originally posted on 7/3/2020
All photos by Robert Ulrich. View full-sized image.
A significant number of amusement parks and theme parks have reopened following the global coronavirus pandemic. Changes were expected and were often communicated by the parks themselves via websites and required reservations. ACE President Robert Ulrich’s visit to Dollywood in Pigeon, Forge, Tennessee, serves as a common look at what can be expected when visiting a park during these times.
View full-sized image.
Only because of the year I was born, I am considered a “high-risk” for exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Thus, I was happy to be able to attend Dollywood’s reopening preview to see how the park had changed in response to the virus. The last time the park was open to the public was the annual season pass holders preview on Friday, March 13, and the world has definitely changed since that visit.
When entering the parking area, the first question asked is “Do you have a reservation?” ?” Later on, I learned that not many reservations went unclaimed, and on a weekday, there were still plenty available. Both a concern for no-shows and lack of capacity appear to be nonissues. After parking the car, the first queue was for a new security station prior to boarding the trams. Waiting in the socially distanced queue, family groups are presented a sign with four health assessment questions. I appreciated the effort, but still privately wondered who would answer “yes” to any of them? Next, a temperature is taken from each visitor’s forehead. If any member of the party that arrived together has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, that entire group will be offered rainchecks as they will not be permitted in the park that day. After passing these steps, wristbands are issued to continue onto the tram.
Each park and each park chain has its own procedures for entrance, so expect things to be different.
At Dollywood’s main plaza, new this year are metal detectors. After reaching admissions, each reservation is scanned confirming the number of people and date, followed by the pass or ticket. The turnstile gates have eliminated a touch point, something the park tried to do everywhere. There is no bar to push when the green check mark is displayed.
Inside the park, there are yard signs in the landscaping reminding guests to maintain a safe social distance of six feet between groups, and to wear a face mask. These were punctuated with “We’re happy you’re here” signs along with extensive safety precautions prior to entering rides. Masks are required throughout the stay. During my experience, it was quite unusual and jarring to see a guest without a mask used properly.
Dollywood’s Pete Owens sports a mask within the park. View full-sized image.
Depending upon the state, mask requirements will vary, but with current status of a rise in cases, everyone should plan to wear a mask throughout the day.
All shows at Dollywood are now outside. A big draw to the park, it appears the outdoor schedule has been enhanced. For example, the Gem Tones had assigned times on the hour in front of The Pines Theatre. The performers were masked only when in close interaction with the audience. Individual characters, like Miss Lilian, were all masking their enthusiastic smiles. Smiling is one of the things noticeably missed in our currently masked environment, but the smiles shine through with the park’s talented performers.
Another part of the Dollywood experience is food. Plexiglas now shields the preparation stations, and the buffets have converted to family-style dining. Table seating is either outdoors or appropriately spaced inside. Some tables have been removed from service. Drink refills are no longer self-service, and when refilling a reusable cup, guests hold it to be refilled tableside. While the water fountains are closed, refills of water were offered for free.
Inside the men’s restroom, every other urinal was out of service. Outside, portable hand-washing stations have been added to stand-alone hand sanitizer stands. It would be difficult to not be able to find one or the other anywhere in the park. The measurement standard appeared to be “line-of-sight” for the placement.
When entering a ride queue, an extensive sign is there to remind the guests of current operating procedures. Queues have been set up with stickers highlighting social distancing measurements. And middle queues aren’t used at all. The outside room of Lightning Rod, which I have never been in before, is now a part of the standard walk as the available ride queues have been reduced by at least a third in length.
Queue lines are marked to encourage social distancing. View full-sized image.
Prior to boarding every ride, an operator offered a squirt of hand sanitizer. The vehicles are boarded by alternating rows to maintain distancing requirements. Only Wild Eagle, the Bolliger & Mabillard wing coaster, avoided this as the wide-apart seating meets this requirement. After enjoying their ride, guests are again offered hand sanitizer. Trains were wiped down at regular intervals.
The retail shops also experienced changes with extensive spaces between the display racks and more outdoor vending. The Plexiglas shields were added to the shops as well.
In presentations and discussions with park representatives, they stressed that they understood the need to respond to their guests. Regular reviews were planned to adjust and respond during operating days. For example, during the week of the preview, “mask-free” zones were added to allow guests to take a break from that requirement yet maintain distancing. This proactive involvement in the park’s safety environment convinced me to return for a safe operating day.
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2020 has been a challenging year. I am sure Dollywood is only one example of how a park has prepared for and is ready to entertain guests. Although a challenge, you can have a fun day in a pandemic-changed world. Each guest — and ACE member — should pack his or her patience and understanding and evaluate if a park visit is right for the current environment.
— Robert Ulrich, ACE President
@#$%&!
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