Welcome to Theme Park Insider! Join the community or log in
Theme Park Insider
Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube
February 5, 2008

New attraction spotlight: River Battle at Dollywood

By Robert Niles Well, the darn groundhog saw its shadow, but the emerging construction at theme parks around the world shows that spring is on its way. Each week for the next few weeks, I'll post here on TPI links and concept art or construction photos for new attractions.

First up is River Battle at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This is the third U.S. installation of the the 3DBA Splash Battle attraction, following the Pirate-themed Splash Battle at Legoland California and an initial installation at Indiana Beach.

River Battle concept art, courtesy Dollywood
Concept art courtesy Dollywood

The ride puts visitors in rafts, where they can aim individual water cannons at targets around the course, or, more likely, at other boats. Cannons also will be pointed at the course from the shore, letting waiting visitors in on the action. Dollywood estimates an 800-person/hour ride capacity, so even though you might envision this wet ride as perfect for mid-afternoon, you'll probably want to hit it earlier in the day, before the queues get too long.

Dollywood's aiming for a "spring" opening, and the park opens for the season on March 21. If you can't wait, you can play Dollywood's online River Battle target game to practice your aiming skills.

For a list of other upcoming theme park attractions, check out TPI's page on What's New or Under Construction at Top Theme Parks.

Readers' Opinions

From claudia maffei on February 6, 2008 at 9:08 AM
I think this sounds like a great ride. Would be great in a hot place like Florida. I know at Disney my kids and husband for that matter love the Buzz light year ride cause they can shoot things and get points. If they could shoot water at people ( especially the other women who most likely don't want to get that wet) they would love it. :)
From Greg Mills on February 6, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Wow, that's awesome. :D Right there is a ride I have to give a shot. A shame I live nowhere near Tennessee, but maybe I can make this Dollywood Park a part of my yearly Amusement Park Pilgrimage.
From Gareth H on February 10, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Great, a friend has just moved to Tennessee so now I have my reason to go visit.

One thing that amazes me about Water Rides is the people who get angry when they get wet. Isn't that the point of going on?

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.