Dollywood has long been celebrated as one of America’s most charming theme parks, blending high-thrill rides with the cultural roots of the Smoky Mountains. But as peak season draws thousands of guests to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a less flattering detail is beginning to surface – one that some visitors say is hard to ignore.
The park, which first opened in 1986 under Dolly Parton’s partnership with Herschend Family Entertainment (although it had technically operated under various other names since 1961), has since become a staple in U.S. tourism. Known for its mix of rides, entertainment, and Appalachian heritage, Dollywood has consistently topped national theme park rankings—occasionally even outscoring Disney and Universal in guest satisfaction surveys.
That success stems not only from its immersive seasonal festivals and live performances but also from its impressive ride portfolio. Coasters like Lightning Rod, a record-breaking wooden launch coaster, and Wild Eagle, America’s first wing coaster, offer thrills against a mountain backdrop. Meanwhile, family favorites like FireChaser Express and Dollywood Express keep the park accessible for all ages.
The park is also currently working on its most expensive attraction to date, boosting its status as a major vacation destination.
Guests Complain of Strong Odors at Dollywood
Despite its accolades, recent visitor reports suggest that Dollywood is facing a surprising issue: an unpleasant smell.
One guest took to Reddit to describe their experience, writing that the park “smells strongly like NYC subway garbage.” They identified the Main Street area under the kites and portions of the water park as the most affected. “The entrance into the lazy river is terrible,” they added. “I liked the parks but could not ignore the trash and stale urine smells.”
Other visitors agreed. “We were at Splash Country last week for the first time, and the smell of urine was strong in many spots,” another Reddit user commented. “Very gross and disconcerting.” A third poster echoed these claims, confirming similar experiences at the water park.
What’s causing the odor? Theories vary. “I think it’s just the buildup of ammonia in the water,” one person speculated, noting extreme heat could accelerate chemical reactions from sweat and sunscreen. Another theory points to an external source: “It’s the garbage dump/compost plant that is a few miles from the park. Depending on the wind you can smell it miles away even on the Tanger Mall side of Sevierville.”
Dollywood has not issued a statement on the matter, and it remains unclear whether these complaints reflect isolated incidents or a broader pattern.
Theme Parks and the Challenge of Outdoor Environments
Dollywood is hardly alone in facing odor-related criticism. Last year, Disneyland Resort drew similar complaints when guests reported a “sewage-like smell” near the perimeter of the Anaheim park. “You cannot walk down a sidewalk for more than 20 feet without smelling raw sewage,” one visitor said on Reddit, adding they carried lavender oil to mask the odor during their trip.
Similarly, guests have reported a moldy smell at Oga's Cantina – the Star Wars themed bar in Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe has also faced questions over its proximity to a sewage treatment plant, which some guests fear could affect the guest experience despite the park’s otherwise glowing reception.
Outdoor venues—especially those featuring water attractions—are vulnerable to environmental factors like heat, wind patterns, and surrounding infrastructure. Still, as theme parks command premium ticket prices, even minor nuisances are increasingly under scrutiny from visitors expecting perfection.
Have you ever experienced a similar issue at a theme park?
