Halloween season has arrived, and Dollywood is leaning more into the spooky spirit than usual with its new Harvey’s Boo Bash. But can you wear your scariest costume to the after-hours event – or even just to park during regular hours?
Dollywood’s popular fall Harvest Festival runs through Oct. 31. The park has three Boo Bashes planned, which require a separate ticket. Costumes are allowed inside the park, but there are some guidelines about what you can wear - including a couple of very specific bans you might not expect.
Here’s what to consider before you arrive for a day - or night - at Dollywood in that costume you’ve been planning for months.
Why can't you dress as Dolly Parton at Dollywood?
Though costumes in general are allowed, two specific costumes are prohibited at Dollywood.
“Guests may
not dress as Dolly Parton or Santa Claus,” the park’s clothing policy states on its website, though it doesn't expand upon the reasoning behind the rule.
Similar policies are common across the theme park industry. Parks such as the ones operated by Disney limit full character costumes for adults to prevent guests from being mistaken for official characters or employees, and to help staff easily identify guests and maintain a safe environment, Business Insider explains.
At Dollywood, a full costume impersonating Dolly Parton is not allowed, but you might see someone wearing a big blonde wig or rhinestone-decorated attire. At Disney parks, this type of character appreciation workaround is known as “Disneybounding.”
Face paint that completely covers a person’s face or alters their identity also is not permitted at Dollywood.
What is Dollywood's costume policy and dress code?
Dollywood's general rules related to clothing and costumes help maintain the park’s family-friendly atmosphere. So that means:
- Visitors must wear shoes, sandals or flip flops.
- Visitors must not wear garments or carry items that display objectionable material in a family environment, including obscene language or graphics.
- Shirts, shorts, pants, dresses or skirts must be worn at all times.
- Clothing that, by design and nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate in a family environment is not permitted.
- Excessively torn clothing is not permitted.
- Tattoos with objectionable graphics and/or messaging are not permitted.
What’s Dollywood’s costume policy for Harvey’s Boo Bash?
Harvey's Boo Bash is a new, after-hours event at Dollywood this year. Guests can wear costumes while attending but they must follow specific guidelines for the family-friendly bash.
Costumes with excessive gore, that are inappropriately revealing, or with inappropriate language or imagery will not be permitted.
Some costume pieces including but not limited to capes, headwear and oversized items might need to be removed to partake in attractions.
For guests ages 12 and younger:
- Some masks are acceptable. Masks must allow clear, unobstructed peripheral vision and include openings, so the eyes are always fully visible.
For guests age 13 and older:
- Face masks or face coverings are not permitted for guests older than 13.
- Props or accessories that resemble real weapons are not allowed.
- Costumes should not include sharp or pointed elements that could unintentionally encounter others.
- Full-body or heavily layered costumes are discouraged and might require additional screening.
- Costumes should not drag on the ground, such as full-length gowns.
- Capes are permitted if they fall no lower than the waist.
Guests who do not meet these costume guidelines might be asked to make adjustments or could be denied entry into the park. All guests are expected to follow Dollywood’s standard dress code and costume policies.
The Harvey's Boo Bashes are Oct. 16, 23 and 30. Event-specific tickets were available as of Sept. 30 at $129.99.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dollywood's rules for Halloween costumes might surprise you
