When Fireflies and Butterflies Take Flight at Dollywood

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originally posted on 5/24/2019

Dragonflier
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Photo: Robert Ulrich. View full-sized image.

On Friday, May 10, 2019, a magical day dawned at Dollywood when the lady herself, Dolly Parton, invited guests to enjoy the grand opening of the eagerly anticipated expansion at the park, Wildwood Grove. The largest addition in the park’s history, the $37 million investment is the first new area added since Wilderness Pass brought Thunderhead to the valley in 2008. Benjamin Bear and the fireflies Flit and Flutter greeted everyone within sight of the iconic Wildwood Tree. When introducing the butterfly characters, Parton joked about their names, even saying “Floozie” at one point. This author looks forward to the day when a butterfly version of Jolene appears at the park.

In her role as “Dreamer in Chief,” Parton has created a land where imaginations soar and fantasies fly in this holler of the Smoky Mountains full of landscaping that reflects the local beauty of the “land of blue smoke.” After clearing and leveling the acreage behind Thunderhead, all new plantings and stonework were returned to the area to create a natural fit in the beauty of the mountains. Her goal, she said, was to remember the sounds and sights of her childhood in the Great Smoky Mountains as sweet as honeysuckle.

Photo: Robert Ulrich. View full-sized image.

The new area is first discovered through a hollowed-out tree trunk. The entrance sets the stage for a colorful land set across from the entrance of the somewhat foreboding tower of Mystery Mine. Currently, this is the only entrance and exit to the area. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a large branch fountain harp along with rides and theming. The elevated mountain vista makes the towering Mystery Mine even more impressive, along with more expansive views of Wild Eagle, Thunderhead and Drop Line. The new queues are situated to the rear of each individual ride, so there is a lively street presence within the Grove. Guests not waiting to ride are entertained by the actions of the rides and the interactive features of the park. There are welcome seating options everywhere, including wall-topping stonework.

Branch fountain harp
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Past the Till & Harvest restaurant, the first ride seen is Treetop Tower (Zamperla Samba Tower), where guests soar in giant acorn gondolas rotating in a circle. From there one might choose to enjoy the Black Bear Trail (Metallbau Emmeln via Ride Entertainment) where the Smoky Mountain’s mascot takes one or two riders along a meandering track. Or guests might wish to rock big time on the Giant Tree Swing (Zamperla). Younger guests will enjoy the Frogs & Fireflies (Zamperla) or the indoor Hidden Hollow interactive play area.

Photo: Robert Ulrich. View full-sized image.

Coaster enthusiasts and visitors alike might be tempted to pause under the 50-foot-tall Wildwood Tree surrounded by a giant plaza where guests can enjoy the butterflies and lights flickering to music throughout the day. However, the key attraction lies beyond the Wildwood Creek, a water play feature snaking through the area like the many natural creeks in the mountains. Keep walking around The Mad Mockingbird, a modern flying scooter (Larson) themed to the Tennessee state bird, to discover the Dragonflier (Vekoma) family inverted roller coaster.

Photo: Robert Ulrich. View full-sized image.

Dragonflier’s story is told through incredible theming. Geysers spray in a small pond as the coaster flies overhead and then down through a tunnel under the water. Thrilling for families, this is the first inverted coaster in the park. At almost 1,500 feet, the ride is similar to Orkanen at Fårup Sommerland in Denmark. The single-train coaster (with comfortable seating) provides 20 guests a fast and quiet ride. After a quick turn out of the station, the train climbs up the tire-driven lift before dropping into a tunnel. Rising up into a horseshoe turn before diving back close to the ground, riders fly over to a helix and then up and down to a series of additional turns before returning to the station. Dragonflier is an extremely fun coaster that will surprise anyone expecting just another kiddie coaster. This is a family coaster, and the extended wait times proved that it was the king of the grove.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Photo: Robert Ulrich. View full-sized image.

While the early season calendar did not allow it, it is obvious that the land will be absolutely charming when nights at Dollywood return. From the nearly 650 lighted butterflies on the Wildwood Tree to the glowing lamps throughout, a night in Wildwood Grove will be a truly magical experience. Perhaps a recording of the redone Parton classic, “Love Is Like a Butterfly,” which she performed for the opening, will be made available. For this new version of the song, Dolly included lyrics about the bears and dragonflies, mockingbirds and butterflies that call Wildwood Grove home.

— Robert Ulrich
ACE President