***Dollywood/Splash Country***

[maslex]

We're heading out 2 weeks for a road trip to Tennessee. The boys and I have never been but DH went a few years ago on a road trip with a friend (friend was looking for a job at the time) Anyhow, we going down in a couple weeks and we're renting a cabin. We also have a 3-day ticket. We plan on going to both Dollywood and Splash Country. One of them will be a two day visit. Just not sure which park we want to do twice. Any suggestions?

Do you need more than one day to see either one?

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

Splash Country is definitely a 1-day; honestly you don't need a full day by far to ride all the slides and do everything, but you could spend some extra time there just riding the lazy river and hanging out in the wave pool. It helps a lot to get there when the park opens, especially on weekends the lines for the more popular slides can get long.

You can definitely spend 2 days at Dollywood, especially if you are interested in seeing the shows - there are SO MANY, it's impossible to see even half of them in a day, I'd say. Dollywood is a huge park, too - lots of walking - but plenty to do for a full day and definitely two to repeat your favorites. It is a very scenic park, so take your time and slow down, check everything out.

 

[pixiedustaholic]

I agree that Splash Country can easily be done in a day...if you get there at opening. We did that twice this week and had over 1/2 the park done in about an hour. It came a big thunderstorm so we left the 1st day...but we have season passes this year so we just went again the next day. LOVE Dollywood and Splash Country.

 

[wdwiala]

Ditto on what everyone else said. We did rent one of the cabanas ahead of time one year. It was wonderful to have our own space. There was also a little lock box for our things.

 

[maslex]

OP here. Thanks for the info. We'll probably hit Dollywood twice then and just go to Splash Country one day.

Another question though.....Just wondering how "forgiving" the rides are with a person of size? LOL I'm a big gal (carry most of my weight in the stomach, hip, butt area, so some of the ride seats are usually tight for me)

I know that I can get into most rides at Disney, but never been to Dollywood and not sure how the seats are.

So if you're also big, how did you fare with the rides?

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

OP here. Thanks for the info. We'll probably hit Dollywood twice then and just go to Splash Country one day.

Another question though.....Just wondering how "forgiving" the rides are with a person of size? LOL I'm a big gal (carry most of my weight in the stomach, hip, butt area, so some of the ride seats are usually tight for me)

I know that I can get into most rides at Disney, but never been to Dollywood and not sure how the seats are.

So if you're also big, how did you fare with the rides?

I'm not a big gal, but I go to Dollywood several times during the year (I'm local), and I think the only rides you MIGHT have trouble with are the two looping roller coasters - Mystery Mine and Tennessee Tornado - because they have overhead harnesses. But I know Mystery Mine (and TN Tornado maybe) has a "test seat" out in front you can try out discreetly to see if you fit. The Thunderhead (wooden coaster) might be tight but no overhead restraint - they also have a test seat. I think it's pretty roomy as far as wooden coasters go.

I'm trying to think what else... the "Country Fair" area is where all the kiddie rides are, they are typical amusement park kiddie rides, so you know how comfortable you may be in them. There is also a car ride in the 50s section that is pretty tight I'd say.

There are a LOT of bigger people at Dollywood, and I've never really seen anyone have a problem. But check out the test seats!

 

[maslex]

Ok, thanks!!! I keep a look out for the test seats. Even though I've been to Disney quite a few times, I've never really even seen the test seats, so maybe I'll keep my eyes open more often this time. LOL

 

[AmericangirlinFrance]

They are easy to find!! Usually right out front in the ride. If you can't find it, ask an employee - Dollywood employees are usually super helpful and friendly.

Ohh, and one more thing - the food at Dollywood is SO GOOD! There's an outdoor place near the lake/pond where they cook on huge skillets over open flame... bratwursts and cheese steaks, and another skillet place closer to the Country Fair where they do grilled chicken flatbreads. Plus the smoked barbecue places, and the home-churned ice cream and cinnamon bread... just an FYI

The food at Splash Country is horrible and expensive - we usually pack a cooler of Subway sandwiches and go out to the parking lot to eat.

 

[Jeafl]

I second the good food at Dollywood!

Just a heads up, the wave pool at Splash Country is not like the one at Typhoon Lagoon. There is no "giant wave", it is lots of constant rough waves. I am a good swimmer, but they really got to me after awhile. They have thousands of life jackets hanging up near the wave pool that anyone is welcome to use. They come in many different sizes.

Also, I may be confusing this with the lazy river near Silver Dollar City, but if I recall, there are no innertubes. People just put on the life vests and float along, or just swim along with the current.

 

[wdwiala]

There are tubes for the lazy river.

 

[maslex]

They are easy to find!! Usually right out front in the ride. If you can't find it, ask an employee - Dollywood employees are usually super helpful and friendly.

Ohh, and one more thing - the food at Dollywood is SO GOOD! There's an outdoor place near the lake/pond where they cook on huge skillets over open flame... bratwursts and cheese steaks, and another skillet place closer to the Country Fair where they do grilled chicken flatbreads. Plus the smoked barbecue places, and the home-churned ice cream and cinnamon bread... just an FYI

The food at Splash Country is horrible and expensive - we usually pack a cooler of Subway sandwiches and go out to the parking lot to eat.

I'll keep that in mind and let the hubby know. Do you need your hand stamped or a ticket to get back in?

 

[Sarah7401]

We were bored to tears at Dollywood and probably won't go back. We loved Splash Country, however, and could have easily done a second day there.

 

[BellvilleDad]

We go to Dollywood several times a year (we have a vacation home in the Smokies) and I never get tired of it. The Mystery Mine is a short ride, but super fun...try not to miss it! Since you have two full days to use, be sure to take in several of the great shows.

Splash Country is fun, but it's been a couple years since I've been.

Hope you enjoy your trip!