Credit: Inside the MagicThe gates of Dollywood welcome millions each year, promising a blend of Appalachian charm, high-octane thrills, and Dolly Parton’s unmistakable warmth. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee theme park has built its reputation on weaving together music, crafts, and modern attractions into an experience unlike any other in the country.
Behind the scenes, however, the park faces an unexpected challenge.
Over nearly four decades, Dollywood has expanded beyond its Pigeon Forge roots. From Splash Country to the DreamMore Resort and, most recently, HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the park has steadily evolved into a full-scale vacation destination. Its seasonal festivals — from the Harvest Festival to Smoky Mountain Christmas — ensure that Dollywood remains a year-round draw.
That steady growth culminated in 2025 when Dollywood earned the top spot in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, outranking even Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For fans, the recognition felt overdue, affirming the park’s unique identity among a crowded field of global theme parks.
A Hidden Challenge Behind the Success
Despite the accolades, Dollywood may be entering a more complicated season.
A report suggests that the park may struggle to staff its growing operations. A recent analysis by The Street pointed to tightening restrictions on H-2B visas, raising concerns that the park could face workforce shortages this fall.
Department of Labor data shows a steep decline in approvals. As of August 7, 2025, only 149 of 879 H-2B visa requests were approved. More than 700 were denied or withdrawn. By contrast, approvals in 2022 nearly swept the board, with 486 of 491 granted.
Dollywood executives have acknowledged the challenge. “International hosts offer an ideal solution for flexing our workforce at peak times of the season,” said Susan Lovedly, Dollywood’s vice president of human resources. Entry-level roles across rides, food services, and resort operations are the most vulnerable, with scheduling and training expected to grow more complex.
The timing is especially difficult. As summer fades, Dollywood typically relies on seasonal workers to offset the loss of younger employees returning to school. Without additional support, long lines, limited dining hours, or scaled-back operations could become an unavoidable reality for guests in the months ahead.
Looking Toward Dollywood’s Future
The staffing concerns emerge just as Dollywood prepares for its most ambitious expansion yet. Hidden Hollow Aviation, a $50 million attraction, is slated to debut in 2026. Billed as the park’s largest investment to date, the project has stirred speculation among fans eager for clues about its theme and technology.
Early teaser footage alludes to “The Legend of Secret Lake,” featuring underwater exploration before shifting to soaring views of the Smoky Mountains.
On forums like Reddit and Facebook, fans debate whether the attraction will mirror Disney’s Flight of Passage and Soarin’ Around the World, or take a darker, coaster-driven approach. For Dollywood, the stakes are high: the ride could cement the park’s position not only as a regional powerhouse but also as a national leader in themed entertainment.
The question now is whether Dollywood can balance its bold expansion plans with the practical challenges of staffing. For a park that has consistently married ambition with authenticity, the coming seasons will test just how resilient Dolly Parton’s vision can be.
Do you plan on visiting Dollywood this year?