Did Dolly drown Ogle's?

I was visiting Tennessee recently after several years absence and was amazed that Ogle's Waterpark in Pigeon Forge was no more.

I assume that Dollywood's waterpark probably drove them out, but was wondering if anyone out there in coasterland had an inside scoop (I love those).

Being the first huge attraction upon entering that area, it seemed to be positioned really well and would survive a bit (huge bit) of competition. But then again, I don't know many places that could support more than one waterpark.

Did they go down without a fight? How did Dolly dunk 'em? When did they close? Was it an ugly fight? (I love those)

Fill me in!

-M

Unfortunately, Ogle's Water Park did "drown"...but it wasn't quite that dramatic.

The main reason the park fell through was because of its land value. The Ogle family, which owned the park, sold out after they got an offer for the property the water park was on. (The land was redeveloped as a shopping center) The water park was demolished in mid-2003, and in 2004 the Walden's Landing themed outlet center opened on the site.

I'm sure that Splash Country had an impact on Ogles attendance, but I don't think it was really killing them so to speak.

In '01, the management at Ogle's didn't seem too concerned about Splash Country, as you can see in this Mountain Press article.

Kind of sad that Ogle's went. All the old tacky Pigeon Forge tourist attractions are disappearing...Smoky Mountain Water Circus and Waltzing Waters closed in the early 90s, Magic World closed in '96, Dinosaur Mountain was gone by 2000, and of course Ogle's Water Park closed in 2003.

Pigeon Forge is becoming more classy, but a lot of the great old cheeziness the town was famous for (lol) has died out over the years. Not evan Dollywood feels quite the same as it use to.

*** Edited 7/5/2005 5:19:47 AM UTC by Dukeis#1***

are these the same Ogle's as "Granny Ogle's Ham And Beans" resturant in the park? I know how the kinfolk are down there... everything is relative ;-)

Look in the Gatlinburg phone book and see how many Ogles there are down there. I believe the guy who founded Gatlinburg was an Ogle, if I remember my history from Gatlinburg Golf and Games' history course! :)

Granny Ogle's Ham N' Beans at Dollywood was named after Dolly Parton's childhood friend's grandmother, who was of course an Ogle. I think there is a whole story behind it, though I can't remember it at the moment. ;)

don't getyour hope up about doll'ys splash country being the only water parke in Pigeion Forge. Pigeion Forge is set open a new water park some time in 2006! but I don't know any other details at this time.

That's great information ya'll.

Duke...I agree...interesting the evolution of the area.
I grew up nearby and remember many of the defunct attractions you mentioned (as well as Magic World and the Magic Carpet Ride, Porpoise Island, the original Water Boggan)...

Do you remember 'Mountain Ocean'? The first Wave Pool Ever. (at least to my 9 year old eyes back in 1977).

Ahhh the memories.