Dollywood Opening Week Questions

I have the week straddling March and April off this year and Dollywood appears to be the closest park to me that is open then. I was looking at going down there for Wednesday the first and I have a few questions:

1. Is one afternoon (the first) and one morning-mid afternoon enough (I have an 8 hour drive back home so I could only really stay until 3 at the latest) to see the park for the first time or should I add another day?

2. Are all the shows operating then?

3. Looking up online, I could only find the monthly averages for the area and it looks like I should expect highs to be in the mid 60s, is that about right?

4. Do all the rides run, or are some usually closed the first week? Also are the water rides open?

So I guess no one has ever visited Dollywood on its opening week then? I checked the TRs and my questions arent answered in the few that exist, and unfortunately there is no Pointbuzz/KICentral/BGEscape park specific website for Dollywood where I can get an idea of an enthusiasts perspective of the park. Come on, I know you people are out there, anyone have any info?

I'm probably not the most qualified to answer, but since nobody else is up to it I'll give it a shot.

I've only been to DW a couple times (and not during opening week). My first visit was on a Saturday in July 2007. We arrived at the park around 1:30 in the afternoon. The place was jam packed. Nevertheless, I managed to ride every coaster (and some of the non-coasters, including the train), plus one show, by 6:30, when storms rolled in and shut everything down for the rest of the evening. So my guess is, you'll probably have more than enough time to really experience the park, see the shows, and get in lots of rides.

Hope you have a great time. :)

^Thanks Ensign.

One call to the park could answer most of those questions.

We spent parts of four different days at Dollywood a couple summers ago. We had a really great time, and I don't think we were ever bored. I wasn't there just to "ride" though---we saw a bunch of the shows, etc.

^^Yeah, they would tell me I need to spend a week, and that they can not really say what will happen because ride and show availability is variable and they have no idea from day to day.

I think all the shows are a safe bet, and I think two half days will be enough because I don't see the part being especially crowded during the first few weekdays. However, the Festival of Nations should be going on then, so that might take a little more of your time if you are interested in that. Also keep in mind that they will open late and close early...I don't think they start normal operation hours until June.

As far as the water rides and temperatures, I can't really say. Although it does list all the water rides as opening on the 28th of March, knowing the weather in the Smokies, I can't imagine them doing that. I don't see the temps getting much over the mid 50's, and I don't think many people want to walk around soaked in 50-60 degree weather, therefore I think assuming the water rides (with the exception of Blazing Fury) will be closed is a safe bet.

Hope that helps,

Nick