Wild Adventures Discussion Thread

[Canobie Coaster]

12 hours ago, sdcfan88 said:

With the exception of maybe Thunderhead Hershend and "traditional" wooden coasters don't seem to mesh well for some reason. First it was Ozark Wildcat at (now defunct) Celebration City and now this coaster getting scrapped. Its too bad.

Was there anything wrong with Ozark Wildcat?  I was always under the impression the issue was the park not the ride.

[sdcfan88]

Yeah the coaster was only 5 years old by the time the recession hit and the park shut down. HFEC apparently made no effort in keeping the coaster in operational status and simply left it to rot before it was totally demo'd in 2015. They could have 1.) Kept it open on a pay per ride setup as a Branson strip stand alone attraction. 2.) Relocated/modified it to fit into another one of their parks (likely SDC) as they did with several of the flat rides. 3.) Disassembled and sold it off to another park/chain.

Though on the latter I have heard rumors over the years that the trains were parted out and sent to Dollywood for Thunderhead.

[SSL]

Hear a Rumor going around that Cheetah might be getting the RMC treatment... whether by RMC or by GCI's new program... Have heard that the track has been taken off, but the supports have been left standing.

[The username]

^Can confirm that didn't happen. Visited this past December after Christmas on our way down to Orlando to hit the SeaWorld parks. It is definitely on the way to becoming a budget family park. Got the 6 credits and left, the vekoma's weren't that bad honestly. I wouldn't be surprised if this place eventually gets rid of all it's big thrills and becomes a full on family/wildlife park in the near future. Silver lining is I did get to ride Vikings Voyage (now Hurricane) in Kissimmee and it was pretty fun. Bummed I was never able to do cheetah, but at least I got everything. Likely won't return.

[jedimaster1227]

Wild Adventures Theme Park has announced that it will open the 2025 season with a new expansion called Water's Edge, which will feature three new family rides, new animal exhibits, an entertainment stage and more. While the bulk of the expansion will open with the park this month, additional elements will debut in late Spring 2025.

https://www.wildadventures.com/media-room/2025-season-opening/

Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia, launches its 2025 season on March 15 with exciting new rides, live entertainment and immersive experiences, offering unforgettable family adventures through December.

Wild Adventures’ new Season begins Saturday, March 15, with the debut of Water’s Edge, an exciting new expansion featuring three family-friendly rides, new animal habitats, a new entertainment stage and more.

“This expansion is another step forward in our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and their families at Wild Adventures,” said Jon Vigue, vice president and general manager. “Water’s Edge will transform a large section of the park into a vibrant, immersive environment that not only enhances the guest experience but also allows us to continue expanding our fall and winter events in the future.”

Inspired by the charm and vibrance of a seaside village, Water’s Edge is a bright new adventure that provides guests with opportunities to soar, explore, learn and relax.

When the new area debuts on March 15, guests can take a spin on the new Boat Parade, a lively speedboat-themed ride that whirls and twirls, creating the sensation of cruising along choppy waters. Guest can also feel the rush on the new Wing Swinger, a thrilling family swing ride that lifts riders high into the air, creating soaring experience. Water’s Edge is also home to the reimagined Horizon Wheel, an illuminated Ferris wheel that offers stunning panoramic views of Wild Adventures and the scenic lake at the park’s center.

Water’s Edge will also introduce new animal exhibits, featuring vibrant macaws and an all-new reptile house. Additionally, the lakeside seating area will be expanded to provide more relaxation spaces, along with a new entertainment stage for live music and engaging zookeeper presentations.

“This expansion isn’t just about adding new rides and experiences—it’s about creating a dynamic space that will continue to evolve with our park,” said Jon Vigue, vice president and general manager. “Water’s Edge will allow us to enhance our seasonal events in the fall, giving guests even more to discover during Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright, with new displays, dazzling lights and exciting surprises throughout the year.”

While the new rides and animal exhibits of Water’s Edge will open with the start of the 2025 season, additional elements will be introduced as construction is completed in late spring. These will include new dining and refreshment options, an expanded first aid facility, exciting new games, and the park’s first-ever Quiet Room.

“We want every guest to feel comfortable and included when they visit Wild Adventures,” said Jon Vigue, vice president and general manager. “The addition of a Quiet Room is an important step in making the park more accessible for guests with sensory sensitivities, providing them with a dedicated space to take a break and recharge during their adventure.”

Water’s Edge is a major three-acre expansion, and it’s just one of many reasons to visit Wild Adventures throughout 2025.

Dinosaur Explore returns for the 2025 season, bringing prehistoric adventures to life with over 50 moving, roaring dinosaurs and interactive activities for the whole family. Budding paleontologists can dig for fossils at the Dino Dig site, engage with knowledgeable Dino Keepers, and come face-to-face with towering giants. Guests can also enjoy Dinosaur Explore: Tails of the Past, an interactive dinosaur experience running through Labor Day Weekend.

“Dinosaur Explore is a guest favorite that blends excitement and education, allowing families to step back in time and experience the wonder of the prehistoric world,” said Jon Vigue, vice president and general manager. “We’re excited to bring it back for a limited time with even more to discover.”

The Wild Adventures LIVE! concert series is also back this Season, with performances from Willie Nelson & Family, CeCe Winans, Zach Williams, Walker Hayes and more. Each concert is included free with a Season Pass, and reserved seats are on sale now.

Wild Adventures will light up the sky in 2025 with three all-new drone shows, featuring stunning aerial displays set to music. Guests can experience these breathtaking performances on July 26-27, Oct. 25, and Dec. 19-20.

2025 also marks the first full year of operation for Wild Adventures Safari Campground, offering guests a unique way to extend their adventure. Located just steps from the park, the campground features a variety of accommodations, including RV sites, tent camping, and cozy cottages, all surrounded by exclusive animal habitats and experiences. Campground guests also enjoy a new dedicated entrance providing direct access to Wild Adventures. Whether staying for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, the Safari Campground allows families to sleep under the stars and wake up to the sounds of the wild.

Wild Adventures’ 2025 season officially kicks off on Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m., with a full day of excitement, new attractions, and returning favorites. Season Passholders can get a first look at the fun during Passholder Preview Night on Friday, March 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoying exclusive early access to the park before it opens to the public.

For details on Water’s Edge, Dinosaur Explore, the Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series, special events, and how to experience it all with a 2025 Season Pass, visit WildAdventures.com.

Wild Adventures Theme Park is located at the halfway point between Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fl. off Interstate 75 and is home to more than 35 family and thrill rides, hundreds of exotic animals, dozens of concerts, special events each year, The Safari Campground and Splash Island Waterpark, named as one of the “Top 30 Waterparks” in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Wild Adventures is ranked as one of the Most Affordable Theme Parks in America by Travel + Leisure, one of the Top 10 Most Affordable Water and Theme Parks in the U.S. by AOL.com and the Top Theme Park Deal in Georgia by Yahoo! Finance. In July 2023, Wild Adventures was ranked as “The #1 Theme Park in Georgia” by TripAdvisor.

 

 

[jedimaster1227]

Wild Adventures Theme Park has shared details on all of the new experiences that will be available to guests during its 30th anniversary season including new animal encounters!

https://www.wildadventures.com/media-room/wild-adventures-theme-park-launches/

Wild Adventures Theme Park officially kicks off its milestone 30th anniversary season on Saturday, March 14, and this season is sure to be a glow-up.

For three decades, families have made memories riding, sliding and exploring together. Now, the park is unveiling an enhanced experience across every corner, featuring upgraded rides, brand-new animal encounters, fresh food concepts and the fully completed Water’s Edge. Details include:

NEW: Water’s Edge – Making its completed debut in 2026, Water’s Edge is ready for its full season spotlight. The newly themed area features two new rides, Boat Parade and Wing Swinger, two all-new food locations, Water’s Edge Tacos and Lakeside Refreshments, a new home for the park’s beloved Ferris Wheel, the Horizon Wheel, and a new first aid location and quiet room.

NEW: Ride Upgrades – This off-season, the maintenance team at Wild Adventures was hard at work improving the ride experience on Island Falls, the Safari Train, and Boomerang. Island Falls has 2 new boats, delivering shorter wait times and more splash-filled fun. The Safari Train has a second locomotive joining the track, meaning less time spent waiting in line to hop on board. The beloved Boomerang roller coaster features an all-new control system, designed to reduce unexpected closures throughout the season.

NEW: Animal Experiences – The Spider Monkeys now have an all-new habitat, located in Oasis Outpost. This exhibit is triple the size, providing the monkeys with more room for enrichment. A large section of the Alapaha Trail will be reopening for the first time in over a decade, receiving fresh wood for guests to stroll the authentic Georgia swampland. For guests who want even more animal experiences, three new animal encounters will be available to purchase with the Two-Toed Sloths, Giraffes and the Tamanduas.

NEW: 30th Anniversary Photo Opportunities – To commemorate the 30th anniversary, new selfie spots have been placed across the park to help guests digitalize their memories and share across social media.

REIMAGINED: Food Locations & Menus – Beginning on Opening Day, the all-new Walkabout Wings will open near Boomerang. Crushing wing cravings, the reimagined food stand will offer fresh-fried Chicken Tenders and Tossed Wings, with an all-new Lemon Pepper flavor available. Typhoon Grill will also give guests a taste of the Big Easy with new Shrimp Po Boys. Safari Burger, Pounce’s Pizza, Sugar Shack and Surfside Café have also improved with refreshed menus and redesigned queue lines, providing better and faster service.

“For three decades, families have trusted Wild Adventures to be the place where their memories are made,” said Donald Spiller, vice president and general manager of Wild Adventures Theme Park. “Our 30th anniversary isn’t just about looking back; it’s about investing in the future of this park and the guests who make it special. From ride upgrades to new animal experiences and refreshed dining, every addition this season reflects what we’ve heard from our community. No one funs like us, and this year we’re raising the bar once again.”

The fun continues all season long with several of Georgia’s largest seasonal events. The Easter Eggstravaganza will bring Georgia’s largest egg hunt to Wild Adventures, featuring thousands of candy-filled eggs and visits from the Easter Bunny select dates from March 28 through April 4. Guests will rock out at the Wild Adventures LIVE! concert series presented by Circle K, with an all-new star-studded lineup select Saturdays from April 11 – Aug. 8. Celebrate America offers free admission to active, retired and honorably discharged military with performances from the Harlem Globetrotters select dates beginning on June 20. Great Pumpkin LumiNights celebrates its fifth anniversary at the park from Sep. 26 – Nov. 1. The 2026 season will wrap up with holly & jolly entertainment, over two million Christmas lights and visits from Santa during Wild Adventures Christmas Wild & Bright.

To celebrate 30 years, Wild Adventures is currently offering Single Day Tickets for just $30 when purchased online now through April 6.  The best way to experience all the 2026 season fun is with a Season Pass. Gold Season Passes are now on sale for as low as $14.80 for 10 months. Season Passes includes access to all rides and slides, animals, free General Admission to every Wild Adventures LIVE! concert and in-park discounts.

For more information about the seasonal calendar or admission offers, visit WildAdventures.com.

https://www.wildadventures.com/blog/whats-new/new-animal-encounters/

Go Beyond Observation and Straight into the Heart of Nature’s Most Wonderful Beings

At Wild Adventures, guests get to meet over 300 animals from across the globe, all in one visit. This is a highlight for many, as it's not every day you can say that you've seen a Giraffe and a Tamandua in one day.

This season, we've introduced brand-new Animal Encounters for guests to add-on to their already exciting itineraries.

Animal Encounters at Wild Adventures are more than just a moment—they’re memories waiting to be made. Each experience offers something truly magical, as every animal has its own unique story, personality, and charm. Whether you’re feeding, interacting, or simply observing, these one-of-a-kind moments will have you dreaming about the wild long after your visit. Get ready to see the world through the eyes of some of its most extraordinary creatures—it’s an ADVENTURE you don’t want to miss.

Meet Our Animal Ambassadors

Bariki and Bakari

Meet our two male Giraffes Bariki and Bakari as they gently reach to take treats from your hand! Our Giraffe encounter is a breathtaking opportunity to get close to these incredible creatures and truly see the world from their towering perspective (trust us, you have to see it to believe it!). This isn’t just an encounter; it’s an unforgettable moment of connection with a wild heart.

Tiffany & Tasha

Ever heard of a Tamandua? Meet Tiffany & Tasha, known as the “mini anteater,” they're a bundle of energy and curiosity, exploring their world through scent and a tiny, powerful tongue made for hunting insects. With wide eyes and a keen sense of smell, Tiffany & Tasha will add a touch of the exotic to your day. And honestly, how many people can say they’ve come face-to-face with one of these rare animals?

Oscar & Maya

Meet our most relaxed residents, Oscar & Maya. These Two-Toed Sloths like to take things realllll slow and enjoy every moment. They spend nearly all of their time aloft, hanging from branches with a powerful grip aided by their long claws. Learn about their abilities, their diet, and their habits from our knowledgeable Animal Care team!

PLEASE NOTE: The new Animal Encounters are different from Animal Feedings. Animal Feedings are still available in the park, and all guests can participate. Animal Encounters and Feedings are subject to change without notice due to crowd conditions, inclement weather, or animal welfare.

Ready to Meet Your New Animal Friends?

These Animal Encounters are now on sale starting at just $39! You can purchase these exclusive experiences with our Animal Ambassadors here.

Once you feed our Giraffes, greet our Tamanduas, or say hi to our Two-Toed Sloths, you'll see that No One Funs Like Us.