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.