Dollywood's Flood Recovery: Latest Updates and Park Operations

Flooding at Dollywood

Dollywood , located in Tennessee and owned by famous country singer Dolly Parton , experienced a flash flood on July 28 , leading to a delayed opening the next day . The park had to close due to strong thunderstorms and torrential downpours that resulted in flooding , with some visitors ' cars getting stranded in flooded parking lots . Cleanup crews worked overnight to prepare for the park 's reopening.

Guests ' Experiences

Guests at Dollywood , like Zoe Ballesteros , were caught off guard by the sudden floodwaters that rushed through the park . The park was hit by a flash flood after a warning was issued by the National Weather Service for central Sevier County , where Dollywood is located . During the flooding , patrons helped each other through knee - deep water to reach safety , with some even carrying small children to safety.

The flooding left an impact on visitors like Sarah Myers , who recalled the experience as going from funny to scary as her family navigated the floodwaters to reach their van . Despite the chaotic situation , only one minor injury was reported , and Dollywood is assisting guests affected by the weather event.

Park Operations and Refunds

Dollywood , known for its theme park and water park Splash Country , opened at noon on July 29 after the flooding . The park had to close some rides for additional cleanup , but the water park was not affected and opened at its regular time . Guests who experienced shortened visits due to inclement weather are eligible for rain checks or refunds , as per Dollywood 's policy.

The park 's spokesperson , Wes Ramey , stated that the staff would evaluate the response to the flooding emergency and make any necessary adjustments in the future . Despite some guests expressing frustration on social media about the handling of the situation , Dollywood remains committed to keeping patrons informed and safe during such incidents.

In conclusion , while Dollywood faced challenges due to the recent flooding , the park managed to reopen and continue operating with the safety and well - being of its guests as a top priority . The park 's dedication to providing a memorable experience for visitors , along with its policies for addressing weather - related disruptions , reflects its commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.