What’s Fact and What’s Fiction in ‘Christmas at Dollywood’?
Millions of people tuned in to watch “Christmas at Dollywood” when it premiered on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas season! The movie had all our favorite things: Dollywood, Christmas music and decorations, and, of course, Dolly Parton. Like all movies, however, not everything you saw in the film is true about Dollywood! We’ve gathered a list of what’s fact and what’s fiction in “Christmas at Dollywood.”
Fact: Dolly Parton Always Finds Time to Visit Dollywood.
The movie references that Dolly Parton comes to the theme park frequently throughout the year, and that’s true! Although she doesn’t pop into new host orientation like Luke mentions in the film, she does find time in her busy schedule to visit each year. In 2019, our hometown hero was at Dollywood 5 times for public appearances. She usually stops by whenever a big event is happening at the park, like the opening of Wildwood Grove!
Fiction: Dollywood Offices are Covered in Dolly Parton’s Picture.
In the movie, Dolly Parton’s picture lines the walls of the Dollywood offices. Although you can find photos of Dolly posing with park hosts, it’s unlikely you’ll find any headshots of the superstar hanging on the walls like you see in the movie. You will often find photos of Dollywood itself on the walls of the offices.
Fact: The Parade of Many Colors has Dancing Candy Canes and Snow Globes.
The Parade of Many Colors was featured in the film, and viewers got to see dancing candy canes and human snow globes! This is an accurate representation of Dollywood’s Christmas Parade. The parade features everything you saw in the movie and more! There are vibrant floats, interactive characters and even some surprises. If you have the chance to experience Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, you don’t want to miss this parade! It runs at 8:15 nightly during the festival.
Fiction: The Glacier Ridge Christmas Tree was Malfunctioning.
Every movie has to have a little chaos to make it more interesting. In “Christmas at Dollywood,” the Glacier Ridge Christmas Tree was on the fritz! While the tree in the movie was malfunctioning, the actual tree at Dollywood had no problems this holiday season. The Glacier Ridge Christmas Tree is a 50-foot, video-motion tree that puts on an incredible light show. Visitors can watch as the tree tells a heart-warming Christmas story and ends with a snowfall in Glacier Ridge!
Fact: Props Used in the Movie are from Dollywood
If you’ve been to Dollywood before and noticed that some of the props in the movie look familiar, that’s because they are! Props used throughout the movie are authentic to Dollywood. Dollywood sent over a box full of items used at the park to help Hallmark represent the park’s brand. Some of the items you can spot throughout the film include a Dollywood portfolio, butterflies on the office walls and host name tags.
Fiction: Dollywood Hosts Use Golf Carts to get Around the Park.
In the film, Dollywood hosts zip around the theme park in golf carts. While there are golf carts at the park, they’re not often used by hosts. Hosts walk everywhere in the park just like the guests do. The only time that golf carts are used at the park is when the medical team is responding to a call.
About Dollywood
The world-class theme park has something for everyone, from thrilling rides, to family-friendly activities, to show-stopping performances. Although Dollywood is closed for the season beginning on Jan. 5, the 2020 season begins in mid-March with the Festival of Nations! There’s also a brand new festival coming to the theme park this May: the Flower & Food Festival. This new event includes larger-than-life mosaicultures and delicious foods that use the flavors of spring. You don’t want to miss a trip to the park during your vacation!
It’s never too soon to start planning your visit to Dollywood! Learn more about Dollywood and prepare for a fun trip to the park.
