Two Award-Winning Shows Highlight Dollywood's 2008 Live Entertainment

Dreamland Drive-In and The Great American Country Show headline
the park's Pines Theatre
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--(Business Wire)--
Dollywood's 2008 entertainment lineup treats guests to two
international Heartbeat Award-winning stage shows--Dreamland Drive-In
and The Great American Country Show-- along with a roster of
entertainment that showcases bluegrass, Southern gospel and mountain
music.

Awarded by the International Association of Amusement Parks and
Attractions (IAAPA), the Heartbeat Award recognizes the show that
demonstrates superior overall ability in reaching the hearts of its
audience. Candidates are judged on the cast's commitment, the
production's quality and content, and the effectiveness on the part of
the producing organization in seeking to create a special connection
with its audience. Annually, more than 100 shows from around the world
compete for the honor.

"Being recognized by IAAPA's Heartbeart Award two years running is
an honor that we at Dollywood are extremely proud of," said Director
of Entertainment Paul T. Couch. "It really speaks to the quality and
commitment of our performers, crews and creative teams that work so
hard to produce shows that go the extra mile in connecting with our
audience."

Dreamland Drive-In, the 2006 Heartbeat Award winner, premiered May
13, 2006, and showcases the much-loved music of the '50s and '60s. The
show's setting is a drive-in diner where the local radio station holds
live broadcasts every Saturday afternoon. The production's storyline
takes audiences on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as a 15-year
romance unfolds between the show's two central characters--"Danny the
DJ" and "the girl in the green dress." Bridging the gap between 1956
and 2006 is a video montage of the years' biggest hit songs. Dreamland
Drive-In features a 12-member cast and a fully-orchestrated musical
score highlighting the eras' most memorable hit songs including "All I
Have To Do Is Dream," "Yesterday," "Can't Help Falling In Love,"
"California Dreamin'," and many more.

The Great American Country Show, the 2007 Heartbeat Award winner,
originally premiered May 16, 2007. and features a six-member cast and
a six-piece band who perform 45 minutes of contemporary and classic
country hits including "All-American Girl," "If You're Reading This,"
"When I Get Where I'm Going," "Picture To Burn" and "Small Town
Southern Man." A special segment honoring Dolly Parton includes a
video performance of Parton singing her chart-topping hit "I Will
Always Love You."

A 30-foot-wide video screen above the stage allows hosts from
GAC's most popular shows to introduce each show segment and interact
with the The Great American Country Show's performers. Various GAC
cable programs define the performance segments of The Great American
Country Show, including GAC's Top Twenty hosted by Nan Kelley; Edge of
Country hosted by Kylie Harris; The Year hosted by Mark Wills; and
Master Series host Bill Cody.

Each performance of The Great American Country Show is highlighted
by a special 10-minute guest appearance by a country artist. This
year's lineup includes Jim Ed Brown (May 16-19), Jimmy Fortune (June
2-7), Jan Howard (June 10-14), Paulette Carlson (June 24-28), Baillie
& the Boys (June 30-July 5), Marty Raybon (July 8-12), Tammy Cochran
(July 22-26), Linda Davis (July 28-Aug. 2), Pirates of the Mississippi
(Aug. 5-9), Mel McDaniel (Aug. 11-16), Jean Shepard (Aug. 18, 20 &
22-25), Mandy Barnett (Aug. 27-Sept. 3), John Berry (Sept. 5-10),
Tammy Cochran (Sept. 19-24), and T. Graham Brown (Oct. 17-22 & 24-25).

Dollywood's live entertainment roster also includes Country
Crossroads, The Kingdom Heirs, The Gem Tones, The Kinfolks Show, Naomi
& The Wood Brothers, and The Smoky Mountain String Band.

Dollywood is a 130-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge,
Tenn. Open nine months a year (March 21, 2008-Jan. 3, 2009), Dollywood
offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Thunderhead,
twice named the world's No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine
coaster, Theme Park Insider's 2007 Best New Attraction; award-winning
live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain
music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region.
Operating days and hours vary. For more information, call
1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.

Media: Contact Dollywood Public Relations Manager Pete Owens at
865-428-9486 or powens@dollywood.com for B-roll, photography and more
information. Check the Dollywood Press Room at
www.Dollywood.com/PR/Press.asp or for updates and new images.

Dollywood
Pete Owens, Public Relations Manager, 865-428-9486
powens@dollywood.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008