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) mountain area adjacent to Dollywood theme park. The park was a $20 million investment by the Dollywood Company. The park opened with attractions such, as Mountain Waves, Raging River Rapids, the Downbound Float Trip lazy river, Little Creek Falls, Wild River Falls, and the three body slides of the Mountain Scream.
In 2003, a $1.5 million, 2-acre (8,100 m2) expansion called Raintree Hollow opened featuring Soaker Springs, and Mountain Twist.
Dollywood's Splash Country added Big Bear Ridge in 2004. In 2004, the park also changed its name from Dolly’s Splash Country to Dollywood’s Splash Country. Also new in 2004, the Riverside Retreats. Units measuring approximately 14 ft (4.3 m) by 21 ft (6.4 m) that offer 200 sq ft (19 m2) of shaded space and an additional 100-square-foot (9.3 m2) sun deck. Amenities of retreats includes ceiling fans, satellite television, and room service.
In 2005, the park opened the Bear Mountain Fire Tower.
Dollywood's Splash Country added an attraction consisting of twin speed slides called Fire Tower Falls in 2006.
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, the park added SwiftWater Run, a cork screw water slide, replacing the Soaker Springs area.
In 2010, Dollywood's Splash Country added Slick Rock Racer, a four lane mat slide that spans 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 is a $1 million expansion, located between Mountain Twist and Raging River Rapids.
In 2012, the park announced that it would be adding a 1,200 ft (370 m) water coaster manufactured by ProSlide Technology. It will be the first of its kind in Tennessee and is set to open in May 2013.The ride will be called River Rush and is located near the Big Bear Plunge attraction.
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