A powerful Arctic blast sweeping across the Deep South has disrupted operations at several theme parks, including Dollywood.
Dollywood: A Blend of Heritage and Thrills
Located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood spans 160 acres and offers a unique mix of adrenaline-pumping rides and cultural experiences. Unlike other theme parks, its charm lies in its dedication to Appalachian culture, a reflection of Dolly Parton’s roots.
Guests can experience the adrenaline rush of Dollywood’s world-class roller coasters, each offering its own unique thrill. Lightning Rod, often hailed as one of the fastest wooden coasters in the world, delivers heart-pounding speeds that delight coaster enthusiasts (even if it did axe its launch earlier this year).
Meanwhile, Wild Eagle, the first wing coaster in the U.S., gives riders a soaring sensation as they glide high above the park with unobstructed views of the Smoky Mountains. Other standout attractions include Tennessee Tornado, a steel coaster with dramatic loops, and the family-friendly FireChaser Express, which offers a forward-and-backward ride experience packed with surprises.
Beyond its rides, Dollywood remains deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition. Guests can wander through the Craftsman’s Valley, where artisans demonstrate skills like blacksmithing, glassblowing, and woodcarving, keeping the region’s rich cultural heritage alive.
Adding to the experience, Dollywood’s culinary scene offers flavors as memorable as its rides, with the park’s iconic Cinnamon Bread drawing rave reviews (and honestly, we’d visit for the bread alone).
Earlier this year, the park debuted the Dolly Parton Experience, an immersive attraction that replaced the Chasing Rainbows Museum. The attraction provides fans with a closer look at Dolly’s career and personal memorabilia, offering yet another reason for Dolly superfans to flock to the park.
Operational Challenges in 2024
Despite its enduring popularity, Dollywood has faced a challenging year. In July, a water mains leak forced the park to close after a matter of hours. Just weeks later, flash flooding also forced a closure, leaving one person injured and multiple cars submerged.
Meanwhile, September brought interruptions from Hurricane Helene. The Thanksgiving holiday brought its own set of difficulties, with the Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration drawing huge crowds and causing both parking delays and long ride queues.
Now, the Arctic blast has compounded the park’s woes.
Dollywood will close at 7 p.m. (Tuesday, Dec. 3) due to current weather conditions.
https://twitter.com/Dollywood/status/1864080319982231918
On December 3, Dollywood announced it would close two hours earlier than planned, citing frigid conditions as temperatures dipped to 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
With Tuesday’s closure raising concerns about the rest of the week, guests are left wondering how the ongoing cold snap will affect their plans.
Southern Theme Parks Feeling the Chill
Dollywood isn’t alone in battling the cold. Theme parks across Florida, including Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Universal Volcano Bay, and SeaWorld’s Aquatica, have temporarily shut their gates due to low temperatures. Blizzard Beach, which alternates operations with Typhoon Lagoon, notably closed multiple times due to poor weather during its 2023 season.
As winter weather continues to grip the South, theme park visitors should stay tuned for updates. Planning ahead could make the difference between a magical experience and a frozen disappointment.
Are you planning a theme park visit this week?
