that we would have a clipper system quickly pass through and bring about a half inch of dry snow.  Well, instead, it snowed for 12 hours and we got a couple of inches of snow and some areas around here received more than that, so I am not surprised by this decision after looking at some social media posts of Dollywood yesterday.  All the water features were frozen over, with large icicles dangling about.  The parking lot looked like an icy mess.  Today is the first day above freezing since last Thursday - it's going to take some time to resemble normal again.  

If you're in the area there is still tons of stuff to do!  Here's a small list of options:

• Ober Gatlinburg.  You can ride the aerial tram from the station in downtown Gatlinburg up the mountain.  Skis and Snowboards are available for rent at the top.  
• Mountain Coasters - I've lost track of how many there are right now, but here's a few - Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster and Goats on the Roof, both in Wears Valley.  The newest one is at Sky Ranch across from Tanger Outlets.  Rowdy Bear has numerous coasters in different styles as well as snow tubing indoor and outdoor.  Rocky Top coaster near Dollywood.  There are two others in Gatlinburg adjacent to Hillbilly Golf.  I know I am missing a few others.
• Mountain Mile behind The Island - several activities and thrill rides to choose from.
• The Island in Pigeon Forge has several rides and the giant wheel.  Plus, lots of restaurants to pick from...and shows to see.
• Anakeesta - I believe it is open today 9am to 9pm.
• Gatlinburg Aquarium.
• Gatlinburg Skylift and bridge - they're open today.
• Shopping - no shortage of that!   Five Oaks comes to mind first.  Shopaholics will enjoy that, and there are many more options than that.
• Titanic Museum
• Wonderworks Museum
• Dave and Busters

Good luck everyone, stay warm.  The forecast for the rest of the week looks warmer! 

Dollywood Weather Alert for Monday, December 26th. Delayed Opening

 Hi Everyone, please see the weather alert, below, for Dollywood for Monday December 26th.

Keep handy Dollywood's Facebook Page and Twitter Page for the most updated information.  

I was just looking at Monday's weather and a clipper system is expected to pass through the region after noon, which may create another opportunity for snow.  That would likely be reason enough for Dollywood to make more calls about their operating schedule - so stay tuned.    If I discover any new news to share about Monday, I'll update this post as soon as Im able to.  Watch this space. 

Dollywood Weather Alert! CLOSED Friday December 23, 2022

12/22/22 Note from Jeff - If you've had to cancel your Dollywood trip at Christmas for this year because of weather, or any other reason, you can still enjoy Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas!  It's not quite the same as going in person, but I have a great video I produced that you can sit and watch in the comfort of your favorite space.   Check it out below.  This was filmed on a really cold Wednesday back in November.  I hope you enjoy it.

Dolly Parton News Roundup

 Hi Everyone,

Dolly has been in the news again recently for a handful of different things, and so I have a roundup of a few Dolly related newsworthy items for you.

👉Dolly Parton wants to open ‘Dolly Center’ in Nashville

Source: msnbc

In an interview with The Tennessean,[Gannett paywall], Dolly Parton revealed early details for a museum she wants to open in Nashville. While

there has yet to be a confirmed opening date for the museum or details on what

the museum will be, it will most likely be similar to her Dollywood museum. 

“I’m going to have a museum here [in Nashville] pretty soon,” Parton

revealed. “We have the museum at Dollywood, of course, but I would love to have

something here since this is really my home.”

However, the museum is just the beginning, as she said she wants to create

a massive complex, known as “Dolly Center.” The center would include possible restaurants,

bars, and grills, owned by the “Jolene” singer. Parton said she wants a business in Nashville, but

“right now though, I’ve got so many things going. I can do without that for the moment. But someday, I

will have a business here.”

While there is still plenty of time to iron out the details, she did say it could be located on lower Broadway.

Interesting!  I think the two most recent Dolly-ventures in Nashville were her store Trinkets and Treasures on 2nd Avenue and the water/snow park.  Unfortunately, she opened up T&T just before the catastrophic flooding in 2010 and the store flooded and never reopened.  The second plan was the never-realized joint venture water/snow park between Dollywood and Gaylord Opryland that was announced on Dolly's birthday in 2012.  As plans moved forward on that project, details came to light that were not aligned with Dollywood's business strategy at that time, so the project never materialized.

So, I'll keep an eye on that and let you know of new developments.

👉Better late than never' | Dolly Parton joins TikTok

The Queen of Country Music joined the infamous video-sharing app on Sunday.

Author: Diamond Carroll

Published: 6:17 PM EST December 4, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Queen of Country Music has officially joined TikTok!

Dolly Parton joined the infamous video-sharing app late Sunday afternoon. The announcement was

made on her Twitter account with the caption "better late than never." 

Since joining the app, she has accumulated over 36k followers and her fans are truly excited!

Better late than never 😉https://t.co/ZYsuTMuyod pic.twitter.com/6MGl4bR1JX
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) December 4, 2022

👉 Video Interview

Source:  How Dolly Parton gets in the Christmas spirit (tennessean.com)

This is a fun interview where she discusses her movie a bit and then how she get's in the Christmas spirit at home.

👉Dolly ‘regrets’ secret song locked away in Dollywood

by: Hope McAlee

Posted: Dec 2, 2022 / 11:42 AM CST

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dolly Parton confirmed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that she has a secret song locked away in Dollywood, and also shared that she regrets it.

In a 2021 article, WATE reported that Parton shared in her book that a CD with a never-before-heard song was locked in a “Dream Box” at Dollywood’s DreamMore resort in Pigeon Forge.

On The Tonight Show, Fallon asked Parton about the song that will be released in 2045, and appeared shocked when she said “That’s the truth.”

“We do a lot of things at Dollywood, and one year, we thought about that. They asked me if would write a song that nobody would ever hear. I’ll be dead and gone, well I might not be, cause I’ll be 99. You know me, I might still be hoppin’ around.” Parton said.

Parton said that she put the CD in the box and included a CD player, instructions on how to play the song, and notes on how they were creating music at that time. She also said that since then, she has regretted the decision to put that song in the capsule.

“I don’t know what they’ll do with it, but I have regretted that because it was a really good song,” Parton said. “I keep wantin’ them to let me dig it up put something else it it that isn’t as good.”

Parton also added that if anyone is around when the song is played, she hopes they’ll enjoy the song.

🦋

.@dollyparton confirms she has a secret song locked away in Dollywood. 👀 #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/KLQmNEHlpM

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) December 1, 2022

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Dolly's Time Capsule at DreamMore Resort.  Source:  my video tour of DreamMore Resort, check it out here.

🚨 New Video 🚨 Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas 2022!

 

Hi Everyone,

My video for Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas 2022 has published and I hope you'll take the time to watch it!  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

I arrived before the sun set, so I was able to see some of the park before darkness set in.  I take in Showstreet, Market Square and Rivertown Junction before watching the Smoky Mountain String Band's Appalachian Christmas show at the Back Porch Theater.  From there, I go back to Showstreet and continue around Glacier Ridge towards the Wonderful Christmas Show, also known as the Christmas Tree Show.  I backtrack just a bit through Wilderness Grove, then I continue clockwise around the park showing you Wilderness Pass, the Northern Lights, and Craftsman's Valley.  From the old tunnel I check out the Village and Peppermint Valley/Country Fair areas.  I take the back path towards Rivertown Junction again, then go through Jukebox Junction, Adventures in Imagination and one last, I promise, look at Showstreet and the Palace Theater.  Plus, I'll show you some of the cool Christmas merchandise I found when I was at the park.  I do all of that and hardly say a word 😁.  So, sit back, relax and enjoy this Christmas trip through Dollywood!

Here are some teasers of what you'll see in the video - in no particular order.

Big Bear Mountain as of November 16, 2022

Blue feature tree in Glacier Ridge

Robert F. Thomas Chapel

Dollywood Express at the Glacier Ridge Trestle

Green Feature Tree in Jukebox Junction

Grist Mill

Northern Lights

Photo Op inside the front gate

Photo Op before the gate

Red feature tree in Peppermint Valley/Country Fair

Showstreet

The Smoky Mountain String Band at The Back Porch Theater

Temple's Store in The Village

Market Square

Christmas Tree Show 

White and Blue feature tree in Timber Canyon/Glacier Ridge

The Wildwood Tree in Wildwood Grove

Wildwood Grove photo op

Dolly Parton News - Details on her Rock Album!

Hi Everyone, Dolly Parton has revealed some interesting details about her forthcoming Rock album, set to be released in the fall of 2023, and titled "Rock Star".  Ultimateclassicrock.com has the scoop!

Dolly Parton Says Steve Perry Will Sing on Her Upcoming Rock LP (ultimateclassicrock.com)

Dolly Parton said Steve Perry will appear as a guest on her upcoming rock album.

Earlier this year, the country legend said if she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, she would begin work on an album of rock music. "I’m not expecting that I’ll get in," she said back in February, "but if I do, I'll immediately, next year, have to put out a great rock 'n' roll album – which I've wanted to do for years, like a Linda Ronstadt or Heart kind of thing. So this may have been just a God-wink for me to go ahead and do that."

Parton was inducted this past weekend, and at the ceremony, she revealed some of the artists she's invited to collaborate with her on the album, including Perry, who she said will be singing with her on a cover of Journey's "Open Arms."

"If Dolly says it’s true, then it must be true," Perry posted on social media. "Her voice is amazing!"

👄

If Dolly says it’s true, then it must be true… her voice is amazing!
-Steve Perryhttps://t.co/jei2oQzE3U

— Steve Perry (@StevePerryMusic) November 8, 2022

👄

Parton also mentioned Steven Tyler and said she'll be doing "Elton John's song," though she didn't clarify a specific title or whether John would be singing with her.

"Hopefully, I’m gonna just ask all the girls and the guys to sing with me," Parton said, noting that she has been personally reaching out to artists instead of doing so through her management or publicist. "I send a message myself because I figure they don't need to get that through somebody else. ... I'm excited to do it, I really am. I think it's gonna be a good album."

Ultimateclassicrock.com doesn't stop there.  Continue reading further....

Source: https://ultimateclassicrock.com

Dolly Parton has revealed a few more details about her upcoming rock album, which she decided to make after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

She’s previously said that former Journey singer Steve Perry would be heard on the LP and that she was aiming to have Robert Plant and Jimmy Page guest on a new cover of Led Zeppelin classic "Stairway to Heaven." In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (video below), she unveiled the record's title and said it would also include songs by Prince, the Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with some original pieces.

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"I'm a rock star now – that's what they say!" Parton laughed. "That was such an honor. You know, I'm making an album too because I have to live up to all that hype. Honestly, I was sincere – I didn't mean to start any controversy, but when they said they wanted to put me in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I always thought that was for people who spent their whole life working to be in rock 'n' roll. You don't see Led Zeppelin in the Country Music Hall of Fame...although they could!"

But she added: "I found out it was more than that. So, when I realized what it was, I said if they put me in anyway, I would certainly accept it gracefully. Which I did; I even wrote a song about it to kinda tell the story about it."

Saying she was "very honored" and "very proud," she continued: "I'd always thought I might want to do a rock record, because my husband is a rock 'n' roll freak. I thought, 'If I'm ever gonna do it, now's the time. It's gonna come out next fall, and you know what I'm calling it: Rock Star… I am going to have some cameo people...we're gonna have some great iconic songs like 'Purple Rain,' '(Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' 'Stairway to Heaven,' 'Free Bird.'"

It sure sounds like her album is shaping up to be exciting.   Her first cover of Stairway to Heaven is so unique, but if you can collaborate with Led Zepplin, then who knows what they'll come up with, although the odds are pretty good it will be amazing.  If you're a kid of the 80's you might remember Devo's version of, I Can't Get No Satisfaction, which has nothing to do with Dolly, but that song is really open to wild interpretation and could go any type of way.  I love it when Dolly covers other artists songs as she puts her Dolly-spin on it, and more often than not turns out to be something completely different than the original.