HURRICANE HARBOR NEW JERSEY TO OPEN FOR THE 2026 SEASON SATURDAY, MAY 30th

Hurricane Harbor New Jersey will officially kick off its 2026 season on Saturday, May 30, as warmer summer weather arrives across the region following an unseasonably cool and rainy Memorial Day Weekend.

The opening also arrives alongside one of the best values of the summer season as guests can enjoy unlimited visits to Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor New Jersey and Wild Safari with a Gold Membership starting at just $8 per month after initial payment. The limited-time offer also includes all-season drinks and is currently extended through June 7.

The award-winning water park will welcome guests back with more than 25 slides, attractions and family water experiences, including signature favorites Tornado, Blue Lagoon, Splash Island and Big Wave Racer.

Guests returning for the 2026 season will also notice a refreshed look throughout Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, including newly repainted structures and enhancements across the property. Paradise Pizza & Grill has received a complete transformation with refreshed interior and exterior spaces designed to elevate the guest dining experience this summer.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back for the start of another summer season at Hurricane Harbor New Jersey,” said Mike Fehnel, Park President of Six Flags Great Adventure. “With warmer weather finally arriving, it’s the perfect time to dive into everything guests love about summer at Six Flags.”

In addition to Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, guests visiting this summer can also experience Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari, including the all-new Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk opening this season and ongoing construction on the park’s record-breaking 2027 coaster project, currently known as “Project Purple.”

For operating hours, tickets and season pass information, visit Six Flags Great Adventure.

Source: Six Flags Great Adventure

American Eagle to Race for First Time in Nearly 10 Years at Six Flags Great America!

 In a thrilling nod to its past and a highlight of its milestone anniversary year, Six Flags Great America today announced that its massive dual-track wooden coaster, American Eagle, will race once again for the first time in nearly 10 years, returning the iconic coaster to its original side‑by‑side operation during the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

One of the park’s most beloved attractions, American Eagle, debuted in 1981 and quickly became a fan favorite for its towering wooden structure and unique racing experience. For decades, guests lined up to experience the excitement of two trains racing side‑by‑side, creating both competition and unforgettable moments among riders.

 

Now, as part of the park’s 50th Anniversary season, that original experience returns.

 

“American Eagle has been a classic of Six Flags Great America for more than four decades,” said John Krajnak, Park President of Six Flags Great America. “Bringing back racing is a meaningful way to celebrate the nostalgia guests remember while delivering the kind of thrilling, shared experience that defines our park today.”

 

During the 50th Anniversary Celebration, both sides of American Eagle will operate simultaneously, allowing guests to experience the head‑to‑head excitement that made the ride a standout attraction for generations. The return of American Eagle’s original operation adds a new dimension to an already landmark season, inviting longtime fans to relive one of the park’s most iconic ride experiences while introducing a new generation to the friendly competition that defined the ride’s early years.

 

Still standing as the tallest, fastest, and longest racing wooden roller coaster in the world, American Eagle remains a symbol of innovation and thrill at Six Flags Great America. Its return to racing honors the park’s legacy while reinforcing its commitment to delivering dynamic, can’t‑miss experiences.

 

The 50th Anniversary Celebration features new entertainment, nostalgic experiences, exclusive offerings, and iconic moments that celebrate five decades of thrills, including the return of racing on one of its most legendary rides.

 

For more information on American Eagle and the 50th Anniversary Celebration, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Memorial Day Sale – Extended!

Six Flags Great America is extending the Memorial Day Sale! Now through June 7, save up to 50% on tickets, passes and more! For more information, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Source Six Flags Great America 

Silver Dollar City Salutes America’s 250th with Star-Spangled Fun & Summer Savings!

 

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Silver Dollar City invites families to celebrate the red, white & blue the old-fashioned way: together.

During Summer Celebration, June 6 through August 2, families can slow down, soak up summertime traditions and make memories together with patriotic entertainment, nostalgic fun and special savings on tickets.

Whether you’re planning a family staycation or traveling in for an Ozarks getaway, there are plenty of ways to save while celebrating a summer rooted in Americana. Be sure to check out the latest offers at silverdollarcity.com.

The City comes alive this summer with patriotic sights, sounds and flavors, including the Stately Stroll featuring all 50 U.S. flags. A roaming four-man fife and drum corps brings the sounds of early America to life, while classic flavors like johnnycakes and shoofly pie serve up a taste of the nation’s past.

From porch swings and checkerboards to oversized backyard games and ice-cold lemonade, Summer Celebration captures the kind of simple summer moments families remember forever. Guests can relax beneath the colorful Canopy Sky, explore whimsical trail stops like the giant Tomato Can and Create Memories Worth Repeating® around every corner.

The lineup also includes fan-favorite entertainment like the Wild West Comedy Stunt Show, Silver Dollar Circus, The Rainmaker and the Silver Dollar Saloon.

Then, beginning July 11, summer stretches long into the night with extended ride time, glowing dance parties and a nighttime Drone & Fireworks Show lighting up the Ozarks sky through August 2.

For more information, visit silverdollarcity.com.  Source: Silver Dollar City

Aquatica San Antonio’s AquaGlow RETURNS WITH Even More Illumination, Lighting Up Summer Nights with an Unforgettable After-Dark Experience

Summer nights in San Antonio are set to shine brighter as AquaGlow returns to Aquatica San Antonio, transforming the park into a high-energy, neon-lit nighttime celebration. This fan-favorite event invites guests to experience the waterpark like never before, now with even more glowing lights, immersive music and thrilling attractions coming together for an electrifying after-dark adventure.

 

Beginning June 5 and running on select Friday and Saturday nights through September 5, AquaGlow delivers a full-sensory experience under the stars. Guests will step into a vibrant, illuminated oasis filled with color, energy and excitement, offering everything from laid-back evening vibes to pulse-pounding dance parties.

 

Throughout the park, guests can explore an array of glowing experiences, including:

• Dazzling Light Tunnel – Float along Loggerhead Lane beneath a canopy of sparkling, color-shifting lights.
• Glowing Tree Trail – Stroll through a neon forest that transforms pathways into a radiant wonderland.
• Foam Party Frenzy – Dance in a sea of foam with high-energy music and kaleidoscopic lighting effects.
• Nighttime Thrill Rides – Take on fan-favorite attractions like Tonga Twister, Stingray Falls and Riptide Racer, all enhanced with dynamic lighting and immersive sound.

 

“We’re excited to welcome guests back to AquaGlow, a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience that has quickly become a summer tradition,” said David Skelton, vice president of Aquatica San Antonio. “It completely transforms the park after dark, giving guests a unique and unforgettable way to enjoy summer nights.”

 

AquaGlow is a separately ticketed event designed with limited capacity to enhance the guest experience with shorter wait times. Tickets start at $29.99, with exclusive pricing of $24.99 available for pass members and groups of 15 or more. Guests are encouraged to secure tickets early for this popular event by visiting www.AquaticaSanAntonio.com.

 

Summer Fun Awaits at Aquatica

While AquaGlow takes center stage this summer, guests can make the most of their visit by enjoying everything that Texas’s best waterpark has to offer during the day. Aquatica San Antonio is known for its resort-style atmosphere, featuring relaxing pools, shaded cabanas and plenty of space to unwind. Thrill-seekers can take on top attractions like Riptide Race, a competitive dueling slide; Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, the tallest drop slide in Texas; and Tonga Twister, a 400-foot slide complete with lights and music.

Families can cool off at Tikitapu Splash, an interactive water play area packed with over 100 elements, including giant dumping buckets, slides, geysers and water cannons.

Animal lovers can enjoy Stingray Falls, a unique family raft ride that glides through an underwater grotto alongside stingrays and tropical fish. For an even closer encounter, guests can participate in the Stingray Encounter at KeRe Reef, offering an up-close, in-water experience with these fascinating creatures. With a diverse mix of attractions and experiences, Aquatica San Antonio continues to deliver unforgettable summer fun for guests of all ages.

 

Ultimate Summer Savings During the Memorial Day Sale

Heading into summer, SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio are giving guests more reasons than ever to become a Pass Member during the Memorial Day Sale. For a limited time, guests can buy a SeaWorld Pass and get an Aquatica Pass FREE. Pass members get unbeatable benefits including free parking, invitations to exclusive special events, giveaways and discounts on merchandise and food. This is a limited-time offer, so guests should take advantage of these amazing deals before regular prices return. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com or AquaticaSanAntonio.com

Source: Seaworld San Antonio    

 

Six Flags - Six Flags Appoints Ash Walia Chief Financial Officer

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) (“Six Flags” or the “Company”), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, today announced the appointment of Ash Walia as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 17, 2026.

Ash Walia is a seasoned executive with more than twenty years of financial leadership at national retail and consumer businesses and significant experience leading large scale business transformations. He most recently served as CFO of private equity-owned Hot Topic and 99 Cents Only Stores. At both companies, he built high-performing teams and developed strategic frameworks to instill financial discipline and drive profitable growth through transitional moments for the businesses. Previously, he held several senior financial roles at Starbucks Corporation across operations, logistics and supply chain management, and helped achieve improvements in operational efficiency and profitability.

“Ash’s appointment follows a comprehensive search to identify the right leader to guide our financial organization in our next chapter, and we are excited to welcome him to the Six Flags team,” said Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly. “Ash’s deep financial expertise and experience leading organizations through transitional periods to unlock profitable growth will be valuable as we continue to advance our ongoing efforts to improve performance and create a more resilient business. We are confident we are taking the right steps, and now have the right team in place, to strengthen our company’s balance sheet, expand margins and deliver sustainable, long-term value for shareholders.”

“Six Flags is a storied business with a renowned portfolio of parks, and it is an honor to be joining the Company at such a pivotal moment,” said Walia. “With a new operating philosophy and clear strategic priorities, I believe Six Flags is well positioned to capture the tremendous opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with John and the rest of the team to strengthen Six Flags’ financial foundation and drive value for guests and shareholders.”

Dave Hoffman, who has been serving as interim Chief Financial Officer since May 8, 2026, will continue to serve as Chief Accounting Officer.

About Ash Walia

Ash Walia has served as Chief Financial Officer of Hot Topic since 2021. Prior to Hot Topic, Walia was Chief Financial Officer of 99 Cents Only Stores, where he oversaw the finance, IT and marketing teams. From 2011 to 2018, he held various senior leadership roles at Starbucks Corporation across corporate finance, shared services and supply chain operations, including leading corporate finance as Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance. Earlier in his career, he spent seven years in supply chain financial roles of escalating responsibility with Kellogg’s, eventually serving as Vice President Finance, Global Supply Chain. Walia holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Delhi, India.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America’s largest regional amusement-resort operator, with 20 amusement parks, 14 water parks and nine resort properties across 13 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of creating FUN, thrills and a lifetime of memories, Six Flags provides immersive entertainment to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes^®, DC Comics^® and PEANUTS^®.

Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation 

Just Announced - Shareholders Elect All Three Director Nominees to the Six Flags Board!

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America’s largest regional amusement park operator, announced today that the Company’s shareholders elected Richard Haddrill, Chieh Huang, and Marilyn Spiegel to the Board of Directors of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for 3-year terms expiring in 2029.

Shareholders also confirmed the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and approved an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

“On behalf of the entire Board, we thank our shareholders for their continued trust and support,” said Executive Chairman Richard Haddrill. “We are pleased both Chieh Huang and Marilyn Spiegel are returning as directors for another 3-year term, as the board and executive team work collaboratively on a strategy to drive profitable growth and value creation.”

About Our Newly Elected Directors

Richard Haddrill is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Groop, LLC, an investment and advisory company he founded in January 2018. Mr. Haddrill is also the Vice Chairman of Generator Partners, an alternative energy and home electrification company he co-founded in 2024. He previously served as Executive Vice Chairman of Scientific Games Corporation (now Light & Wonder) from December 2014 to February 2018 and as Vice Chairman from February 2018 until August 2020. Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Bally Technologies from October 2004 to December 2012 and again from May 2014 until Bally’s acquisition by Scientific Games in November 2014. He also served on Bally’s board of directors from April 2003 until the acquisition, including as chairman from 2012 to 2014. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Manhattan Associates, Inc., beginning in October 1999 and later as Vice Chairman through May 2006. Earlier in his career, Mr. Haddrill served as Chief Executive Officer of Powerhouse Technologies, Inc. and as a Partner and Managing Partner at Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Haddrill earned a B.S. from the University of Michigan.

Chieh Huang is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pelgo. Prior to Pelgo, he was the President of the World Economic Forum’s Global Collaboration Village. Throughout his career, he has founded and led both public and private companies. Mr. Huang was the Chief Executive Officer of Astro Ape Studios, one of the first mobile social gaming studios. In 2011, Astro Ape was acquired by social gaming pioneer Zynga, and Mr. Huang later became the director of Zynga Mobile NY. More recently, Mr. Huang was co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Boxed, Inc., where he led the company’s growth from its inception and oversaw investments in technology that enabled Boxed to develop proprietary automation robotics and artificial intelligence software business. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Mr. Huang was a corporate attorney at Proskauer. Mr. Huang is active with several non-profit organizations and serves as an advisory team member of McLaren Racing, with entries in Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC. He received his B.A. in economics at The Johns Hopkins University and holds a J.D. from Fordham School of Law.

Marilyn Spiegel has more than 30 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, including as president of iconic Las Vegas resorts. She served as President of Wynn Las Vegas from December 2010 until her retirement in February 2013 and later returned to serve again as President from January 2019 to September 2021. Prior to her Wynn Las Vegas, from August 2006 to November 2010 Ms. Spiegel served as President of several Harrah’s Entertainment hotel and casino properties, including Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas. In January 2010, her responsibilities expanded to include Planet Hollywood following its acquisition by Harrah’s. Previously, she was the President of Harrah’s Las Vegas & Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino from January 2004 to July 2006, after having served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources of Harrah’s Entertainment, now Caesars Entertainment, from June 1999 to December 2003. Ms. Spiegel serves on the board of Invited Clubs, the largest owner and operator of private golf and country clubs in the country. She has also been a member of the board of advisors for Nicholas & Company since 2015 and serves as executive secretary and a board member of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and as a board member of the Thomas Spiegel Family Foundation. Ms. Spiegel has a B.A. in marketing and an M.A. degree in education from the University of Utah.

Source: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts Named One of America's Top Workplaces!

 

The citizens of Silver Dollar City have spoken, and their voices were heard across the country. America’s #1 Theme Park is now also one of America’s best places to work.

Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts has been named a 2026 Top Workplace by Energage, earning national recognition for employee appreciation, hospitality leadership and professional development. The honor is based entirely on feedback from the company’s own employees, highlighting a workplace culture rooted in appreciation, support and opportunities to grow.

“This recognition means more because it comes straight from our citizens,” said John Zajac, director of Human Resources at Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts. “It speaks to the kind of place where people feel appreciated, supported and part of our bigger Mission to Create Memories Worth Repeating®. When you take care of your team, they take care of the guests, and that’s what drives everything we do.”

Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts includes Silver Dollar City, Silver Dollar City’s Showboat, White Water, the Silver Dollar City Campground and the Silver Dollar City Resort, set to open in 2027. Across its properties, the company continues to invest in its people, creating pathways for its citizens to grow from seasonal roles into long-term careers. From day one, employees can even earn free college tuition through Grow U, offering access to debt-free degrees and certificates from accredited colleges.

The recognition places Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts among top employers in hospitality and across industries nationwide.

Those interested in joining the team at Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts can learn more about current openings at www.silverdollarcity.com/jobs.  Source: Silver Dollar City

Six Flags Great America Celebrates 50 Years with Anniversary Bash on May 29th!

 Six Flags Great America will officially mark its 50th Anniversary with a special Anniversary Day Bash on May 29, celebrating five decades of thrills, memories, and family traditions. At 11:00 a.m. in Hometown Square, guests will be invited to join the festivities with complimentary party hats and a special treat, creating a shared, park‑wide celebration honoring the day Great America first opened its gates in 1976.

Adding to the excitement, the park will welcome back a truly special part of its history. For one day only, the park’s original 1976 barbershop quartet, now known as Four of a Kind, will return to perform throughout the park, bringing the unmistakable sound and spirit of opening year to life.

 

What began as a friendship among high school students in Greendale, Wisconsin, grew into a defining chapter of their early lives, as the group spent two summers performing at the park - carpooling together, building lasting friendships, and creating memories alongside guests. Now, 50 years later, they return to where it all began for a one‑day‑only reunion, celebrating the milestone they helped shape and sharing their music with a new generation of park visitors.

 

“Celebrating 50 years is an incredible milestone for Six Flags Great America,” said John Krajnak, Park President of Six Flags Great America. “What makes this season truly special is the people, both past and present, who have brought this park to life every day. This anniversary is our chance to celebrate what made the park special in 1976 while embracing the new experiences we’re creating for today’s guests.”

 

Beginning May 29, guests will also be able to experience the first of several limited‑time 50th Anniversary offerings, including the opening of the park’s exclusive anniversary shop, featuring limited‑edition merchandise and commemorative items created especially for the milestone season.

 

In addition, the park will debut its Legacy Museum, an immersive showcase of artifacts, archival photography, retired signage, and memorabilia from the park’s 50‑year history. The experience invites guests to step back in time and explore the evolution of the park from its beginnings as Marriott’s Great America to the world‑class destination it is today.

 

The celebration continues into the evening as guests are invited to cap off the milestone day with a firework display at 9:30 p.m. The dazzling show will light up the night sky, serving as a breathtaking tribute to 50 incredible years of memories at Six Flags Great America.

 

The Anniversary Day Bash on May 29 is just the beginning of a summer-long party. The park’s full 50th Anniversary Celebration will run June 20 through Aug. 9, featuring an all‑new nighttime spectacular and drone show, nostalgic entertainment, specialty food and beverage offerings, themed photo opportunities, and more ways for guests to celebrate 50 years of Six Flags Great America.

 

For more information on the 50th Anniversary Celebration and events, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Memorial Day Sale – Extended!

Six Flags Great America is extending the Memorial Day Sale! Now through June 7, save up to 50% on tickets, passes and more! For more information, visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.

Source: Six Flags Great America

BREAKING: Splash Island Nights Returns to Wild Adventures & New Unlimited Summer Admission Offer!

Wild Adventures Theme Park is turning up the summer fun with the return of Splash Island Nights, kicking off Friday, June 5, and continuing every Friday night through July 31 at Splash Island Waterpark.

Each Splash Island Night will feature extended waterpark hours until 10 p.m., high-energy entertainment, family-friendly contests and a live DJ with glowing dance zones. The weekly event also coincides with the launch of the Summer Fun Card, a limited-time ticket product that provides unlimited admission to Wild Adventures Theme Park and Splash Island Waterpark on any operating day between May 26 and September 6, excluding July 3 and 4, for just $59.99.

The party starts at 7 p.m. when live DJ Press Play hits the Splash Island Stage with a mix of today’s hits and retro favorites. Throughout the night, guests can join the fun with high-spirited competitions for all ages and extended ride time on guest-favorite attractions, including Paradise River, recently named by USA Today 10Best as America’s #1 “Best Lazy River.”

Passholders have an exclusive Splash Island Passholder Night Preview on Friday, May 29 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The first 100 guests at the event will receive a complimentary lei to get into the Splash Island spirit.

A 2026 Season Pass remains the best way to experience everything Wild Adventures has to offer. Passholders enjoy unlimited admission all summer long, including Splash Island Nights, and return again in the fall for Great Pumpkin LumiNights and in winter for Wild Adventures Christmas, all for one low price. Guests who purchase a Gold Season Pass now through July 5 will receive two free Bring-A-Friend tickets.

“Splash Island Nights is just another reason to join the season-long fun at Wild Adventures,” said Asher Raymond, Public Relations Specialist. “Nothing beats starting the summer off with late-night waterslides and lazy river laps.”

For more details about Splash Island Nights, the Summer Wild Card and Season Pass options, visit WildAdventures.com or download the Wild Adventures Theme Park App.

Source: Wild Adventures Theme Park 

Now Open - 🔥❄️ Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice Officially Opens (05/25) at SeaWorld Orlando!

 SeaWorld Orlando’s all-new Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice exclusively opens to SeaWorld Orlando Pass Members on Saturday, May 23, inviting families to embark on a breathtaking Arctic adventure unlike anything else. The highly anticipated attraction opens to the general public on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 at 2 p.m.

The all-new Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice takes guests on a visually stunning, story-driven mission through the powerful natural forces that shape the Arctic. Guests will soar above erupting volcanoes, glide across frozen landscapes, dive beneath icy waters and journey through breathtaking Arctic environments alongside incredible wildlife including beluga whales, sperm whales, seals and polar bears, all brought to life through an immersive high-definition cinematic experience and SeaWorld Orlando’s state-of-the-art ride system.

“Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice is one of the most ambitious and immersive attractions we have ever created,” said Justin Newton, senior vice president of project delivery for United Parks & Resorts, SeaWorld’s parent company. “From the moment guests step inside the Arctic research station, every detail has been designed to fully transport them into this frozen world and leave them questioning how it was even possible.”

Guests begin their mission inside a newly transformed Arctic research outpost, complete with themed environments, mission control areas and a pre-launch briefing from a research scientist preparing them for the expedition ahead. The attraction blends storytelling, dynamic motion, immersive environments and breathtaking visuals to blur the line between simulation and reality.
In addition to the attraction itself, the experience reflects SeaWorld Orlando’s continued commitment to blending thrilling family adventures with inspiration rooted in the natural world. Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice highlights the beauty and wonder of the Arctic while encouraging guests to care about the planet and the wildlife that call it home.

Best Way to Play This Summer at SeaWorld Orlando
Guests can maximize their visit by pairing Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice with SeaWorld Orlando’s all-new summer lineup, including the return of Electric Ocean beginning June 12, featuring high-energy entertainment, nighttime spectaculars, family-friendly dance parties and an all-new drone and fireworks spectacular. Guests can also explore world-class coasters, animal presentations, up-close encounters and seasonal culinary offerings throughout the park.

Now with the limited time Memorial Day Sale, guests can take advantage of the best deals on the season by saving up to 55% on Tickets, Fun Cards and Annual Passes.  For the best value and unlimited admission all year long, guests are encouraged to become Annual Pass Members and enjoy exclusive perks including free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, monthly rewards and early access opportunities. For more information and to purchase Tickets, Fun Cards or Annual Passes, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Source: Seaworld Orlando 

DOLLYWOOD’S SPLASH COUNTRY OPENS FOR 26th SEASON - New nighttime event offers glowing experiences, vibrant entertainment and lighter crowds!

 With plenty of sun-soaked days and glowing nights ahead, Dollywood’s Splash Country opens for daily operation on Saturday, May 23.  The Smokies’ friendliest water park is welcoming guests back this summer with a brand-new nighttime event, fresh food items and 35-acres of summertime fun.

New this season, Neon Nights extends summer days into summer nights during this separately ticketed, after-hours celebration. On select Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30-10:30 p.m., the water park transforms with neon lights, immersive glow experiences and high-energy entertainment. Guests will enjoy select favorite attractions, lighter crowds plus event-exclusive dining and merchandise options. Event-only tickets can be purchased for $39.99 plus tax or can be bundled with a one-day admission to Dollywood’s Splash Country for $94.99 plus tax.

 

“Neon Nights is unlike anything our guests have experienced at Splash Country before,” said Jordan Leach, Director of Operations. “We wanted to offer our guests an opportunity to enjoy the water park in a unique way that felt like it was created just for them. With exclusive experiences and lighter crowds, we are excited to welcome guests after dark.”

 

For added daytime entertainment, Splash Bash LIVE returns starting June 9 on select Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with DJs bringing energy and entertainment to the Wave Pool stage. 

 

Fresh menu items make a splash this season at several of the water park’s culinary locations. At The Watering Hole, guests will find Firecracker Street Corn featuring fire-roasted corn, cilantro lime crema, cotija cheese and a spicy crunch topping. Ned’s Bear Paws is serving up the Rocky Paw. This new Bear Paw flavor is created with vanilla icing, chocolate toffee crumbles and caramel drizzle. Loaded BBQ Fries are a delicious addition to the menu at Oakley Bros. Food Wagon with seasoned curly fries, queso blanco, smoked pork, tangy BBQ sauce and green onions. Guests also can cool off with colorful new drinks including Ube Lemonade, Neon Pink Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Boba.

 

Safety is always the top priority at Dollywood’s Splash Country. On Thursday, June 25, guests can join the 16^th annual Water Safety Day presented by Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. During this special event, families learn how to make a splash with confidence with a full day of learning that kicks off with the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. Children of all ages are invited to participate and learn in a safe and fun environment.

 

“We take water safety seriously at Splash Country,” said Lauren Lowery, Senior Operations Manager. “During Water Safety Day, we are able to help equip hundreds of children and adults with life-saving knowledge and skills. Our lifeguards go through extensive training and licensures to ensure that our guests will be well taken care of at all times, but we want to help our guests know how to be safe at our water park and beyond.”

 

Dollywood’s Splash Country offers unique spaces where families can relax together in between those slides and rides. During the water park’s off season, all of Splash Country’s canopies received updates for more comfort and convenience. Each canopy now has fans, power for mobile charging and mobile order delivery.  In addition to the canopies, waterside retreats offer families and friends the ultimate opportunity to relax in style during a day at the water park.

 

New this season, Dollywood’s Splash Country is accepting electronic payments only, including debit cards, credit cards and mobile options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cashless transactions help shorten wait times where purchases are made, such as admission, culinary and dining locations. Guests will have free access to multiple easy-to-use Cash to Card Kiosks conveniently located at several locations throughout Dollywood's Splash Country. Guests can transfer cash onto a card to use throughout the water park. Any remaining balance on the card may be used anywhere else that cards are accepted.

 

“Guest experience is at the heart of everything we do at Dollywood’s Splash Country,” said Leach. “By transitioning to cashless payments only, Splash Country will provide a faster, safer and more guest-friendly experience. Guests no longer will have to carry wet cash from water slide to water slide.”

 

Dollywood’s Splash Country is celebrating good grades and hard work with the School’s Out Sale. Valid for visits through June 14, kids ages 4-18 can visit Dollywood’s Splash Country and enjoy a personal cheese or pepperoni pizza all for $34.99 plus tax when they show their latest report card. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com/schoolsout.

 

Daily operation continues through Aug. 8. The park shifts to abbreviated operations through Sept. 20, which is the final day of operation. For more information about Dollywood’s Splash Country and details on all ticket offerings, please visit www.dollywood.com or call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD. 

Source: Dollywood