As the holiday season winds down, Dollywood, the beloved Smoky Mountain theme park co-owned by Dolly Parton, has made a significant operational adjustment on its final day of the season. Thousands of guests were affected by this last-minute change, marking a dramatic conclusion to the park‘s 2024 season.
A Landmark Destination for Decades
Dollywood has been a staple of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, since its inception as Rebel Railroad in 1961. It officially became Dollywood in 1986 when Dolly Parton partnered with Herschend Family Enterprises to reimagine the property into the world-class attraction it is today.
With over three million annual visitors, Dollywood’s influence extends far beyond its gates. It’s a vital economic driver for the Gatlinburg area, providing jobs for thousands of residents and attracting tourists from around the world. Guests flock to the park year-round for its thrilling attractions, unique dining experiences, and seasonal celebrations like Smoky Mountain Christmas and the Harvest Festival.
A Winter Storm Brings Change to Dollywood
The theme park‘s seasonal finale, coinciding with the Smoky Mountain Christmas event, faced an unexpected challenge: a winter storm sweeping across the United States. On Saturday, Dollywood issued an alert to its Instagram followers, informing them of potential weather-related disruptions.
“Park Update: We continue to monitor potential inclement weather for tomorrow (January 5, 2025). Please check back later today for an update regarding operations for tomorrow.”
Later that day, the park shared an official update, announcing reduced operating hours to accommodate the severe weather:
“Park Update: Dollywood will open tomorrow (January 5, 2025) with adjusted operating hours from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. due to impending inclement weather. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort remain open with regular hours.”
Seasonal Closure and Future Plans for Dollywood
Dolly Parton’s theme park destination officially closes for the season on January 5, 2025. The park will reopen on March 15, 2025, following a special Passholder Preview Day on March 14. Guests looking forward to warmer days can also anticipate Dollywood’s Splash Country water park reopening on May 10, 2025.
Despite the weather challenges, Dollywood has seen a hectic holiday season. Over Thanksgiving and Christmas, guest numbers surged, with traffic delays reported at up to two hours just to enter the parking lot.
Have you been to Dolly Parton’s theme park? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
