With 2019 winding down and 2020 right around the corner, many attractions are releasing their updates for 2020. Recently, Dollywood released two big announcements for 2020.
Pre-K Imagination Pass
From November 4th, 2019 to January 5th, 2020 any child born in 2015 or 2016 is eligible for the free Pre-K Imagination Pass. The pass is valid for the entire 2020 season at Dollywood, and registering is easy! Parents simply have to visit Dollywood.com/PRE-K starting November 4th, 2019 to register. On your first visit, bring your child and their birth certificate, passport, or green card (stating the child’s birth date) to the front gate to activate the pass!
This pass is a special 35th Anniversary offer inspired by the Imagination Library – a special program that introduces children to the joy of learning at a young age.
Children will love exploring Wildwood Grove – an entirely new section of the park opened in 2019. From the Park’s official website:
“Beyond an ancient hollow log and into a hidden land, Wildwood Grove beckons the explorer in all of us. Let curiosity be your guide as you journey ever deeper, past sparkling creeks, through a charming village, and under the mighty limbs of the great Wildwood Tree. This is where adventure takes root and your dreams take flight.”
Watch the opening ceremonies:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=external&v=2277520412315258
There’s plenty for little ones to see and do here. Meet characters like Benjamin Bear – with the friendliest smile in all the land. There’s also Flit & Flutter – the ambassadors of Wildwood Grove and the epitome of beauty and grace.
Frogs and Fireflies will have children riding their hungry frogs through a mask on a roundabout ride. They race around the track with ups and downs in an attempt to catch the fireflies.
Maybe taking flight sounds more thrilling for your kiddo. The Mad Mocking bird allows you to ride a colorful bird near Wildwood Creek, taking a whimsical flight allowing you to dip and soar through the sky.
Check out how imagination came to life at Wildwood Grove:
Inaugural Flowers & Food Festival
A brand new five-week festival begins in 2020. Starting May 8 and running through June 14, the Flowers & Food Festival is designed to celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains with topiary tributes to classic Dolly Parton songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” These stunning displays are expected to be upwards of 10 feet tall
Of course, these colorful displays will be accompanied by tasty dishes accentuating the flavors of springtime. Featured food items, according to the press release, are expected to include:
- Spring beef over crispy potatoes
- Heirloom tomato & feta cheese galette
- Savory lime chicken legs over rice pilaf
- Caprese skewers with a balsamic reduction
Regular food vendors at Dollywood will still be serving the classic park snacks, like their famous cinnamon bread and pastries!
Flavorful drinks are part of the festival as well, and include:
- Pink watermelon lemonade slushy
- Rose lemon spritzer
- Fresh violet spritzer
When asked about the new festival, Attractions Magazine quotes the Queen of Country herself as saying: “When I was just a little girl, spring was a wondrous time,” said Dolly Parton. “Everything came to life – flowers bloomed in the meadow near our house, and the Dogwood, red bud and fruit trees blossomed with the sweetest smells. I imagined having my own special field of flowers that were a fragrant home to my favorite animal friends in the woods. Now, my Dollywood comes that special place with everything made of flowers – I can’t wait to share it with everyone just in time for our 35th season!”
This project purportedly is a few years in the making. Dollywood claims it is a MUST SEE for your 2020 springtime vacation.
Your Favorite Festivals
Naturally, all the fan favorite festivals are returning in 2020 for the 35th anniversary season as well! If you can’t make it to the Flowers & Food Festival, check out a few of the others taking place:
- Festival of Nations – March 14 – April 20 (see our blog post about 2019’s festival!)
- Barbecue & Bluegrass – April 24 – May 3
- Summer Celebration – June 20 – August 2
- Rock the Smokies – August 22
- Harvest Festival – September 25 – October 31
- Smoky Mountain Christmas – November 7 to January 2, 2021
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
When you’re ready to get your Spring 2020 vacation plans going, be sure to visit our blog posts about how to save money on a Dollywood adventure and what you should look for in booking a cabin close to Dollywood. At American Patriot Getaways, we have lots of cabins near Dollywood for every size group. You can even check out our Pinterest Board of cabins near Dollywood!
Obviously, the Smokies has so much to see and do when you visit! Whether you choose a Gatlinburg cabin or a Pigeon Forge cabin, there’s going to be plenty to see and do nearby. Book online or give our friendly Reservation Department staff a call at 800-204-5169 today.
Of course, be sure to check out all of our vacation guides for planning your Smoky Mountain getaway. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest area information!
