Grand Opening of Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures

[ernierocker]

Yesterday, Theme Park Review was invited to the grand opening of Dolly Parton's newest dinner show. Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures replaces the former Lumberjack Adventure on the Pigeon Forge strip.

 

If you have been to Dixie Stampede and/or Medieval Times, the show follows a similar format. Each side of the audience is assigned one of two families to root for, the Owens or the Partons. The basis of the show takes you back to 1939, when Dolly Parton's parents were dating and their families didn't exactly like each other. The show combines a dynamic stage with acrobats, stunts and yes, explosions!

 

I was extremely impressed with the show and very thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the grand opening. If you like these type of dinner shows, you will not be disappointed! It also didn't hurt that the food was delicious! Let's look at some photos now!

In a town full of an upside-down mansion, the Titanic, a wizard's castle and a building with King Kong climbing the side of it, it is very important to have an exterior that stands out among the dozens of attractions. The Lumberjack Adventure exterior remains largely intact and is very effective in standing out in the crowd.

I think someone important is in that bus.

The pre-show area is themed after a 1930's "market" of sorts called Bass Mercantile. Here you order refreshments and look around at all of the merchandise that is available to purchase.

Back Porch Games was a very nice touch.

Here you can find one of the more "retro" arcades out there which includes these vintage "peep show" movie viewers.

Here's a game you can rarely find anymore.

If I had a quarter, I would of definitely checked out Peepshow Popeye! yeah, going to leave that one alone, LOL!

Some of the drinks that can be had in Bass Mercantile.

Kids can get their face painted here.

Here is the premise of the story. Following the success of the made-for-television movies, Dolly decided to continue her parent's story with this new show.

The Owens Family and a reflection of Bass Mercantile.

And the Parton Family.

Laugh Out Loud.

The stars of the show! Not sure where Dolly got that blonde hair!! LOL!

A special presentation began the show to pay tribute to the effort to support victims of the recent wildfires that devastated many homes and lives in the area.

The My People Fund was put in place to raise money for those that lost their homes from the fires.

Several of the recipients of the funds were shown telling their stories and given their thanks to Dolly and all of those were apart of the relief efforts.

Dolly then came on stage to thank everyone involved and to introduce her newest attraction.

The main stage!

The stage was very dynamic and involved lots of surprised including these amazing lighting effects!

Apple Jack is the show's storyteller as well as the "emcee" of the competitions.

As I said above, the theme of the show revolves around the Owens and Partons Families who have an ongoing feud which can only be settled during the annual hootenanny competition at the Pigeon Forge Mill.

The competition is on! The left side of the audience is assigned the Parton family (blue) and the right side of the audience is assigned the Owens Family (yellow).

One of the ways to solve a feud in 1939, was to climb poles in uncomfortable looking ways.

Synchronized pole climbing was also a choice of many feuding Appalachian Mountain families.

Joshua was the comedic relief for the show. He is always looking for a new "Inovention".

We have ourselves an official Hootenanny! And what does a hootenanny involve you ask...

Naturally, you start with individual somersaulting.

and then group somersaulting.

Followed by some axe juggling.

Then, some acrobats.

And of course trampolines were a must in your standard 1939 Hootenanny.

Finally, you were required to end with some silks.

Did I mention that the food was delicious! Not pictured was the creamy vegetable soup that I ate before I had a chance to take a photo.

Families that jump off barrels together and cause other family members to somersault onto a pad, stay together.

Definitely, some bonding going on here.

Comedic relief time.

No one really knew but this was the actual moment that Dolly Parton's parents fell in love.

It's time to bring the audience members/kids down to take part in the show.

Stunt Dogs, yes!

Another example with how dynamic the stage was.

These Golden Retrievers were awesome!

The show also paid homage to the former occupant of the theater.

And then this happened!

Very Cirque Du Soleil!

Crazy Joshua's "Inovention".

And it doesn't end well!

But that's okay, we got ourselves a wedding!

Followed by dancing.

And that's a wrap! If you like Dixie Stampede you will love this show!

Edited May 7, 2017 by ernierocker

[WestCoasterKing]

That looks like so much fun! Reminds me of the Will Bill Dinner Show they used to have in Buena Park. My cousin worked at Knott's for many years and we would go visit often. That's how Knott's became my favorite park by the way. While there we would always always work in a visit to Will Bill's. I don't know exactly when it closed down and became the pirate show, but boy was it amazing. Medieval Times just sucks in comparison. I've never been further east than Denver but I may just have to make a plan to visit Tennessee.

[thedlr]

We saw Lumberjack Adventure last November and had a great time. Judging from your photos, it looks like they didn't change too much—maybe tweaked a few things and altered the storyline to align with Dolly's life. Thanks for the report.

[ernierocker]

^I was curious how much of the original show was retained. The dinner show wasn't closed down very long so I assumed they couldn't have made that drastic of changes.

[Electerik]

Dear Ms. Parton,

 

Please make check out to:

 

Erik & Smisty's

Smoky Mountain Adventures

 

Thank you,