Dollywood Discussion Thread

[dstephe9]

Parking capacity is low. A couple years ago when they were breaking their own records, it wasn't uncommon to have guest park in splash country for Dollywood.. they haven't needed to do that this year or much last year because attendance has been down but if it brings a lot of guest, yes parking will need to increase

 

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[neilnky]

Parking capacity is low. A couple years ago when they were breaking their own records, it wasn't uncommon to have guest park in splash country for Dollywood.. they haven't needed to do that this year or much last year because attendance has been down but if it brings a lot of guest, yes parking will need to increase

 

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I was thinking that may be the case. When I look at google maps of some places (Six Flags St Louis comes to mind), the parking areas are often as big as the whole park lol.

[Canobie Coaster]

Pete said in an interview today...that LR WILL NOT be getting a chain lift, that they are waiting to do some safety check offs and get it to their liking. They’re working on something that they want to work over a long period. There’s the interview

 

And the angels sang, HALLELUJAH (the launch is not the issue confirmed)

 

Considering the launch and speed record was the big marketing campaign around the ride, I'm not shocked it's staying. Hopefully these fixes finally work, but the proof is when it can actually operate through a summer.

[dstephe9]

Pete said in an interview today...that LR WILL NOT be getting a chain lift, that they are waiting to do some safety check offs and get it to their liking. They’re working on something that they want to work over a long period. There’s the interview

 

And the angels sang, HALLELUJAH (the launch is not the issue confirmed)

He's been saying that for years.. next month folks will be saying the launch is to blame yet again lol. That's why I always try and remind folks lol

 

 

The launch is the only part that has actually been mentioned several times as consistently running great every since opening season.

 

 

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[ytterbiumanalyst]

a company is coming in this week for it but diddnt know who.

 

Probably these guys.

OMG, that is awesome.

[dstephe9]

I think the best part of his interview is another confirmation that this is a multi-year project. The announcement is phase 1 and this also goes along with Jane Coopers statements in the blooloop interview. It also confirms the "Cave/Tunnel" on the map might lead to phase 2. Right now we are at what 5 - 6 acres? He said the entire expansion would be 14ish! So phase 2 will be 10 acres or so? Large coaster on those 10 acres?? New hotel?? A completely different themed land?

 

The tunnel/cave is already on the map, I wonder when they will announce the rest? Leaving the tunnel/cave on the map, if that is actually the path to another part of the expansion, makes me believe they will announce more sooner rather than later. The new area already looks AMAZING but knowing it isn't stopping soon is a great sign and even more exciting.

[A.J.]

I think the best part of his interview is another confirmation that this is a multi-year project. The announcement is phase 1 and this also goes along with Jane Coopers statements in the blooloop interview. It also confirms the "Cave/Tunnel" on the map might lead to phase 2. Right now we are at what 5 - 6 acres? He said the entire expansion would be 14ish! So phase 2 will be 10 acres or so? Large coaster on those 10 acres?? New hotel?? A completely different themed land?

Things will get very interesting if they do a themed hotel with a park gate that's exclusive to those that would be staying there.

[Nrthwnd]

^ That sounded just like what Tokyo Disney Sea is now planning to build: a hotel

with private access to and from their expansion of the park (Magical Springs?), by 2022.

 

It's a catchy idea for parks, if they have the space to build it alongside the park itself.

[dstephe9]

Phase 2 being bigger than phase 1, I can easily see a hotel. And HFE president did mention they are looking into the next step for their lodging at Dollywood. It's going to be an exciting couple years!

 

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[Firechaser]

The only thing that keeps me from thinking that the park would build a hotel right at the park is that the road which leads to DreamMore is called Dollywood Resorts Blvd. So it seems like Dollywood's plans for building more hotels is in the area near DreamMore.

[dstephe9]

Doesn't mean they can build multiple resorts. I can see them building maybe a campground around dreammore at some point and a resort on property. I mean, I don't see 4 hotels being built! There are to many already in the area but I can see Dollywood putting their twist on a campground, and then maybe an on-site resort

 

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[ragerunner1]

I wouldn't be surprised to see in phase 2 a well themed indoor dark ride. This land's new theme would give them a lot of options.

[dstephe9]

Double post

Edited August 9, 2018 by dstephe9

[dstephe9]

Triple post, lame Tapatalk

Edited August 9, 2018 by dstephe9

[dstephe9]

Kind of interesting way to offer season passes as a marketing tool

 

https://www.dollywood.com/Deals/Special-Offers/2019-PreSale?cid=rdr_000086

 

No payment required at this time

 

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[hagwar]

Hey y'all a few quick questions please.

 

Planning on heading up on the weekend of August 24th -26th and head to the park on Sunday the 26th? How crowded do Sundays get and do you think I would need to purchase TimeSavers?

 

Here's one for the Atlanta crowd. I've been to the park several times before and while beautiful I always cringe about my brakes/tires/transmission on the pass from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. Looking on Goggle Maps it looks like I can route West and it only takes a few minutes longer. Has anyone taken the TN-68 route, is there a lot of twists, turns and hills? Looks tamer and more exciting scenery then the way west interstate route that adds 34 miles (but only 14 minutes to the trip).

 

Is it still free for someone to drop you off?

 

I renewed my season pass from 2017 and yet to go to 2018. Do I use the same pass or do I need to go get a 2018 pass?

 

Thank you!

[neilnky]

I haven't been in several years. However, I was going year after year at one point and renewed my pass online and used that same pass over several years. Unless it has changed I think your pass should work.

[dstephe9]

You use the same pass from 2017 if you renewed online.. it should be active already so just go to the gate and you are good. No needy to stop at ticket windows

 

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[TEDodd]

Is it still free for someone to drop you off?

 

Pretty sure they still have a dropoff option.

I'd call to verify the details as I think they may have a dropoff point and tram instead of driving to entrance.

 

I wouldn't worry about TimeSaver and you could always get it in the park if you think it's needed.

 

Can't help with the routes there. I come through Chattanooga.

 

I'm still using a pass from 2015. It's even been changed to a gold pass in the system this year. Only an issue for shops that don't scan the pass.

[hagwar]

Thank you all for the advice.

[CedarFanboy]

It is free to drop off, just tell the booth people you are doing so and they will direct you where to go.

[hagwar]

It is free to drop off, just tell the booth people you are doing so and they will direct you where to go.

 

Thank you!

[ernierocker]

a

 

Here's one for the Atlanta crowd. I've been to the park several times before and while beautiful I always cringe about my brakes/tires/transmission on the pass from Cherokee to Gatlinburg. Looking on Goggle Maps it looks like I can route West and it only takes a few minutes longer. Has anyone taken the TN-68 route, is there a lot of twists, turns and hills? Looks tamer and more exciting scenery then the way west interstate route that adds 34 miles (but only 14 minutes to the trip).

 

 

 

Thank you!

 

I assume you are showing your starting point? From that location, SR 68 will be fine. It isn't on the same planet as going through the national park. Your only risks are that it is two lanes and you are at the mercy of the vehicle in front of you. If a scenic drive is your thing, definitely recommend that route. If you are in a time crunch, use the interstate.

[neilnky]

On a minor topic: I hope they change the park map design. I love looking up the park maps for my favorite parks and this year's Dollywood map has been my least favorite. I just think Dollywood is so beautiful that it needs to come across on the park map more. Dollywood Splash Country's and Holiday World / Splashin Safari's maps come across alot better to me. It may be that there is just so much to cram in a park map you just can't get super detailed. I know it has to be a challenge. This year's map is just a bit "plain" to me. Am I crazy?

[dstephe9]

I think park maps are being used less and less. They are going digital on apps so less waste, I'm sure less expensive, and I notice fewer and fewer folks using them. I personally doubt they will put much resources into future maps at any park. They do make great collectables though

 

It seems like more and more parks are simply using Google it Bing for their maps

 

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