Program was announced at the park’s 40th-anniversary celebration
There is nothing like a trip to the Smokies. And what would a trip to the Smokies be without a stop at Dollywood?
If you know, you know, a little over two hours from Cookeville, over the mountains, and through the woods lies a treasure of a theme park. If you are a foster parent, Dollywood and the state of Tennessee may allow you to visit the park, free of charge.
You read that right, the program was announced at the park’s 40th-anniversary celebration May 2.
“We’re proud to partner with Every Child Tennessee and the Tennessee Dept of Children’s Services to offer a special opportunity for children placed in foster care in Tennessee to experience the magic of Dollywood with a complimentary one-time visit when accompanied by their Tennessee foster family or caregiver,” announced the state in a statement.
If you are a foster parent, forms must be submitted two weeks before the visit.
This exclusive offer is designed to create lasting memories in a welcoming, fun-filled environment. We invite children in foster care and their caregivers to enjoy the world-class attractions, entertainment, and hospitality that Dollywood is known for,” according to the statement.
From WATE YouTube.
Dollywood will send you a confirmation email if the request is approved.
Requirements include:
- The child’s foster family/caregiver must reside in Tennessee.
- Foster care children from other states are eligible if:
- The child is placed with a caregiver who resides in Tennessee, AND
- An ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children) request has been completed and approved by the TN Dept. of Children’s Services.
- A copy of each child’s placement contract must be submitted through the state’s portal.
The partnership is with the TN Dept. of Children’s Services and its providers only. Placements through non-TN DCS affiliated will not be eligible, according to the release.
The announcement is on the heels of Dollywood’s other announcement that it will construct a new attraction, the biggest and most expensive project in the park’s history, themed Great Smoky Mountains night, and the park promises guests will be able to “take flight” in 2026.
For more information, visit HERE.
UCBJ file photo.
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