Cyndi McCormack has spent her entire adult life and her whole career at Dollywood. The theme park used to be called Silver Dollar City, Tennessee, and all the kids in the area would work there at some point or another. Cyndi’s knack for creating visually compelling and community-driven scenes led her to retail initially, but her role at Dollywood became grander and grander as she proved her creative value to the park.
Today, Cyndi dreams up and executes many of the elements of Dollywood that make it so much more than your average theme park. The jaw-dropping seasonal decor you can’t help but photograph. The hot-ticket entertainment. The immersive, one-of-a-kind festivals. She creates — for lack of a less-apt word — the magic that makes a Dollywood adventure so memorable. It is not, she emphasizes, just some dinky little park. (It was voted the best theme park in the country last year by Tripadvisor!) If you’ve never visited, our newest FACE of the South will convince you.
In her teens, Cyndi started working in a Dollywood retail shop. She is now the park’s Vice President of Guest Experiences.
Before we dive into the interview, here’s Cyndi explaining the unimaginable feat of creating the holiday drone show that made huge waves in the press and the sky last year:
Tell me a bit about your upbringing. Were you always design-and-entertainment focused and creative?
I was raised in a large family centered around Christian faith, family and friend gatherings, and a sense of community. Being the youngest of five (and the only girl), I’ve always said I had the best seat in the house.
As a youngster, I found joy in creating beautiful places, things, and moments. Whether wrapping gifts, creating school bulletin boards, or decorating for holidays and special occasions, I realized I had a knack for adding a special touch. I always felt enriched by the happiness my work brought to others. Before long, projects began seeking me out, and I LOVED it.
You’ve had a few different titles at Dollywood. Tell me a little about your tenure with the company and where you’ve been.
The summer before starting college, I started as a sales clerk in one of the park’s retail shops. One rainy day when business was slow, I decided to rearrange some store areas and design a few new displays. Over the next week, the shop sales noticeably increased, and soon the manager asked me to take a look at displays and layouts in other shops. I worked at Dollywood every summer until college graduation.
Cyndi poses with a giant mirror and flower installation she created. We’re seeing sunflowers are a theme for Cyndi’s sunshiney nature.
In 1989, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and Dollywood offered me a full-time position. In a short period of time, I was promoted from Store Proprietor to Retail Buyer. Then from Merchandise Manager to Director of Merchandise. And ultimately, I arrived at my current post of Vice President of Guest Experience. My scope has widened from a focus on retail to creating broader guest experience concepts impacting Dollywood’s Parks and Resorts for festivals, shows, attractions, and seasonal decor. I am passionate about the job and am thankful to work for a company whose values I share.
What’s a typical workday like for you?
The fact is my work days are not at all typical. Some days are packed with project meetings, while others are spent researching and working on new experience concepts. At a glance, one may think I have a desk job, but if you stick around, you will see I can also be found in the trenches providing on-site art direction on one of my many active projects.
Dollywood’s Umbrella Sky is a beloved spot in the park that Cyndi brought to life.
What are a few “hidden gems” of Dollywood … or insider tips into often-missed aspects of the experience?
Dollywood is a full two-day experience if you see and do it all. It’s the kind of place where you should slow down and savor the moments rather than rush from one activity to the next. While you may be visiting to ride the roller coasters, or because you’re a Dolly fan and you love our shows, or because you’re a foodie and you’ve heard about our cinnamon bread, OR because you love our daily craft demonstrations, I encourage you to take in as much as you can. It’s a 160-acre park. There’s so much to discover.
What common misconception do people have about Dollywood or what you do there?
#1: Dollywood is NOT a little amusement park. It is highly awarded as one of America’s premiere theme parks. In 2022, Tripadvisor named Dollywood the #1 theme park in the United States.
#2: Unfortunately, my days are not spent hanging out in the park, riding coasters, watching shows, and eating Dollywood’s world-famous cinnamon bread.
How does Dollywood interact with the rest of The Smokies?
Dollywood is nestled into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Our park is highly themed around the natural beauty and hospitality of our mountain community. We want to reflect all of the best aspects of East Tennessee.
“At Dollywood, we call Dolly our Dreamer-in-Chief. She leans in with incredible ideas and vision, and she’s here to support us throughout the year as her schedule allows,” Cyndi says.
What’s something that people are often surprised to learn about you?
I enjoy being outdoors, camping, and cooking outside next to a mountain stream. And I do NOT enjoy shopping.
Where can we find you on your days off?
Hopefully, on the lake, in the mountains, or watching a good movie.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?
“Strive to be the very best at what you do, even when no one is looking.” That’s from my dad.
Cyndi’s job is in and out of the office. She strategically plans all the elements needed to bring designs to life, but she is also in the action when the installations and builds happen.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Good coffee, great wine, and my dog Max.
Lightning round (quick answers):
Last best meal: Filet mignon and grilled vegetables prepared by my favorite grill chef, my husband, Tim, on his Big Green Egg.
Favorite hidden gem in the South: Sanderling Resort in the Outerbanks
Last vacation: Kahari Resort on Stocking Island in Grand Exuma, Bahamas.
Favorite shop: Seasons @ Home in Branson, Missouri.
Go-to birthday present (to give): I love to gift moments, not things. My favorites are spa days, nice dinners, and vacations.
Thanks, Cyndi, for chatting with us! All photos courtesy of Cyndi McCormack and Dollywood. There’s always so much happening at Dollywood over the holidays. Plan your trip here.
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