But then how does a major theme park like Dollywood work in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, which is basically just Myrtle Beach with mountains instead of the ocean? In fact, the Smokies see around 9 million peeps per year - that's a lot less than Myrtle Beach, yet Dollywood still thrives. There are no major population centers around, they have to suck in the tourists and vacationers that are visiting the area.
I feel that it was ultimately HRP's fault itself that it failed, not the MB area.