Behind the scenes at Dollywood as crews prep for opening day
USA TODAY
Dollywood is anything but quiet and calm during its “off-season.” Here’s how crews reset and rebuild the park to welcome guests for another year.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — When Dollywood is closed during January, February and early March, you won't hear Dolly Parton’s hit songs coming from the speakers. No screaming riders are zooming along the roller coasters. The signature scent of cinnamon bread isn't wafting around every corner.
But even when it's closed, the park is far from quiet.
Dollywood in the off-season is full of life as workers prepare the Pigeon Forge theme park for another epic season.
The sounds of drills and jackhammers ring out around the park. Trucks and golf carts zip back and forth. Crews haul lumber to replace woodwork. Workers carefully shine the light posts. Fresh paint dries on walls and even walkways.
“It's not for the faint of heart, let me just tell you,” maintenance and construction director Barry Stiltner said of the pace and pressure to get the park ready for a new season within a limited timeframe.
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