Located adjacent to Dollywood, the family-friendly theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee owned by country music star Dolly Parton, Dollywood Splash Country is a seasonal water park where visitors come to cool off. There are over 25 water slides spread across the 35 acres. The park is open from mid-May to the end of August.
Buying Tickets to Dollywood’s Splash Country
One day tickets to the water park are $49.95, with additional discounts offered for multi-day visits or combination tickets purchased with Dollywood theme park passes. You can also buy season passes for further savings. Park re-entry is included with parking and admission if you decide to return at a later time.
Additional purchases can be added onto your ticket including lockers, for $10-15 for the day. The TimeSaver H20 pass has three different pricing levels, in addition to entry, for shorter wait times at the popular slides.
Canopies are shaded lounge chairs, while the retreats are like little cabins placed around the park with shaded and sun deck space, a television, and “room service.” These are good options for a group that doesn’t want to have one person responsible for belongings the entire day.
Park Areas and Rides at Dollywood’s Splash Country
As soon as you enter the park, the TailSpin Racer is the first slide you see, a looping racecourse where you slide down on a mat on your stomach. It’s appropriate for most visitors and the wait times aren’t too long. Mountain Twist is a similar ride, along with Slick Rock Racer.
This is also close to the Downbound Float Trip, the 1,500-foot lazy river. They provide tubes, so just wait until you see one and relax for a loop. Alternatively, relax in the 25,000 square foot wave pool. Bear Fire Mountain Tower is a child-friendly splash area with a playground and bucket that dumps water. Little Creek Falls is a similar experience, but for younger visitors.
Big Bear Plunge is a raft ride that has enclosed tubes that wind and loop before entering in a pool below. Raging River Rapids is another option and SwiftWater Run has a similar layout but has a swirling bowl.
Fire Tower Falls is one of the highest slides in the park and guests must be 48 inches tall to ride. Mountain Scream has enclosed tubes that have sharp drops. RiverRush is perhaps the most popular ride, a water coaster, and can’t be missed, but expect to wait for it.
Dining and Shopping at Dollywood Splash Country
Bringing in outside food isn’t allowed at Dollywood, so eat before or after your visit or choose from one of the onsite options. Grab a sweet treat at BeaverTails, Berries N Cream, and Dippin Dots. Hot dogs and burgers are on offer at Campsite Grill and Dogs N Taters. Trailhead Tacos serves flavors south of the border. There are also drink stations throughout the park selling Coca-Cola products.
Visitors can also pick up any essentials they forgot at the park’s shops. Riverside Trading Post and Splash & Dash Sundries have sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, snacks, and souvenirs.
What to Bring to Dollywood’s Splash Country
Unless you’re traveling with small children, bring as few items as possible, including jewelry and valuables. I had a waterproof fanny pack that I brought with debit cards, keys, and a little bit of cash that I was able to carry onto most rides. Bring your own towels, like a Turkish towel, and a water bottle to refill throughout the day.
Keep in mind that no cotton shirts are allowed on rides and no swimsuits with buckles that could get stuck on the slides. If you have to wear a shirt, make it a sun shirt. Also, wear a swimsuit that won’t accidentally come off on a ride. The cement can get hot, so bring water shoes you’d be comfortable holding on the ride or leaving at the bottom, like Birkenstocks.
Tips for Visiting Dollywood’s Splash Country
Dollywood’s Splash Country is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863. Parking is $15 for standard cars, but you can re-enter the parks with a receipt. Valet and VIP parking is also available. I’ve found that mid-week once school is back in session is the best time to visit without waiting in line.
If you’re looking for a place to eat outside of the park, Smokies Cuban Cafe, Local Goat Restaurant, The Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grille, and Sawyer’s Farmhouse Breakfast are close by.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Dollywood, as it’s just across the parking lot and accessible by guest shuttle. Dollywood also has Smoky Mountain Cabins for rent nearby.
If you’re looking to stay elsewhere, Margaritaville Island Hotel is fun for groups with in-room margarita machines and many restaurants and shops nearby. Best Western Toni Inn is budget-friendly and just outside the Dollywood entrance. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA is also very close to the park.
Some photos are the property of Dollywood.
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