SDC's 2023 Project(s) and Park Developments

[Swoosh]

Lol, you of all people to say that. Bitching about change has been a pretty good hobby for me over the 15 years we've been discussing things on this forum. I guess it's the one thing we can always count on. 

I just report on things from the park.  I just take photos and post them. 

[Swoosh]

Things are going to look a little different upon arrival in 2023 in the ticketing area.  No new buildings (yet) but improved guest flow is coming

[mg]

More roof structure has gone up on the new dining area.
The first wall has also gone up on the new Fried Fancies.

Over in Fireman’s Landing, the stretch of fence where the track crossing will be has been taken down to put up metal posts and different/unpainted fencing has gone back up.

[shavethewhales]

Thanks for the photos and updates everyone! The weather is looking pretty good this week so I'm sure the new buildings are going to fly up pretty quickly before the next cold front comes in.

Glad to hear they are going to improve things at the entrance, but I wonder how long they can shift things around before they have to start tearing things down to make more room. They have a pretty good number of ticket windows, and an increasing number of people are going to use mobile tickets. It's the security/turnstiles that are the real choke point, even though they are efficient. At some point they'll need to put that all up front and open up a second pathway around the other side of the sinkhole - the path they already use on super crowded days.

[Swoosh]

Dollywood updated guest flow at their front gate this season.  I’d be shocked if this isn’t the direction the park is headed

[MCLFLN]

Did you make it out there to take pics / show the difference?

Dollywood updated guest flow at their front gate this season.  I’d be shocked if this isn’t the direction the park is headed

[Swoosh]

While we visit Dollywood yearly, I don’t think I took any photos of the new entry area new traffic flow. 

The big changes were they moved the trams further out into what used to be ADA Parking.  They also moved the security screening out into that lot and you go through it before you even get to ticketing. 

[mg]

Another big change was that the DreamMore trolly now goes to the main entrance with everyone else. In the past there was a separate entrance up the hill that had its own security and turnstiles. There were lots of complaints on the trolly each day about the removal of the special entrance for the trolly.

This was the first year we've ever gone in the main entrance since we have always stayed at the DreamMore and ridden the trolly.

[Swoosh]

That change was done because they rerouted the entry/exit lanes for the cars

[mg]

That change was done because they rerouted the entry/exit lanes for the cars

Not really a valid argument for taking away the perk of using the closer special entrance.
That entrance is still used for preferred parking and groups.

But enough about Dollywood...

65 days until the 2023 SDC season opens! Looking forward to the announcements that they mentioned in their Facebook post a few days ago.

[Swoosh]

Those announcements will be mainly concerts coming this year to Echo Hollow

[mg]

Looks like a ton of parking lot/road word is happening right now. The old tram tunnel has been demolished along with railings, plants and trees.

You can see photos at the links below:
https://twitter.com/hicknews/status/1615469216441802764?s=20&t=tgFluK5Wcl0kl8GjqESPfQ
https://www.facebook.com/groups/125273777553703/permalink/5826379614109729/

[kbosch1]

Looking at all that smoke from trees burning, has me thinking that somewhere Mary Herschend is rolling in her grave!

Definitely looks like they are getting serious about the parking though.

[shavethewhales]

Interesting. Probably about time for the old roadway to be reworked. Kind of wish I had known so I could have taken a last photo or something. Who else remembers when that was the main road zipping past SDC? Weird thing to be nostalgic about, but I have fond memories of seeing the actual SDC sign and knowing we were there.

Going to be interesting to see how they push out lots 2 and 3 more. Probably mainly trying to rework the tram road. That connection between lots 2 and 3 has always been a major hazard and point of confusion for first time visitors.

Next they need to put up some kind of warning lights/signage at the pedestrian/tram crossing on the north end of the preferred lot.

[legoerosion]

I’m glad they’re reworking the parking lot/entrance situation. It’s a much needed upgrade to handle the amount of people that come in, and the tram/roadway crossing heading to lot 3 was dangerous and confusing for new visitors. Hopefully once they start working on the landscaping they put some fully grown trees back in.

A much needed upgrade for a very crappy parking lot.