Controversial, cheapskate Dollywood tech feature has fans shouting, ‘Miss Parton would never!’

A new QR-code beverage system at Dollywood has caused social media backlash, with some fans calling it the exact opposite of the theme park’s reputation for warm, Southern hospitality, much like Dollywood co-founder Dolly Parton herself.

Dollywood, the Smoky Mountain theme park co-founded by Parton, is known for its blend of thrill rides, artisan crafts, live music, and what many describe as a neighborly atmosphere, one that feels more like a hometown festival than a corporate amusement park. The park wrapped up its 40th anniversary season in early January and is scheduled to reopen for 2026 on March 13.

But the controversial feature, installed late in the park’s 2025 season, limits the amount of soda guests can dispense at self-serve fountains, and many visitors say it feels cold and controlling rather than friendly, what they want from their Dollywood experience.

What is “Scan. Fill. Go!” and how does it work?

The new “Scan. Fill. Go!” system uses QR codes printed on cups sold at Dollywood eateries such as Red’s Diner. Guests scan their cups at automated Pepsi Fast Fill dispensers before filling with soda, ice, or other fountain drinks.

According to reports, once the QR code is entered, the system monitors both the duration of the pour and the total ounces dispensed, automatically shutting off when preset limits are reached. Similar tracking systems are used elsewhere, but it’s Dollywood’s strict monitoring and enforced limits that have drawn critics.

TikTok creator @Nathansmall22 documented how the system works in practice in a video shared in late December 2025. In his walkthrough, he shows a standard fountain drink cup with a QR code and explains: “I am at Red’s Diner and I just got one of the new cups with the QR codes on it. So I’m gonna test it out and see how it works. … So this is just a standard fountain drink. It’s not a refillable cup you can see.”

After scanning the cup to pour, the machine gives only about 16 seconds to fill the cup with ice and a drink before shutting off. He later attempted a refill, only to be stopped abruptly: “Okay. It cut off now, and it said… remaining balance zero. So you only get so many ounces in your cup.”

When he scanned again after the balance ran out, the screen read “Code balance depleted,” and he concluded: “So I cannot put anything else except for water in this cup.”

“Dollywood is supposed to be better than this”

Response to Nathan’s post included, “Dollywood is supposed to be better than this,” and “Tracking a liquid that costs the restaurant maybe 10 cents per cup (including the cup) is wild.” Another added, “Just another good reason to NOT go to Dollywood…🙄.” Parton has not commented on the system.

Backlash aside, the “Scan. Fill. Go!” system was in a limited testing phase at specific locations like Red’s Diner as the 2025 season concluded. This has left fans speculating whether the feature will go park-wide for the March 2026 reopening.

Despite the strict limits on soda, the system does maintain a crucial nod to guest safety by allowing for unlimited water, ensuring that hydration remains accessible even after a guest’s soda balance has been depleted.

Similar technology is used in places like Six Flags and Cedar Fair to curb “cup sharing” and minimize product loss. However, for many visitors, this logic clashes with Dollywood’s neighborly reputation, especially since the restriction applies to standard disposable cups while exempting the more expensive “All-Season Refill Mugs.”