brenthodge

I’d venture that’s then limited some of their offerings. They’ve cut things like A Dollywood Christmas Carol and It’s A wonderful Life- shows that added a different flavor to the event. They “Covid cut” the Santa “land” they used to have to replace it with a socially distancing experience that theyve continued, They didn’t continue the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer marketing program that they continued at other Herschel’s parks. Cut the parade that had a very clear religious (Christmas) message Not sure what you mean by Christmas vs Holiday. Are you saying they’ve eliminated the secular aspects?

Snow in the Grove was a nice little add, to use the parade leftovers, and lighting they weren’t using from the Wilderness Pass light show due to construction. Since that will be a restaurant going forward, I doubt that will return to that venue. Since they used the main tree in the upper train circle, and lit all of that, I wonder why they didn’t program that whole area into a “show” since the way they run the train they know what time/how long they are in that area.

Definitely time for new shows. On the way home I realized the first time we went SMC at Dollywood was over 10 years ago, and half of the shows are the same ones. I get tradition and all, but at this point it’s crossed the line to stale. The lit tree thing I think also stems from the fact that they flip from Harvest to Christmas in like 3 days now, the open in March with a whole other festival. I think they’ve had to manage down some of the manpower and reprioritize things they do. I actually miss the KI “Winterfest Characters” that I think DW could definitely develop for all their areas. The entire event lacks some of the energy of KI.Sad that the parade that was only run a few years is sitting in storage. They only run the drone show on weekends etc. It used to be the “gold standard” to me and it’s honestly slipped to a strong silver (sharing the medal platform with KI in a way I thought they’d never do.)

Just got back from Dollywood (first time in several years at Christmas.) Compared to years past, there are a lot of shifts in decor that I’d consider cutbacks, but so much thought put into what is there, that it’s hard to ding them. I’d really love a “love child” between KI’s “more is more just keep throwing Christmas crap on it” with Dollywood’s thoughtful use of decor as storytelling (and their ability to staple cords and burry things under mulch) and we’d have a winner! KI definitely wins the “lush overstuffed decor award” now, if they’d just take the time to straighten and fluff stuff each year… Honestly I’d almost give the edge to KI for overall energy and complete Christmas vibes now, and I never thought I’d feel Dollywood had slipped.

In a town called Saya Clause you’d think it a no-brainer?!

Way better than the drizzly wash out that Saturday was (about 4 hrs early LOL)

Yeah - Im not sure if its THAT beneficial to be open ALL this week. I'd love to go, but with work and last days of school with kids, I just don't know if I can make it work out. Its too bad that they can run rides after the first so they could run the event all the way to the weekend after the 1st like Dollywood does. I think they would be slammed then and make it much more worth their while. We might try for Thursday to get a night in before the weekend crowds hit.

lol. I love that I’m a standard to now be met!

The scope of show like that is why I REALLY wish Showplace got a much needed makeover with better accessibility seating (not as steep) and a new soid surface room and partial side so it could have heaters and be used for shows during Winterfest. Shows like FOLLIES could be way better appreciated with some seating instead of the hard ground or just standing there. Then the bandstand could still be used for a "pop, top 40" Christmas hits type show with 2 vocalists and 3-4 dancers, no costume changes and track music. Maybe only 15-20 min with 2-3 set lists through the night. This area just doesn't seem to do justice to what they are putting on-stage this year.

Yes. Quite good.

Yep-it was chilly but fun. Raced my kid (lost) 2x.

Not digging the no staggered show times at all. Feel like everything starts the same time so there’s no more “continuous entertainment” as you walk around. Also makes it really hard to see a lot in one night. Not sure where the logic is in this.

Why do they keep sticking that (what I would argue is best show) in the kids area where it gets drowned out. I wish they’d move it to the plaza in front of back lot, there’s seating on planters, add a few benches, leave all the lanterns above the walk from HAUNT, and put the stained glass nativity along the pathway with soft carol music. That way the show would have a defined area, and an entire “world” built around it. Maybe even do a “country church” front entrance set.

With the new TV kiosk and the beverage stand leaning into the existing look of the area - I'd say Action Zone is not changing its core aesthetic. At this point I'd prefer Banshee get a retheme into something flight related (really all the tombstones can just be used as an upgrade to Haunt stuff, and the station - while halfway decent architecture - it's not something that couldn't be reworked. Lean into the "flight" look of Aeoronautica, add a few flats (that have already been designed for that) rename food and merch places and take out Amazon Falls for a "new" flight-related area. (Funny as you could rename The Bat FlightDeck and come full circle)

Those would get too wet, but 2 places that would be MUCH better. BEAST plaza -quiet and more set back (maybe too set back) or Stunt Coaster plaza. Could be off the main path, keep the lanterns from haunt. Add the stained glass nativity pieces along the path and be quite beautiful. Add some benches along with the planters for seating.