Wild Adventures Discussion Thread

Are there any Coupons or ways to save on admisson? I checked the website but they don't seem to have an after 5 pm ticket or anything alike.

Wild Adventures has sent us their latest press release about their upcoming season, its park additions, its upcoming concerts and details about its new season pass.

Spring Break is fast approaching and Wild Adventures Theme Park is affordable entertainment for families this season. The park is open daily, March 27 through April 11 (Closed Easter Sunday), for guests to enjoy Wild About Babies, a limited spring time event, Jeremy Camp in concert April 10, and more than 40 thrill rides, hundreds of animals and captivating shows. All Spring Break activities are included with a 2010 Season Pass. Season Pass prices increase April 12.

 

Baby animals debut at springtime event

 

Baby animals make their park debut at the springtime event, Wild About Babies. The event features all things cute and cuddly, kicking off Saturday, March 27 and continuing through Sunday, April 11. Guests can interact with bunnies, chicks, ducklings, lambs, piglets and kids (baby goats, of course), all included in park admission.

 

Babylympics, a baby inspired competition, will kick off Wild About Babies Saturday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. Thirty adult competitors will participate in several baby themed events, such as a stroller race and baby food eating contest. Registration for the contest will begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

 

Concert offers more family entertainment for Spring Break

 

Jeremy Camp, renowned Christian recording artist, is scheduled for Saturday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. General concert entry is included with a 2010 Season Pass or general park admission. Concert reserved seats are available for $10 and must be purchased separately.

 

Season Pass offers best value: first Bring- A- Friend Free day April 11

 

Just in time for Spring Break, Season Pass holders can enjoy Bring-A-Friend Free Day on April 11. Guests can visit the park with their Season Pass and one friend gets in at no extra cost. For the best value, guests must purchase their 2010 Season Pass before the prices go up April 12.

 

The 2010 park season will be one adventure after another with 20 concerts, three new rides, and new shows! Purchase a 2010 Season Pass to discover the fun all year long, including concerts, festivals and shows. 2010 Regular and Gold Passes are available for purchase online, by phone or at the park. Currently, Wild Adventures Season Passes are $59.99 or $79.99 for Gold Season Passes which include free parking, Adventure Quest miniature golf, Adventure Raceway go-karts and discounts on food and merchandise throughout the park. Season pass prices will increase April 12, 2010.

Guests can interact with baby animals at Safari Ranch Petting Zoo during Wild About Babies, March 27 – April 11.

Falcon Flyer, one of the three new rides at Wild Adventures for 2010, takes guests on a flight overlooking the park’s famed central lake.

Anyone have any ideas about how crowded we could expect Wild Adventures to be, next week? We're looking for an easy overnight trip while the kids are on spring break, next week. I'm off work, Monday through Thursday, so we're thinking about a Tues/Wed or Wed/Thurs trip.

We've never been there, so I don't know what to expect, crowd-wise.

Wild Adventures has sent us their latest press release about their annual concert series.

Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park welcomes boy band sensation, Backstreet Boys, to the park for a blowout concert, Saturday, June 5. Tickets for this not to be missed event go on sale Friday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. Reserved seats will be available for purchase online, by phone or at the park for $10 and do not include park admission.

 

Wild Adventures adds more funk and rock performances to the 2010 concert series, with Kool & the Gang and World Class Rockers. There are more concerts to be announced, rounding out the concert series to twenty high energy performances. All concerts are included with a 2010 Season Pass or general park admission.

 

Kool & The Gang, performing Saturday, June 26, has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and influenced the music of three generations. Thanks to songs like Celebration, Jungle Boogie, and Ladies Night, they’ve earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums. Their funk and tough, jazzy arrangements have also made them the most sampled band of all time.

 

Six musicians from some of the greatest bands of all time join together to form the ultimate classic rock band, World Class Rockers, performing Saturday, July 10. Combining the talents of some prominent musicians from some of the greatest bands in the world, World Class Rockers delivers a stage performance that appeals to a mass audience. Alex Ligertwood of Santana, Randall Hall of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Michael Monarch and Nick St. Nicholas of Steppenwolf, Fergie Frederiksen of Toto, and Aynsley Dunbar of Journey join together for a performance comprised of hit after unforgettable hit.

 

2010 Wild Adventures Concert Schedule*

Lynyrd Skynyrd, March 13

George Thorogood & Los Lonely Boys, March 20

Jeremy Camp, April 10

REO Speedwagon & STYX, April 17

Wynonna, May 8

Chicago, May 15

Rodney Atkins, May 22

David Crowder Band, May 29

Backstreet Boys, June 5

Steven Curtis Chapman, June 12

Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin, June 19

Kool & Gang, June 26

World Class Rockers, July 10

Josh Turner, July 17

MAZE, featuring Frankie Beverly, July 24

Third Day, September 25

Vince Neil, October 2

 

*All performers and dates are subject to change due to circumstances beyond the park’s control.

 

The 2010 park season is one adventure after another with 20 concerts, three new rides, and new shows! Purchase a 2010 Season Pass to discover the fun all year long, including concerts, festivals and shows. 2010 Regular and Gold Passes are available for purchase online, by phone or at the park. Currently, Wild Adventures Season Passes are $59.99 or $79.99 for Gold Season Passes which include free parking, Adventure Quest miniature golf, Adventure Raceway go-karts and discounts on food and merchandise throughout the park. Season pass prices will increase April 12, 2010.

Backstreet Boys

Kool and the Gang

World Class Rockers

Wild Adventures has sent us three new press releases about their latest happenings for the 2010 season.

REO Speedwagon and Styx Rock the Stage this Saturday at Wild Adventures

All Concerts FREE with 2010 Season Pass

 

Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park welcomes rock stars REO Speedwagon and Styx in concert, Saturday, April 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Styx is scheduled to perform at 6:30 p.m. with REO Speedwagon hitting the stage at 8:00 p.m. General concert entry is included in park admission. Reserved seats are available for $10 online, by phone, or at the park and do not include park admission.

 

Styx have made their mark in the music industry with hit songs “Lady,” “Come Sail Away,” “Babe,” “The Best of Times,” and “Mr. Roboto.” This entertaining rock group was the first band to release four consecutive Triple-Platinum albums, selling more than three million copies of each album. Two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar Box Office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, and two more studio albums, STYX continues to rock the planet, one venue at a time.

 

REO Speedwagon has sold more than 40 million records and has created 13 Top 40 hits, such as “Keep on Loving You,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take it on the Run,” and “Keep the Fire Burnin.” They recently teamed up with Styx to record a new single entitled "Can't Stop Rockin."

Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park prepares for a rock n’ roll blow out with rock star George Thorogood and Los Lonely Boys Saturday, March 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Los Lonely Boys are scheduled to perform at 6:30 p.m. with George Thorogood and the Destroyers hitting the stage at 8:00 p.m. General concert entry is included in park admission. Reserved seats are available for $10 online, by phone or at the park and do not include park admission.

 

George Thorogood and his band, the Destroyers, have held a gig in the music business for more than 30 years. They fought their way to the top and came into fame with songs like “Bad to the Bone,” “You Talk Too Much,” and “Get a Haircut.” The compilation, Greatest Hits: 30 Years of Rock, went gold and reached #1 on the Billboard charts.

 

Los Lonely Boys are three brothers representing true American spirit. Their first two albums, Los Lonely Boys and Sacred made the Texas trio one of the most beloved and acclaimed new arrivals in rock. Most recognizable hit, “Heaven,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart and earned a Grammy Award for best pop performance with vocal.

Jeremy Camp and Splash Island Create Weekend of Fellowship and Fun

Concerts and Splash Island Water Park Included with 2010 Season Pass

 

Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park plans a weekend of fellowship and fun with the opening of Splash Island Water Park for the 2010 season and Jeremy Camp in concert, Saturday, April 10. The day begins with the opening of Splash Island Water Park and ends with contemporary Christian performer Jeremy Camp at 8:00 p.m. General concert entry is included in park admission, reserved seats are available for $10 online, by phone or at the park and do not include park admission.

 

The fun continues Sunday, April 11 with the first Bring A Friend Free Day of the season. Season Pass holders can bring a friend free to the park, with their 2010 Season Pass. Season Pass prices will increase by $10 Monday, April 12, so guests must purchase their Season Pass now for the best value.

STYX

REO Speedwagon

George Thorogood

Los Lonely Boys

Jeremy Camp

Wild Adventures has sent us several new press releases about their latest happenings at the park...

Wild Adventures Theme Park (WA) debuts Country Rocks Live! a country music revue featuring hits from yesterday and today, Friday, May 21 in Adventure Playhouse. The show, running through August 15 is a unique collaboration between the park and Valdosta State University’s (VSU) Theatre Department.

 

The VSU Theatre Department produces seven performances throughout the academic year under the direction of a talented faculty, which includes professors Duke Guthrie and Jacque Wheeler. For Country Rocks Live!, Guthrie and Wheeler recruited the performers and assembled the technical and design team, some of which are students and professors at VSU. This is the first collaboration of its kind between WA and the university.

 

“The theatre department at VSU has established a solid reputation for producing top-notch theatrical performances,” said Director of Entertainment John Ancona. “Both Jacque Wheeler and Duke Guthrie are accomplished professionals with high expectations, so we knew they would deliver a first class show. The partnership between WA and VSU made perfect sense as we are committed to offering our guests quality entertainment.”

 

Country Rocks Live! performers include: Adam Galarza of Orlando, FL; Jessica Humphrey of Garland, TX; Katy Nichols of Elkhart, IN; Tim Olivar of Snellville, GA; Christen Orr of Lilburn, GA; and John Rawlings of Sarasota, FL. Members of the technical and design team include: Anna Alex, Sound Designer; Michael Elliott, Musical Direction; Marty Lynch, Lighting Design/Technical Director; and Robert Keith Pugh, Scene Designer.

 

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park, water park, and animal park all in one place for less located in Valdosta, Georgia. The park features one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts. The park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), a company specializing in family entertainment. For nearly half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 21 properties across nine states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in six cities.

A summer full of discoveries awaits families at Wild Adventures Theme Park (WA) when the park starts its daily park operations on Thursday, May 20 including new shows, family-friendly concerts and the area’s largest water park, Splash Island Water Park. The park’s kid-centered special event, Kidzpalooza, starts a limited time nine-week engagement on June 12. The event invites children of all ages to explore the park and experience kid-friendly shows. In addition, on July 3, Kaptain Robbie Knievel, famed daredevil extraordinaire, attempts a motorcycle leap over Wild Adventures’ central lake.

 

“As the country recovers from rough economic times, travel trends indicate families are looking for summer getaways that are not too far, too expensive or too time-consuming. That’s where Wild Adventures fits in. Wild Adventures is a nearby affordable family theme, water and animal park vacation destination. A season pass lets you come back all summer long or general park admission gets you two days for the price of one,” said Bob Montgomery, WA general manager.

 

“And the best part is, WA lets families pick their level of adventure, from mild to wild. They can fill their days with the largest collection of family rides in the area including eight coasters, cool off on the new multi-million dollar Wahee Cyclone in Splash Island and then enjoy a family concert in the evening. New shows and events, like Kidzpalooza, and animal interactions round out the memorable summer escape,” he added.

 

Wild Adventures’ summer event, Kidzpalooza, June 12–August 15, features new entertainment for kids of all ages. The Anastasini Circus, joins the park’s show lineup June 12 with jaw dropping acrobatics, jugglers and more under a big top tent. Families can also marvel at the mesmerizing Tigers of India, and tap their feet to Country Rocks Live!, both showing during Kidzpalooza. Tigers of India is an award-winning show featuring eight majestic, multi-colored tigers. The live act highlights the incredible bond of man and tiger while showcasing the animals’ natural behavior. A variety of gifted singers bring music to life with country hits from yesterday and today during Country Rocks Live!

 

In June, popular hypnotist Tammy Barton also takes families on a journey of the mind. Starting in July, the antics of the Dana Kunze High Dive Show entertain with a mix of high diving tricks and comedy and man’s best friend takes center stage with Doggies of the Wild West. Marshall Rowdy Yo along with his sidekick, Calamity Jo, amaze and amuse audiences with a cast of “Pooches from the Prairie.”

 

During 4th of July weekend, WA welcomes a special guest appearance by Kaptain Robbie Knievel who will be attempting a daring leap over WA’s iconic lake. To date, Robbie has successfully completed over 250 professional jumps, including 20 world records, highlighted by the Caesars Palace Fountain jump in 1989, the building-to-building jump in 1999 and the Grand Canyon in 2000.

 

Featuring the region’s largest outdoor amphitheater, WA promises families a variety of musical experiences this summer, including performances in May, June and July. The park line-up includes family concert performances in the rock, pop, country, Christian and gospel genres. Already scheduled to perform are:

 

May 22 Rodney Atkins

May 29 David Crowder Band

June 5 Backstreet Boys

June 12 Steven Curtis Chapman

June 19 Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin

June 26 Kool & The Gang

July 10 World Class Rockers

July 17 Josh Turner

July 24 Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly

Sept. 25 Third Day

Oct. 2 Vince Neil

 

All concerts are free with general park admission or a 2010 Season Pass. Reserved seats are available for an additional $10.

 

Families can vacation anytime with season passes on-sale at http://www.WildAdventures.com. Best prices are now available. Regular passes are $69.99 and Gold Passes including free parking are $89.99. Prices increase by $10 on June 14. General park admission includes the second day FREE. Adults tickets are $45.99, kids (ages 3-9) and seniors (55 and older) are $40.99. Prices do not include tax.

(left to right) Jessica Humphrey and John Rawlings end a song with twang at the final dress rehearsal of Country Rocks Live!, a music revue beginning this weekend at Wild Adventures.

(left to right) Christen Orr, John Rawlings, Jessica Humphrey, Adam Galarza, Katy Nichols and Tim Olivar finish the final rehearsal of Country Rocks Live! before performing for guests this weekend at Wild Adventures.

(left to right) Adam Galarza, Jessica Humphrey, Christen Orr, John Rawlings, Katy Nichols and Tim Olivar pose after a country hit during their final rehearsals before performing Country Rocks Live! for guests this weekend at Wild Adventures.

Splash Island Water Park is the area’s largest water park, providing an oasis of adventure with family water attractions, included with park admission

Kidzpalooza, Wild Adventures summer event for children of all ages, features kid focused shows, such as Anastasini Circus with jaw dropping acts under a big top tent, beginning June 12.

Tigers of India trainer, Andy Spolyar, and snow white Bengal tiger, Lazarus, share a moment of affection during a Tigers of India performance at Wild Adventures, one of the season’s limited engagement shows, performing now through September.

Wild Adventures has sent us their latest press release, this time regarding their next charitable event, "Red, White and You!"

Wild Adventures Theme Park presents Red, White, and You!, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, September 4 – 6, to pay tribute to working men and women in the community, particularly those who serve and protect. As part of the event, guests can donate a canned food item and receive a FREE general admission with the purchase of a regular general admission to help support Second Harvest of South Georgia. Other weekend events include displays and demonstrations from local agencies Saturday, September 4.

 

“Red, White, and You! is our way of saluting those who serve in our community and to giving our guests the opportunity to share in that salute and to give back,” said General Manager Bob Montgomery. “Last year, guests donated approximately four tons of canned food items to stock the shelves of Second Harvest food bank, and we are hoping to double that amount this year. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors and taking pride in where we live, work, and play.”

 

Guests to the park during Red, White, and You! can learn about services in the community through displays and demonstrations, Saturday, September 4. Organizations and businesses participating in the event include: Air Methods, Hahira Fire Department, Kenny’s Roadside Rescue, Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency, Lowndes County Fire Rescue, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Red Cross, Second Harvest of South Georgia, South Georgia Medical Center, and Valdosta Fire Department.

 

Guests receive one free general admission when they purchase a full-price general admission and donate at least one canned food item to support Second Harvest of South Georgia. The offer is available at the park September 4, 5, and 6, admission must be used on the same day of purchase and is valid for the second day FREE.

 

For more information about Red,White, and You!, guests can visit http://www.wildadventures.com or call 229-219-7080.

Wild Adventures in Valdosta, GA has sent us a press release about their newest expansion, set to add to its water park, Splash Island.

Wild Adventures Theme Park (WA) announced today it celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2011 with one of its biggest expansions to date. In the past fifteen years, the park has grown from a petting zoo to the area’s largest tourist attraction. In 2011, WA plans a $4 million expansion of its water park, Splash Island. Already considered the area’s largest water park, Splash Island opens two new major family rides in March 2011, the biggest expansion ever made to the water park.

 

Everyone who purchases a season pass in October gets a gold upgrade free. At $59.99, the Gold Pass saves an average family of four $160 off of peak season pricing. Gold includes free parking, miniature golf and go-karts. Passholders also receive three additional months free as they are invited to use their passes for the remainder of 2010 including admission to popular park events like Kid-o-ween, Phobia and WA’s special Christmas days.

 

2011 Season Passes are offered online (www.wildadventures.com), via phone 229-219-7080 or at the park. Passes must be purchased by October 31, 2010 to receive special gold benefits.

 

“Since Wild Adventures first opened its doors in 1996, it’s always been a central gathering spot for South Georgia and North Florida families. Today, we are a large-scale 170-acre theme, water and animal park all rolled into one. Plus, we’re committed to featuring top family-friendly acts in the area’s largest outdoor amphitheater,” said Bob Montgomery, WA’s general manager. “With this Splash Island expansion, we will have invested more than $10 million in improvements and upgrades since 2007.”

 

WA’s 2011 improvements and upgrades include two new water attractions and VIP comforts in Splash Island. The two water rides provide thrills for the entire family in tubes accommodating 3 to 5 guests. Guests seeking the VIP treatment can relax in exclusive private cabanas, for an additional fee. The park confirmed more details to be announced soon.

 

WA’s parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) bought WA in September 2007. Since its purchase, the company has invested in the park. In 2008, they unveiled a new $4 million dollar water ride called Wahee Cyclone. In 2010, WA completed a million dollar renovation on the park’s famed wooden roller coaster, The Cheetah. In addition, the park also planted more than 400 trees and added a trio of new rides.

 

“By maintaining traditions like our family concert series coupled with new attractions, we are committed to continuing to be the area’s most affordable escape,” Montgomery added.

 

Similar to the 2010 season, WA plans to feature at least 20 leading acts next year. Later this fall, WA plans to announce the line-up which includes top acts in a variety of genres such as rock, country, urban, Southern gospel and Christian.

^ Wow awesome, they already have a great waterpark to begin with, this will even make it better.

Good for them! I'll be going in a couple of weeks to experience their Halloween event. Looking forward to it. I've noticed a TON of changes for the better in the last year or so.

Has anyone ever been to Wild Adventures Halloween event Phobia? I just stumbled across some information for it this year and it looks like fun. Not nearly on the size or scale of the events in Central Florida but certainly looks like an event worth attending, and a good excuse to get some night rides on Cheetah.

^ We're going on the 16th to check it out. Haven't been for Halloween in about 7 years and have been told that it is much different now. I'm looking forward to it.

The main thing I remember from my last night time visit to Wild Adventures is that some of those paths were DARK! There weren't any scare actors around, but it was spooky as hell just because of the dimness of the surroundings.

David

I went to PHOBIA a few years back ( I think it was 8 years)

It was really great considering where it was! and this is also the park where Zombieland was filmed so it has that going for it...

Wild Adventures has sent us a press release about their upcoming Halloween season activities held in the park.

Wild Adventures Theme Park is the area’s number one place to experience Halloween this October, with the family-friendly Kid-O-Ween and the fear-filled Phobia. During the day, Kid-O-Ween returns with more interactive activities for families to enjoy. When it gets dark, Phobia frightens with all-new haunted experiences for scare seekers. Both fall events are included with park admission, a 2010 Season Pass or a 2011 Season Pass, available beginning October 1.

 

Kid-O-Ween Celebrates the Sillier Side of Halloween

 

Now in its second year, Kid-O-Ween is a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween in addition to the park’s rides, animals and entertainment. Children select their very own magical pumpkin in Monty’s Magical Pumpkin Forest or doodle on a giant coloring mural, both new for this year. The event includes fall themed interactive activities, such as Monster Mash Dance Party, a hay bale maze, trick-or-treating, and a craft station to inspire even the smallest goblin.

 

Kid-O-Ween runs Saturdays and Sundays in October, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. This event is appropriate for guests of all ages.

 

All-New Phobia Engulfs the Swamp

 

The all-new Phobia is the only Halloween experience of its kind set in a blackwater swamp. The tea colored waters of the swamp create the perfect haunting environment. With the addition of The Fearmaker, a demented character, Phobia is the ultimate haunted experience.

 

The Fearmaker, the embodiment of all things evil, has crept into the park to wreak havoc, bringing guests face to face with their worst nightmares. Guests wander through a single, horrifying pathway facing their most terrible fears. They will either escape the Fearmaker’s deadly grip or join his entourage.

 

Phobia runs Friday and Saturday evenings, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. in October. Some guests, including children under 12, may find some of the experiences or images disturbing and should not visit Phobia. Select rides will operate during Phobia. For more gruesome details on Phobia, visit http://www.wildadventures.com/phobia.

 

2011 Season Pass On Sale October 1

 

Everyone who purchases a season pass in October gets a gold upgrade free. At $59.99, the Gold Pass saves an average family of four $160 off of peak season pricing. Gold includes free parking, miniature golf and go-karts. Passholders also receive three additional months free as they are invited to use their passes for the remainder of 2010 including admission to popular park events like Kid-o-ween, Phobia and WA’s special Christmas days.

 

2011 Season Passes are offered online (http://www.wildadventures.com), via phone 229-219-7080 or at the park. Passes must be purchased by October 31, 2010 to receive special gold benefits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOWoSpSbgwU

The Fearmaker, the embodiment of all things evil...this sounds very familiar...I think I've heard of it from a park a bit south of Wild Adventures...

And why is it none of the other HFEC parks can have a true Halloween event....?

Looks interesting, I'm excited about visiting. Ive never been to WIld Adventures so checking the park out during a Halloween Event should be a great way to see the place for the first time. I wonder if there are actually individual haunts or just one giant long scare zone/haunted swamp thingy. The tag line "One path, endless fears" kinda makes me curious. Should be fun.

And why is it none of the other HFEC parks can have a true Halloween event....?

This one was grandfatherd in. Wild Adventures always had Phobia for as long as i remember... Plus its a huge draw being the only place like it in that area!

I just noticed the season pass special during October, what a great deal. $60 for a gold season pass for all of 2011 and you can use it for Phobia this year. Includes free parking, mini golf, and go karts, that a pretty amazing deal.

Wild Adventures has sent us a press release about their best value package yet on for 2011 season passes.

Wild Adventures Theme Park offers guests the best value on 2011 Season Passes in October. At $59.99 a pass, a family of four saves an average of $160 off of peak season pricing. Guests can take advantage of the best price of the season, now through October 31, and receive additional bonuses, like FREE Parking, three extra months, 20 concerts, and $90 of in-park savings.

 

Everyone who purchases a season pass now through October 31, for $59.99, receives the perks of a Gold Season Pass for the price of a regular plus $90 of in-park savings. Gold includes free parking, miniature golf and go-karts. Passholders also receive three additional months free as they are invited to use their passes for the remainder of 2010 including admission to popular park events like Kid-o-ween, Phobia and WA’s special holiday park hours.

 

2011 Season Passes are offered online (http://www.wildadventures.com), via phone 229-219-7080 or at the park. Passes must be purchased by October 31, 2010 to receive special gold benefits and in-park savings.

Wild Adventures has sent us a press release regarding their latest industry award, this time for Splash Island.

Wild Adventures Theme Park is the recipient of a major industry award for Splash Island, the region’s largest water park. The award, presented by the World Waterpark Association (WWA) during its annual convention, named Splash Island the winner in the Brochure category for parks with 250,000 and up in annual attendance. This is the first WWA award for Wild Adventures Theme Park and comes on the heels of the park’s announcement to expand Splash Island for the 2011 park season.

 

Wild Adventures is currently in the beginning stages of its Splash Island Water Park expansion which will increase the size of the water park from seven to ten acres. It is the water park’s largest expansion, since opening in 2002. Scheduled to open April 2011, the expansion includes two new giant family water slides and nearly a dozen private cabanas.

 

“Designing materials to showcase the park’s endless family adventures is fun and rewarding, and we are truly honored to be recognized by WWA in this category,” commented Linda Jensen, vice president of marketing. “Considering we were measured against nearly 300 others entries, it makes it an even more meaningful award for us.

WOW!!!

I believe that all I can say is "CONGRADULATIONS to Wild Adventures for receiving such a high and honorable award".

Last time I visited Wild Adventures, there were no Splash Island waterpark section of the park, but the park did have plenty of small family coasters, the Cheetah coaster had been retracked, I felt that the queueing line for the Bug Safari coaster wasn't long enough, I didn't ride their log flume because it didn't looked thrilling to me, and Hank Williams Jr. was performing that night.

I wonder should I ever revisit Wild Adventures how much the park would have changed. And I believe the answer would be VERY MUCH!

"And that's the truth you can go to sleep with!"

I visited Wild Adventures for the first time last Saturday (opening day). I was on a tight time frame, so it was mostly just a credit run, with a plan to visit later this season to explore the park a bit more.

First, it was CROWDED. Just packed to the hilt. We arrived just before opening and luckily were able to hit most of the credits pretty quickly. I went on the first 4 coasters (Boomerang, Swamp Thing, Viking Voyage, and Fiesta Express) with at most a one train wait. Swamp Thing was surprisingly rough, even compared to the other Vekoma jr suspendeds I've been on. Viking Voyage was fun and unique, but I overheard people saying it felt "unsafe." It does have kind of a backyard coaster look. I think I prefer this over Screamin' Eagle at Dixieland. I had no problems credit whoring on Fiesta Express... they let adults ride with no questions asked.

By this time Cheetah and Hangman still weren't open. Hangman eventually opened with one train and I was able to get the credit with a short wait. Standard SLC. Cheetah didn't look like it was going to run at all (the train had been stopped 1/3 up the lift the whole morning), so we headed back to the front of the park. By the time we got to Go Bananas (the wild mouse) the line took 40 minutes. We got the credit, and then decided to skip their roller skater because it had a huge line snaking out into the hot sun. It looked like almost an hour long line.

I then went to guest services to upgrade my ticket to a season pass, which was about a 40 minute wait. I heard that the lines in the actual season pass processing area outside the gates was about an hour long.

Cheetah never did open, I'm not sure what was going on with that. We left at 1PM and there was still a line of cars coming in, although the parking lot was nearly full already.

Overall the park was OK. The employees were really nice and friendly, but they were not prepared to handle the crowds. You can see all of the young trees that have been added over the past few years. Most of the park looks "new" and updated. The big negative is a distinct lack of good rides. Sure there are a lot of coasters, but none of them are above average (with the possible exception of Cheetah, which I didn't get to ride). I look forward to coming back to Wild Adventures on a less crowded day to get a ride on Cheetah and check out some of the animal exhibits.

From what I understand, it has improved leaps and bounds since the Herschends bought it. I think they have been putting alot of effort into their water park since they bought the park, which may show why they've won this award. I am sure HFEC is continually improving the park experience there year over year.

P.S. As a Dollywood fanboy, I am a bit jealous Wild Adventure hosts HFEC's only Halloween event. Dollywood could host an awesome one, given the chance...

Thought some people might be interested to know that Google Maps has updated their imagery for Wild Adventures. Big improvement from the old grainy imagery - you can clearly see the new slides that were added this year, as well as the old CC rides the park received in 2010. Also note the additional foliage and the spruced up walk ways. Here's the link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Wild+Adventures%4030.720735,-83.321879&ll=30.721064,-83.32701&spn=0.000538,0.001832&t=h&z=20&vpsrc=6

I notice they've got a lot more slide pieces sitting in the backlot behind the water park, even though the new slides have already been completed. Might be further leftovers from the other Georgia water park that HFEC scrapped a few years ago. Maybe they'll have another new water park addition for 2012.

In the main park backlot I noticed what looks like a number of rides being scrapped. I know they took out some of the old rides when they bought the place, so there's probably several of the old "carny" rides the park used to have there. Looks like old track from Cheetah was being crunched up. I couldn't make much out, but I thought I saw some trough pieces as well.

Some of the WA backlot

Close up of what I'm assuming is old Cheetah track.