How to Celebrate Birthdays at Dollywood’s Splash Country

In our family, birthdays are always a big deal. You name it – we’ve done it. When I proposed celebrating my son’s milestone 13^th birthday at Dollywood’s Splash Country, my children gave a resounding YES!

I couldn’t have selected a better experience for this celebration!

We chose a Deluxe Retreat which offers many added benefits including:

A 50-inch satellite television (select programming)
Ceiling fan
Three-seat outdoor couch
Two-seat love seat
Coffee table
Bar counter with barstools overlooking the river
Refrigerator stocked with eight bottles of water
Four lounge chairs
Secure storage
Delivery of entrees and bottled drinks purchased using the Retreat phone

Insider Tip

The Deluxe Retreats really make for an incredible birthday experience and provide a home base for everyone to check in, grab a snack and sunscreen-up throughout the day! Season Passholders, did you know Gold Pass discounts apply to Dollywood’s Splash Country rentals?

What made our celebration especially unique was the additional Birthday Party Package. It truly was an amazing experience full of surprises. The space was decorated and a complete surprise for our kids! We loved all of the details.

Throughout the day, we heard birthday wishes from people floating by our Retreat on the lazy river below. I loved the sense of community the decorations created—inviting others to join in our celebration.

When the host team shared with me about one particularly special surprise – I could not wait to see my son’s face!

They led my son and his friends on a parade through Dollywood’s Splash Country. They carried a banner and led the way from our Retreat to a spot where the kids were able to select their favorite Icee in adorable keepsake cups. Each birthday guest received one! (And not to mention the towel and Splash Country drawstring bag they take home as gifts!)

Insider Tip

You can place orders for beverages and select menu items to be delivered to your Retreat (and avoid the lines). Place lunch orders early and have it waiting for you after your favorite water slides and attractions!

After returning from the birthday parade, the kids were surprised with this adorable lazy-river- themed birthday cake made at Dollywood’s Spotlight Bakery!

The kids agreed it was the best day ever making memories with their friends!

I even found a few moments alone to relax between wrangling teenagers! It truly was one of our most-memorable birthday celebrations.

About the Author: Michelle Borja

Michelle Borja (Dollywood Insider 2019-2021), a native of East Tennessee, recalls first walking the streets of Silver Dollar City when she was just a child. She couldn’t wait to share the experience with her son and daughter. As a marketing professional, Michelle enjoys storytelling and often shares Dollywood planning tips with friends. She homeschools her children which offers flexibility to visit the park often. Their favorite getaway is a stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, which Michelle calls “their home away from home.” They complete their schoolwork by the grand piano overlooking the pool, enjoy time at Dollywood and finish their day with a sip of Dolly’s pink lemonade by the fireplace.