Dolly Parton’s renowned theme park, Dollywood, faced an unexpected and dramatic turn of events on Sunday evening as a severe flash flood transformed the park into a waterlogged disaster zone. Visitors, including excited tourists like Zoe Ballesteros, who had traveled from California to experience the park, were caught in a deluge that resulted in knee-deep floodwaters and a chaotic evacuation.
Ballesteros, who had planned her visit to Dollywood as part of a broader trip to see Arsenal play in Philadelphia, found herself in a precarious situation when torrential rain hit Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning at 5:39 p.m. for central Sevier County, which includes Pigeon Forge. By the time the warning was extended at 9:33 p.m., between 4 and 5 inches of rain had accumulated, significantly affecting the area.
The heavy rainfall caused a local road at Dollywood’s entrance to collapse, intensifying the situation. As the floodwaters surged, patrons were seen wading through the rising water, which had turned a murky brown. Social media images depicted visitors assisting each other, including carrying small children, as they attempted to navigate the flooded walkways and parking lot. Some vehicles were partially submerged, further complicating the evacuation process.
Sarah Myers, a long-time Dollywood season pass holder, described the experience as unsettling. Myers, along with her family, faced a daunting trek through the floodwaters. “It went from being, oh, this is a funny, ironic situation to this is a scary situation,” she said, recounting how her husband carried their 6-year-old while she managed a stroller and her other children.
The park’s response included deploying cleanup crews and supporting guests whose vehicles were affected by the flood. A Dollywood spokesperson confirmed that there was one minor injury reported but did not provide additional details. The park is offering rain checks and refunds to affected visitors, as per their policy.
Despite Dollywood’s efforts to manage the situation and keep patrons informed via social media, some guests voiced frustration online. They felt that more should have been done to ensure safety and facilitate evacuation. Ballesteros, who had purchased tickets earlier in the day, reported seeing the flooding only after entering the park. “There were a handful of shops and the Dolly Experience that were open, but no rides or shows,” she noted, expressing hopes for a refund on her $300 ticket purchase.
The park plans to reopen as scheduled on Monday at noon, adhering to its regular operating hours. This incident highlights the vulnerability of outdoor attractions to extreme weather events and underscores the importance of timely communication and effective emergency response measures.
Additional Information:
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, is a major tourist destination and features a variety of amusement rides, shows, and themed attractions inspired by Dolly Parton’s country music legacy. The park, which usually enjoys a robust attendance, has faced operational challenges in the past due to weather but has historically managed to recover swiftly.
The region’s recent weather patterns have been marked by significant rainfall and severe storms, leading to increased instances of flash flooding. This event at Dollywood reflects broader concerns about how climate-related weather events are impacting public spaces and events.
As Dollywood works to address the aftermath of the flooding, visitors are advised to check the park’s official channels for updates on operational status and any changes to their policies regarding refunds and rain checks.
