Dolly Parton, the iconic music sensation, set a remarkable precedent when she ventured into the realm of theme parks with the creation of Dollywood. This visionary move not only solidified Parton’s status as a multifaceted business mogul, but also sparked the question: Could other pop stars follow suit and carve out their own lands for fans to explore?
So far, we have not seen anyone follow in Dolly’s footsteps. However, for fun, let’s explore what it might look like if one of the biggest pop stars of the last decade were to open her own theme park.
Taylor Swift is arguably one of the biggest music artists of all time. Through 17 years and 10 eras of music, she has established a dedication to her fans and built an empire that includes songwriting, directing, acting, and of course, singing.
However, she has not ventured into the theme park industry. Given the popularity of Taylor Swift these days, there is no doubt a Taylor Swift theme park would be a success. What might it look like if this pop icon were to open her own theme park? Join us as we ponder what a theme park (Taylor’s Version) might look like.
First, of course, the park would be divided into themed zones, each representing a different era of Swift’s musical evolution. “Taylor Swift’s Fearless Fair” might capture the essence of her country beginnings, featuring carnival rides and a classic state fair feel. Here visitors might ride on the iconic Ferris Wheel, take a short line dancing lesson, or participate in country music trivia.
After leaving the Fearless-themed area, visitors visit Long Live Landing inspired by Swift’s Speak Now album. Here, twinkling lights and bioluminescent foliage light up the area making it an enchanting sight at night. Long Live Landing would be home to a performance area where new and emerging artists could showcase their talents.
In the next area, “The Red Retreat,” would be decorated with autumnal colors, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This area of the park would feature a roller coaster inspired by the emotional ups and downs of love, taking riders through a landscape painted in shades of red. Guests could also grab a snack at the Begin Again Café.
The “1989 Cityscape” a neon-lit urban landscape of the 1989 era, would be complete with a bustling city street featuring themed shops, a karaoke bar, and the Out Of The Woods Pub. While much of this area would be geared toward adults, the “Shake It Off Dance Party Zone” invites younger visitors to let loose and dance to Swift’s iconic hits in a vibrant, playful atmosphere.
As visitors venture into the “Reputation Realm,” they would find themselves in a mysterious and edgier setting. The zone would feature a dark ride through the twists and turns of Swift’s public image, showcasing the resilience and empowerment that defined this period of her career. The “Reputation Realm” would capture the essence of Swift’s journey through the media spotlight and emphasize the value of strength and persistence. Outside of the ride, guests would be inclined to take a photo in the Getaway Car.
“Lover’s Paradise” would be a pastel-colored wonderland that celebrates love, unity, and acceptance. Center-stage would be a giant carousel with horses adorned in beautiful pastel colors. All around the carousel would be beautiful fountains and gardens. As visitors wander through the gardens, they might keep an eye out for hidden Easter eggs and love notes written by Taylor herself.
In the Storyteller’s Theater guests could either view a short film depicting Taylor Swift’s writing process or take a songwriting class. This theater would sit in an area of the park inspired by her albums Folklore and Evermore. As these two albums most showcase Swift’s storytelling through her music, this would be a space where guests too could learn to weave a story through music.
The final area of the park would be Midnights Square, the center of the park. This central hub would be home to the Bejeweled Museum showcasing all of Taylor’s iconic looks from her past eras of music. After dark, this area of the park would feature a stunning nighttime spectacular fireworks show set to the music of Taylor Swift herself. A fitting way to end the day.
Dolly Parton’s foray into the theme park industry has been nothing short of spectacular. Since the opening of Dollywood in 1986, the park has become a cherished destination, seamlessly blending the charm of the Smoky Mountains with the magic of Parton’s musical legacy. If other artists, such as Taylor Swift could harness this same magic, we would surely have some more enchanting theme parks to visit.
