Tuesday was Season Passholder day and Wednesday was the first day for the General Public.

I've always loved Dollywood, but I thought they had the perfect game plan for safely operating a theme park during COVID-19. It started at the front gate with temperature checks and mandatory masks for everyone. Surprisingly, about 90% of the guest seems to comply with that directive. Let's don't debate the mask/no mask issue - at this moment in time, it's probably the only way a theme park can operate. Dollywood did set up “rest areas” where guests could remove their masks and relax with the appropriate social distancing in place.

The park itself was also excellent with most of the rides seating every other row, and every guest got a squirt of sanitizer on their hands before boarding the ride. Then every ride was completely wiped down every 30 minutes or so and the train subsequently sent out completely empty (I assume to dry). Those procedures created a bit of a longer wait on some rides, but to Dollywood’s credit, they seem to be using every possible train on every ride, and some of the rides actually had zero wait (like Wild Eagle).

The employees were awesome as always. They were limiting the number of admissions each day(you had to have a reservation to visit), but at least they were open. The Flower and Food festival was absolutely breathtaking and I have attached a few pictures below. I had a great time, although I didn't get as many rides as usual, BUT at least they were open.

I know not everyone is comfortable visiting a theme parks these days, but I had a great time. Just sharing my experience.

[Post edited by VTChip at 06/18/2020 12:34PM]