Dollywood, the beloved theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is no stranger to large crowds, especially during the holiday season. Today, however, the park made significant adjustments to handle the influx of visitors.
Located in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, Dollywood stands out from the rest of the theme park crowd by offering a truly unique experience. While it features the usual array of world-class roller coasters, like the iconic Lightning Rod, it also spotlights Appalachian culture, Southern music, and, of course, Dolly Parton’s legacy, with the park reflecting her values of family, community, and genuine joy.
In recent days, Dollywood has been facing a surge of visitors, particularly with its Smoky Mountain Christmas celebrations in full swing. This popular event has been attracting guests from near and far over the holidays, likely eager to witness over six million twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and festive shows that add to the magic of the season. In addition to the lights and performances, the park offers seasonal treats and shopping opportunities, making it a perfect winter getaway.
However, with such high demand, Dollywood has implemented several changes to keep things running smoothly.
Dollywood is experiencing high demand for parking today (Monday, Dec. 30). Please see details below.
https://twitter.com/Dollywood/status/1873781339620860106
Due to the massive crowds, Dollywood has been forced to rethink its parking strategy. On December 30, the park announced that it was encouraging guests to park at Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park, utilizing city transportation to shuttle them to the park. This move helps alleviate congestion in the main parking lot and ensures that guests can still easily access the park without any hassle. The park also mentioned that more parking spaces should become available as the day progresses, but visitors should be prepared for high demand.
To accommodate even more guests, Dollywood has extended its operating hours for the day. Instead of closing at 9 p.m., the park will remain open until 10 p.m., giving visitors an extra hour to enjoy the attractions. This extended schedule is a testament to the park’s commitment to providing a memorable experience, even during its busiest times.
Dollywood park hours have been extended to 10 p.m. tonight, December 30.
https://twitter.com/Dollywood/status/1873796780036678134
This has been a year of challenges for Dollywood, with unexpected disruptions such as a water mains leak in July and flash flooding that caused significant damage to the park. Guests were seen wading through knee-deep water, and some reported their cars being submerged. The park also had to close temporarily due to the impact of Hurricane Helene in September, as well as freezing temperatures in early December. Despite these obstacles, Dollywood is ending the year on a high note, with its holiday festivities and extended hours providing a fitting conclusion to a challenging year.
For those planning a trip to Dollywood, it’s clear that the park continues to be a favorite destination. With its mix of exciting attractions, festive celebrations, and stunning mountain views, Dollywood remains one of the top attractions in the region. Despite the hurdles faced this year, the park has shown resilience, ensuring that its guests enjoy an unforgettable experience, especially during the bustling holiday season.
Have you visited Dollywood in 2024?
