Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Dollywood 2018 Preview
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on March 13, 2018
In case you weren't already aware, Smoky Mountain Ziplines is open for the season. And it's looking like this weekend might be a great opportunity to help us kick off 2018 by experiencing some of the area's best ziplines, Smoky Mountains beauty and some awesome spring weather, all at the same time.
But we're not the only Pigeon Forge attraction that's getting geared up for the millions of visitors who come to the Smoky Mountains every year. At Dollywood theme park, the gates open for the 2018 season on Friday, March 16, so this week, we thought we'd give you a sneak peek at what you can expect if you decide to go there this year.
As always, Dollywood begins its season with one of its major annual events, the Festival of Nations, which runs March 16 through May 9. This world-class experience brings entertainers, artists, vendors and ethnic cuisines in from all over the globe, transforming this little corner of East Tennessee into a cultural crossroads.
This year's slate of performers includes the Invaders Steel Orchestra from the Caribbean; JigJam, an Irish bluegrass quartet; Atahualpa, musicians from the Andes Mountains; Zebra Stelzentheater, German stilt dancers; The Flamenco Kings; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; and the National Dance Company of Siberia. Shows can be seen at various Dollywood venues as well as on the streets of the park itself.
In addition to the live entertainment, Dollywood guests can discover art pieces from these different cultures and taste dishes that are native to the different countries.
Dollywood is also billing 2018 as its Season of Showstoppers, pouring an additional $1 million into its usual entertainment efforts and delivering more shows this year than any other theme park. Shows and acts to look for include Dreamland Drive-In, the Gem Tones, Heartsong and the Kingdom Heirs, just to mention a few. The season will also include nine festivals throughout the year that will showcase artists ranging from up-and-comers to CMA Hall of Famers.
Two of those nine festivals – Spring Mix and Summer Celebration – are new this year. Spring Mix is three weeks of performances by artists such as Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis, Crystal Gayle, Amy Grant, The Marshall Tucker Band and Debby Boone. Dollywood's Summer Celebration will feature America's Got Talent finalist iLuminate as well as the touring production of DRUMLine Live!, complete with all the fast beats and choreography.
Of course, later in the year, events like Dollywood's Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas are major multi-week happenings that always transform the park into seasonal destinations complete with thematic décor, shows, foods and more.
And don't forget that Dollywood is still the best place around here to get your thrill ride on. You can experience all the ups and downs of world-class roller coasters like Lightning Rod, the Tennessee Tornado, Thunderhead and Wild Eagle. Other wild rides include Drop Line, Barnstormer and Blazing Fury, while wet rides like Daredevil Falls and the Mountain Slidewinder will help keep you cool when the summer heat sets in. There are also plenty of kiddie rides for younger children in the Country Fair section of the park, or rides like the Dollywood Express are suitable for all ages.
For the best zipline experience in the Smokies, however, you'll still want to come see us at SMZ in 2018.
