I know during this crazy time to a lot of people traveling doesn’t make sense and that’s ok. Let me start by saying this is a choice my family and I made and we would never enter into a decision that would knowingly be unsafe. I spoke with Gaylord and Soundwaves Water Park about their safety measures prior to our staycation and left there feeling safe as well. With that being said, after months of being confined to our home, a getaway was needed even if it was in our hometown. But for those of you that have visited Gaylord Opryland you know you always feel as if you’re on vacation when you’re there. It is not a regular hotel. It is truly a treat.
Soundwaves Water Park
We started our day checking in and unloading in the room since it was available. Typically if your room is not available you can leave your bags at the front desk to store and you can explore the hotel or go to Soundwaves. We of course immediately headed to Soundwaves.
- Safety concerns: You have to wear a mask in the hotel until you enter Soundwaves so be prepared for that during this time. They also sanitize every tube after use. They have signs on the floors to promote social distancing and are consistently announcing to social distance over the speakers. They also are at half capacity. When you walk in someone will help you find seating and you are allowed two chairs. We checked into a cabana both days to have a private space away from others. Read more about their safety protocols here.
- Cabanas. I don’t wanna go back to Soundwaves without a cabana (just kidding I totally would but it was so nice) The cabana had a tv, towels, complimentary beverages and some shade to relax in. The littles ones can even nap on the couch. A waiter came and took drink and food orders. He consistently checked on to make sure we were happy the entire day.
- Water Slides. I’m terrified of heights but I made myself do two of them. The double person one inside (both of them) and the racer outside. I’m so glad I let myself go and enjoy because it was honestly our best trip to Soundwaves. I couldn’t talk the girls into going down one though.
- Kid Area. Charlie loves the little kid are. It is a multi-level kids play structure with slides and so much more.
- Wave Pool. The girls love the wave pool and it’s one of my faves too. I like to sit at the edge and pretend I’m at the beach.
- Inside lazy river and fast river. Again one of my favorites. You can let the water carry you in the fast river or relax in a float in the lazy river. Great to do when the kids are exhausting and you’re needing them to chill for a minute ha.
- Other attractions we didn’t engage in are a pool basketball area, an interactive surfing area (kinda bummed I didn’t do that and get some good humor out of me falling) and an adult area. Matt and I have already discussed going back without kids so we don’t have to chase them the entire time.
The Hotel
There is much to do even if you don’t visit Soundwaves. Walking through the atriums alone is breathtaking. Gaylord has summer activities each week. Some notable options:
- Taking a Delta Riverboat Cruise : Times: Daily, 11am-4pm Sun-Thurs and 11a-8pm Fri-Sat Price: $11 Adults, $9 Children (4-11)
- Booking a spa day
- The indoor pool
- Check out their activities here
We checked into a double atrium view room. We prefer to go this route as we usually travel with family. This one in particular is amazing because you can either do two rooms and the parlor or one room and the parlor. (See my travel highlights on stories) That way we have a middle area for family time and a kitchenette and we can all retreat to our rooms at bedtime. Also when Matt is snoring I can send him to the pull out bed in the parlor room. Bonus points: You can log on to your Netflix there which is huge for tv buffs like Matt and I. When the kids go to bed we can snuggle up and have something to watch besides basic cable tv like most hotels.
We really had the best time as family and after the past few months we really needed that escape. Our children haven’t been around people at all and that can really wear on a child. It helped them feel like kids again and really enjoy life. I would go back in a heartbeat. If you’re on the fence as I know a lot of you who messaged me on IG were, I’m here with my two cents to say we were happy we went. Quick tip: If you can go on Monday-Friday, it was less frequented than the weekend.
Discounts Available:
* Davidson County Residents receive up to 40% with code L9Z.
* Tennessee Residents receive up to 25% off with code M16.
* Out of state guests may receive up to 20% with code BQ7.
You can book at here!
Have you been to Soundwaves water park before? Where do you and your family like to go swimming?
