America’s Sweetheart Dolly Parton Announces Immediate Closure of Tennessee Theme Park Area
Dollywood had a rough start on Sunday. Overnight storms struck Dolly Parton’s Pigeon Forge theme park hard enough to force an immediate area closure and wipe out one of its most popular entertainment offerings for the day.
Storm Damage at the Eagle Sanctuary
A tree uprooted during the overnight storms landed near the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, compromising the aviary and the surrounding grounds. With the structure damaged, Dollywood closed the affected area to guests and staff and canceled all Wings of America shows scheduled for Sunday, April 19.
The American Eagle Foundation moved swiftly to protect the park’s rescued eagles, pulling them from the aviary and relocating them to the foundation’s own facilities while repairs are made to the netting.
Dollywood addressed the situation directly in an official statement on its Instagram story:
“Due to storms overnight, a tree near Eagle Mountain Sanctuary was uprooted, causing the aviary to be compromised. Staff from the American Eagle Foundation will remove the eagles from the aviary and will house them at their facilities until the netting can be repaired.
The area of the park near the aviary will be closed, and all Wings of America shows for today (Sunday, April 19) have been canceled as necessary work is completed.”
The rest of Dollywood’s attractions and experiences were not impacted by the storm. The park has not announced a repair timeline or confirmed whether Wings of America will be back when the Pigeon Forge theme park reopens on Monday, April 20.
Dollywood Festival Launches Despite the Storm
Just one day before the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary area closure, Dollywood welcomed its annual Flower & Food Festival, which runs through June 7. Guests can explore floral displays and decorative installations throughout the park, including the signature Umbrella Sky, and sample limited-time food and beverages with a Tasting Pass that covers up to 5 select culinary offerings.
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Later this spring, Dollywood will also introduce NightFlight Expedition in the Wildwood Grove area. The park describes the first-of-its-kind attraction as the “world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride,” combining soaring flight, whitewater rafting, a mountain ridge coaster ride, and sailing on a shimmering lake into a single experience. An opening date has not been set.
Have you ever visited Dolly Parton’s Pigeon Forge theme park? Share your favorite memories with Disney Dining in the comments!
