Smoky mountains Theme park will build resort, add shows, rides

Dolly Parton speaks during a news conference to annouce plans to expand her Dollywood properties on Wednesday in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Parton said she is going invest $300 million over the next 10 years in a project that includes a 300-room resort and a dual-launch coaster currently under construction in Dollywood.

NASHVILLE – To see the future of Dollywood, you need to borrow the vision of its chief imaginer, Dolly Parton.

In the near future, Parton sees a resort hotel lobby with a three-story window that frames Mount LeConte – one of the tallest peaks in the Smoky Mountains. Guests will be able to book a grand suite in the hotel that the entertainer uses when she stays in the Pigeon Forge theme park that bears her name.

All of that is future tense, but not very far away. The park plans to open DreamMore Resort in 2015. It’s part of a planned $300 million expansion to take place over the next decade.