PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — A Polar Express train ride at Christmas and two new attractions in 2009 are in the works at Dollywood.
That’s a message from the top, delivered by Dolly Parton last month in a round of media interviews at her Smoky Mountains theme park.
The Polar Express ride will be a four-dimensional experience — “4-D, that’s my bra size, in addition,” the voluptuous entertainer joked to reporters.
The indoor attraction will feature the 2004 Imax film starring Tom Hanks shown in 3-D, accompanied by synchronized movements of the seats in the Thunder Road theater.
Coming in 2009 are Adventure Mountain, a ropes course, and “Imaginé” presented by Le Grand Cirque, which will headline the park’s annual Festival of Nations in the spring.
Adventure Mountain, a 2-acre outdoor terrain, will be in Wilderness Pass near the Thunderhead and Mystery Mine roller coasters. The $5 million addition features five courses to challenge the strength and skill of every member of the family, according to a news release. Guests will encounter a waterfall gorge, rugged mountain trails and zip lines that they can pursue individually or in family competitions.
“I’ve been walking a tightrope all my life, so that kind of feels appropriate,” Ms. Parton said. “Can you see me in my high heels on that one?”
The park will unveil “Imaginé” during the Festival of Nations, March 28-April 28. A cast of world-class international athletes, performers and acrobats will present feats of pole climbing, contortion, bungee, mime, hand balancing and unicycling. In addition to vivid costumes and sets, “Imaginé” is renowned for its dramatic lighting effects, including one act performed under an ultraviolet light, according to the news release.
Ms. Parton compared “Imaginé” to the elaborate circus artistry shows in Las Vegas.
“I think to have this at Dollywood is very exciting,” she said.
The park will be open through Jan. 3 for “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” then reopen March 28 for the 2009 season.
Lisa Denton is deputy features editor and content editor of Current. She previously was a lifestyle, entertainment and region reporter/pod leader for The Chattanooga Times, which she joined in 1983. Lisa is from Sale Creek and holds an associate’s degree in journalism from Chattanooga State Community College. Contact Lisa at 423-757-6281 or ldenton@timesfreepress.com.
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