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Credit: DollywoodDollywood is making some big changes to its park operations today due to mass crowding.
Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park has been a Pigeon Forge staple for decades, offering guests a taste of classic Appalachian culture, the typical array of rides and attractions, and a glimpse behind the curtain of the iconic country singer’s career.
Case in point: thrill-seekers can enjoy cutting-edge roller coasters like Lightning Rod (which was once the world’s fastest wooden coaster prior to its modifications) and Wild Eagle, America’s first wing coaster. Those who prefer gentle attractions can enjoy the Dollywood Express, a historic steam train ride through scenic landscapes, and the park’s heartwarming shows focused on Southern music and storytelling.
Younger visitors can also explore Wildwood Grove, a whimsical area featuring kid-friendly rides and interactive play areas. Alongside these, Dollywood’s seasonal festivals (including its Harvest Festival with its unmissable sweet treats), craft demonstrations, and award-winning food ensure a memorable experience for every guest.
Unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of guests looking to enjoy any of these attractions over the holiday season. Like all theme parks, Disney World and Disneyland included, Dollywood has seen a huge influx of visitors over the last few days.
As Inside the Magic previously reported, the park has been forced to encourage guests to opt for alternative parking due to high demand today (December 30).
Dollywood is experiencing high demand for parking today (Monday, Dec. 30). Please see details below.
Dollywood is experiencing high demand for parking today (Monday, Dec. 30). Please see details below. pic.twitter.com/Oeada2cEvL
— Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@Dollywood) December 30, 2024
Instead of using the standard Dollywood parking, the park recommends using Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park and using city transportation to travel into to Dollywood itself. It also notes that more parking should become available as the day goes on.
It seems like these busy conditions have persisted, as Dollywood has also extended its park hours.
Dollywood park hours have been extended to 10 p.m. tonight, December 30.
Dollywood park hours have been extended to 10 p.m. tonight, December 30. pic.twitter.com/t16HV4NXpB
— Dollywood Parks & Resorts (@Dollywood) December 30, 2024
Instead of closing at 9 p.m. as planned, the park will now give guests an extra hour to enjoy its attractions.
This week also marks the end of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebrations. Consisting of “twinkling with over six million twinkling lights, dozens of towering Christmas trees, and more,” the festival gives guests the chance to enjoy “festive flavors, heartwarming holiday shows, and seasonal shopping, all nestled right in the heart of the Smokies.”
Considering the obstacles faced by Dollywood this year, a wholesome end to the year is well deserved. In July, the park faced two unexpected closures – one because of a water mains leak and another because of flash flooding that dumped over 4.5 inches of rain on the theme park and left one person injured.
Videos later emerged online of guests wading through knee-deep water, with some reporting that their cars were left underwater in the wake of the incident.
The park also had to switch up its operations due to Hurricane Helene in September and was also forced to close early in the wake of freezing cold temperatures in early December.
Have you visited Dollywood this year?