Hurricane Helene & Dollywood - Getting to Dollywood from North Carolina

Hi Everyone,

Helene swept through our region, causing minor damage around Dollywood, but the impact was significantly less severe than what we witnessed in far east Tennessee, such as Greeneville and Unicoi County. The damage was even more extreme in western North Carolina, including Asheville and numerous smaller mountain communities.

Several people are reported missing, though many are likely out of communication due to widespread power outages and disrupted cell service. Wi-Fi has been a lifeline for those fortunate enough to have restored power, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones.

 

Two major interstates that are used to get North Carolinians to Dollywood are indefinitely closed.  I40 at the state line washed into the river below.  I26 has some sections that were washed away.  Fortunately, there are alternatives to those routes.

google maps - September 29, 2024

🔶If you can get to Wytheville, Virginia, then head south on I81 to I40 West, to Exit 407 to get to Dollywood.
🔶441 through the mountains is Now Open- 10/2/24.

🔶Hwy 129 - "The Dragon" - OPEN - NO SEMI TRUCKS!!!

See NCDOT for the most Up To Date Info - Link

What Im seeing Online:  I've been monitoring a few Facebook feeds and groups from North Carolina.  Most of the feeds are trying to connect loved ones from out of state with those that have been disconnected by the storm.  I've seen lots of happy endings and several sad ones too.  There are numerous Now & Then pics of how things used to look.  People looking for and connecting others with resources like gas, shelters, food, toiletries, and basic necessities.  

Here is one story from the Chimney Rock Area of North Carolina.

If you are looking to help in some type of way, then some good advice I saw, was look up state/county websites to see what resources they are asking for.  If you're not sure where to start, begin by googling Pet Shelters in these communities - no doubt they all need some assistance right now.  Red Cross is another good place to start.

Here are some of the places accepting donations in North Carolina - 

• LIST at Link - local NPR station, BPR.   A note at the top of the article says many of these resources are winding down - 10/3/24.
• Operation Airdrop

Here are the counties impacted by Helene

Tennessee

• Unicoi County
• Washington
• Sullivan
• Greene
• Hawkins
• Hancock
• Grainger

North Carolina

• Haywood
• Madison
• Yancey
• Mitchel
• Avery
• Watauga
• Ashe
• Jackson
• Transylvania
• Buncombe
• McDowel
• Burke
• Caldwell
• Wilkes
• Henderson
• Rutherford
• Polk
• Alexander
• Catawba
• Lincoln
• Cleveland
• Gaston

Additional Resources

NCPDS

https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene

https://www.facebook.com/NCEmergency/

road closure map

https://drivenc.gov/

emergency updates on nextdoor

https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/nc/asheville/buncombe-county-government/

How to help east Tennessee after Helene

https://www.wate.com/news/top-stories/how-to-help-east-tn-after-helene/

 United Way has created a fund to help those affected by Helene. https://www.unitedwaync.org/

American Red Cross - You can visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation. People can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2024/red-cross-responds-to-hurricane-helene.html

The Salvation Army is accepting donation and mobilizing disaster response teams. https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/

Baptists on a Mission volunteers are putting teams together to serve those affected in North Carolina as conditions allow. https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Update

Samaritan’s Purse’s headquarters is in Boone. They are currently scheduling volunteers to help homeowners with the destruction in the city. https://spvolunteer.org/project-response/743

Find a recovery group to help via the North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster list or find a group to volunteer with. https://www.ncvoad.org/volunteer/

GoFundMe has launched a hub for Helene relief that includes some North Carolina fundraisers. https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/hurricane-helene

Should I Take My Tennessee Vacation?? YES

I know that a lot of folks who are wanting to know if they can take their hard-earned vacation in the Smokies.  If you can get here safely, then I say yes, please do.   

If you're in North Carolina and out of the impacted areas, then you can drive up to Wytheville, Virginia on Interstate 77, then head down 81 South to 40 West and then to Exit 407 and, boom, you're here.  See my map, up above.

I travel to Wilmington NC from Knoxville semi-frequently and there are were four major routes across North Carolina that I can chose from. They are all nearly identical travel times, so take your pick, except Interstate 40 which is closed indefinitely at the border, and 26, which has a closed section. 

This whole situation has been heartbreaking in so many ways - to see the destruction of a hurricane so far inland.  I've never seen anything like that here.  Had Helene's path been a little further to the west, then where I live would have been in the crosshairs of the damage.  It's just all a bit shocking.  Take care everyone!

🎃 Dollywood's Harvest Festival 2024 - Tasting Pass, Park Info + More! 👻

Hi Everyone,

Dollywood has released information related to the Harvest Festival, including the Tasting Pass and their festival menu.   The Harvest Festival starts on Monday, September 9th and runs thru October 28th.

My Night At Dollywood 2023

Dollywood remains open daily throughout the Harvest Festival, operating from 10am to 9pm. The planned closures following the festival strongly suggest that the park is gearing up for the transition to Smoky Mountain Christmas, which begins on November 1st.  

Source Link (dw..com)

🎃 🎃 🎃

Let's dig into some more details.

🟠Harvest Festival Menu Items - Beverages, Savory Bites & Desserts

🟡Beverages

 🟡Savory Bites

 🟡Desserts, mmmm desserts.

Click on any picture to enlarge - These are from the Dollywood Website, Check it out HERE.

🟠Country Fair Buffet Menu

🟠Tasting Pass Options

Don't forget to use your Gold & Diamond Pass for a discount.

This tasting pass is the same as all the other passes before it.  You get to chose any five items from the Harvest Festival Menu.  You don't have to use them all in one visit.  You can share a pass - they could make for a great date night meal! 

🟠What's Up Around The Park?  Artisans, Craftspeople, Music, Food, Photo Spots, Pumpkin Spice and everything nice!

Relive the magic of last year's harvest festival through these photos of our fun activities. Get excited for what we have in store for 2024!

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

My Night At Dollywood 2023

🟠Rides - All of the rides should be in operation.  Daredevil Falls usually closes at dusk, while Smoky Mountain Rampage usually closes with the park.  The last day of the season for the two water rides, in the recent past, has been the end of the Harvest Festival, So, October 28, 2024.

Dollywood does have Weather Guidelines that they follow for inclement weather and temperatures, and Smoky Mountain Weather can throw some curveballs.  Read my blog post about Dollywood's Weather Guidelines HERE.

🟠VIP Tour

Learn More at dollywood.com, click here.

🟠Photo Opportunities

 This was written and published by Wes Ramey for the dollywood blog in 2023, but it looks as though it was removed perhaps.  Anyhow, it's still great info in my opinion, for photo opps for your socials.

My family loves to take photos when we visit, and there’s a colorful photo op right when we enter the park called Harvest Sky. We can’t wait to stand beneath the thousands of vibrant, shimmering leaves swaying in the breeze along Showstreet. Then we’ll definitely have to stand in front of the colossal pumpkins—last year’s pumpkins ranged in weight from 800 to 1500 lbs. each and came from growers across the East Coast. We also love stopping by and seeing all the visiting artisans to see what amazing handmade wares they have brought with them, with many of them demonstrating their skills and techniques while creating one-of-a-kind treasures that we can purchase to take home with us to relive our time at Dollywood this fall whenever we want.

🟠Music 

According to dollywood.com....

Music fills the fall air as dozens of talented artists perform daily across the streets and stages of Dollywood. Listen for bluegrass, country and southern gospel acts paired with the Smokies' spectacular fall foliage and crisp autumn breezes for an engaging and enchanting way to experience an authentic mountain fall. Don't miss a minute of the music—download the Dollywood app to see the latest showtimes.

Here are Some of the many names I see and recognize immediately:

• Suzy Bogguss 
• TG Sheppard
• Cruz and Billy Conterras
• Gloryway
• Mandy Barnett
• The Young Fables
• Mike Snodgrass
• Rhonda Vincent
• Leroy Parnell
• Fiddling Leona with JP (video here)
• And many, many more!

⭐Check out Dollywood's Website for the latest information about Special Harvest Entertainment.  HERE.  

🟠Dollywood App

🟠Special Offers

🎃 🎃 🎃

Check out my previous videos from Dollywood's Harvest festival to get a preview of all the fun you can expect.

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• Dollywood Menus for 2024
• Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area.  I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet.  Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
• Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.

Good luck with the planning process and ask any questions you may have in the comments below.  I'll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.

#Dollywood #DollywoodTripPlanning #PigeonForgeTennessee #TennesseeTourism #vlog #blog #pigeonforgeattractions

🟢🟢Dollywood: Plan the Perfect School Break Getaway🟢🟢

Hi Everyone,

Planning a family vacation around regional school breaks? Look no further! After extensive research, I have copy/pasted a comprehensive list of fall break, Christmas break, and spring break calendars for school districts throughout the region.

🔵Spring & Fall Break Chart, includes Christmas Break!

This handy chart is published by the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism (pdf).  It lists break dates for the many school systems that frequent Dollywood during their respective Spring & Fall breaks along with dates for Christmas breaks.  It includes the first and last day of school for each school system as well.  Click on the image to make it bigger.

🔵Crowd Calendar

Another helpful Dollywood Trip Planning tool is the Dollywood Crowd Calendar!  It's run by a third party that analyzes ride wait times that Dollywood publishes for their app.

🔹Click here.

A cool feature of the Crowd Calendar is that it works at more parks than just Dollywood, so check it out while you're doing your trip planning.

You may also appreciate the Ride Wait Times section of the website.  You can see live wait times outside of the park.

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area.  I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet.  Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
• Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.

Good luck with the planning process and ask any questions you may have in the comments below.  I'll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction.

#Dollywood #DollywoodTripPlanning #PigeonForgeTennessee #TennesseeTourism #vlog #blog #pigeonforgeattractions

🌟💵Save Money - Current Promotions for Dollywood & other Pigeon Forge Attractions 💵🌟

Hi Everyone,

Let's check out the current promotions that Dollywood is offering - as of TUESDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2024.  

Link to dollywood.com for tickets and more info - click here.

🟢🟢I HIGHLY recommend checking this out, Dollywood will update it frequently with new deals and offers. Dollywood.com's Offers Web Page - you may see an offer you like! - Click Here

🟢🟢Dollywood 10% Discounts through Sam's Club - LINK HERE

Use your Sam's Club Membership to get 10% Off.  $86 for Adult, $77 for kids 4-9.  Read details at link for all the info you need, and to purchase tickets.

🔵OTHER PROMOTIONS FOR THE AREA

Above, a ticket deal for Soaky Mountain.  Expires on 12/31/24.

If you know of any additional discounts, please let me know in the comments below.  I will update this post when I have updates.

🔵Blog Posts with other Helpful Trip Planning information - 

• Getting To Dollywood by Plane
• Hotels with High Ratings in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a spreadsheet that incorporates ratings from different reliable sources, and ranked hotels in the area.  I've listed out columns for things like indoor pools, hot tubs and more on the spreadsheet.  Very helpful if you, or someone in your group is looking for a specific amenity.
• Top Breakfast Restaurants in Pigeon Forge.  I have created a list of the best Breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge using ratings from various reliable sources, and ranked them in my blog post.
  
• 30 Great Places to Eat In Pigeon Forge that are open after 2pm! A list of highly rated establishments that are open past 2pm.
• Guide To Mountain Coasters - A look at all the types of mountain coasters in Sevier County.
• Dollywood's 2024 Operating Calendar
• 8 Things to do at Dollywood if you don't care for rides - There's a lot to do!
• Pigeon Forge Trolley Info You'll Want to Know!
• Trip Advisors Top 10 Budget Friendly Hotels in Pigeon Forge.
• Tons of YouTube videos - I have so many YouTube videos of Dollywood including every festival and lots of general park updates as well as many Big Bear Mountain footage.
• Check out my 2023 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2023.
• Check out my 2022 End of Year Recap to see all of my Dollywood videos from 2022.
• 2024-2025 School Break Calendar - includes Fall, Christmas & Spring Breaks for regional schools.

🟢🟢🟢

🌺🌻New Videos - Flower and Food Festival 2024🌸🪷

Hi Everyone, hope your summer is well.  It sure is flying by, it seems.  I was able to get my awesome day at the Flower and Food Festival videos published.  There's Two Parts, one and two.  Check them out below!

🎂Happy Birthday to Lightning Rod! You're 8 Years Old Now!🎂

Hi Everyone,

Today is Lightning Rod's 8th Birthday!  Lightning Rod has been, in its own cute way, the 'problem child' of Dollywood.  

Emerging from Rocky Mountain Coasters as the inaugural wooden coaster equipped with an LSM lift hill launch, Lightning Rod has thrilled riders with an experience unique to itself. 

Spanning 3,800 feet, with a drop of 165 feet, a top speed of 73 mph, and a G-force of 3.5, you're at the pinnacle of many roller coaster enthusiasts' lists!

Nearly every amazing roller coaster attracts many fans, and more than a few have been quick to point out differences and changes.  I love these comparison videos of Lightning Rods changes over its eight years of life.  

Lightning Rod has had a lot of modifications to it.  The biggest of course is switch from the LSM launch to a traditional chain lift at the end of the 2023 season.  It opened up on day one of Dollywood's 2024 season, a testament to Dollywood's desire to have more uptime for this ride.  You can see my video of LR that day below.

My feelings about it...I think its a win win.  So far this year it has had very little downtime, which was a huge objective for Dollywood.  I also liked that I was able to look around and take in a great view while going up the lift...where previously I would white knuckle the launch.  Many will disagree and there's nothing wrong with that.  I still feel like all the ejector air is still there in all its glory.  For me, the key to enjoying LR is being positive my pockets are completely empty.  I have seen stuff in my pockets that I was so certain were secure, float in front of my face on the quad down, which was not a good feeling at all...so, I need empty pockets so I can relax, lol.   A friend I was with lost car keys on it one time - nightmare!  The storage cubbies in the station hold larger items like backpacks and big purses, as well as smaller items for hats, glasses, phones - use them.

After the 2020 season, Dollywood decided to replace over half of the track with the more durable Ibox Track. Originally constructed with Timber Topper Track, consisting of six layers of lumber and a metal topper, the new sections are now entirely steel, providing a long-term solution. A picture from Wikipedia distinctly illustrates the differences between the two track styles.

Dollywood has an excellent coaster on its hands and in my opinion, they've made many improvements that lead me to believe it's going to be with us for a long time.  So happy 8th birthday LR, and it looks like you're going from problem child to a golden child. 😊

🟦🟩VIP Tour Info-Roundup for 2024🟩🟦

Hi Everyone,

 

I have written blog posts about the VIP Tours at Dollywood as details for each tour became available. However, I would prefer to create a single post dedicated to VIP Tours and update that post as new information emerges.

The Dollywood VIP tour program has recently expanded to include the Dolly Parton Experience and the Summer Celebration Tour. For more details on these offerings, follow the links provided below to visit dollywood.com.

• CURRENT TOURS
• Summer Celebration Tour - June 15 to Sept 1, 2024- LINK
• Dolly Parton Experience Tour - LINK
• Dollywood VIP Tour
• Harvest Fest - LINK
• Smoky Mountain Christmas - info coming soon.
• EXPERIENCES - Make-your-own-Crafts
• Dip-Your-Own Candles
• Make-Your-Own Blown Glass Ornament
• Customize-Your-Own Custom Belt, Ornament, Bracelet and more
• Forge-Your-Own Knife

Dollywood has a couple of articles written by Insiders that you might find helpful...

• The VIP Experience at Dollywood
• What is the Magic of Glacier Ridge VIP Tour (Smoky Mtn Xmas Only)

These are very popular Experiences for Dollywood.  I have a friend that insists on always dipping a candle every time we go.  How about you, which experiences do you or your family and friends insist on doing each visit?  Let me know in the comments.

PREVIOUS VIP BLOG ARTICLES

IWALY Festival VIP Tour

Flower & Food Festival Tour

🌺🌻Summer Celebration Tasting Pass🌸🪷

Hi Everyone,

Dollywood has unveiled the details for their Summer Celebration 2024 Tasting Pass. The event is scheduled from Saturday, June 15, to Sunday, August 11, 2024, providing ample opportunity to sample everything. Let's explore the offerings!

Here's the link to ''BUY NOW'' - click here to do that, if you wish.

If you're a Gold & Diamond Passholder, take advantage of your discount entitlement.

Previously, I would share a map highlighting all the Festival Food locations, but now there's no need for that (or for this festival), as Dollywood has incorporated them into the park map. Simply use your Dollywood App or grab a brochure at the entrance to find all the locations with ease.

Spot the Festival Dining Location Icon next to my arrow.  The heaviest concentration of locations is in the Showstreet and Rivertown Junction areas.

ALSO! You may be interested in checking out my popular blog post that lists ALL of Dollywood's Menus with Prices.  Check that out HERE.

What are your thoughts on the offerings for the Summer Celebration Festival? Share your opinions in the comments.

🥳HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAZING FURY - 46 LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!🥳

Hi everyone,

June 6, 2024 marked Blazing Fury's 46th Birthday!🥳

Happy Birthday to Dollywood's Blazing Fury.  46 years looks good on you!

Built in-house back when Dollywood was known as Silver Dollar City Tennessee, Blazing Fury has been transporting riders to safety through the fire riddled 1880's town since June 6, 1978.

The cast of characters that you encounter have some things to say in all the Chaos!

"Now Molly, I've got a weak back" - "Weak back or not Luthor, here I come" - "You look like you've been kissing that steam train" - "Fire in the hole!!" - How many times have you recited those lines on your trips over the years?

The ride featured a splashdown at the rides end until 2013 I believe it was, when they removed it and updated the control systems for the 2014 season.  In 2015 we learned that Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) was trusted with replacing the last one third or so of track, which included the falling bridge, the second dip, and the finale dip that leads into the station.  Simultaneously, RMC was also building Lightning Rod in Jukebox Junction.

At one time there were four trains.  Each train has a 7.5 hp motor that utilizes an electric current from the track, similar to how a model train operates.  Around the burning bridge scene, it mostly switches to gravity to get everyone to the station.

Coincidentally, Dollywood's sister park Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri just this year replaced their version of Blazing Fury, known as Fire in the Hole.  They trusted RMC with a brand-new iteration of the ride and so far, has been a hit with those who cherished the old ride, as well as the next generation of riders.  Check out my popular blog post on SDC's version to see artwork, behind the scenes construction, and more.  Check that out here.  As far as I am aware, there are no plans for a Blazing Fury 2.0.  Given all the work on it in the past decade or so leaves me to believe that it is going to be at Dollywood in its current state for a while, but you just never know with Dollywood.  They keep their plans quiet.

Happy Birthday Blazing Fury!  I know for a fact that you are a beloved part of Dollywood! 

What are your favorite memories of Blazing Fury?  Let me know in the comments.

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Updated Blog Article! 🔴A Guide to Mountain Coasters and Other Similar Attractions in Sevier County, Tennessee🔴

Hi Everyone,

I have updated my popular blog article "A Guide to Mountain Coasters and Other Similar Attractions in Sevier County, Tennessee".

I've updated the pricing information and added some additional pictures of ''other types'' of coasters in the area - aside from the more traditional alpine coasters, like the suspended Mountain Glider at Ripley's in Gatlinburg - stuff like that.

Go check it out HERE.