PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dolly and Dollywood officials opened The Dolly Parton Experience—the park’s eagerly anticipated new attraction—to great fanfare this morning during a special event for invited media and VIPs. Thousands of Dollywood guests eager to see inside also were able to enjoy the multi-faceted experience, which is comprised of multiple buildings at the award-winning Smoky Mountain theme park.

“Our old museum really needed a facelift, but instead of a nip-and-tuck we just decided to start all over! There are a lot of interactive elements and technology all through the area, but luckily for all of you, there are no holograms of me in there anywhere. I think the last thing this world needs is a bunch of ‘Dolly-grams’ running around everywhere,” Dolly said with a laugh.

“Seriously though, I’m so proud of the work our people have put into this new experience to make sure it is something our guests will enjoy for many years. It’s been almost three years in the making, and it’s three times larger than anything like this we’ve ever created before, so it really is something! For me, the most special part is the area called ‘Precious Memories,’ because it’s about my family and everything they have done to support me through the years.” 

The Dolly Parton Experience features a number of interactive elements to make guests feel as if they were alongside Dolly as she journeyed from Locust Ridge to stages around the world. The entire Adventures in Imagination area was completely transformed to create The Dolly Parton Experience. Guests can peruse exhibits which span her unparalleled career and include a look at the inspiration behind and the results of her biggest dreams, detail the importance of her family, and highlight many of Dolly’s signature styles through the years. 

“I think we can all agree there is no one else in the world like Dolly Parton,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton. “She is able to shine a light of positivity and inspiration that has influenced millions of people around the world. Our team has created a remarkable experience that shares Dolly’s inspiring story in an authentic, larger-than-life way. I think The Dolly Parton Experience is going to truly move our guests when they see it. We hope they take some of Dolly’s light and share it with the world just like she does every single day.” 

In Songteller, guests trace Dolly’s roots from Sevier County to the bus she boarded to Nashville the day after her high school graduation. Several exhibits showcase some of Dolly’s favorite mementos from music, movies and TV shows, while one room is dedicated solely to her record-selling albums. The showstopper for the experience is a massive room which features a 360-degree, projection-mapped story that showcases how Dolly has become one of the most beloved figures in the world. Songteller also honors Dolly’s philanthropy efforts, including a live counter that tracks the number of books given to children through her Imagination Library program. As of opening day, the counter is nearing 240,000,000 books. Songteller is housed in the former Chasing Rainbows Museum.  

At Behind the Seams, guests gain an understanding of how this Smoky Mountain girl’s iconic look comes to life, with a number of memorable wardrobes on display as well. To preserve these priceless pieces, Dollywood employed the same techniques used by the Smithsonian in their museums. 

At the Precious Memories exhibit, located in the front of Dreamsong Theater, honors Dolly’s friends and family and details how their support allowed her to spread her wings to unimaginable heights. A new show, “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends,” also debuted today in the Dreamsong Theater. The show features Dolly’s niece, Heidi Parton, and a cast singing songs and telling stories; and since Heidi wrote it alongside her aunt Dolly, it includes songs and stories that only family would know! Dolly made a surprise appearance prior to the first show and sat in the audience to see the entire performance. 

Guests also can get a glimpse of Dolly’s time on the road as one of her former motor coaches also is available to tour in The Dolly Parton Experience. Dolly’s Home-on-Wheels has been a fixture of the park for several years with hundreds of thousands of guests stepping inside the 1994 Prevost each season. The coach is located adjacent to Behind the Seams.

Finally, guests can visit Dolly’s Fan Shop for unique items to remember their trip to The Dolly Parton Experience. Several exclusive items only can be found in this special location. The curated selection of merchandise includes apparel, accessories and iconic keepsakes every Dolly Parton fan will cherish. 

After exploring The Dolly Parton Experience, guests can enjoy spring in the Smokies thanks to Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health through June 9. With more than one million vibrant blooms, the fresh tastes of spring and unique entertainment offerings throughout the park, it’s an event that has quickly become tradition. Already in its fifth season, this guest-favorite festival transforms Dollywood into a breathtaking display of Mother Nature’s finest handiwork. Elaborate floral installations emerge around every corner, translating nature into living art, each coming together to create an unbelievable presentation of color and wonder.

While admiring the bright blooms throughout the park, guests can explore a multitude of menu items crafted with inspiration from spring’s freshest flavors. Returning for this year is the tasting pass, which allows guests to partake in multiple food items at different festival locations.

Festival elements carry over to Dollywood’s resort properties— Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa—with a variety of festival-themed activities, crafts and entertainment that will inspire and delight the entire family. Guests can enjoy live entertainment by featured performers, fresh culinary creations, and rejuvenating spring-fresh spa treatments all alongside blooming festival décor and floral designs.

There is still plenty of fun for Dollywood guests this year. Following the Flower & Food Festival, the Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show takes to the skies above the park as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 15-Aug. 11). A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 9-Oct. 28) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health. The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 5, 2025)—concludes the park’s 2024 season with 6 million lights, festive holiday shows and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, the Gaylord Texan Resort is thrilled to announce today’s opening of its highly anticipated SummerFest, promising a season filled with excitement, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences for guests. Throughout the resort, guests will discover delicious dining events, receive rejuvenating summer spa specials, explore family-friendly summer-themed activities, and stay cool at Paradise Springs, the resort’s 10-acre outdoor water park.

Paradise Springs:
There is no better way to beat the Texas heat than a pool day at Paradise Springs, the resort’s 10-acre water park! Families can enjoy a fun array of aquatic attractions including a 600-foot-long lazy river, a multi-level Texas-themed play structure, four winding water slides, a zip line, and even a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon. Summer weekends are even hotter with Summer Splash Pool Parties with a live DJ, hula hoop contests, balloon relays, sand art, friendship bracelet making, and more!

SummerFest Events & Activities:

• An Adventure Kid Clubhouse where guests can unleash their creativity with a wide selection of arts and crafts activities such as canvas painting, summer kite building, and flower crown making.
• The Adventure Kids’: Hunt for the Hidden Treasure scavenger hunt where guests can join the Adventure Kids gang to learn, imagine, discover, and explore the resorts atriums and find hidden gems.
• An interactive live show, Adventure Kids’: Join the Club, featuring Alfie the Armadillo, Layla the Longhorn, and everyone’s favorite Adventure Kid, Sophie!
• Summer Cirque returns to Glass Cactus with a new Wild West with a Twist theme. The show will take guests on an exciting journey filled with aerial artistry, breathtaking feats and more!
• Two interactive Escape Rooms where guests must work together to beat the clock and solve puzzles before time runs out.
• Guests can interact with a variety of incredible creatures and learn about their unique personalities at the resorts Animal Encounters.
• Morning Poolside Yoga is offered every morning Monday – Friday at 7am and Saturday – Sunday at 8am at the outdoor resort pool with a certified instructor.
• The Luminosity Light Show lights up the atriums every night showcasing light’s journey from the stars to the sun.
• Aspiring young chefs can practice their culinary skills at the Junior Chefs Camp, where they get to create delightfully delicious meals and treats for themselves and two family members.   
• Horticulture Tours where guests can experience a guided tour from the resort’s horticulture team of experts and learn about the 4.5 acres of indoor gardens and the upkeep of the plant material.

Dining Events and Spa Specials:
Adults 21 and up can experience the resorts exclusive Wine, Whiskey, and Bourdon Tasting Events and savor the rich aromas and complexities of fine wines, the smoothness of aged bourbons, and the bold character of premium whiskeys. In addition, the resort will be featuring a mixology demonstration with our expert bartenders where guests can learn how to create craft cocktails. Guests can also enjoy multiple on-site restaurants offering delicious cuisine, signature summer cocktails, and spectacular service in beautifully appointed environments.

For those looking to relax and unwind this season, Relâche Spa offers soothing treatments for the body, mind, and soul. Luxurious treatments include rejuvenating massages, facials, manicures, and more. Spa guests can also enjoy the sauna, steam room, and slumber lounge. SummerFest at Gaylord Texan Resort takes place May 24th – September 2nd, 2024.

Families from the local non-profit, A Kid Again, started their Saturday at Kings Island by taking the first ride of the day on the amusement park’s new family roller coaster, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers.  A Kid Again is a local organization that offers free local activities for families of kids facing life-threatening conditions. The coaster is part of Camp Snoopy, the new kids’ area at Kings Island that just opened this weekend. 

HOLLYWOOD, Calif and BEIJING, China — Following an international tender, California-based entertainment design firm Legacy Entertainment has been announced as lead designer for the upcoming Beijing Haichang Ocean Park. The project, planned for Beijing’s Tongzhou district, was formally announced in November 2023, and is anticipated to draw more than 3.5 million annual visitors upon its debut in 2027.

The new large-scale Aquarium complex is being developed by Beijing Tongzhou Urban Construction and Operation Group Co., Ltd., operated by Haichang Ocean Park, and is intended to strengthen the Beijing Sub-Central Cultural Tourism Zone, already home to Universal Studios Beijing.

“We are honored to have been selected as the designer of this highly-anticipated project,” said Eric Carnagey, Legacy Entertainment’s Managing Director, and also one of the firm’s owners. “With the combined talents of the involved parties, we have the opportunity to create one of the best and most unique marine life parks in the entire world.”

Over the last decade, the Legacy Entertainment team has been responsible for the design of several of the world’s most celebrated Aquariums and Oceanariums. Among these are The Sea Shell at VinWonders Phu Quoc in Vietnam, and the recently-opened Chimelong Spaceship, which currently holds seven world records.

Legacy has previously collaborated with Haichang on the design of their flagship park in Shanghai. The 5 billion RMB park, which opened in 2018, has received a wide array of awards and accolades since its debut in 2018, including being named “China’s Best Theme Park” by numerous organizations.

Carnagey adds, “With each of our Aquarium projects, we aim to raise the bar for animal care and education outreach. For this new project in Beijing, we plan to combine these touchstones with an unprecedented degree of ‘Wow!’ factor to create a project that will not only stand out in China, but throughout the entire world”.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — TrainerTainment announced its partnership with Adventure Kids PlayCare to offer comprehensive leadership training for the FEC’s team and franchises. Adventure Kids PlayCare, is known for providing a safe, nurturing environment for children.

Founded by Dana Oliver, a single mother who experienced firsthand the challenges of finding childcare outside of traditional hours, Adventure Kids PlayCare is dedicated to offering a solution for parents facing similar struggles. Oliver’s vision and commitment to excellence have established Adventure Kids PlayCare as a trusted childcare provider known for offering a flexible and reliable solution for busy parents that is also fun and exciting for kids.

Recognizing the importance of leadership in childcare, Adventure Kids PlayCare has teamed up with TrainerTainment to offer training focused on essential leadership topics such as accountability, delegation, mastering difficult conversations to help all levels of management lead their teams in a more effective way that also benefits their customers.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with TrainerTainment to enhance our leadership capabilities at Adventure Kids PlayCare,” said Oliver. “Effective leadership is crucial in providing the highest quality childcare services, and we are committed to investing in the development of our team to better serve our families and community.” 

TrainerTainment’s Leadership Training program is designed to equip Adventure Kids PlayCare’s team with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in leadership roles. Through interactive trainings, discussions and practical exercises, participants gain valuable insights and strategies to enhance their leadership abilities, foster team collaboration and drive organizational success.

“At TrainerTainment, we understand the importance of strong leadership in driving organizational success. We are honored to work with Adventure Kids PlayCare to empower their team with the leadership skills and tools needed to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families,” add Beth Standlee, founder & CEO of TrainerTainment.

Adventure Kids PlayCare’s leadership training initiative with TrainerTainment reflects their ongoing commitment to excellence and dedication to providing the best possible childcare experience for families at their centers across the nation.

COHOES, N.Y. — Aquatic Development Group (ADG) is proud to have partnered with Cyan Waterpark and ProSlide Technology to deliver three WaveTek wave systems to their outdoor water park in Jeddah, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s leisure and entertainment landscape. Cyan Waterpark proudly stands as the first waterpark in the Kingdom to offer an inclusive in-water experience, welcoming men, women, and children together in a wave pool. With prime real estate in downtown Jeddah, Cyan Waterpark has quickly secured its status as a premier destination for entertainment and tourism for all!

ADG’s contribution to this project includes the supplying of their cutting-edge WaveTek wave generation Technology for the adult wave pool, kids wave pool, and figure 8 shaped action river for Cyan Waterpark.
Toheeb Abiodun Ajiboye, Head of Lifeguards at Cyan Waterpark revealed some insight on the journey towards inclusivity and the impact it has had on their park. Cyan Waterpark knew it was the right time to tap into the opportunity to allow people to come together no matter the gender, as people are beginning to view waterpark visits in a different way. This progressive shift not only reflects a strategic business decision but also underscores the park’s commitment to embracing societal changes. Supported by both government and local community, this change has assisted in promoting tourism. Although there has been a mix of opinions from visitors, the majority have been very positive.

The visitors have shown a wave of enthusiasm for the wave pool itself, waiting in excitement for the waves to come, speaking about the success of this change. Cyan Waterpark operators have stated that the guests have been transparent about their love for this wave pool, as it gives them a space to both play and rest all together, and it seems this change has aided in making the guest experience even more fun for Cyan Waterpark goers.

Cyan Waterpark feels they achieved a big goal with this initiative as their values are to give back to their community and provide all guests, including individuals, couples, and families, the chance to enjoy leisure time and relaxation in a fun-filled environment.

Toheeb states, “At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure that the residents, locals, and tourists that are visiting are happy and that everyone is on the same page.” With inclusivity at its forefront, Cyan Waterpark continues to set the standard for immersive and inclusive leisure experiences in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Superplastic, the IP factory renowned across animated entertainment, music, fashion and collectible art toys, announces a strategic partnership with AREA15, an immersive entertainment company, that will introduce its animated characters IRL for the first time. As part of the partnership, Superplastic will open an experiential space within the AREA15 entertainment district later this year, creating an all new type of experience, blending its signature brand of mischief and tomfoolery with art, hype culture and fashion.

Located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, AREA15 is a vibrant playground that entertains more than 3 million visitors annually. The new Superplastic experience will join AREA15’s curated collection of interactive attractions, walk-thru art exhibits, tech-driven experiences, events and entertainment, unique food and beverage offerings, and globally recognized immersive experiences such as Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Illuminarium, Five Iron Golf, Dueling Axes and much more. 

“We’re thrilled to expand the Superplastic brand and characters to immersive entertainment,” says Superplastic CEO Jennifer van Dijk, “There is no better partner for us in this space than AREA15—we have a deep interest in growing intellectual property and entertainment that blends the digital and physical worlds. This is something we can powerfully scale over time.”  “We welcome the addition of Superplastic to our growing collection of top-tier, globally recognized brands who have selected AREA15 as the location for their first-ever experiential, brick-and-mortar attractions,” added Winston Fisher, CEO, AREA15. “Soon, our millions of visitors will have the thrill of interacting with Superplastic’s digital character universe in real life and in completely new and engaging ways.”

CHICAGO — Think VR without the glasses. Illuminarium, a breakthrough global experiential entertainment company created by worldwide leaders in cinematic immersion, theatrical design, and venue operations, is officially headed to Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier this summer. Set to open its doors on Friday, June 28, the immersive venue will debut with two breathtaking experiences: WILD: A Safari Experience and SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond. Known as “the place that can take you anyplace,” the awe-inspiring 32,000 square-foot entertainment venue will be located within the former Crystal Gardens venue, marking the company’s fifth Illuminarium location following Las Vegas, Atlanta, Toronto, and Macau, China.

“We are elated the time is officially here for us to introduce Chicago to what we hope will be an unforgettable adventure,” said Alan Greenberg, CEO of Illuminarium Experiences. “Illuminarium is a totally transportive experience with some of the most amazing, inspiring spectacles from around the world and beyond, and we hope audiences of all ages will come to Navy Pier to check us out and leave feeling inspired and wanting more.”

Using cutting-edge, innovative technologies, Illuminarium’s visually-stunning venue will transport locals and visitors of all ages to places they previously could only dream of experiencing. By enabling audiences to see, hear, and even personally affect an experience, Illuminarium will place patrons “inside” the narrative using techniques from traditional motion picture production and virtual reality, and pair it with interactive features that mimic that of the real world, all without wearable hardware.

WILD: A Safari Experience will provide attendees with an idyllic journey through the vast beauty and splendor of Africa, fully immersing visitors in the authentic sounds and scenes of an extraordinary safari experience ,allowing them to come face-to-face with some of the world’s most majestic animals in their natural habitats.

SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond will take patrons out of this world and onto a mind-blowing journey through space and time. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to walk on the surface of the Moon, step inside a nebula, or see the remarkable James Webb Space Telescope unfurl in space, all while being completely enveloped in the beauty of our galaxies and Solar System.

The above spectacles are not seated showings, but instead, patrons are given the opportunity to walk through the space at their leisure. Designed to entertain ages 3 to 103, visitors will have the opportunity to choose their own adventure, as both experiences will be played each day. Illuminarium Experiences typically take about 45 to 60 minutes. Tickets to Illuminarium begin at $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, plus taxes and fees. Buy before June 1st and save $5 on select tickets with our exclusive Early Bird pricing offer!

For more information on Illuminarium @ Navy Pier or to plan ahead and purchase tickets today, please visit illuminarium.com/chicago. Once open, Illuminarium will also play host to show-stopping private events including birthdays, weddings and corporate functions, adding a stunning visual setting for special occasions of all types.

ORLANDO — Starting May 24, Universal Orlando Resort guests can rediscover some of their favorite memories from Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Jaws and Shrek as they shop at the new Summer Tribute Store. Inspired by some of the iconic movies featured in the upcoming collection of new experiences opening at Universal Orlando this summer, this new limited-time store will invite guests to explore a 1980s-themed retail space that celebrates these beloved classics with special props, photo ops, merchandise and so much more.

Located in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida, this year’s Summer Tribute Store will transport guests to “The Tribute Store Plaza” – a 1980’s shopping mall featuring three highly immersive “mega” rooms – the nostalgic Mega Video Rental video store, a retro Mega Castle Arcade and the majestic Tribute Theatre. As guests explore the shop, they’ll discover various photo opportunities and countless Easter eggs inspired by familiar characters and moments from each of the films.

The new Tribute Store will feature a variety of new collections full of apparel, accessories, home goods and more themed to the films, including a colorful new Shrek assortment, an E.T.outdoors-inspired line, Ghostbusters out-of-this-world goods, Jawsnautical merchandise and so much more. Later this summer, the store will also carry the all-new interactive bubble wands inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Illumination’s Minions and Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World that include fun features that allows them to interact with each other as well as with specific floats in the Universal Mega Movie Parade when it debuts on July 3.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — California’s newest waterpark, CaliBunga Waterpark, announces it will open this June on a 23-acre campus in the heart of San Jose. The first theme park introduction by the newly formed California Dreamin’ team, CaliBunga is set to make a splash this summer by showing NorCal guests of all ages that they are the experts in summer fun.

Located overlooking Lake Cunningham and the San Jose Foothills families will experience a renovated waterpark with more than 15 splash-tastic slides and attractions. Coming later this summer is an all new, year-round wine garden featuring live music, dining, drinks, and panoramic views of the lake. From thrilling rides, to refreshing pools, and splashin’ family play areas, the team at California Dreamin’ has invested millions of dollars in capital improvements to ensure guests of all ages will create memories of a lifetime all summer long.

“As a 40-year theme park veteran, I love creating iconic parks that help families build lasting memories,” said Steven Dooner, CEO, CaliBunga. “After acquiring the waterpark lease in March 2024, we have worked tirelessly to introduce San Jose residents to CaliBunga and showcase the improvements we’ve made to enhance the guest experience so that every person that visits the park has a full day of fun. We will continue reimagining this great Bay Area waterpark with plans to add even more new and exciting attractions.”

NorCal residents are welcome to enjoy a diverse selection of water rides at the area’s largest waterpark – whether you’re seeking thrilling water slides, kiddie rides, wave pools, or a ride down the lazy river. From Dragon’s Den, where guests can plummet into the mist-shrouded abyss of the dragon, to free falling one of two slides on Shotgun Falls, to Slide Creek Falls where guests can leisurely float down a moving stream – CaliBunga is sure to be this summer’s hotspot.

Also launching later this summer is Cal Soleil, a wine garden that will host special events, wine tastings, and live entertainment. Cal Soleil will feature a vast selection of local wines, craft beers and food trucks this season overlooking the picturesque Lake Cunningham.

CaliBunga is the first theme park introduction by the newly formed California Dreamin’ team, headquartered in Sacramento, California. California Dreamin’ is composed of experts in family entertainment with experience developing and operating entertainment centers, theme parks and waterparks in the U.S. and Asia, for brands including Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, Raging Waters, Chuck E. Cheese, Malibu Grand Prix, Universal Studios and more.