It’s no secret that we love Gaylord Opryland SoundWaves. We try to get there as often as we can. While we normally aren’t waterpark or water attraction people, we do LOVE SoundWaves!
The last few months have been interesting, to say the least, so a little staycation was in order when we heard that Gaylord Opryland was re-opening its door after being closed for three months due to COVID-19.
If you’ve never been to Gaylord Opryland or SoundWaves, you may want to check out the What to Know Before You Go post I wrote 18 months or so ago.
If you have a larger family like us, we always choose to stay in an Atrium View room with a Parlor room attached. It gives you a little more space and the comforts of home in your hotel stay.
We have been to SoundWaves quite a few times – but each time we visit, we have the best time ever! It seems like people usually have the same questions each time we visit, so let’s address a few of the most FAQ’s that we receive:
What’s our favorite part about SoundWaves?
Our favorite part? Just one thing? We can’t narrow it down to one thing. We love everything about SoundWaves. Really! But, the fact that there is something for everyone — even those who have babies who are crawling is great. The toddler and younger kid area (Quarter and Half Note Cove) is one of our 4 year old’s favorite things at SoundWaves.
For older kids and adults, our favorites are all the waterslides, as well as the Up-Tempo Rapids River, Down Tempo Lazy River, the FlowRider, and Wave Pool.
Our next visit to SoundWaves will be a little getaway for me and my husband. Have you seen or heard about their adult only pool/area? It’s so nice and relaxing. It includes an amazing infinity pool, bar, and comfortable lounging chairs. It’s absolutely beautiful! {must be 18 years or older to go to this level, though}
Do you have to stay at the hotel to visit SoundWaves?
YES! They do this to keep the crowd levels low, (which is a great thing right now during COVID-19 – but really anytime it’s great), and with the crowds being low, it makes the entire experience feel like a vacation. We have been at different times each year, and our suggestion (if you have the flexibility) is to try going during the week when people are normally at work or school and the crowds are even less.
However, if you are local, party rooms (for 6-30 people) are offered without an overnight stay. Information can be found on the SoundWaves site.
How was your experience at the hotel with COVID-19? Were there a lot of restrictions?
Marriot has new procedures and policies in place to make your experience at Gaylord Opryland and SoundWaves safe and clean — such as:
- Our room had a complimentary hand sanitizer in it.
- The staff at the hotel and water attraction were constantly wiping down surfaces and every tube when people were finished using them.
- All employees are wearing masks.
- There are social distancing signs all over the resort and SoundWaves.
- Tables at restaurants are spaced out so you aren’t crowded and close to other tables/guests.
Tell me about the cabanas. Are they worth it?
We think they are! If you have young kids or even babies who may need a nap during the day, these are perfect for that. The cabana is full service, so you have someone bringing you food and drinks if you place an order which is nice. In the cabana, there is a TV, complimentary soft drinks and waters, towels, lounge chairs, a safe, and a long curtain for privacy/naps. You can read more about cabana rentals or reserve yours. They’re reserved by availability, so as soon as you have your SoundWaves reservation – get your cabana booked. I also showed more of our cabana in our “Opryland” highlight over on Instagram.
What other amenities and attractions/restaurants do you love at Gaylord Opryland?
Oh my goodness, this list could be forever long. We have been coming to the Opryland Hotel for over ten years and each time, we find something new that we love about it. But, some of our favorites are:
- The Relache Spa — and I suggest the Swedish Massage. I had that service during the last visit and it was so relaxing. Just what I needed. Also, with the COVID-19 precautions, masks are required to be worn when entering the spa and throughout your entire service. The employees at the spa are also wearing masks and constantly sanitizing hands and surfaces.
- Delta River Boat Cruise – always a favorite with my crew! It’s a 10-15 minute ride through the Delta Atrium with a guide explaining some of Opryland’s history. Very fun for the whole family.
- Old Hickory Steakhouse — our all-time favorite restaurant in the hotel. Such a great date night option.
- Cascades and Wasabi — if you like sushi, Wasabi has some of the best sushi we have ever had. Cascades is a great restaurant with a great atmosphere and food (everything from steaks to hamburgers, to salads and appetizers).
Are there any good discounts that we can use when we reserve our Gaylord Opryland SoundsWaves package?
YES! If you follow their social media, @gaylordopryland is always posting deals + discount codes. However, there are a few codes that offer between 15- 40% off select dates that I can share here with you:
- Davidson County Residents – use the code L9Z for up to 40% off
- All other TN Residents – use the code M16 for up to 25% off
- Non-TN-Residents – use the code BQ7 for up to 20% off.
Of course, restrictions apply and proof of residency is required at check-in. Book your SoundWaves package right now at SoundWavesGO.com.
Check out a little re-cap of our stay this last week at Gaylord Opryland.
A Few Tips Before Going:
- Make sure you reserve a SoundWaves package ahead of time. You can only visit SoundWaves if you have purchased the SoundWaves Hotel Package. Reserve Your Stay HERE.
- The middle of the week is always a great time to go. Our favorite days are Tuesday-Friday’s when everyone is either at work or school. Avoid weekends and holiday’s if you want a less crowded experience.
- If you are visiting SoundWaves during peak season or during a holiday weekend, I would get to the entrance of the waterpark 30 minutes before they open to make sure you beat the crowds.
- Check-in as early as possible so you can get the most out of your SoundWaves experience. You can enjoy the park as soon as you check-in and get your wristband, even if your room isn’t ready yet.
- Wristbands deactivate at 12pm on the day that you’re scheduled to check-out . But, here’s the catch! As long as you stay in the park, you are fine to enjoy everything. Just don’t plan to leave the park and run to have lunch somewhere else in the hotel, then go back in because your wristband won’t work. As always, if they can, Gaylord Opryland will accommodate late check-outs if they aren’t too busy.
What other Gaylord Opryland or SoundWaves questions do you have? I’d love to help you plan your stay at our favorite little staycation spot in Nashville.
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