Dollywood’s Splash Country Adds New Resources for Guests with Disabilities
Consistently ranked among the best water parks in the United States, Dollywood’s Splash Country is a can’t-miss part of any warm weather vacation in the Smoky Mountains! This summer, Splash Country made some new additions that will allow guests with disabilities to enjoy the park’s wet and wild fun. Read on to find out about all of the water park’s new accessibility resources.
Accessible Tubes
Dollywood’s Splash Country recently unveiled two special tubes that are designed for guests with limited mobility. One tube has a strapped-in seat and the other tube is enclosed, rather than having a hole in the bottom. The introduction of these tubes is a game changer for guests who are unable to hold themselves up in traditional inner tubes.
Prior to the addition of the accessible tubes, it was difficult for guests with mobility issues to enjoy the rides at the water park. According to Lauren Lowrey, the Aquatics Supervisor at Splash Country, guests would often call the park to see if they could bring their own inner tubes. Unfortunately, many of these tubes didn’t conform to Splash Country’s strict safety requirements.
Luckily, the mother of a young woman with cerebral palsy let Splash Country know about a manufacturer of accessible tubes that meets the park’s standards. The Dollywood team brought this family to the water park so they could try out the new tubes along with a number of other guests with limited mobility. After collecting feedback from these guests, the park officially introduced the new tubes in July.
If you or a family member would like to take advantage of the park’s accessible tubes, Dollywood asks that you get in touch with a leadership member of the Splash Country staff to reserve a tube. The water park currently only has a limited number of accessible tubes in stock, but they are ordering more.
Calming Area
In addition to the new accessible tubes, Dollywood’s Splash Country has added an outdoor calming corner. This special area provides a quiet place for guests who might experience sensory overload during their visit to the water park. Sensory challenges can be a feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Located in a private section of the park, the calming corner features peaceful surroundings and rocking chairs. The calming area also offers a variety of interactive objects with different textures for guests to fidget or play with.
Splash Country decided to add a calming area after the success of Dollywood’s calming room, which was opened in the summer of 2016. The room at Dollywood was designed with input from Autism Speaks, a prominent advocacy group for people with autism.
Visit Dollywood’s Splash Country
Are you planning a visit to Dollywood’s Splash Country this summer? When you purchase tickets through Visit My Smokies, you will receive free cancellation so you don’t have to worry about your plans changing. To buy your tickets to Splash Country, click the green box below:
