Dollywood's Splash Country

Dollywood's Splash Country is a 35-acre (14 ha) water park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, adjacent to the Dollywood theme park. The park's central theme rests around entertainer Dolly Parton’s childhood swimming in the rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood's Splash Country operates from May through September.[3]

Dollywood's Splash Country
Slogan"Love Every Moment."
LocationDollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States
Coordinates35°48′35″N 83°32′03″W[1]
OwnerHerschend Family Entertainment, Dolly Parton
Opened2001
Previous namesDolly's Splash Country
Operating seasonMay–September
Area35 acres (140,000 m2)
Children's areas3 children's areas
Websitehttp://www.dollywood.com/waterpark.aspx

Both Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country are co-owned by country music star Dolly Parton and the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation.

History

Opened in May 2001 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dolly's Splash Country was an addition to the Dollywood Company's theme park. The park was built into the natural terrain of a 25 acres (100,000 m2) mountainous area adjacent to Dollywood theme park. The park was a $20 million investment ($28.9 million in 2019 dollars[4]) by The Dollywood Company.

To decide on a name for the park, Dolly Parton held a contest to come up with the most original name. Parton received over 16,000 entries. John Torres' entry won, and he and his family were rewarded with 5 years' worth of seasonal passes and a canoe that was signed by Dolly Parton.

The park opened with attractions such as Mountain Waves wave pool, Raging River Rapids, the Downbound Float Trip lazy river, The Butterfly, Little Creek Falls, Wild River Falls, and Mountain Scream.

Rides and attractions

Height-requirement attractions
  • Big Bear Plunge - This outdoor attraction allows Guests in groups of 3 or 4 to raft on a white water themed water slide.
  • The Butterfly - This is a double waterslide where Guests slide down 55 ft (17 m) and take a plunge in a butterfly-shaped pool and is the second fastest ride on the park.
  • Fire Tower Falls - This outdoor attraction consist of twin water slides which rise 70 feet (21 m) in the air and is the fastest ride on the property.
  • Mountain Scream - This outdoor attraction consists of three separate slides. Two of the slides are tunnel slides, and one is an open slide.
  • Mountain Twist - This is an outdoor attraction consisting of a 42 ft (13 m) long open slide where a single person slides down on a mat.
  • Raging River Rapids - This is an outdoor attraction where groups of 3 to 5 Guests can raft down a 700 ft (210 m) slide.
  • RiverRush - This outdoor water coaster blasts guests past trees, and twist through hairpin turns with rushing water. RiverRush features a 25 ft (7.6 m) drop and a total track length of 1,176 ft (358 m).[5]
  • Slick Rock Racer - This multi-lane mat racer consists of 300 ft (91 m) long channels where single riders race up to 3 other riders in a race to the finish.
  • Swift Water Run - This outdoor attraction send riders around a cork screw funnel before sending them out through a tunnel into a 1.5 ft (0.46 m) deep run out.
  • TailSpin Racer - This six-lane mat racer is 5 stories tall with tight turns in enclosed tunnels.
  • Wild River Falls - This outdoor attraction consists of four slides where single or double riders zip down a fully or partially enclosed flume into a splash pool.

Non-height requirement attractions

These rides have no height requirement, although are not always gentle.

  • Bear Mountain Fire Tower - This is an outdoor multi-level family attraction that consist of seven slides and a large wooden bucket timed to dump approximately 300 US gal (1,100 L) every few minutes.
  • The Cascades - This is a 8,000 sq ft (740 m2) area which contains a cascading waterfall, an active 20 ft (6.1 m) geyser, a swift body slide, a gangplank shaped shallow water slide, contoured seating, a zero-depth children's play area with 25 interactive themed elements, and 24,000 sq ft (2,200 m2) of tiered deck space.
  • Downbound Float Trip - This is an outdoor attraction is a 1,500 ft (460 m) lazy river.
  • Little Creek Falls - This outdoor attraction is strictly for children 48 in (120 cm) and under and contains a pool, slides, and activity structure.
  • Mountain Waves - This is an outdoor attraction consisting of a 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) wave pool.

Attraction Summary
Name Opening Year Description Min. Height Requirement Ride Rating
Height Requirement Attractions
Big Bear Plunge2004Family rafting adventure36 in (91 cm)4
The Butterfly2001Shotgun slides that enter into a splash pool48 in (120 cm)
Fire Tower Falls2006Twin free fall body slides
Mountain Scream2001Body slide complex with two corkscrew tunnels and one triple drop slide
Mountain Twist2003Headfirst corkscrew mat slide36 in (91 cm)3
Raging River Rapids2001Family rafting adventure48 in (120 cm)4
RiverRush2013Hydromagnetic water coaster42 in (110 cm)4
Slick Rock Racer2010Headfirst mat racer3
SwiftWater Run2008360 degree tube slide48 in (120 cm)4
TailSpin Racer 2017 Six-lane headfirst mat racer 42 in (110 cm) 3
Wild River Falls20014 tube slide complex36 in (91 cm)4
Non-Height Requirement Attractions
Bear Mountain Fire Tower2005Family splash playgroundnone2
The Cascades2007Interactive leisure pool1
Downbound Float Trip2001Floating river
Little Creek FallsChildren's splash pool
Mountain WavesWave pool

Food and beverage establishments
  • Campsite Grill - Located in front of Downbound Float Trip, this food establishment has ample seating and offers a selection of hamburgers, cheese burgers, bacon burgers, garden burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, kids' meals, and beverages.
  • Dogs 'N' Taters - Located in front of Bear Mountain Fire Tower, this food establishment serves corn dog nuggets, chicken nuggets, french fries, kids' meals, and beverages.
  • Fill & Chill Zones - with the purchase of a day or season mug, these self serve stations allow for free cold beverage refills.
  • High Country - Located on the deck of Mountain Waves, this food establishment features hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos and cheese, and frozen lemonade.
  • Miss Mamie's - Located behind Campsite Grill, this food establishment serves a selection of personal-pan pizzas, breadsticks, and drinks.
  • Outpost Snacks - Located in front of Mountain Waves, this establishment offers a variety of chili dogs, pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, and nachos.
  • Watering Hole - Located in front of Mountain Waves, this establishment features fresher options including salads, sub sandwiches, and a variety of nachos.


Amenities
  • Shaded Rentals, Dollywood's Splash Country offers Riverside / Waterside Retreats measuring approximately 14 ft (4.3 m) by 21 ft (6.4 m) that offer 200 sq ft (19 m2) of shaded space and an additional 100 sq ft (9.3 m2) of sun deck. Net drapes provide seclusion as Guests enjoy a 27 in (69 cm) satellite television, a ceiling fan, and a dining table with six dining chairs and four lounge chairs. A hospitality staff provides room service to each retreat, included in rental fee. Daily rental fees apply for up to twelve people (linens, food, beverages, and park admission are not included with rental fee). Smaller private shade structures, Canopies, are also available.[6]
  • Big River Pavilion is a groups facility with seating for up to 96 Guests. Open on three sides and having food service, drink stations, and restrooms, Big River Pavilion offers large groups a catered venue for company or family outings. Catering fees not included in park admission.
  • Riverside Trading Post sells souvenirs and most swimming supplies including towels, bathing suits, sunblock, swim diapers, etc.[7]

Life jackets are provided free of charge to all Guests at convenient areas near Little Creek Falls, Mountain Waves and adjacent locker area, and the entrance of Downbound Float Trip.[8] Tubes are provided at no additional charge for the wave pool, lazy river, and tube slides.[8] Showers, changing areas, restrooms, family restrooms, and baby care centers are readily available.[8] A limited number of strollers and wheelchairs are available for daily rental.[8] Daily locker rentals are available.[8] The park is staffed by an award-winning Jeff Ellis and Associates certified lifeguard team. Dollywood's Splash Country has a first aid station located near Big Bear Plunge with licensed medical personnel on duty at all times during operating hours.[8]

Dollywood's Splash Country history

In 2001, the park opened.

In 2003, a $1.5 million ($2.08 million in 2019 dollars[4]), 2-acre (8,100 m2) expansion called Raintree Hollow opened featuring Soaker Springs and Mountain Twist.

In 2004, Dolly's Splash Country changed its name to Dollywood's Splash Country. Also in 2004, Dollywood's Splash Country added Big Bear Plunge and debuted the Riverside Retreats.

In 2005, the park opened Bear Mountain Fire Tower, a multi-level play structure, and quick-service restaurant Brushfire Grill.

In 2006, Dollywood's Splash Country added an attraction consisting of twin speed slides called Fire Tower Falls. This attraction opened up a new path up to the Mountain Waves attraction.

In 2007, the park expanded by constructing The Cascades. Also this year, the park doubled its number of "retreats" to 16 by adding 8 Cascades retreats.

In 2008, SwiftWater Run, a cork screw water slide, replaced the Soaker Springs area.

In 2009, Dollywood's Splash Country added Philly cheesesteak and other menu offerings.

In 2010, Dollywood's Splash Country added Slick Rock Racer, a four lane mat slide, spanning 300 ft (91 m) in length. The ride starts with an initial dip to build speed allowing riders to gain additional momentum to propel them to the finish. This ride was a $1 million expansion located between Mountain Twist and Raging River Rapids.

In 2012, Brushfire Grill was remodeled into Dogs 'N' Taters. Hand-dipped footlong corn dogs replaced Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

In 2013, Dollywood's Splash Country opened RiverRush. RiverRush uses ProSlide Technology's hydromagnetic technology to propel the rafts up hills. Dollywood's Splash Country also introduced the TimeSaver H20 pass allowing guests to reserve their place in an attraction line.[9] Dollywood's Splash Country's logo received minor update.

In 2016, Watering Hole received a major remodel.

In 2017, a new attraction called TailSpin Racer, was opened at the entrance to the park. Wild River Falls saw a major facelift including new paint on the slides' exteriors.

Awards
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References
  1. Google (21 August 2012). "Dollywood's Splash Country" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  2. Google (21 August 2012). "Dollywood's Splash Country" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  3. "Dollywood Dates & Hours | Pigeon Forge TN". www.dollywood.com. Retrieved 2017-07-06.
  4. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  5. "RiverRush". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  6. "Retreats & Canopies at Dollywood's Splash Country". www.dollywood.com. Retrieved 2017-07-06.
  7. "Riverside Trading Post". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  8. "Frequently Asked Questions at Dollywood's Splash Country | Pigeon Forge TN". www.dollywood.com. Retrieved 2017-07-06.
  9. "TimeSaver H2O Pass". www.dollywood.com. Retrieved 2017-07-06.
  10. "Dollywood's Splash Country Wins IAAPA's Must-See Waterpark Award". Ultimate Waterpark. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  11. "2013 Park & Ride Winners". The Golden Ticket Awards | Presented by Amusement Today. 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2017-07-06.
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