Dolly Parton’s theme park forced to shut down ride

Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, left guests heartbroken for the holidays as they announced that they’re forced to briefly shut down one in every of their most in style rides.

On December 20, the Dollywood Facebook web page shared a park update that read, “The Dollywood Express is not currently operating due to unscheduled maintenance. We are sorry for the inconvenience. We hope you will enjoy all of Dollywood’s other award-winning rides and attractions during Smoky Mountain Christmas.”

The unlucky news comes during one in every of their busiest occasions of the yr, as many journey to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to attend their annual Smoky Mountain Christmas event. Every yr, the theme park transforms right into a winter wonderland that includes 6 million twinkling lights, huge decked-out Christmas timber, scrumptious meals, vacation procuring, and award-winning reveals.

And as followers collect to verify out the magical festivities, they also often flock to the Dollywood Express which is sadly out of fee.

The Dollywood Express is a steam-powered prepare ride that features a 5-mile, 20-minute picturesque journey via the Smoky Mountains. The ride, which is wheelchair accessible and open to all ages, passes via areas like Thunder Canyon and provides appears to be like of other rides in addition to gorgeous views of breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.

The attraction was initially opened again in 1961 and was first named the “Rebel Railroad.” The ride was later renamed the “Dollywood Express” when the whole amusement park underwent a rebrand. The attraction is pulled by two ex-White Pass & Yukon Route 2-8-2 “Mikado” sort steam locomotives, and each burns 5 tons of coal every day.

Although it now not bears its authentic title, the ride stays the amusement park’s oldest attraction, holding a spot close to and expensive to many guests’ hearts.

Under the announcement, many took to the remark part to categorical their frustration and heartache over the update. One particular person fumed, “It’s absurdly ridiculous that on a Saturday, the train is not operating. Do what you have to do even if it means paying people to work all night to make sure that train works especially on the Christmas weekends.”

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They continued, “How inconsiderate a lot of folks, especially senior citizens in the park. That’s the one thing they can ride and enjoy. Not to mention the train is promoted so much on social media and billboards. Absurdly ridiculous. I was there also a Saturday in October during the fall Halloween festival and the same sign was up schedule maintenance. Again completely unacceptable.”

Another upset person commented, “I was planning on bringing my son to ride the train as that is his sole reason for existing right now. We cant go anywhere without his toy trains. Please get this fixed ASAP. We bought season passes so we could take him just for the train. Please don’t wait till the off season to fix it. Also please keep us updated.”

A 3rd particular person sadly penned, “Darn wanted to take my son this weekend and drink hot coco on the train [crying face emoji].”

While guests are unable to ride the Dollywood Express, there are still loads of other points of interest to take pleasure in at Dollywood this Christmas season. Some other notable thrilling points of interest to go to embody the Wild Eagle, Mystery Mine, Blazing Fury, Big Bear Mountain, Tennessee Tornado, Dragonflier, Barnstormer, among many others.

The annual Smoky Mountain Christmas event at Dollywood runs via November 1 to January 4, 2026.