https://www.thesmokies.com/dollywood-year-round/

Who didn’t see this one coming?

Didn't see this coming, but don't see it being worthwhile. From Jan-mid March every year, the area basically goes into hibernation. While some attractions are open year-round, I don't know that there are enough people that would make it worth the operational costs. 

I could be wrong....I'd love to see it, but it's not something that would have me driving 6.5 hrs to visit during the "off-season."

4 minutes ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Didn't see this coming, but don't see it being worthwhile. From Jan-mid March every year, the area basically goes into hibernation. While some attractions are open year-round, I don't know that there are enough people that would make it worth the operational costs. 

I could be wrong....I'd love to see it, but it's not something that would have me driving 6.5 hrs to visit during the "off-season."

It does stand a better chance than the "year round" experiment at KD last year.   

2 hours ago, disco2000 said:

It does stand a better chance than the "year round" experiment at KD last year.   

Did Carowinds ever try a full year schedule? I seem to remember they were talking about it, but I know now that they basically have the same schedule as KI. Just curious if they ever tried it out.

49 minutes ago, Diamondback_Is_King said:

Did Carowinds ever try a full year schedule? I seem to remember they were talking about it, but I know now that they basically have the same schedule as KI. Just curious if they ever tried it out.

Yes they did the same year as KD, but I didn't include that one in my reply because I figured that one would have stood a better chance of making a go at it given its proximity to people, unlike KD that is kind of in the middle of nowhere.

3 hours ago, Orion-XL200 said:

Didn't see this coming, but don't see it being worthwhile. From Jan-mid March every year, the area basically goes into hibernation. While some attractions are open year-round, I don't know that there are enough people that would make it worth the operational costs. 

I could be wrong....I'd love to see it, but it's not something that would have me driving 6.5 hrs to visit during the "off-season."

I definitely think that most of the people that would come to this new event would be locals. Like you said, its not really a draw for people that would have to make a decent trip out there. Tourists wouldn't necessarily come during this time because there aren't any attractions open at and around Dollywood. I don't even know if the mountain coasters run around Pigeon Forge. It's a good idea, but in my opinion, there's not enough draw to make it worth it.

5 hours ago, disco2000 said:

It does stand a better chance than the "year round" experiment at KD last year.   

True story lol. 

2 hours ago, Diamondback_Is_King said:

I definitely think that most of the people that would come to this new event would be locals. Like you said, its not really a draw for people that would have to make a decent trip out there. Tourists wouldn't necessarily come during this time because there aren't any attractions open at and around Dollywood. I don't even know if the mountain coasters run around Pigeon Forge. It's a good idea, but in my opinion, there's not enough draw to make it worth it.

The locals that would, work at the park mostly lol. Most mountain coasters are open year-round just with adjusted hours during the off season. 

Meanwhile, while Dollywood is looking to expand to year-round operation, one chain is looking to cut operating days and hours across its parks. 

23 minutes ago, DonHelbig said:

Meanwhile, while Dollywood is looking to expand to year-round operation, one chain is looking to cut operating days and hours across its parks. 

Six Flags wants to keep things "comfortably crowded" per the third quarter conference call.  Doesn't sound good tom me, 

You have a fixed asset in the park`s buildings.  Why not try to monetize it as much as possible.  Not sure if true, but way back in the day I heard a similar rumor about KI, trying to open I street year round.  I believe for a few seasons that the International Restaurant may have been open close to year round, at least on the weekends.

Maybe one of the reasons for expanding the premium parking lot was with the potential year round operations in mind - simply walk down the small hill right onto the Showstreet section of the park. It would make no sense to operate shuttles (increased labor costs and wait time) from the main parking lot which are a distance from the main gate.

13 hours ago, Winterfestguy said:

Maybe one of the reasons for expanding the premium parking lot was with the potential year round operations in mind - simply walk down the small hill right onto the Showstreet section of the park. It would make no sense to operate shuttles (increased labor costs and wait time) from the main parking lot which are a distance from the main gate.

good thought - i believe that the parking is being expanded again this off season. maybe thats the long term plan.

Dollywood unveil’s a new, cheaper, pass for East Tennessees residents called the Volunteer Summer Pass:

https://www.dollywood.com/tickets/season-passes/

6 minutes ago, Tr0y said:

Dollywood unveil’s a new, cheaper, pass for East Tennessees residents called the Volunteer Summer Pass:

https://www.dollywood.com/tickets/season-passes/

 Beat ya by a few days 

 

On 1/13/2025 at 9:19 PM, CoastersRZ said:

You have a fixed asset in the park`s buildings.  Why not try to monetize it as much as possible.  Not sure if true, but way back in the day I heard a similar rumor about KI, trying to open I street year round.  I believe for a few seasons that the International Restaurant may have been open close to year round, at least on the weekends.

I've heard that as well; however, I don't think they ever actually went through with the IR being open during the offseason. 

Dollywood buying KI confirmed LOL  (just kidding and yes I know Herschend owns Dollywood blah blah blah LOL)

https://www.wlwt.com/article/dolly-parton-license-plates-ohio/63432972

 

2 hours ago, disco2000 said:

Dollywood buying KI confirmed LOL  (just kidding and yes I know Herschend owns Dollywood blah blah blah LOL)

https://www.wlwt.com/article/dolly-parton-license-plates-ohio/63432972

 

There are a couple people that would be out the door if Herschend bought Kings Island. Their antics would not be tolerated. 

It would certainly be interesting to see the changes that would come to KI if Herschend bought KI.  By all accounts, the Herschend properties are well run.  Although, it seems that Wild Adventures is kind of the red headed step child of the chain and doesn`t get the same level of investments as the other properties.  I wonder if that is because the area the park is situated in just doesn`t draw in enough guests and the ROI is just not there.