Dollywood, one of Tennessee’s most beloved theme parks, faces staffing challenges after an overwhelming holiday season. Known for its charming holiday celebrations and festive atmosphere, the Pigeon Forge destination struggled to keep up with Thanksgiving crowds, leaving many guests frustrated and sparking online debates.
Holiday Crowds Cause Turmoil
For nearly 40 years, Dollywood has been a staple in the Smoky Mountains, drawing visitors from around the country. Christmastime is one of its busiest seasons, with guests flocking to see stunning light displays, enjoy holiday treats, and experience seasonal entertainment.
However, last month’s Thanksgiving week crowds proved too much for the theme park to handle. Guests reported hours-long waits to park their cars, essentially locked out of the theme park. Social media lit up with complaints, with travelers criticizing Dollywood and other Tennessee attractions for the chaotic holiday experience.
Dollywood Hiring Fairs Announced
As Dollywood gears up for its 40th anniversary in 2025, the park has announced plans to expand its team. According to WVLT8, Dollywood is holding a series of hiring fairs throughout Sevier County in early 2025 to fill an “abundant” number of open positions.
Here’s the schedule for Dollywood’s hiring events:
- January 18: Sevier County High School
- January 25: Jefferson County High School
- February 1: Seymour Heights Christian Church
- February 8: Newport Community Center
- February 15: Sevierville Civic Center
- February 22: Morristown Landing
Most events will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except for the February 8 fair, which will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Opportunities for New Employees
Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park is offering a wide variety of roles across its operations. From culinary and merchandise positions to ticketing, ride operations, food & beverage, and groundskeeping, the park is looking to recruit part-time and full-time employees. The park plans to post all available positions on its website by December 30, 2024.
Employees can also take advantage of Dollywood’s generous benefits, including free tuition, lunch, and competitive wages.
Have you ever visited Dollywood? Share your favorite memory with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
