Before you plan your trip, here are some tips to keep in mind when you visit Dollywood’s Splash Country.
15 Tips for Visiting Dollywood’s Splash Country
When the summer sun scorches down on you, it’s time for a visit to Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge. The expansive water park hosts millions of guests from around the country each year, and is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular summer time attractions. The water park has rides, slides and more for all ages, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two. Before you plan your trip, here are some tips to keep in mind when you visit Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Review Height and Weight Requirements
While Dollywood’s Splash Country is a perfect getaway for the whole family, not every member of the family may be able to experience every ride. All of the Splash Country’s rides and slides have a minimum height requirement for safety reasons. Keep them in mind before you get in line.
Click here to read more about Dollywood’s Splash Country’s rides.
Purchase a TimeSaver H2O Pass
Avoid the park’s long lines when you purchase the TimeSaver H2O Pass. Guests with this pass can essentially reserve their spot in line for a ride of their choice then enjoy the other rides in the park. Once it’s their turn to go to the ride they chose, they’ll get an alert to their TimeSaver H2O wristband.
Click here to read more about the TimeSaver H2O Pass.
Establish a Meeting Place
The water park is bustling with families and groups during the summer season, making it easy to get separated from who you came with. When you arrive, establish a meeting place. That way, if anyone in your group does get separated, you have a fixed place to get together and find each other. Also, take pictures of what you and your family are wearing so if you do get separated, you have a current photo to show security.
Arrive to the Park Early
Dollywood’s Splash Country opens at 10 a.m. To beat the mid-day heat and crowds, get to the park as soon as it opens. The parking gates open before 10 a.m. giving you plenty of time to find a shady parking spot and ride the thrilling water rides before the park gets too crowded.
Dress Appropriately
Dollywood’s Splash Country is a family-friendly water park, so refrain from wearing revealing or provocative bathing suits. For safety reasons, swimsuits with buckles, rivets or any sharp objects, along with denim and corduroy, are prohibited on any of the water slides or tube rides. Guests wearing clothing with distracting words and/or pictures will not be admitted into the park.
Consider Wearing Water Shoes
While water shoes are not required, they are a great way to protect your feet from the hot concrete. Water shoes are not, however, permitted on Bear Mountain Fire Tower, The Butterfly, Fire Tower Falls, Mountain Scream, SwiftWater Run and Wild River Falls.
Get a Locker
Dollywood’s Splash Country is a huge water park, making it easy to lose track of your things. Safely and conveniently store your important items in a locker. Two sizes of locker are available to rent, including a family-sized locker to fit everyone’s belongings.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
While you aren’t allowed to bring outside food and drink into the park, each guest is allowed one unopened bottle of water. Complimentary cups of water are also available at each of Dollywood’s Splash Country’s food vendors.
Click here to read more about the food at Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Don’t Forget Your Towel
When it’s time to dry off between rides and at the end of the day, you’ll certainly want to use a towel. Splash Country does not provide guests towels, so make sure you bring your own. You can, however, purchase towels from Splash & Dash Sundries, located in the park.
Bring Sunscreen with You
If you’re spending a day playing under the sun, you’ll certainly want to keep sunscreen on hand. You’ll remember to apply it before you leave, so also remember to reapply throughout the day, especially coming off of all the water rides and slides.
Grab a Life Vest
Dollywood’s Splash Country strongly recommends that weak swimmers wear a United State Coast Guard-approved life vest. The park even provides life vests for free. Lifeguards may request that small children and non-swimmers wear life vests in the pools and on rides.
Experience the Most Popular Rides First
If you manage to arrive at the park early, and lines are short, take that time to experience the most popular rides first. Big Bear Plunge, Bear Mountain Fire Tower, Fire Tower Falls and RiverRush are the most popular rides and typically have the longest lines. The play areas, wave pool and lazy river can accommodate the most guests, so there’s no rush for those.
Purchase the Fill & Chill Mug
Instead of making multiple purchases for soda and Icees, purchase the Fill & Chill Mug. This is Dollywood’s Splash Country’s official refillable mug. Guests can visit any Fill & Chill Zone around the park, during that day or all season long, for free Coca-Cola soft drink and Icee refills.
Take a Break on a Retreat or Canopy
When you need a break from all of the Dollywood’s Splash Country’s thrilling attractions, relax at a waterside retreat or cozy canopy. Retreats offer you a private place to sit back, eat some food and even watch television. Canopies come complete with chaise lounge chairs under a shaded area. These are a great way to unwind while the kids experience each and every water ride.
Don’t Let Rain Ruin Your Day
If rain ruins your trip to Splash Country, don’t leave the park empty handed. While severe weather will close the park and its attractions, guests can request a Rain Check to make up for it. Stop by any ticket window before you leave the park and pick up a Rain Check, valid until the end of the season.
Images provided by Dollywood Parks & Resorts
