PIGEON FORGE – Wildwood Grove is a land built from Dolly Parton's dreams, and she said the new six-acre, $37 million addition sets a new standard for Dollywood.

"Every year we try to do great things, but Wildwood Grove just sets a whole new standard for Dollywood 'cause when I was a little girl, these things here were exactly what I used to dream about," said Parton.

"All these bears. All these butterflies. All those bees and frogs 'cause we were just part of nature being country kids …"

Dollywood's new area debuted to the public on Friday.

Wildwood Grove's entrance is across from the Mystery Mine attraction and sits adjacent to the park's Timber Canyon area.

The area features 11 themed attractions and was inspired by Parton's life growing up in the Smoky Mountains.

20% increase in Dollywood's size

The new area is a 20% increase in the total size of Dollywood, according to Craig Ross, president of the Dollywood Co.

Wildwood Grove is part of a $300 million dollar investment in the park that began six years ago and is expected to last for several more.

"As a result of that, especially with the introduction of DreamMore Resort, we've been blessed with incredible growth and visitation from our guests. Just to kind of keep up with the high standard of guest service that we have, we came to the realization that we really need to expand the park," said Ross.

"And so about four years ago – Wildwood Grove has been four years in the making – as a result, we decided to expand the park to build out the guest experience, and here we are at Wildwood Grove today."

We tried out Wildwood Grove's attractions

Dollywood's Wildwood Grove offers a host of new experiences for guests, from rides and shopping to costumed characters.

Here's how the new additions stack up.

The Dragonflier: Wildwood Grove's green, suspended 453-meter roller coaster goes a top speed of 40 mph and features a fun and smooth ride. If you aren't a fan of intense coasters, give this one a try. Its first big drop isn't too scary, and it has a bunch of small twists and turns.

Wildwood Tree: The 50-foot focal point of Wildwood Grove stands near Wildwood Creek and features 650 multicolored butterflies that light up at night. It's pretty in the daytime and even more beautiful at night, according to Parton. The tree sits on rocks, which form a stage that will be used for future performances. A nighttime experience featuring the tree will start on June 15.

Hidden Hollow: Wildwood Grove's 4,000-square-foot climate-controlled play area has areas for toddlers and older children. It includes steps, slides, interactive puzzles, lots of seating for families and a nice break from hot temperatures. There's also a face-painting station right outside.

Mad Mockingbird: This little ride will surprise you. Mad Mockingbird includes carts with painted mockingbirds that spin around, and riders can rotate their carts back and forth while spinning with a controllable sail. Take note, it goes faster than it looks.

Frogs & Fireflies: This ride may look like it's just for kids, but it's fun for adults, too. You hop in a frog-shaped cart, which features front and back seats, and it goes in a circle. As the ride spins, you also go up and down, and it feels like you're riding on top of a frog.

Black Bear Trail: If you're concerned about your kids trying out the rides at Dollywood, start them out on this one. Black Bear Trail provides a slower experience as it takes its riders on a trail and bounces them a little forward and backward. You ride the bears almost like a horse on a merry-go-round, but you're buckled in, and parents and kids can ride together.

Wildwood Creek: At the center of Wildwood Grove sits Wildwood Creek, an open space with wet and dry play areas, seating and shade for guests. The wet play area includes pop jets and splashing pools that are about ankle deep. The dry area has musical instruments like drums, xylophones and chimes.

Treetop Tower: Scope out Wildwood Grove and other parts of Dollywood on Treetop Tower. This ride takes you up nearly 40 feet in acorn-shaped buckets that spin around. The buckets feature four seats each, but due to space, it's probably better if only two adults ride together in them.

Great Tree Swing: This ride features a leaf boat that rocks you from left and right and propels you higher with each swing. Pro tip: If you want the most intense experience, sit on the sides farthest away from the middle. It makes for a great time.

Costumed characters: Wildwood Grove has three new costumed characters that will roam the area and interact with guests. Flit and Flutter are dressed as butterflies, and Benjamin Bear is a fluffy black bear.

Till & Harvest: Wildwood Grove's restaurant featuring Smoky Mountain Mexican food is expected to open around Memorial Day. Till & Harvest will also have burritos, salads, nachos and a walk up window that sells sweet treats.

In addition to these attractions, Wildwood Grove has a open air gift shop called Mountain Grove Merchants, two sets of restrooms and several fans and heating units to cool and warm the area during the hot and cold seasons.

How to get Dollywood tickets

To see Wildwood Grove, you'll need to purchase Dollywood tickets or passes.

One-day tickets range from $61 to $74, according to Dollywood's website. The park also has two- and three-day ticket options.

Dollywood also has season passes available, and they range from $129 to $204. You can purchase tickets and season passes online at www.dollywood.com.