Dollywood, the iconic Smoky Mountain theme park co-owned by Dolly Parton, ended its season with an unexpected twist. As winter weather barrels across the United States, the Tennessee theme park has made adjustments to its operations, impacting thousands of guests during its final weekend before a two-month seasonal closure.
A Beloved Destination with Deep Roots
Nestled in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood has long been a cornerstone of the region’s tourism. Originally opened in 1961 as Rebel Railroad, the park became Dollywood in 1986 when Dolly Parton partnered with Herschend Family Enterprises, the company behind Missouri’s Silver Dollar City. Over the decades, Parton’s passion project has grown into a world-class destination, drawing over three million visitors annually and offering dozens of rides, restaurants, and seasonal events like Smoky Mountain Christmas, Harvest Festival, and Summer Celebration.
The theme park’s contributions to the Gatlinburg area are immeasurable, creating jobs for thousands of local residents and establishing the region as a top-tier vacation destination.
Winter Storm Forces Operational Changes at Dollywood
With the end of Smoky Mountain Christmas in sight, Dollywood faced an additional challenge: a winter storm. On Saturday, the theme park alerted guests via Instagram that it was closely monitoring the impending weather:
“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.”
Hours later, the Pigeon Forge theme park provided a more detailed update, announcing a change to its operating schedule for Sunday:
“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.”
This adjustment allowed guests to enjoy the park despite Mother Nature’s challenges. However, the announcement signaled a shortened opportunity for visitors to experience Dollywood’s magic before its seasonal closure.
Season’s End and What’s Next For Dolly Parton’s Theme Park
January 5, 2025, marked the last day of operations for Dollywood this season. Afterward, the park closed its gates for a brief winter hiatus. It plans to reopen on March 15, 2025, with a special Passholder Preview Day on March 14. Guests eager for warm-weather fun can look forward to Dollywood’s Splash Country water park reopening on May 10, 2025.
Has this winter storm impacted any of your travel? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments.
