Thursday, June 3, 2021

Dollywood Announces New HeartSong Lodge & Resort for 2023 + 10 Year Expansion Plan


© Dollywood

Dollywood is continuing on the path of creating additional growth as they have announced a brand new resort, known as Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, along with a ten year, half a billion dollar expansion plan.  The resort just wrapped up their first ten year expansion plan which saw the addition of many attractions within the theme and water park, along with the DreamMore Resort and is now embarking on another ambitious era of growth.


"Since 2010, The Dollywood Company has invested more than $220 million into its properties as part of its ongoing investment plan.  Expansions undertaken since 2010 include Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, roller coasters Lightning Rod and FireChaser Express, as well as TailSpin Racer at Dollywood’s Splash Country.  In 2019, the park opened the $37 million Wildwood Grove."


© Dollywood

The brand new HeartSong Lodge & Resort will open in 2023 and will be located adjacent to the already popular DreamMore Resort.  It will feature 302 rooms including many with balconies, some with lofts, and family suites - some of which are themed.  The resort will carry a Smokie Mountain lodge theme, but will be spectacularly appointed and feature a plethora of amenities.  These includes a large pool area, a giant 4,000 square foot lobby with an atrium, a two story fireplace with a never ending flame, a music room inspired by Dolly and more.


© Dollywood

The Resort will also feature an area for group gatherings, featuring 26,000 square feet of meeting space.  Spaces include a large ballroom, a junior ballroom, event lawn and boardroom.


Also available to feed hungry guests will be the Honeysuckle & Pine Storied Goods Mercantile, a 195-Seat Signature Restaurant & Lounge, a 40-Seat Acoustics Private Dining Room, Lobby Lounge and the Wildflower Market Grab & Go Eatery.


© Dollywood

Company officials note that they had a somewhat strong 2020 despite the pandemic, and are already beating their expectations for 2021.  The popularity of the Smokies as a vacation destination continues to grow, and the resort feels it is an appropriate time to expand.  It sounds like the plan was to be announced last year but put on hold due to the pandemic.


Dollywood and Splash Country see a combined total of more than 3 million visitors a season, and with all the recent expansions those figures are sure to be growing.  The resort will now embark on another decade of expansion and while additional attractions are not being revealed yet, we can be sure the park has big things planned for the future.


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