On December 12, 2014, Visit My Smokies, the industry leader in Smoky Mountain vacation information, revealed a few major changes coming in the near future for the beloved Pigeon Forge amusement park, Dollywood. As part of the party’s 30th anniversary, officials announced that they would be spending their off season creating new ways to enhance guests’ experience.

“Dollywood is by far one of the most popular attraction in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains,” said a spokesperson for Visit My Smokies. “We see families come from all across the country to spend the day at the park. That is why we are excited to see all the new additions and changes they are making because we know guests will love them for years to come.”

According to officials with the Pigeon Forge amusement park, the highlight of the new additions will be the opening of the brand-new DreamMore Resort that is located adjacent to Dollywood. Housing 307 individual guest rooms, the new Smoky Mountain resort is set to open Summer 2015.

In addition to the new resort, Dollywood also plans on creating a better guest experience overall. This includes releasing plans to change the park’s parking infrastructure with a more visitor-friendly design.

With an estimated cost of $5.5 million, the new parking lot will be larger and easier to navigate than what guests are used to now. Dollywood staff also plans to incorporate more trams to help transport guests from their car to the front gate of the Pigeon Forge amusement park.

Rounding out the list of additions for Dollywood’s 30th anniversary is the introduction of a brand new event set to open this fall. On Sept. 5, curtains will open for Dollywood’s Rock the Smokies show that showcases contemporary Christian music on stages located throughout the park. The event will last throughout Labor Day weekend.

For more information on what all the Pigeon Forge amusement park has planned for its 30th anniversary, be sure to visit its website at www.dollywood.com.

Both DreamMore Resort and the new parking lot are part of Dollywood’s 10-year plan to spend $300 million in upgrades to their Pigeon Forge amusement park. The idea behind this plan is to help improve the experience for guests as well as invest money to support the local community and create jobs.

Opened in 1986, Dollywood is considered one of the most family-friendly attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Not only does the park pay tribute to its namesake, country music superstar Dolly Parton, but it also honors the rich history and culture found in the Appalachian community.

Established in 2009, Visit My Smokies is the premier Great Smoky Mountain destination lodging website. The program is owned by Sevier County, Tenn., and developed to build revenue, through the promotion of travel and tourism, in relation to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area lodging, attractions, dining and shopping. All offices are located at: 125 Court Ave., Suite 102 E, Sevierville, TN 37862.