DOLLYWOOD is one of the top vacation destinations in the US, even more popular than Disneyland according TripAdvisor.
But theme park has been forced into an unscheduled closure — here we take a look at when, why, and everything else you need to know.
1
What is Dollywood?
Dollywood is a family friendly amusement park co-owned by country music legend Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment, situated in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
It places sixth on TripAdvisor‘s Top 25 Amusement Parks in the United States list.
As the park’s website explains: “At Dollywood we celebrate the best of life as we light up the Smokies with rides, slides, music, food and laughter — day and night.
“We invite you to our Tennessee home where you can hold on tight to those you love most in the great outdoors in each beautiful season of the year.”
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A May 2024 study conducted by UK-based travel insurance provider InsureandGo placed Dollywood at No.1 on the ‘Top 50 Global Attractions People Most Want To Return To’ — a list compiled from over 450 landmarks worldwide.
Dollywood secured the top position with a score of 94 out of 100.
Is Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, closing?
Dollywood closed unexpectedly due to unforeseen circumstances, sending fans into a frenzy as they speculated that the theme park was shutting permanently.
Thankfully this is not the case — Dollywood was only forced to close for part of one day.
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Otherwise, the theme park closes seasonally every year.
Dollywood shuts up shop for the winter in early January, and reopens in late March annually.
Why did Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, close?
Dollywood was forced to close due to adverse weather conditions at 4pm on Wednesday May 8, 2024.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts posted on X: “PARK UPDATE: Due to severe thunderstorms approaching Pigeon Forge this afternoon and through the evening, Dollywood will close today (Wednesday, May 8) at 4 p.m.
“The park will reopen on Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m.”
There were severe thunderstorms, which forced the attraction to shut early.
As news station Wate explained: “We have already seen several severe thunderstorm warnings and even a tornado warning so far today.
“Multiple rounds of severe weather remain possible. The important take-away is that all day, especially this afternoon and tonight, severe weather will be possible.
“Our severe weather risk will remain elevated past lunchtime and extend through the afternoon and evening with the ‘first round’ of storms.
“A second round will move in late tonight and continue into the overnight hours. As a result, we are Weather AWARE today.”
Dollywood did not announce any refunds for its unexpected closure, with people taking to social media to vent their frustration.
One wrote: “I can’t believe Dolly Parton would let her park be unsafe, be closed and not refund money!!!!”
While another fumed: “Wow had such a fun time spending $100 to wait at a park for 5 hours.
“Called a lady and she wouldn’t even give me a refund for parking. Sky looks good as soon as we leave and I’m p***** off.
“I got there at 10 and was there until 4 and didn’t get to go ride a single ride.”
The parks website has yet to provide any information about potential refunds.
The US Sun has reached out to Dollywood for further information regarding possible refunds and is awaiting a response.
