Science-Based “WonderWorks” Coming to Pigeon Forge

Two of the Smokies most generous benefactors, Earl and Margit Worsham have announced their major investment in an Orlando based theme company called WonderWorks. The closed Music Mansion property will undergo a transformation into the upside-down look of the new property within the next few months.

The Dollywood property was officially sold to WonderWorks for $7.25 million and construction of another $7 million will go into the 70 foot tall building. This location will mark the second of four expansions planned by the owners of the WonderWorks company, and the Smoky Mountains are expected to exceed the popularity of the Orlando based enterprise. The Orlando business has had over seven years of success and Worsham said, “We know that its potential for success in Tennessee will far exceed the Florida venue. In our visits to similar science-based facilities around the world, we found that WonderWorks was equal to or better than any we have seen.”

Sande Weiss, the former GM of Louise Mandrell’s theatre was hired to become vice president over the new company, and she expressed pleasure at being considered for the project. She said, “I’m honored and very excited about this unique project. I remember when I flew to Orlando to preview the property. My imagination ran wild about how successful WonderWorks would be and how a unique attraction such as this was needed in Pigeon Forge. I’d never seen anything so visually extraordinary, targeted for family fun and yet educational. It has elements for everyone.”

There will be a state of the art theatre within the facility that will seat 300 people for dinner, which will include an outrageously funny show. The size of the structure will be over 45,000 square feet, and they expect to hire over 100 people for the spring ’06 opening.