While there are amazing theme parks and amusement parks all over the world, there’s a reason that many of them are located in places like Southern California or Central Florida. Weather is a major consideration when deciding where to build a park, and what just happened at Dollywood is a big reminder of that.
Dollywood is one of the best theme parks in the world, an underrated gem located in East Tennessee that is excellent for families and thrill-seekers alike. It’s also got some of the best theme park food around. Even if you don’t love Dolly Parton, and who doesn’t love Dolly Parton, it’s a place any theme park fan needs to visit. However, yesterday was a day at Dollywood that created the wrong sorts of thrills, as the park saw some extreme flooding that had some guests truly worried for their safety.
Video and photos are currently going viral on social media showing extreme flooding inside both Dollywood and the Splash Country water park. While strong storms were expected in the Pigeon Forge area yesterday, apparently over five inches of rain fell in a short period, leading to flash floods and mudslides.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Heavy rain caused flash flooding at Dollywood last night (Sun 7/28).Up to 5” of rain of rain fell in a short period of time causing mudslides and roads to be washed out in parts of Sevier County.Video credit: Bailey Elkins Berry pic.twitter.com/k6w5VxKKiCJuly 29, 2024
As somebody who visited Dollywood for the first time just over a year ago, the worst thing I had to deal with weather-wise was the occasional closure of outdoor attractions due to fear of lightning strikes. Which, due to living in California, was a pretty unusual thing for me to see. I had to deal with some rain, which is far from unusual this time of year, but nothing like what’s going around on social media. I never dreamed we could see flooding quite like this. One guest posted images of people up to their waist in water trying to get to their cars.
I still love Dollywood… but we barely escaped today.The first pic is one my daughter took of water coming down from the Splash Country lot as we were leaving… others from social media. Hope everyone gets out alright. pic.twitter.com/oFBh2iTmbZJuly 28, 2024
Luckily, Dollywood reports there was only one minor injury as a result of the flooding. The park was scheduled to reopen at noon local time today, though reportedly two of the park’s water rides, The raft ride Smokey Mountain River Rampage and the flume ride Daredevil Falls, did not open alongside the rest of the park as additional work is required.
A great deal of credit would appear to go to the Pigeon Forge Fire Department, who, according to ESPN’s Ryan McGee, assisted in evacuating the park and helping guests get to safety.
Well…I was at Dollywood today. And yes, it was like the Old Testament. This video was only the start. Props to the Dollywood FD for leading us to our cars like The Batman. pic.twitter.com/FkQscTF4XQJuly 29, 2024
Credit should also go to Dollywood employees, especially the maintenance workers, who, despite the massive flooring, were able to get most of the park back into working order by this afternoon.
We’ve seen the occasional minor flood at other theme parks that can get significant rain, such as Walt Disney World. Occasionally there’s enough rain that it floods the streets of a theme park making getting around difficult, and damp, but we’ve never seen the water get so bad it required park evacuation.
Dollywood is an incredible theme park for thrill seekers but this was certainly not what guests had in mind. Hopefully there’s no long-term damage to the park, and guests will be able to enjoy the rest of the summer with only the illusion of danger that comes with the park’s excellent roller coasters.