🎄 Dollywood's Light The Way 5k - Friday November 10th, 2023 at 11pm 🏃🏼

 

Official Website Here.

There is nothing quite like Dollywood at Christmas. Experience a nighttime run in the nation’s most beautiful holiday park during the award-winning Smoky Mountain Christmas festival by registering for the 10th annual Light the Way 5K! It’s never too early to get in the Christmas spirit, so register now for the 10th annual Light the Way 5K to take place at Dollywood Friday, November 10 at 11 p.m.

Runners will begin at Dollywood’s Front Gate area and travel through the theme park twice, giving them time to take in the five million Christmas lights. Walkers will have the opportunity to follow the route for one loop around the park.

We are excited to announce that this year’s race is being facilitated by the Knoxville Track Club (ktc.org). KTC will chip-time the event and work with the event team to provide runners with the best experience possible. 

Medals will be awarded to every participant in Light the Way 5K 2023 and will be distributed at the finish line. Awards will be presented to the top three overall finishers for both men and women and all age groups.

Online registration is encouraged for Light the Way 5K as the race is limited to 1,500 participants. The registration fee is $45 until September 5 and $50 from September 6 through November 10. Race day registration will take place from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Dollywood’s Splash Country. For information on group registration, email info@keepsevierbeautiful.org.

PACKET PICK-UP

Wednesday, November 8 - REI Knoxville (6700 Papermill Drive NW) 4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, November 9 - REI Pigeon Forge (2655 Teaster Lane, Suite 310) 4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Friday, November 10 - Dollywood’s Splash Country Pigeon Forge (2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd) 11:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.

THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR THIS RACE AND STROLLERS ARE NOT ALLOWED!

A Guide to Mountain Coasters and Other Similar Attractions in Sevier County, Tennessee

Hi Everyone,

Sevier County, Tennessee is home to eleven unique mountain coasters, one of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains, and one of the highest concentrations of mountain coasters anywhere on the PLANET! While well-known Dollywood is famous for its roller coasters, these mountain coasters offer a unique experience that can only be found in Sevier County.

I've created a list of all of the current operating mountain coasters in Sevier County, Tennessee, along with some additional information to help you choose the right one for you. Some of the coasters require separate admission, while others are included in a wristband that gives you access to multiple attractions. I'll break down the information for you below the link to my spreadsheet.

To See The List Of Mountain Coasters, CLICK HERE!

🔵There are two main types of mountain coaster tickets:

• Single tickets: These tickets allow you to ride one or two coasters. They are typically the most affordable option.
• Wristbands: These tickets give you access to multiple coasters and other attractions. They can be a good option if you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions.

🔵Wristbands can be either:

• Timed: These wristbands are valid for a certain period of time, such as 2 hours or 4 hours. After the time expires, you will need to purchase another wristband or single ticket to ride the coasters.
• Unlimited: These wristbands give you unlimited access to the coasters and other attractions for the entire day. They are typically the most expensive option, but they can be a good value if you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions.

🔵The best type of ticket for you will depend on your budget and your plans for the day. If you are only planning on riding one or two coasters, then a single ticket may be the best option. If you plan on riding multiple coasters or visiting multiple attractions, then a wristband may be a better value.

🟢How are the coasters different from one another, or are they all the same?

Answer: Different! Read on to learn more.

All of these rides share one common feature: the brake. Each ride has one or two handles that you push forward to move forward or coast, and pull back or release to brake and slow down.

Weigands are more sophisticated than other rides in that each cart is "aware" of where the next cart is. If you get too close to another cart, it will automatically brake to avoid a collision. Weigands also have "brake zones" at the end of the course and before the next lift hill, where the carts will automatically brake.

🚨If your lift hill happens to stop, remain seated and calm. It will start up again momentarily. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE CART.

The Smokies are home to several Weigand mountain coasters, which come in two generations: Generation 1 and Generation 2. Both generations are visually similar and offer a similar ride experience.

🔷Here's a Weigand Gen 1, below.

You'll find these Gen 1's at Rocky Top Mtn Coaster, Smoky Mtn coaster, Goats & Moonshine Mtn.

🔷Here's Gen 2

You'll find Gen 2 at Skyland Ranch, Lost Mine, and at Anakeesta

🔷Anakeesta has a single rail coaster and they're building a dual rail....a Generation 2, I think.

Single Rail Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

What other types are there??

🔷The Powered Coaster at Rowdy Bear

Hill not required.  This one is powered the whole trip around the course.

🔷The Suspended Coaster with Shooting Targets, also at Rowdy Bear

Ready, aim, fire!  Compete against your buddy for high score.

🔷At Ober, two more styles are waiting for you!

🔹This is the ADG's version...similar to the Weigand model.

🔹This is the OG Alpine Slide of the Smokies - sliding since 1976.

You ride a chair-lift to the top of the course, disembark, and slide from there.  No lift hill like the others.  You can race here, unlike all the others.

🔷This is what you will find at the Wilderness at the Smokies resort. Now Open as of 10/31/2023.

Rendering of the Cloud Coaster at Wilderness at the Smokies

Here's an actual Cloud Coaster somewhere in the world.  It must be pretty amazing; it bends your arms backwards!

As you can see, there are many different options available, each with its own unique features. And with the Smoky Mountains being home to the highest concentration of mountain coasters on the planet, this is the perfect place to experience them all!

Let me know what you think about these in the comments! Good Luck!!

Rare photos of Dolly Parton statue in the making

Hi Everyone,

As a Dolly Parton and Dollywood fan, I love sharing interesting facts and stories about them. Recently, I came across some fascinating photos of the Dolly Parton statue at the Sevier County Courthouse. The statue was sculpted by Jim Gray, a well-known artist in the area. The photos were taken at Gray's home in 1986/early '87, while he was still working on the statue. One of the commenters on the post said that Dolly Parton herself visited Gray's home to provide sketches for the statue. How cool is that?!

Source:  Facebook Group: Knoxville Tenn History and Memories, which is a private group.

From the Jack Kirkland collection

From the Jack Kirkland collection

From the Jack Kirkland collection

I have a video of the Dolly Parton Statue if you'd like to take a look.  It's 60-seconds.

• #dollypartoncountrymusichalloffamestatue
• #dollypartonstatueattheseviervillecourthouse
• #dollypartonstatuebyjimgray
• #dollypartonstatue
• #jimgray
• #sevierville
• #tennessee
• #countrymusic
• #legend
• #inspiration
• #honor
• #tribute
• #love

Special Thanks to the Knoxville History - Facebook group for their courtesy. 

Gatlinburg Trolley is Free this weekend!

Hi everyone,

I was reading this article about free things to do around the Knoxville and East Tn area, and I stumbled upon this freebie about the Gatlinburg Trolley being fare-free this weekend.

So if you're in the area, or know someone who is, then this might be useful for you!

• #gatlinburgtrolley
• #freetrolley
• #gatlinburg
• #tennessee
• #weekendgetaway
• #smokymountains
• #freeride
• #weekendfun
• #traveldeals

Save $15 on Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud or Lumberjack Adventure!

Hi Everyone,

I came across a deal for $15 off adult tickets to Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud or the Lumberjack Themed Adventure Park. As of this publishing, an Adult ticket to the Feud-show is $39.99, and an Adult ticket to the Adventure Park is $49.99.

There are several Food City Locations in Pigeon Forge.  So, to take advantage of this offer, you'll need to head to a Food City and buy your tickets with this promo code/barcode.

Details here are sparse, so, I wish I could tell you when it ends, or let you know other details about this offer, but Im sure they will fill you in at the store. 

Links:

Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park

Food City Promotion for PDLFSAP

Food City Locations in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge

Dollywood's Light The Way 5k - Friday November 11th, 2022 at 11pm

 

Official Website Here.

Article Source:  WATE

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Light the Way 5K is celebrating a decade of holiday tradition and a new race administrator during this year’s race.

On Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 p.m., the race will make its way through Dollywood with the course illuminated by millions of Christmas lights. The Knoxville Track Club helped make the race a reality by becoming the new race administration partner for the event.

The race begins at Dollywood’s Front Gate and runners will go through the park twice. Race organizers hope that this course will give runners time to take in the décor and lights of the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. They add that walkers will be able to follow the route for one loop. This is the second time runners will take this course as it was changed for the 2021 race.

The money made from the race will benefit Keep Sevier Beautiful (KSB) and the Share It Forward (SIF) program at Dollywood. KSB’s goal is to protect the natural beauty found within Sevier County. They provide education and programs focused on waste reduction/recycling, litter prevention and beautifying public spaces. SIF serves Dollywood employees and their families through a variety of programs including scholarships and childcare assistance.

“It’s so exciting to be hosting runners at the Light the Way 5K for a 10th year and for us to have a new partnership with the Knoxville Track Club to make this event even brighter. The beauty of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival combined with the challenge of a course that only a theme park can provide makes Light the Way a one-of-a-kind event for runners and walkers,” said Aaron Newberry, Director of Operations for Share It Forward.

“But just as importantly, this event helps provide our non-profit organizations with financial assistance just before the holidays,” added Lisa Bryant, Executive Director of Keep Sevier Beautiful.

The race is limited to 1,500 participants and pre-registration is encouraged. It costs $50 to participate and registration can be completed online at www.lighttheway5k.net. Race day registration will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Runners will also receive a red blinking nose for the race. Awards will be given to the top three finishers for both men and women.

Dollywood's Future Plans - One Point Revisited

 Hi Everyone,

I wrote a blog article not long ago about Dollywood's Future Plans.  One of the many items on the list was Year-Round Operations.  Dollywood included it in their 10-year plan, see below, by Ed Naughton, President of Dollywood.

Could Dollywood open 365?

Making sure there are plenty of things to do in every season will position the company to entertain year-round, Naughton said, adding it's possible the park could open theaters and restaurants near the entrance during winter.

Continuous improvement seems to be the new constant at Dollywood. Much of that change happens during a frenzied January and February.

Source:  click here. 

Oddly enough, or coincidentally, this week, two 'neighboring' amusement parks in the Cedar Fair chain, Carowinds and King's Dominion, both announced year-round operations.   Carowinds is southeast of Dollywood near Charlotte, and King's Dominion is near coastal Virginia, in Doswell, so its winters are pretty mild for the most part.

That's great news for those who work at those parks and can now be employed year-round, and it's great for the guests who are looking for entertainment in January and February.    I see lots of potential in winter operations doing things that are challenging in the summer, like snow tubing & ice skating as a couple examples.

My understanding is that these two parks will be open for weekends-only during the two coldest months of winter, which obviously is weather dependent.  Other parks that stay open year-round cycle the operations of the rides in and out of service, so that routine maintenance can be performed.  It would not be reasonable to expect every single ride to be in operation during the winter months.  That's what happens in other year-round parks such as Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, Disney-World-Land-Epcot, Universal, Sea Worlds, & Busch Tampa.  

It's interesting to me that these two parks have chosen to operate year-round.  Was it a way to beat Dollywood to the punch?  Done so in their own interest?  It's impossible to say.  Will Six Flags over Georgia follow suit?  At this point I doubt it.  Six Flags seems somewhat in operational disarray.  Six Flags Magic Mountain has, for several years, been open year-round and recently announced that they were scaling that back, which is unfortunate for those who bought season passes who were promised year-round operations.

What would year-round operations look like at Dollywood?  I don't have any insider info to know what they're thinking about doing, but based off of Ed Naughtons' comments, he said they would consider using the entrance as a sort of hub, making use of the theaters and restaurants.  Chasing Rainbows Museum is not far away from the entrance, and it was closed in 2022 for a major re-thinking of the experience.  Will it move closer to the entrance to align with the 10-year plan?

Drop Line can operate in temps down to 5-degrees F and Thunderhead has, I think, four trains.  I believe they have the two trains from Celebration City's shuttered GCI coaster, so that means two trains could be in rehab at any given time and potentially would never have seasonal downtime, or at least not very long.  Mystery Mine seems to struggle with cold temperatures, so Im not sure it would open on the coldest of days.  So, Dollywood could open The Entrance area/Showstreet, Timber Canyon and maybe Wildwood Grove for winter, which would allow for seasonal maintenance in the rest of the park.  As years went on, they could introduce Wilderness Pass, then Craftsman's Valley the year after that.  They love to incrementally grow things, so that would seem to make sense.

Another possibility is that Dollywood adds an entire Snow Themed Area in the park that features cold-weather activities like snow tubing, ice skating, bonfire areas, stuff like that.  Before it was cancelled, the Nashville combo Water Park/Snow Park was a real idea they had.  They were set to partner with Gaylord, but it fell through.  So, they're well aware of the types of things they could do to make a snow park work.

Like I mentioned, I have no idea what they'll end up doing.  They hold their secrets pretty well.  I will certainly keep my eyes peeled for any developments.

Until next time.  

Dollywood Insiders: The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood’s Roller Coasters

 Hi Everyone, 

I came across this fantastic article that offers lots of important information about all of Dollywood’s award-winning roller coasters.  This is the type of info about roller coasters that gives me the warm fuzzies.  The more I’ve learned about how roller coasters work, and how safe they really are, then for me, my anxiety melted away and I could enjoy all the other sensations you get to experience (Speed, Big Drops, Inversions, etc) when you’re not worried about flying off into a painful death!

Anyhoo, I wanted to share this with all y’all!

Source: The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood’s Roller Coasters - Dollywood Insiders

Dollywood Insiders: Behind the Scenes: Getting Mystery Mine Ready for the Day

 Hi Everyone,

I came across this great article for all you ride enthusiasts, who, like me, are always eager to learn more about how rides work.  The more that I learned about functionality, safety systems, etc, mostly as a teenager, my fears about flying off the tracks (lol) subsided. In the 1980's we obviously didn't have the internet to learn from, so back then I just had to figure it out or ask nerdy questions of the ride ops... mostly they did not know what I was asking. Also lol.

This is from the Dollywood Insiders Group and here’s the source - right here.  I hope you enjoy it. But Wait, There's More!! Go to the article to watch a video related to this story!

Behind the Scenes: Getting Mystery Mine Ready for the Day - Dollywood Insiders

Behind the Scenes: Getting Mystery Mine Ready for the Day

By Jeremy Daniels - Dollywood Insider

My uncle Gordon worked for Dollywood in the 1990s as a member of the rides’ maintenance crew. For many years, the reason my family was able to visit the park was because of the complimentary tickets my uncle gave us. It was on those trips that I fell in love with Dollywood. The sights, sounds and smells that take me right back to my childhood still exist in the park today.

I recently had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of Mystery Mine with Caleb (a rides’ maintenance host) for an up-close look at how the attraction is inspected and tested each morning.

The maintenance team ensures everything is operating as it should every day: they walk and inspect the track, meticulously comb through each ride vehicle and test operation software and mechanics. Needless to say, ride mechanics arrive several hours before the park opens. Dollywood’s rides’ maintenance hosts have the authority to keep attractions closed until they are comfortable that it meets all standards set by the manufacturer.

I went into this experience expecting to get a glimpse at what few have seen, but I left with confidence in the safety of each ride at Dollywood. These unsung heroes of the theme park world are often overlooked, and I just want to say thanks. My life has been greatly influenced by one a Dollywood rides’ maintenance host, and he would be proud of the team that continues the great work today.

By Jeremy Daniels| September 9th, 2022

Dont forget to go to the article to watch the related video - Video Here 

Cigarette butts to benches - Dollywood joins 7-state initiative recycling cigarette butts to keep TN River beautiful.

Hi Everyone,

I saw this article recently and thought what a great idea this is, so I wanted to share.

Source - WATE-tv, Knoxville.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) — Visitors to Dollywood can sit on benches made from the plastic found in cigarette butts.

Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTNRB) gifted Dollywood the two benches as a way to say thank you for the park’s efforts in stopping cigarette litter. In 2021, Dollywood partnered with the river cleanup nonprofit for their cigarette litter prevention project. KTNRB gave Dollywood with 26 art-wrapped cigarette receptacles through grants and sponsorships from Keep America Beautiful, Keep Tennessee Beautiful, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the American Eagle Foundation.

According to KTNRB, Dollywood is the first theme park in the world to recycle the plastic found in every cigarette butt collected on its property. The park is also the largest recycler in KTNRB’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program with more than 250,000 of the 275,000 cigarette butts collected coming from Dollywood.

“This is a pioneering step that Dollywood is taking with this project—one that sets an example that our waterways are worth protecting and one that is the largest recycling impact of its kind within the seven-state Tennessee River watershed,” said Kathleen Gibi, KTNRB Executive Director. “We’re grateful to all of the partners who have made this project possible.”

The Pigeon River, seen at a lower level in this photo due to summer weather, is part of the Tennessee River watershed and runs through the center of Dollywood. (Photo via by Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful)

One of 26 cigarette receptacles installed throughout Dollywood. (Photo via by Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful)

Representatives from the groups that made Dollywood’s massive cigarette plastic recycling project possible pose with a bench made from recycled cigarette plastic. Left to right: Carol Agee (Dollywood), Kathleen Gibi (Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful), Melinda Watson (TVA); Back row, left to right: Bobby Johnson (Dollywood), Jessica Hall (American Eagle Foundation), Mark Huber (Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful), Edmond McDavis (Keep Tennessee Beautiful)(Photo via by Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful)

Dollywood staff store the collected butts until a bulk shipment can be sent for the cigarettes’ plastic to be recycled.(Photo via by Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful)

“Dollywood has been recognized as one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world due, in part, to the beauty of East Tennessee,” said Carol Agee, Dollywood Sr. Manager of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances. “It is vital for us to maintain this beauty by caring for our natural surroundings. Through our partnership with KTNRB, we are able to take hundreds of thousands of cigarette butts and remove them from the waste stream.”

Overall, 800 art-wrapped cigarette receptacles have been placed in all seven states of the Tennessee River watershed, with partners at marinas, campgrounds and businesses maintaining them. 109 cigarette receptacles were given to Tennessee’s state parks.

“We’re grateful to have such a leader within our watershed and hope their example inspires others to follow,” said Gibi. “We could think of no greater theme park to champion such an effort than Dollywood, who has so successfully married the theme park experience with the stunning setting of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Pigeon River, demonstrating to park visitors each year that our natural assets are both cultural and economic treasures,” said Gibi.

KTNRB shared that several studies have found that cigarette butts in water hold enough toxins to kill aquatic life within two gallons of the surrounding water. In 2019, CNN reported cigarette filters were the No. 1 plastic pollutant in the world.

Five New Rides for the Island in Pigeon Forge!

Update from 10/14/22 - The Island posted on Facebook, a video of the Nebulaz up and running.  I am assuming it's still in the testing and commissoning phase, but I would expect it to open in the very near future.

Click here to see their post on Facebook

What Makes an Perfect Amusement Park Food, According to an Expert

 

Article Source: Foodandwine.com

What Makes an Perfect Amusement Park Food, According to an Expert

Funnel cakes and fries are perennial hits, but you might be surprised how welcome a strawberry spinach salad can be between coaster rides.

By Paul O. Mims | Published on August 26, 2022

PHOTO: AMY MUSCHIK / EYEEM / GETTY IMAGES

I am what they call a roller coaster enthusiast (or nerd, if you want to drop the niceties). I am such an enthusiast that you can show me any picture of a roller coaster, and I can tell you the manufacturer by just the train and track design. Not necessarily impressive since any enthusiast can even decipher a Giovanola from a Bolliger Mabillard. Amusement parks have been a huge part of my life since childhood. At the age of 15, I started my "thrill tenure" working at the Dippin' Dots stand, and I persisted seven years later. I grew to have a slightly unsettling obsession with park operations. I was even a ride operator for an inverted B&M at "America's roller coast," Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. I was also a supervisor in the food services department, and I saw the ins and outs of amusement park food fare.

 

Not to brag, but I created a wrap with chicken and strawberries — weird but good. It was a hit and it sold like funnel cakes (get it?). Amusement park food, once upon a time, was not really alluring. You had your typical funnel cake, elephant ear, cotton candy, or anything fried. Amusement parks have been stepping up their game with their dining options, but they would be foolish to take away the OG's. Bigger theme park chains may employ executive chefs across their parks with inventive menus, but the biggest test is the acceptance of the general public (GP in park nerd terms). What essentially makes any amusement park dish a hit, isn't necessarily a science, but it's a compilation of sorts. The following elements are all indicators of a perfect amusement park dish.

 

It's easily replicable.

The majority of a parks' workforce is between the ages of 16 and 18. Menu items have to be easily replicable that even the most novice cooks can understand. Teenagers may not necessarily possess the most robust cooking knowledge. I once had an employee who served paper to a customer (was unaware of parchment paper between cheese slices). As a previous supervisor, I had the luxury of training teenagers on how to use a deep fryer or a flattop as well as teaching them how to hold a knife. After a few test runs, they eventually get it.

Kings Dominion has added a new themed area, X-Pedition Base Camp, where a venue is dedicated to just loaded French fries. Deep-frying doesn't require culinary school, however, cleaning one should because that is something that is not taught enough.

It's inexpensive to make.

Amusement parks make a lot of profit from dining. Have you seen their prices? Sixteen bucks for a hotdog and fries combo is steep. The inevitable, "That's a lot for a hot dog!" is correct. Inexpensive ingredients can be bought in bulk and are easily expendable. Funnel cake is literally flour, sugar, baking powder, and water. It costs pennies to produce. Slap some hot fudge and whipped cream, and the markup is in the double digits. I had a boss who almost discontinued glazed walnuts in a salad because it was too expensive to procure.

It should be seasonal.

Our pineapple pico de gallo and the strawberry spinach salad were hits. Fresh produce is always a way to entice any consumer, especially the parents. We all know parents are the spenders, and are likely to want a fresh option for their kids besides the usual fried and sweet offerings. Fresh fruit cups are popping up on menus because of this. It also doesn't hurt that the seasonal produce adds a bit of horticulture to the park.

There should be an Insta-factor.

Back when I was working at parks, Instagram was not what it is today and TikTok was not even a thing. I hail from the era of Vine, and the only indication of any smartphone capability was the Blackberry. Food culture has exploded on social media, and it has made its way in the theme park industry. Parks across the nation are adding items that are "Insta-worthy." Hersheypark and Six Flags have top-heavy — and difficult to eat — milkshakes that would be any influencer's muse.

Adults-only options are welcome.

Adults were once forgotten on the menu front. I guess family-oriented entertainment spaces put all of the eggs in the children's basket. I am not a parent, but I have witnessed parents buy lunch for their family and nine times out of 10, they choose what the kids want. Parks are now providing the "drop your kids off, and enjoy yourself" offerings. More cocktail-driven menus are now beckoning. Busch Gardens just opened a new speakeasy this year, along with a new roller coaster attraction.

So now that we have the formula for the perfect amusement park dish, would a hot dog topped with pineapple pico de gallo, with a side of loaded fries, and a spiked lemonade work for mom? It is not always definitive. Like anything, it takes trial and error. What I can say is that the pineapple pico de gallo-topped hot dog will do well somewhere by the ride photo kiosk.