2023 Itinerary

2023 Golden Ticket Awards Event Itinerary

Friday, September 8

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — GTA Registration open in the Falls Room

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — NRCMA Golf Tourney charity event to benefit the National Roller Coaster Museum
– 8:30 a.m. shotgun start
-Sevierville Golf Club, 1444 Old Knoxville Hwy., Sevierville, Tenn. 37876
– Email Chloe Hausfeld or Walt Bowser to register (August 22 deadline!)
– Full details are available here!

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Trolley service provided to Dollywood theme park throughout day.
– Attendees are encouraged to explore area mountain coasters, The Island and other attractions

5:30 p.m. — Trolley to GTA Opening Reception at Big Bear Mountain

6 – 9 p.m. — Enjoy hors d-oeuvres and Smoky Mountain Skillets
– Entertainment by Wild Roots as well as Wildwood Grove Characters
– Open bar from Yee Haw Brewing with Specialty Drink by Old Smoky Moonshine
– Exclusive ride time on Big Bear Mountain; Dragon Flyer; Mad Mockingbird and Big Bear Trail

Amusement Today would like to thank Vekoma Rides Mfg. for their support and sponsorship that helped make this memorable evening possible!

8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Trolleys begin returning attendees to DreamMore Resort and Spa

DreamMore Resort‘s Song and Hearth Lounge will be open until 1 a.m.

Saturday, September 9

8 a.m. – 11 a.m. — GTA Registration open in the Falls Room

8 a.m. — Pre-Op Tours
–Dollywood Express Shop Tour (limited to 25 per tour – 2 tours)
–Landscaping
–Heartsong Lodge Construction Tour

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Trolley service open to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country

3:30 p.m. — Trolley to Dollywood for Golden Ticket Pre-Event Reception

4 p.m. — GTA Reception in Celebrity Theater Mezzaninine
– Open bar from Yee Haw Brewing with Specialty Drink by Old Smoky Moonshine

5 p.m. — 2023 Golden Ticket Awards Ceremony presented by AMUSEMENT TODAY and hosted by Dollywood Theme Park at Dolly Parton’s Celebrity Theater

7 p.m. — Golden Ticket Awards Dinner at Till and Harvest Food Hall
– Live music featuring The Tones
– Open Bar from Yee Haw Brewing with Specialty Drink by Old Smoky Moonshine

8:30 p.m. — Wildwood Tree Show

9 p.m. – 10 p.m. — Desserts at Lumberjack Pizza
– Rides on Thunderhead, Drop Line and Mystery Mine

10 p.m. — Trolley returns attendees to DreamMore Resort

Song and Hearth Lounge open until 1 a.m.

Amusement Today would like to thank Pete Owens, the Dollywood Theme Park team and the entire DreamMoreResort staff for their support of Amusement Today and the Golden Ticket Awards event that helped make this memorable weekend possible. Special thank you to our event sponsors: Vekoma Rides; Baynum Amusement Solutions; V Locker; Maclan Corporation; Ride Entertainment Group; Great Coasters International; Ellis & Associates; Ralph S. Alberts; Sunkid; CPI/Pagentry World.

A view of The Wild Eagle from a cabin balcony

Environmental Photos of Wildwood Grove, taken at Dollywood on May 8, 2019. © Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood

Dollywood again solidified its place among the nation’s premier family destinations as Dolly Parton today officially opened Wildwood Grove, the largest expansion in park history. Parton opened the fascinating new land to visitors ready to enjoy its 11 thrilling new experiences. During an early morning media event, Parton shared the inspiration and dreams that led to the creation of Wildwood Grove, calling the area “the new standard for Dollywood.” At $37 million, Wildwood Grove is Dollywood theme park’s largest capital investment ever and is the first new area added to Dollywood since Wilderness Pass in 2008. The biggest adventure in Dollywood’s history provides guests of all sizes unique experiences to enjoy together as a family. WILDWOOD GROVE FACTS The Wildwood Tree comes to life each evening during a unique nighttime experience which begins June 15. Each season of the year features a spectacular new experience for guests. The Wildwood Tree features nearly 650 lighted butterflies (orange, blue, yellow, pink and multi-colored) and almost 9000 leaves. Dragonflier— This thrilling suspended roller coaster lets guests soar with a dragonfly as it dips and darts along the gushing geysers and lush landscape of Wildwood Grove. (Vekoma 453m suspended coaster) (1486 ft. in length) Black Bear Trail— Riders hop on the back of these friendly bears for a spirited trek through their natural habitat. (Metallbau Emmeln Pony Trek) Great Tree Swing— Guests aboard this thrilling “leaf boat” swing back and forth just like a leaf falling from a giant sycamore tree. (Zamperla Galleon) Treetop Tower— This family tower gives guests a sky-high view of Wildwood Grove as they soar nearly 40 feet in the air. Riders, seated inside giant acorns, spin around the top of a tall oak tree before gently drifting back to the grove floor. (Zamperla Samba Tower) The Mad Mockingbird— Tennessee’s state bird—the mockingbird—gives visitors a lift as it flies in a high speed c

Sunday, September 10

GTA attendees may continue to enjoy Dollywood Theme Park or Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park by showing your GTA name badge at the park’s Guest Relations for admission.

Golden Ticket name badge and lanyard welcomed for free admission or special discounts at area attractions. See separate flyer from event registration or visit website GoldenTicketAwards.com for listing a supporting area attractions

2023 Golden Ticket Awards Event Itinerary

Friday, September 8

Saturday, September 9

Sunday, September 10

Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors: