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  • Knox News | The Knoxville News-Sentinel

    Is Dollywood closed? Park announces schedule changes as Helene moves through East Tennessee

    By Devarrick Turner, Knoxville News Sentinel,

    2 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0mgiT5_0vltYKFW00

    Dollywood announced adjusted operating hours as rain and wind related to the remnants of Hurricane Helene impact the Pigeon Forge and East Tennessee areas.

    Dollywood is set to reopen at noon on Sept. 27 and close at 9 p.m., the popular theme park announced this morning on its website and X, formerly Twitter.

    Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort remain open with regular hours.

    A flood watch is in effect until 2 p.m. and a high wind warning is in place until 8 p.m. The Pigeon Forge areas could see up to an additional half inch of rain by early Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Three to 6 inches has fallen in area within three days this week, NWS noted.

    Dollywood's delayed open comes after the park closed the entire day Sept. 26 and closed early Sept. 25 due to inclement weather.

    Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations due to excessive runoff is a primary concern, according to the NWS. Trees also are likely to fall because saturated soil and high winds.

    What is Dollywood’s rain policy?

    Dollywood guests always are eligible for rain checks or refunds if their visit to the theme park ends early due to weather, according to park policy. A rain check can be requested at any ticket window and is valid until the end of the season.

    The Dollywood summer flood

    Dollywood was brought to a standstill this summer when water rushed around Dollywood guests on July 28 after torrential downpours dumped upwards of 4.5 inches of rain in the Pigeon Forge area. Photos and video footage showed flood waters blanketing the park’s parking lots and even flowing inside some buildings.

    One person sustained a minor injury , but there was no property damage. The park had a delayed opening the next day to complete post-rain cleanup.

    Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com . On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208 .

    Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .

    This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Is Dollywood closed? Park announces schedule changes as Helene moves through East Tennessee

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