Dollywood, the beloved theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, is facing a storm of criticism from visitors after rolling out a controversial new system for its fountain drinks. The process, introduced last month, uses QR code technology to tightly control and monitor how guests access their soft drinks, leading to accusations of excessive corporate greed.
The New System: Timers, Trackers, and QR Codes
The controversial procedure requires guests who purchase a soda to first scan a unique QR code printed on their cup at a dedicated device near the drink dispenser. Only after this scan will the machine allow any liquid to flow. However, the restrictions go much further. Once activated, a small screen informs the customer of a strict time limit to fill their cup—often around 20 seconds—and displays a remaining "balance" of ounces they are permitted to use.
A viral TikTok video posted last week by guest Nathan Johnson, which amassed over 711,000 views, demonstrated the system in action. After scanning his cup, Johnson was shown he had 19 seconds and a 16-ounce balance. A countdown timer began immediately, forcing a hurried dash back to the dispenser. The screen tracked his decreasing balance in real-time, and the machine abruptly cut off the flow once he reached his 16-ounce limit.
A Wave of Visitor Backlash and Boycott Threats
The reaction from Dollywood's loyal fanbase has been intensely negative, with many taking to social media to express their dismay. Critics argue the move starkly contradicts the park's famous reputation for warmth and hospitality.
"The level of greed in this country is sickening," wrote one user in response to Johnson's video. Another stated, "Dollywood is supposed to be better than this," while a third declared it "screams 'we hate our customers.'" The sentiment escalated to calls for a boycott, with one angry fan vowing, "I will never step foot in Dollywood again."
Many highlighted the perceived pettiness of monitoring a cheap commodity, with one comment reading, "Tracking a liquid that costs the restaurant maybe 10 cents per cup (including the cup) is wild." Others contrasted the policy with the park's high costs: "$110 for admission, $25 for parking, and they wanna limit how much you can drink. What a joke."
The Other Side: A Defence Against Theft
Amid the fury, some commentators defended Dollywood's decision, framing it as a necessary step to curb theft. Supporters claimed that visitors frequently reused cups from previous years or filled personal containers without making a purchase, costing the park revenue.
"People hoard their cups from previous years and continue to get free drinks," one person explained online. Another added, "The reason for it is because people fill their own containers without making a purchase. Stealing isn't OK." This perspective suggests the QR system is a direct response to lost income from drink refills.
The controversy arrives at a peak time for Dollywood, which was named the best theme park in the US by TripAdvisor for the second consecutive year in August 2024, beating giants like Disney's Magic Kingdom. Its reputation for affordability, fewer crowds, and great rides has been growing. However, this new drink policy risks tarnishing that carefully cultivated image of value and visitor-friendly charm, forcing the park to balance operational controls against customer goodwill.
