Play Safe Together
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to many frequently asked questions about our operational adjustments.
Managing Attendance Capacity
Are the parks reopening at reduced capacity during this phase?
Yes, we are limiting attendance at our theme parks during our phased reopening.
How are you limiting capacity?
Social distancing guidelines are limiting the capacity of the park on a daily basis. Both passholders and general admission guests will be required to reserve the date you wish to visit the park to remain socially distanced. Additionally, you will experience limited capacity on rides and attractions as well as in certain buildings and walkways throughout the parks.
Will all rides and attractions be open?
A majority of the attractions and experiences within the parks are scheduled to open. Select experiences will not be available during this phase, and some queue experiences may be slightly altered as we implement our new procedures.
Restaurants and stores outside the park are limiting their capacity, are you also limiting capacity?
The guidelines for operation require social distancing in our restaurants and shops. We will be following those guidelines and will be reducing capacity at restaurants and in shops. Additionally, buffet restaurants on-park will now be served cafeteria-style.
Maintain A Safe And Healthy Environment
Code of Conduct
While you are with us, you are expected to comply with the following*:
Any Guest who fails to comply with the Terms of Sale, including without limitation those listed above, may at the discretion of Dollywood have their Ticket revoked or confiscated by Dollywood here with no refund of any amount paid therefor. Upon such revocation or confiscation, the applicable Guest and all members of their party shall have no right to remain in, on, or about the Property. Dollywood reserves the right to ban such individuals from future admission to all or any of its Properties or from participation in any Herschend Family Entertainment Activities.
*A full list of Terms and Conditions applicable to your visit are set forth in the Terms of Sale, which may be found online at Dollywood or picked up at Guest Services. Your purchase of a Ticket and entering the premises constitutes your agreement to and acceptance of the Terms of Sale.
- Respect each other as well as our employees; verbal abuse of other guests or our employees will not be tolerated.
- Have your temperature taken before entry.
- Wear a mask covering nose and mouth at all times while on property, except while eating or drinking. You should be stationary and maintain appropriate Social Distancing while eating and drinking.
- Refrain from fighting, horseplay, taunting or threatening remarks & gestures.
- Do not create disruption with behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal.
- Weapons are not allowed on the premises, including knives with blades longer than 3 1/2 inches.
- Follow instructions from employees regarding operations and procedures.
Any Guest who fails to comply with the Terms of Sale, including without limitation those listed above, may at the discretion of Dollywood have their Ticket revoked or confiscated by Dollywood here with no refund of any amount paid therefor. Upon such revocation or confiscation, the applicable Guest and all members of their party shall have no right to remain in, on, or about the Property. Dollywood reserves the right to ban such individuals from future admission to all or any of its Properties or from participation in any Herschend Family Entertainment Activities.
*A full list of Terms and Conditions applicable to your visit are set forth in the Terms of Sale, which may be found online at Dollywood or picked up at Guest Services. Your purchase of a Ticket and entering the premises constitutes your agreement to and acceptance of the Terms of Sale.
Do I have to wear a mask?
For the protection of each other and our guests, our employees will wear masks. Our guests (3 years and older) will also be required to wear a face mask or face covering except for meal times, on water attractions and at designated mask-free break zones at Dollywood.
Guests coming to WATERPARK/POOL AREA are required to wear a mask in any indoor location. Masks are not required on lounge chairs as long as social distancing can be maintained. Guests are encouraged to bring their own masks.
Guests coming to WATERPARK/POOL AREA are required to wear a mask in any indoor location. Masks are not required on lounge chairs as long as social distancing can be maintained. Guests are encouraged to bring their own masks.
What is considered an appropriate facial covering for my visit?
Facial coverings in line with CDC’s guidelines are considered appropriate for your visit, and should cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Costume masks and veils will not be considered as facial coverings and are not permitted.
Will I have to wear my face covering while on rides?
Masks will be required on all rides, except water rides or waterpark attractions at Dollywood due to the dynamics of the attractions.
Will I have to wear my face covering while on water rides?
Masks are not required on all water attractions at Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park due to the dynamics of the attractions.
What about face coverings when guests are eating?
We have arranged tables and seating so that guests can remove their face coverings while they eat. But we ask that they wear them at all other times.
How will temperatures be taken?
Prior to entry, guests (and employees) will have a contactless temperature screening.
What happens if a fever is detected?
Touchless temperature screenings will be conducted prior to admittance. Anyone displaying a temperature of 100. 40 Fahrenheit or above will be directed to an additional location for rescreening and assistance. Guests with a fever exceeding 100.40 Fahrenheit will not be permitted entry. Additionally, anyone who traveled in the same vehicle with that guest will not be permitted entry. Refunds or rain checks may be offered.
We will be screening all employees, vendors and our guests prior to entry into one of our facilities.
We will be screening all employees, vendors and our guests prior to entry into one of our facilities.
What happens if I don’t feel well?
Guests not feeling well, should choose another day to visit. In addition, employees not feeling well will be sent home.
Masks and Face Coverings
Why do I have to wear a mask?
Per the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), face coverings/masks are required for all guests ages 3 and up and employees at this time, with some exceptions. The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control. Masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to be expelled out through holes in the material. This can allow exhaled respiratory droplets to reach others and potentially spread the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, per CDC recommendation, we do not allow masks if they have an exhalation valve or vent.
Some of the exceptions where masks are not required are while eating, drinking, on water park attractions and when in designated “mask-free” zones while maintaining social distancing.
If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering/mask, our alternative accommodation is for you to bring a face shield to wear during your visit. Face shield must cover nose and mouth. If face shields are used without a mask, they should wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend to below the chin. Wearing a face shield as an accommodation must be approved by our customer service center. Please note that face shields are not permitted on rides and attractions, and guests will have to switch to a face covering/mask for those experiences.
Some of the exceptions where masks are not required are while eating, drinking, on water park attractions and when in designated “mask-free” zones while maintaining social distancing.
If you have a disability that prevents you from wearing a face covering/mask, our alternative accommodation is for you to bring a face shield to wear during your visit. Face shield must cover nose and mouth. If face shields are used without a mask, they should wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend to below the chin. Wearing a face shield as an accommodation must be approved by our customer service center. Please note that face shields are not permitted on rides and attractions, and guests will have to switch to a face covering/mask for those experiences.
Are employees at the park wearing masks?
Yes, all employees and vendors are required to wear masks. Each employee is provided a clean mask when they arrive and will wear throughout their shift. Staff have also been thoroughly trained on hygiene practices.
What if I have medical reasons to not wear a mask?
COVID-19 is worldwide pandemic. A significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms and that even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. The CDC has determined that wearing a cloth face covering or mask can slow the spread of COVID-19. Because the contraction of COVID-19 places a direct threat on the health of our guests and employees, cloth face coverings or masks are required of all guests. We will continue to monitor the situation going forward.
Does wearing a mask really help?
The state of medical knowledge is evolving, however, the CDC has currently determined that the virus spreads from person-to-person contact. People can be infected and show no symptoms and therefore spread the disease. Wearing a mask or face covering reduces the likelihood of spreading the virus through airborne respiratory droplets, when talking, sneezing and coughing. Therefore, the CDC recommends widespread use of cloth masks when 6 ft. of social distancing cannot be maintained.
In these unprecedented times, wearing a mask or face covering shows mutual respect and care for fellow guests and our team members who serve you while visiting the park.
In these unprecedented times, wearing a mask or face covering shows mutual respect and care for fellow guests and our team members who serve you while visiting the park.
When do I have to wear a mask?
Guests will be expected to wear a mask or face covering while on property. Specific exceptions will be granted including the below, but only when 6 ft. of social distancing space outside your family unit is maintained:
- Children 2 and under
- Eating or drinking – both at a restaurant or while walking/sitting
- When taking photos
- While swimming or on an attraction where you will get wet (water slides/rides)
- While showering/changing clothes in an approved water park facility
- While in a lounge chair or occupying a private, rented space (Such as Cabanas at water parks) if 6 ft. can be maintained between groups.
Do I have to bring my own mask?
Guests are encouraged to bring a mask with them when visiting. However, masks will be provided for guests in need. We recommend reviewing the CDC's webpage on appropriate daily-use facemask for additional guidance
Ride & Attractions Capacity Management & Sanitation
Will rides operate the same?
We will be limiting capacity on rides and attractions. You may see ride vehicles with empty seats to help aid in physical distancing. Floor markings will be placed in queue areas to help ensure social distancing. Hand sanitizer will also be positioned in attraction areas for guests to sanitize their hands before and after riding an attraction.
Food Safety
Will your restaurants be open?
Yes, most of our dining establishments will be open. We have implemented new operational procedures to keep our guests and employees safe including social distancing measures, frequent cleaning and food safety training
Are you limiting capacity for dine-in restaurants?
Yes, capacity will be limited inside our restaurants to allow for adequate social distancing measures.
Increased Focus On Cleanliness
What cleaning measures are you putting in place?
We take cleanliness and hygiene seriously and we will be increasing efforts to help prevent the spread of germs. We’re adding hand-sanitation and portable hand washing stations throughout the park, rigorous and frequent cleaning of highly touched surfaces and increased hygiene signage in public and employee areas. We’re following guidelines from the CDC on prevention and encourage our guests to do the same.
Do I need to bring my own hand sanitizer?
You may.
In addition, we are providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the parks and attractions. Also, our employees will be cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces frequently throughout the day.
In addition, we are providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the parks and attractions. Also, our employees will be cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces frequently throughout the day.
Why are you adding portable hand washing stations?
CDC guidelines recommend frequent hand washing as a way to stop the spread of germs and help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Season Passholder FAQs
I am a season passholder, what are you doing for me?
The validity of all 2020 Season Passes is extended until June 15, 2021. To visit the remainder of 2021, you can purchase an extension here.
Will there still be early entry for passholders on Saturdays?
Season Passholders and lodging guests will have the exclusive opportunity to enter the park first each day with a reservation. Spots will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis through the reservation website to maintain capacity standards.
General FAQs
There are a lot of new changes, why so many?
We are committed to making our time together as safe as we can. For all of our safety, we have adopted a variety of operating procedures in accordance with the CDC and state recommendations to help reduce the spread of germs. These new health and safety measures will help us play safe together.
Our intent is to create a great experience for you and your family while being responsible in helping to reduce the exposure to COVID-19. The Reservation System will allow us to manage the social distancing requirements on the park by limiting entry to set attendance levels.
We are honoring the Tennessee Pledge and our intent is to create a great experience for you and your family while being responsible in helping to reduce the exposure to COVID-19. The Reservation System will allow us to manage the social distancing requirements on the park by limiting entry to set attendance levels.
Our intent is to create a great experience for you and your family while being responsible in helping to reduce the exposure to COVID-19. The Reservation System will allow us to manage the social distancing requirements on the park by limiting entry to set attendance levels.
We are honoring the Tennessee Pledge and our intent is to create a great experience for you and your family while being responsible in helping to reduce the exposure to COVID-19. The Reservation System will allow us to manage the social distancing requirements on the park by limiting entry to set attendance levels.
Will shows and festivals still take place?
In accordance with the social distancing guidelines, our indoor spaces and indoor play areas where adequate social distancing cannot be maintained will be temporarily closed. Some indoor theaters where safety guidelines can be followed will be open for select shows during Smoky Mountain Christmas. Please check the Indoor Shows section above for more information. Additional, appropriate entertainment will be performed in outdoor theaters and on the midways.
Smoky Mountain Christmas will be open as scheduled.
Smoky Mountain Christmas will be open as scheduled.
Dollywood's Splash Country
We will limit capacity on each attraction – including rivers and pools
For raft rides, only one travel party will be allowed to ride in a single raft. Please note that our standard height and weight requirements will be applicable.
Lounge chairs will be placed in a fashion that allows travel parties to sit together, while also maintaining at least six feet of distance between other guests.
Lounge chairs will be placed in a fashion that allows travel parties to sit together, while also maintaining at least six feet of distance between other guests.
At Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Park, will I have to wear my face mask or face covering while on the slides? While in lounge chairs?
Face masks or face coverings are required when guests cannot socially distance. They will not be required on slides, in pools and when in lounge chairs.
Will all water park employees wear face masks or face coverings?
Lifeguards who are working positions at the top of rain play structures and those in rescue ready positions (wearing a rescue tube) will not wear a mask. Attraction attendants and lifeguards who are not wearing a rescue tube will wear a mask.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa FAQs
Will I be required to sign a waiver to stay at the resort?
Yes. All guests staying at the resort, (including minors) are required to sign a waiver upon check-in. Parents/guardians can sign for minors.
General Note About Sanitation
Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins will continue the elevated sanitation program which was put in place earlier this year. Throughout the day, portable foggers will be utilized to sanitize public spaces and dining areas.
General Note About Social Distancing
Processes have been established to ensure all public areas are appropriately marked with social distancing signs and locations with reduced capacity will not exceed limitations.
What is the resort cancellation policy?
Any stay booked at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa will have free cancellation until 72-hours prior to the day of arrival. Cancellation within 72-hours may result in the loss of one-night deposit.
Will I be required to wear a mask at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins?
Resort Guests (Ages 3+) will be required to wear masks in public spaces except while dining or swimming. Masks will not be required when in lounge chairs by the pool as long as guests maintain social distancing. Masks will be required on the resort trolleys. Cabins guests (Ages 3+) will be required to wear masks during check-in.
With attendance capacity being limited at the parks, if I’m a resort/cabin guest, what does that mean for me?
Any guests staying at the resort/cabins with valid tickets/season passes will be guaranteed entry to the parks based on the type of admission ticket or season pass.
Will a health screening be required?
All Guests will be temperature screened prior to boarding trolley to Dollywood and/or Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Will guest spaces inside and around the resort limit capacity?
In accordance to the Tennessee Pledge, public spaces could have a reduced capacity inside and outside.
Will I receive housekeeping services while a guest?
In order to uphold the DreamMore-CleanMore Pledge, traditional stayover service with daily housekeeping service has been discontinued. This measure is intended to provide the safest environment possible for you and our hosts. Rooms will be thoroughly cleaned/sanitized upon departure. We thank you in advance for allowing us to honor our commitment in providing you with a safe and clean stay.
Will Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery be open?
Song & Hearth will be open with reduced capacity. Buffets have been discontinued.
Will the DM Pantry be open?
The DM Pantry will be open with reduced capacity.
Will Pokeberry Lane be open?
Pokeberry Lane will be open with reduced capacity.
When Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa opens, will all outlets and amenities be available?
The following is a list of resort outlets that will remain closed at this time:
- The Spa
- The Playground
- The Game Room
- The Fitness Center
- The Garden House Indoor Pool
- The Business Center
- Valet Parking Services
Will the resort trolleys be running?
Yes. When the parks are operational, temperature screens will be required prior to boarding the trolley from the resort. Masks are required.
Can I rent/reserve a banquet room or meeting space?
Yes. Please contact our sales department at, 865-428-9675.
Will the resort ticket/concierge desk be open?
Yes. The resort ticket/concierge desk will be open.
Will Camp DW be offering activities?
Camp DW will offer activities that can safely maintain social distancing and follow sanitation standards.
Will valet parking services be available at the resort?
Valet parking will not be offered at this time.
Will The Lounge be open?
The lounge will be open as a dining outlet. Alcohol is available.
Will The Spa be open?
The Spa will not be open at this time.
Will the Fitness Room be open?
The Fitness Room will not be open at this time.
Will the Game Room be open?
The Game Room will not be open at this time.
Will the pools/hot tub be open?
The Garden House Indoor Pool will not be open at this time.
The Swimming Hole Outdoor Pool and hot tub will open with limited capacity.
The Swimming Hole Outdoor Pool and hot tub will open with limited capacity.
Will the Playground be open?
The Playground will not be open at this time.
Will the Business Center be open?
The Business Center will not be open at this time.