Dollywood Photo
Summer heat is back in East Tennessee, and there is no better way to cool off and chill out than at Dollywood’s Splash Country. The water park opens for its 24th season Saturday with more food, more entertainment and 35-acres of summertime fun for all ages.
Following the success of dining enhancements in 2023, Dollywood’s Splash Country offers revamped food offerings for the 2024 season. Ned’s Bear Paws and Mountain Waves Creamery are just two of the re-imagined venues set to debut this summer. These venues, located at the Mountain Waves wave pool, offer guests delicious summertime treats and meals fit to feed the likes of Big Bear.
“We are very excited to bring so many new food offerings to the park this year,” said Andrew McDonald, Splash Country’s Manager of Culinary Services. “Food is an essential part of our guests’ visits, and we want to make sure we provide as many varieties and offerings as possible.”
Dollywood’s Splash Country also puts an emphasis on entertainment for the 2024 season. This summer sees the return of Too Hot Tuesdays, Too Chill Thursdays presented by Coca-Cola and Splash Bash LIVE. These live music offerings take place at the wave pool stage, turning the area into a unique combination of both wave pool and dance party. A full list of artists and dates can be found online.
A new offering for 2024 at Dollywood’s Splash Country is the Family Reunion Retreat presented by Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. This expansive retreat provides the maximum level of rest and relaxation for groups of more than 12 people. The retreat offers all the amenities of our Deluxe Retreat with additional space for our largest parties.
Even with all of the park enhancements, Dollywood’s Splash Country still keeps safety as its top priority. Splash Country lifeguards were once again honored with the Ellis and Associates’ Platinum International Safety Award for their 2023 operations, receiving this impressive honor in back-to-back years.
As part of the park’s continued dedication to safety, Splash Country hosts the 14th annual Water Safety Day presented by Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen on June 20. The day is full of safe swim education highlighted by Splash Country’s participation in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, a global event that raises awareness about the vital importance of teaching kids to swim to help prevent drowning.
“We are proud of our entire aquatics team and the emphasis they place on their training,” said Jordan Leach, Director of Operations. “To receive the Platinum Award once is a great achievement, but to do so in repeat years is a true expression of our staff’s excellence in preparation and operation.”
Dollywood’s Splash Country is offering special meal bundles for guests to enjoy some of their all-new culinary offerings. Tickets start at $54.95+tax for one-day admission. Guests can add a meal and drink for just $5 more or a meal, drink and snack for just $10 more. Guests looking for a summer full of thrills, chills and meals can upgrade to a two-park season pass with water park dining. This pass provides admission to Dollywood’s Splash Country all season long plus a meal and snack during each visit!
For more details on all ticket offerings to Dollywood’s Splash Country, please visit www.dollywood.com.
Dollywood’s Splash Country daily operation begins May 18 and continues through Aug. 11. The park shifts to a four-day-a-week operational schedule through Sept. 2, with the final weekend of operations ending on Sept. 15.
For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD.
By JOSH SAUER, DOLLYWOOD
