Dollywood's Splash Country

Dollywood's Splash Country
Slogan "Love Every Moment."
Location Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States
Coordinates 35°48′35″N 83°32′03″W / 35.809792°N 83.53417°W / 35.809792; -83.53417[1]Coordinates: 35°48′35″N 83°32′03″W / 35.809792°N 83.53417°W / 35.809792; -83.53417[2]
Owner Herschend Family Entertainment, Dolly Parton
Opened 2001
Previous names Dolly's Splash Country
Operating season May–September
Area 35 acres (140,000 m2)
Water slides 27 water slides
Children's areas 2 children's areas
Website http://www.dollywood.com/waterpark.aspx
Fun at a waterpark in a wave pool

Dollywood's Splash Country is a 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]

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. 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 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 ($26.7 million in 2016 dollars[4]) by The Dollywood Company. 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

Non-height requirement attractions

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

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 Rapids2001 Family rafting adventure 48 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
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

Amenities

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-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. Still to this day, Fire Tower Falls is the tallest Attraction at Splash Country.

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's hydromagnetic technology to propel the rafts up hills. Dollywood's Splash Country also introduced the Time Saver Pass allowing guests to reserve their place in an attraction line.[9] Dollywood's Splash Country's logo received minor update.

In 2015, Dollywood's Splash Country got an entrance to Dollywood's DreamMore Resort. The logo was also changed.

Awards

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. "Operating Calendar". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  4. Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  5. "RiverRush". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  6. "Retreat and Canopy Rentals". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  7. "Riverside Trading Post". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Frequently Asked Questions". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  9. "Time Saver Pass". Dollywood's Splash Country. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  10. "Dollywood's Splash Country Wins IAAPA's Must-See Waterpark Award". Ultimate Waterpark. 17 November 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  11. "Amusement Today — Golden Ticket Winners 2013" (PDF). Amusement Today. Retrieved September 17, 2013.

External links

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