Who is revered more: Dolly Parton at Dollywood or Walt Disney at the Disney parks?

[John park hopper]

I believe Herschend is the actual owner of Dollywood - they have some sort of license deal with Dolly.

I’m pretty sure Dolly owns the hotel and Stampede… hence the “Dolly’s Dream More Resort” and “Dolly’s Stampede”.

Dolly owns it in conjunction with the Herschend family entertainment group a privately owned company

 

[WondersOfLife]

I think a key difference is Dolly is the main "character/mascot" at Dollywood. Lots of merchandising with her name, face, etc. (at least in the park). The actual characters (Benjamin Bear, Flit & Flutter, etc.) at Dollywood are not as easy to find around the park, compared to Disney characters. When Dolly shows up at the park (which she has done quite a bit in the past several weeks due to the filming of the Christmas TV special, there is almost always a parade and passholders go nuts on the forums trying to guess when she will be at the park and are ready to head over to catch a glimpse (or photo) of her. Oh, and a select few even get to see her at the Dreammore resort when she stays in town.

Walt, OTOH, never really was a "character" at any park. Mickey and gang are more popular and really the mascots of the parks. There is almost no merchandising with Walt, other than select items with Walt and Mickey together. Even when Walt was alive, who would people expect to see - Walt or Mickey?

Well said.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Dolly owns it in conjunction with the Herschend family entertainment group a privately owned company

That’s not my understanding but she might own parts of it like the museum. And yes, Herschend is still privately owned by the Herschend family.

 

[John park hopper]

Clarify from the web Dolly owns a part of Dollywood appears to be 50%

 

[DfromATX]

I've always wanted to go there! And, who doesn't love Dolly? She's loved everywhere. I think people loved Walt too, but his company has been tarnished by the greedy management and even though he had nothing to do with that part, I believe some associate him with that.

 

[JIMINYCR]

I've always wanted to go there! And, who doesn't love Dolly? She's loved everywhere. I think people loved Walt too, but his company has been tarnished by the greedy management and even though he had nothing to do with that part, I believe some associate him with that.

After Walts death the company for a while was still being run efficiently keeping it in good hands but over time mismanagement led to disaster. Times and business changed and they failed to respond to meet the challenge. Had they kept up Walts vision and had the acumen to operate Disney properly there would possibly still be a Disney we want. I think Miller being placed in the mix started the trend downward.
This led to Eisner and Wells coming in and they did wonders for Disney, increasing the entertainment and resorts but at a cost. Eisners run eventually led the entire works off track which gives us what we have now.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I've always wanted to go there! And, who doesn't love Dolly? She's loved everywhere. I think people loved Walt too, but his company has been tarnished by the greedy management and even though he had nothing to do with that part, I believe some associate him with that.

For sure, go if you can. Pigeon Forge is an experience in itself, and Dollywood is the crown jewel of that area.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Dolly brags about herself at her park much more than Walt ever did. Walt didn't even want a statue of himself in any of his parks. Dolly's a great person, but she saw to it that there's a lot about her life story at Dollywood. There's a bit too much of it IMO. But then Dollywood was a one-and-done with me anyway. I like Silver Dollar City a lot more.

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I think the true test for Dollywood will be in the future, when Dolly is sadly no longer with us. Had there been a "Disney" running TWDC for the past few decades, I do believe there would have been more emphasis on legacy and guest experience vs just shareholder profit.

When Dollywood starts being run completely by suits (as Disney is now) - it'll be interesting to see where it goes from there.

 

[larryz]

When Dollywood starts being run completely by suits (as Disney is now) - it'll be interesting sad to see where it goes from there.

FTFY

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I think the true test for Dollywood will be in the future, when Dolly is sadly no longer with us. Had there been a "Disney" running TWDC for the past few decades, I do believe there would have been more emphasis on legacy and guest experience vs just shareholder profit.

When Dollywood starts being run completely by suits (as Disney is now) - it'll be interesting to see where it goes from there.

That would not be linked to Dolly’s death though. That would be if Herschend ever sold to a major park operator or investment group.

 

[John park hopper]

Even after her death her music will live on and on and the musicians will record the songs she wrote. IMO Dollywood will do just fine

 

[Walt Disney1955]

Dolly brags about herself at her park much more than Walt ever did. Walt didn't even want a statue of himself in any of his parks. Dolly's a great person, but she saw to it that there's a lot about her life story at Dollywood. There's a bit too much of it IMO. But then Dollywood was a one-and-done with me anyway. I like Silver Dollar City a lot more.

It is funny you mention this. Because I am very interested in Silver Dollar City (and a trip to Branson as well). It looks like there are similar things in Branson and Silver Dollar City that are in Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. I mean as far as rides and tourist things to do and such. But you say you prefer Silver Dollar City? Because to me, doing Dollywood made me want to do it again. That's my thought at least.

I think the true test for Dollywood will be in the future, when Dolly is sadly no longer with us. Had there been a "Disney" running TWDC for the past few decades, I do believe there would have been more emphasis on legacy and guest experience vs just shareholder profit.

When Dollywood starts being run completely by suits (as Disney is now) - it'll be interesting to see where it goes from there.

That will be interesting. Although it won't happen right away. Walt died in 1966 and the park was still run by people that knew Walt or were related to him for quite some time. So his legacy was still very strong at that time. Roy stepped in to help oversee the building of WDW. Which is why there is a statue of him in there. To be honest, Disney really should emphasize the image of Walt more, because the park is better that way with his vision overseeing it.

Dolly is still around, but when she isn't, I would suspect the people that would be taking over would still do things much the same out of respect of her. And why not? The park is a giant success because of it. But I am wondering 20-25 years down the road if there would be that same sort of homage to her and if the corporate powers to be would just have the attitude that they know better. We'll see.

 

[JoeCamel]

Dolly is still around, but when she isn't, I would suspect the people that would be taking over would still do things much the same out of respect of her. And why not? The park is a giant success because of it. But I am wondering 20-25 years down the road if there would be that same sort of homage to her and if the corporate powers to be would just have the attitude that they know better. We'll see.

People around here revere their heros. Boone, Crockett, Johnson are all held as almost sacred figures that built "the west" (Tennessee) so maybe Dolly will be placed among them. I like to think so she embodies what being a good human is. Not perfect but always trying to be.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It is funny you mention this. Because I am very interested in Silver Dollar City (and a trip to Branson as well). It looks like there are similar things in Branson and Silver Dollar City that are in Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. I mean as far as rides and tourist things to do and such. But you say you prefer Silver Dollar City? Because to me, doing Dollywood made me want to do it again. That's my thought at least.

The 2 parks are extremely similar in feel. Instead of the smokies, you’re looking at the ozarks. Many of the attractions are quite similar.

And yes branson and pigeon forge are quite similar. Branson seems to be struggling a little more.

 

[Walt Disney1955]

The 2 parks are extremely similar in feel. Instead of the smokies, you’re looking at the ozarks. Many of the attractions are quite similar.

And yes branson and pigeon forge are quite similar. Branson seems to be struggling a little more.

There does seem to be some similarities in the parks. Dare I say Silver Dollar City and Pigeon Forge are the way Disneyland and Magic Kingdom are? In other words, some similarities, but plenty enough differences where you can enjoy both of them on their own as their own park. The Ozarks look like they would be quite beautiful in the fall.

 

[Smooth]

For sure, go if you can. Pigeon Forge is an experience in itself, and Dollywood is the crown jewel of that area.

This is the crown jewel of that area

 

[jloucks]

I think I understand the question.... I have been to both.

Dolly Parton is represented a LOOOOT more at her park than Walt is represented at HIS park. From attractions to exhibits and the feel of the entire park, Dolly is absolutely the heaviest marketing in her own park.


But to be fair... Walt has been dead since 1966 and Dolly is still alive and running her own park. So I wonder how much of Dolly's presence will linger on by, say, the year of 2090.

This, this right here.