Tag: Sevierville

Wilderness at the Smokies resort announces multi-million dollar expansion

Posted by Rick Laney – October 18, 2011

Rick Laney addresses the media in front of the existing indoor waterpark at Wilderness at the Smokies, which will soon double in size.

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. –  Following a spring and summer tourism season that resulted in record-breaking attendance numbers at Wilderness at the Smokies resort, the Southeast’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark announced that it is about to get bigger – considerably bigger.

This week, Wilderness at the Smokies resort will begin construction of its new “Adventure Forest” indoor park, literally doubling the amount of indoor space the resort provides for its guests.  Currently, the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark provides acres of indoor water attractions for visitors, and the addition of the new Adventure Forest family entertainment center will double the total amount of “under-roof” year-round fun at Wilderness at the Smokies.

“Unlike our other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, the new Adventure Forest will be a ‘dry’ park,” said Steve Cruz, General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “It will feature a three-story ropes course, a multi-level enclosed laser tag arena, bowling, black-light mini-golf, a 7,000-square foot arcade, a ‘Laser Maze,’ a 25-foot tall spring ride, special birthday party rooms, another restaurant and lounge, plus other attractions and activities that do not involve water – all of it indoors and open year-round.

“There is absolutely nothing like Adventure Forest anywhere in this region.  If it were a stand-alone attraction, it would be an amazing addition to the local tourism market – but when combined with the already outrageous offerings of Wilderness at the Smokies resort, it is going to be a premier Smoky Mountain destination.”

Unlike the other attractions at Wilderness at the Smokies, Cruz said the new Adventure Forest would be open to the general public periodically for special events.  Currently, all of the amenities at Wilderness at the Smokies are only open to resort guests.

Since opening in 2008, the $100 million Wilderness at the Smokies resort has consistently added attractions, rooms and other amenities for its guests.  Just six months after opening the Wild WaterDome waterpark, the resort added the $1.5 million, five-story Runaway Canyon waterslide.

In 2009, the resort opened its second multi-million dollar outdoor waterpark, Lake Wilderness – featuring the Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a poolside restaurant and plush cabanas.  In spite of its long list of major expansions and additions, the new Adventure Forest indoor park is by far the most significant investment the resort has made in the Sevierville area since its grand opening.  With its latest addition, the only other area attraction that has invested as heavily as Wilderness at the Smokies in the local tourism market is Dollywood.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort also sells one- and two-bedroom condominiums ranging from 850 to 1,200 square feet priced from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s.  When condominiums went on sale at Wilderness at the Smokies resort in 2007, buyers snatched up $41 million worth of the units in just one day – in only six hours, to be exact.

In the past, the City of Sevierville has estimated in press releases that Wilderness at the Smokies generates about $3 million in sales taxes and more than $500,000 in bedroom taxes every year for the local economy.

Wilderness at the Smokies employs approximately 350 year-round employees and adds around 200 additional workers during the busy summer tourism season.  The addition of the new Adventure Forest indoor park is expected to initially increase overall employment numbers at the resort by about 10 percent (approximately 50 new jobs).

Cruz said, “Wilderness at the Smokies resort is the only local attraction where you get everything a family is looking for in one place.  If you consider that when you book your room at Wilderness at the Smokies, you get access to all of our water attractions and offerings, we are by far the best value out there for families watching their vacation budgets.”

In June 2011, Southern Living Magazine listed Wilderness at number two on its list of the nation’s “Ten Best Pools” and just two months later, Wilderness at the Smokies resort was named one of the “Top Three Waterparks” in the nation by Aquatics International Magazine (the worldwide authority on waterparks).

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  With a 36-hole championship golf course, two outdoor waterparks, a huge indoor waterpark with a wave pool and the Southeast’s only Surf Rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  It is adjacent to a 200,000 square-foot conference, convention and event center known for hosting the areas largest conferences, athletic events and trade shows.

The resort is owned by Patrick Helland, Pete Helland, Jr., Tim Lucke and Tom Lucke (who also own Wilderness at the Dells Waterpark resort in Wisconsin).  Steve Cruz is the General Manager of Wilderness at the Smokies and Rick Laney is spokesperson for the resort.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Sevierville announces winner of national search for an amazing and inspiring woman for Girlfriend’s Getaway

Posted by Rick Laney – September 16, 2011

Julie Pease (left) and Barbie Bricker

Sevierville, Tenn. –  After receiving more than 600 nominations from all parts of the country for Sevierville’s “Great Girlfriend’s Getaway” search, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce has announced that Julie Pease of Arlington, Texas was selected as the “amazing and inspiring” woman to represent Sevierville in their national Girlfriend’s Getaway ad campaign.  Pease had a surprise visit at her home from representatives of Sevierville and her friend – Barbie Bricker – who nominated her.

Bricker wrote a glowing nomination of Pease, who is the central point of support among their group of friends. During the past decade, Pease has helped her best friend Laurie Jones as she battles cancer, including taking time off work to help her recover from surgeries and transport her to and from chemotherapy. During this time Pease also lost both of her own parents and her husband.  According to Bricker, “Through all of her losses, Julie finds the good. She puts others first and cares for everyone else.”

“This group of girls is so special in my life,” says Pease. “They are my encouragers, my safe place and the people that I can be myself around. I know I can trust them. In the good times and bad times, there will always be laughter! I love these girls.”

Along with three other friends from church – Sandy McNutt, Laurie Jones, and Stephanie McVay – the women will now get an all expenses paid, “over-the-top” Girlfriends Getaway to Sevierville, Tenn. in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.  While in Sevierville later this month, the group will enjoy high-end shopping at the Tanger Five Oaks with the help of a fashion consultant, luxurious cabin accommodations at Oak Haven Resort, gourmet in-cabin meals, ziplining, winemaking at Hillside Winery, relaxing treatments at Oak Haven Spa, and much more.

“There were so many nominations telling us about incredible women overcoming difficult situations and inspiring others that choosing just one was very difficult,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “We chose Julie because she epitomizes the selflessness of true friendship and I really think other women will relate to her because of that.”

In addition to the free trip Pease and her friends will receive, they will also have the starring role in Sevierville’s new national Girlfriend’s Getaway advertising campaign.

To learn more about organizing a Sevierville Girlfriends Getaway, go to www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.  Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, and is surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, high end outlet shopping, shows and attractions, and is Dolly Parton’s hometown.  Sevierville is The Official Destination for Girlfriend’s Getaways™.

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Time is running out to nominate that special woman for a starring role in ad campaign and a free Girlfriend’s Getaway

Posted by Rick Laney – August 10, 2011

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Do you know a woman who makes a positive impact everywhere she goes?  Right now, you could send that woman (even if she’s you) on a free, over-the-top Girlfriend’s Getaway and land her a starring role in a national ad campaign simply by telling us about her.  But you need to hurry because nominations close on Monday, August 15, 2011.

The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce has launched The Great Girlfriend’s Getaway Search, an opportunity to nominate an inspiring woman for a chance to win a Girlfriend’s Getaway to

Sevierville, Tenn. (in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains) and a starring role in Sevierville’s new national Girlfriend’s Getaway advertising campaign.

The winner will share her Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway experience with three of her closest gal-pals from September 25-October 1, 2011 and be featured in the city’s 2012 advertising campaign.

“A Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway can be a high-end outlet shopping trip, a confidence boosting outdoor adventure, a golf excursion with the ladies, and so much more,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “Our destination offers a tremendous variety of activities so your getaway can be whatever you love to do. We want to focus on that while also reminding women that it’s important to make time for themselves guilt-free.

To nominate an amazing woman in your life, go to www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.  Nominations may be submitted from now until August 15, 2011.

Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is Dolly Parton’s hometown and is The Official Destination for Girlfriend’s Getaways™.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

And you thought the “Royal Wedding” was over …

Posted by Rick Laney – August 3, 2011

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – To honor the 12 honeymooning couples on board the RMS Titanic, the Titanic Museum Attraction and Star 102.1 FM will give away their own “Royal Wedding.”  The million-dollar Grand Staircase of the Titanic Museum Attraction creates a luxurious magic unlike anyplace else on earth.  Steeped in history and romanticism, the centerpiece of the world’s most famous ocean liner is exact in every detail to the one passengers walked on board the RMS Titanic – and it’s where the Titanic Royal Wedding will take place.

Couples wishing to enter the contest must complete an online form (www.TitanicAttraction.com) and submit a video introducing themselves, telling about their relationship, and explaining why they should win the “Royal Wedding.”  Once videos are submitted, three finalists will be selected and the public will be able to vote online beginning in December for their favorite couple after watching the videos.  One couple will win the Titanic Royal Wedding in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and another couple will win a Titanic Royal Wedding in Branson, Mo.  Online voters will also select the bride’s gown, the wedding cake and the flowers for each of the weddings.  Winners will be announced on January 16, 2012.

The Titanic Museum Attraction and Star 102.1 FM’s Royal Wedding Contest is just one more special way the museum is honoring the 100 Year Anniversary of Titanic’s maiden voyage. It has been 99 years since a lookout in the crow’s nest shouted, “Iceberg right ahead!”  For the twelve months leading up to April 15, 2012, when it will have been a century since the RMS Titanic was lost, Titanic Museum Attractions will pay respect to and honor those 2,208 passengers and crew members with an ongoing series of special events, activities and ceremonies.

As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner, Titanic Museum Attractions will continue to open the door to the past in it’s one-of-a-kind way – letting “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers.  As visitors touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase and third class hallways, reach their hands into 28-degree water, and try to stand on the sloping decks, they learn what it was like on the RMS Titanic by experiencing it first-hand.

Each and every day, Titanic Museum Attractions provides a gateway to 1912, where First Class Maids and a variety of Officers and crew members bring the stories of the fabled ship and its fascinating passengers to life by retelling their stories in vivid, dramatic detail.  The priceless artifacts throughout the museum shed additional light on the lives of those passengers and crew members when guests see the actual belongings of those on board and artifacts that sailed on Titanic’s maiden voyage.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. opens daily at 9 a.m.  Reservations are strongly suggested (many days sell out entirely). Or, passengers may purchase tickets online at www.TitanicAttraction.com or by phone at 800-381-7670.

Cedar Bay Entertainment, LLC owns and operates the Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo.  Titanic Tennessee, LLC owns and operates the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Both are privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development companies.  Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Mo., the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction.  Titanic Tennessee, LLC is headquartered in Pigeon Forge, TN.   Titanic Branson has welcomed more than 3 million guests, and Titanic Pigeon Forge boards approximately 100,000 “passengers” each month.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Nominate inspiring woman for free “Girlfriend’s Getaway” and she could be featured in national ad campaign

Posted by Rick Laney – August 2, 2011

Sevierville, Tenn. – August 2, 2011 – Do you know a woman who makes a positive impact everywhere she goes?  Right now, you could send that woman (even if she’s you) on a free, over-the-top Girlfriend’s Getaway and land her a starring role in a national ad campaign simply by telling us about her.

The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce has launched The Great Girlfriend’s Getaway Search, an opportunity to nominate an inspiring woman for a chance to win a Girlfriend’s Getaway to Sevierville, Tenn. (in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains) and a starring role in Sevierville’s new national Girlfriend’s Getaway advertising campaign.

The winner will share her Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway experience with three of her closest gal-pals from September 25-October 1, 2011 and be featured in the city’s 2012 advertising campaign.

“A Sevierville Girlfriend’s Getaway can be a high-end outlet shopping trip, a confidence boosting outdoor adventure, a golf excursion with the ladies, and so much more,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “Our destination offers a tremendous variety of activities so your getaway can be whatever you love to do. We want to focus on that while also reminding women that it’s important to make time for themselves guilt-free.”

To nominate an amazing woman in your life, go to www.OfficialGirlfriendsGetaway.com.  Nominations may be submitted from now until August 15, 2011.

Sevierville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is Dolly Parton’s hometown and is The Official Destination for Girlfriend’s Getaways™.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

East Tennessee gets second chance to see ‘Jenny & Ashley’ after Wilderness concert tickets disappear in 15 minutes

Posted by Rick Laney – July 7, 2011

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – With people camped out in the parking lot at Smokies Stadium for nearly 12 hours, passes to the Jenny & Ashley concert and video shoot at Wilderness at the Smokies resort were grabbed up in just 15 minutes this morning. Fortunately, those who want to see the rising music and television stars perform will get a second chance when they rock Smokies Stadium on Wednesday evening, July 20, 2011.

Jenny & Ashley

Jenny & Ashley will perform during the Smokies’ home game against the Carolina Mud Cats. The sisters will also meet with fans and sign autographs before and after the game. Tickets to the Tennessee Smokies game are available at www.smokiesbaseball.com or at the team’s ticket office. Don’t miss this last opportunity to see Jenny & Ashley perform in East Tennessee.

Jenny (15) and Ashley (14) Cooke are originally from Wisconsin, but moved to Pleasanton, Calif. when they were in elementary school. The sisters discovered their talents early while performing in a number of theatre productions and quickly made the move to acting and modeling. Jenny appeared as a model and cover girl for Kohl’s television and print advertising and also started acting. Ashley quickly caught the bug too, and modeled for both Levi’s and Kohl’s in television and print advertising. They followed their dreams to Los Angeles, where Jenny and Ashley picked up television work with both Disney and Nickelodeon.

Quickly realizing their love and passion for music, the girls switched gears and headed to Nashville. Jenny & Ashley caught the eye of some very important players in Nashville and soon found themselves in-studio recording their first EP. The EP, “Songs About You,” has songs the girls wrote as well as great songs from famous Nashville writers. Darran Smith, Tim McGraw’s co-producer and lead guitarist, produced the entire product and Tim’s band, The Dance Hall Doctors, tracked every instrument you hear on the EP. “Songs About You,” available now on iTunes, is an upbeat pop/country album which includes the song “Indescribable,” co-written by Ashley, that is receiving national radio airplay.

Following in the footsteps of Disney superstars Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”), Selena Gomez, and the Jonas Brothers, Jenny and Ashley Cooke are skyrocketing to stardom. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them perform up-close and live.

Rick Laney, vice president of Knoxville-based Ackermann PR, is serving as a production consultant for the concert/video shoot. Laney has worked with National Geographic Television, MTV Productions, Travel Channel and other national and international television networks.

All additional details for the Jenny & Ashley appearance will be updated online at www.ackermannwire.com and at www.wildernessatthesmokies.com .

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

New teen sensations Jenny and Ashley will shoot concert video at Wilderness at the Smokies resort July 16

Posted by Rick Laney – June 30, 2011

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Following in the footsteps of Disney superstars Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”), Selena Gomez, and the Jonas Brothers, Jenny and Ashley Cooke, better known as “Jenny & Ashley,” will perform and shoot a video at Wilderness at the Smokies resort in Sevierville on Saturday night, July 16, 2011.

Jenny & Ashley

Not only will the video shoot be free and open to our guests and some members of the general public, but everyone who shows up for the video shoot will also receive a pass to come back and spend an entire day for FREE at Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  Although the resort has been open for three years, it has never been open to the general public (only resort guests can use the waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies). During the concert, a limited number of outside guests will be permitted to watch the concert and participate in the shoot.

The concert / video shoot begins at 8 p.m. ET and those who wish to be in the video are asked to be at the resort by 7 p.m.  Special parking will be provided at Wilderness at the Smokies and those who wish to participate in the music video shoot will be directed once they arrive.

To get a free pass to participate in this event, you will need to make a donation to Soles4Souls, a charity group that gives shoes to those in need.  We will know in coming days where people can drop off new or gently used shoes in exchange for passes to the Jenny & Ashley concert event at Wilderness at the Smokies.  Please note that ONLY those who have obtained passes to this concert by donating shoes to Soles4Souls will be allowed to attend.

Jenny and Ashley’s complete touring band will be joining them at Wilderness at the Smokies and a production team and director are coming in to manage the music video shoot.  Rick Laney, vice president of Knoxville’s Ackermann PR who has also worked with National Geographic Television, MTV Productions, Travel Channel, and has produced live concert DVDs in the past, is serving as a production consultant to the project.

Those who come to the video shoot are asked to bring their swimsuits.  Although some people will be directed to be in the water during the video shoot, not everyone will be and many of our attractions (waterslides, Surf Rider, etc.) may be closed.  You may be asked to follow the direction and instructions of the production crew while the video is being shot.  After the shoot, Wilderness at the Smokies will show our appreciation for your involvement in this production by giving everyone in attendance a FREE wristband good for one entire day – from open to close – at our waterpark resort (to be used any time in the next two months).

Jenny (15) and Ashley (14) are originally from Wisconsin, but moved to Pleasanton, Calif. when they were in elementary school.  The sisters discovered their talents early while performing in a number of theatre productions and quickly made the move to acting and modeling. Jenny appeared as a model and cover girl for Kohl’s television and print advertising and also started acting.  Ashley quickly caught the bug too, and modeled for both Levi’s and Kohl’s in television and print advertising. They followed their dreams to Los Angeles, where Jenny and Ashley picked up work with Disney, Nickelodeon and Fox Television.

Quickly realizing their love and passion for music the girls switched gears and headed to Nashville to pursue music.  Jenny & Ashley caught the eye of some very important players in Nashville and soon found themselves in studio recording their first EP.  The EP, “Songs About You,” has songs the girls wrote as well as great songs from famous Nashville writers.  Darran Smith, Tim McGraw’s co-producer and lead guitarist, produced the entire product and Tim’s band, The Dance Hall Doctors, tracked every instrument you hear.  “Songs About You,” available now on iTunes, is an upbeat pop/country album which includes “Indescribable” co-written by Ashley and received national radio airplay.

Stay tuned to find out how YOU can join us for a FREE evening of music and fun while Jenny and Ashley shoot their music video on July 16 at 8 p.m.  We will also be announcing the drop-off location where you can donate shoes in exchange for passes to the concert.  Jenny and Ashley will stick around after the concert to meet our guests.  As our way of thanking you for helping with this video production, we want you to then bring your free passes and come back to Wilderness at the Smokies and enjoy all three of our waterparks for the entire day.  Visit www.AckermannWire.com regularly for all updates and more details as they are available.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Titanic Museum Attractions will send 12 people on free trips to RMS Titanic birthplace

Posted by Rick Laney – June 16, 2011

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. and BRANSON, Mo. –  To commemorate Titanic’s Irish heritage, Titanic Museum Attractions in Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. will give away six 11-day trips for two to Belfast beginning today. The 12 winners of the “Back to Titanic 100th Year ‘Tour Ireland’ Sweepstakes” will go to Belfast where they will visit the birthplace of the world’s best-known, most luxurious ocean liner.

The RMS Titanic under construction in Belfast, Ireland

Winners receive airfare to and from Ireland, ground transportation, and hotel accommodations. The Back to Titanic 100th Anniversary Tour begins in Belfast, where winners will learn the history behind the world’s most famous ocean liner. Their journey continues in Dublin where they’ll take advantage of everything the beautiful city has to offer. They’ll also have a special presentation by Rory Golden which will include the first-ever images of the discovered Titanic wreck and the impact Titanic has had on society. Winners will experience many breathtaking areas of Ireland with guided tours and exclusive events taking place in Belfast, Dublin, Cobh and Kilkenny offered only to these travelers!

To enter the “Back to Titanic 100th Year ‘Tour Ireland’ Sweepstakes,” simply visit www.TitanicAttraction.com and click on the sweepstakes banner to register. Each person entering the sweepstakes may enter one time per day between June 13, 2011 and Feb. 1, 2012. The winner will be drawn in early February 2012.

In May 1911, the RMS Titanic slid down Slipway No. 3 at the Queen’s Yard of Harland & Wolff and settled on the waters of the Victoria Channel in Belfast, Ireland while more than 100,000 people looked on. At the time, she was the largest movable manmade object on the face of the planet. In the coming months, RMS Titanic would complete numerous successful sea trials with Irish workers and crew members on board.

The following April, when Titanic set sail on her maiden voyage, the world watched as the A-List celebrities of the day – the Astors, the Strauses and Guggenheims – boarded alongside everyday working-class people. Four days later, after striking an iceberg on her starboard side, those same diverse passengers would carry out amazing acts of generosity, kindness and heroism as well as unthinkable acts of cowardice as they struggled for their lives in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912.

It has been 99 years since a lookout in the crow’s nest shouted, “Iceberg right ahead!” For the twelve months leading up to April 15, 2012, when it will have been a century since the RMS Titanic was lost, Titanic Museum Attractions will pay respect to and honor those 2,208 passengers and crew members with an ongoing series of special events, activities and ceremonies.

As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner, Titanic Museum Attractions will continue to open the door to the past in it’s one-of-a-kind way – letting “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers. As visitors touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase and third class hallways, reach their hands into 28-degree water, and try to stand on the sloping decks, they learn what it was like on the RMS Titanic by experiencing it first-hand.

Each and every day, Titanic Museum Attractions provides a gateway to 1912, where First Class Maids and a variety of Officers and crew members bring the stories of the fabled ship and its fascinating passengers to life by retelling their stories in vivid, dramatic detail. The priceless artifacts throughout the museum shed additional light on the lives of those passengers and crew members when guests see the actual belongings of those on board and artifacts that sailed on Titanic’s maiden voyage.

The Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Branson, Mo. opens daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are strongly suggested (many days sell out entirely). Or, passengers may purchase tickets online at www.TitanicAttraction.com or by phone at 800-381-7670. For more information and details about the “Back to Titanic 100th Year ‘Tour Ireland’ Sweepstakes” visit www.TitanicAttraction.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness at the Smokies is a premier eco-friendly resort

Posted by Rick Laney – June 8, 2011

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – It is only natural that a resort called “Wilderness at the Smokies” is doing everything it can to preserve the environment and be an environmentally responsible business.  Although thousands of visitors travel from all over to experience the resort’s indoor and outdoor waterparks every day, many of them don’t realize all that Wilderness at the Smokies is doing to be a leader in environmental-friendliness.

Inside the Wild Water Dome at Wilderness at the Smokies resort.

Just this month, Wilderness at the Smokies resort launched a new towel program designed to give guests the high level of service and convenience they are accustomed to from the resort while significantly reducing the amount of washing and drying it does and the energy it consumes.  With every waterpark pass, guests are issued a towel card which allows each visitor to have two towels at all times.  As the towels become wet, guests simply trade them for dry towels.  The new towel card system has already resulted in a huge reduction in energy use by the resort.

The first thing many families notice when entering the indoor waterpark at Wilderness at the Smokies is that it feels like you’re outside on a beautiful summer day – even in the middle of winter.  The see-through Texlon™ roof that covers the indoor waterpark allows sunlight and UV rays into the 60,000 square-foot indoor waterpark.  The Texlon™ roof not only allows guests to tan year round, it allows real plants to thrive indoors and dramatically reduces the resort’s energy consumption.

According to John Regnerus, operations director at Wilderness at the Smokies, the resort uses 300 to 400 less therms of natural gas per day to heat the indoor waterpark during the colder winter months because of the Texlon™ roof.  One therm is the energy equivalent of burning about 100 cubic feet of natural gas and the average U.S. household uses roughly 1,000 therms per year.  “It significantly lowers our energy consumption,” Regnerus said.  “Over a three or four month period, we can reduce our natural gas usage by 30,000 to nearly 50,000 therms.  That’s a considerable reduction in our use of fossil fuel.”

The difference between an indoor waterpark with a Texlon™ roof and one with a standard roof like one would find in a gymnasium is the difference between night and day.  The transparency of the Texlon™ roof and the natural light it allows into Wilderness at the Smokies brings the outdoors in throughout the year.

The natural lighting provided by the Texlon™ roof at Wilderness at the Smokies also allows the resort to lower its electric consumption by not using artificial lighting during daylight hours.  The roof has a built-in ventilation system to circulate more air in the summertime and reduces the resort’s use of air conditioning when it’s warm outside.

“Because of the roof at Wilderness at the Smokies, guests can literally forget they are inside,” said Dave Keim of Aquatic Development Group, the company that supplied the Texlon™ roof to Wilderness at the Smokies.  “In the middle of winter, guests are surrounded by live tropical plants, getting a suntan and splashing in the water attractions.  The energy savings are important, but what the guests remember is the experience.”

Wilderness at the Smokies is a member of the Green Hotels Association.  In addition to the Texlon™ roof over the resort’s indoor waterpark, Wilderness at the Smokies uses energy-saving compact florescent lighting in many areas throughout its facility and all of its appliances and kitchen equipment are the latest Energy Star rated design (using 30 percent less energy than older appliances).  Guest rooms at River Lodge are equipped with state-of-the-art key-controlled occupancy sensors which save electricity by turning on lights and the HVAC system as guests enter their rooms.  Tinted windows in guest rooms are also designed to reduce energy consumption and motion-sensing paper towel dispensers in the common areas reduce paper usage.

“Wilderness at the Smokies is adjacent to one of this nation’s most valuable natural wonders – the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Steve Cruz, the general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “The environment is one of the primary reasons guests come to the Smokies.  We value nature and the environment the same way our guests do.  Being environmentally responsible is everyone’s job and Wilderness at the Smokies wants to be a leader in this area.”

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in 2009 and is the Southeast’s largest indoor/outdoor waterpark resort.  With two outdoor waterparks and a 6-acre indoor waterpark, Wilderness also has six restaurants, a deli, gift shops, convenience stores, mini-golf, and a 36-hole championship golf course.  Wilderness is connected to a 200,000 square-foot conference and event center capable of hosting events for 10,000 people.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

Wilderness at the Smokies Resort names Steve Cruz General Manager

Posted by Rick Laney – April 26, 2011

Steve Cruz

Sevierville, Tenn. – Wilderness at the Smokies resort has named Steve Cruz General Manager of the popular 700-acre indoor/outdoor waterpark resort in Sevierville, Tenn.  Cruz, who previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing for Wilderness, brings more than 15 years experience in the East Tennessee tourism industry to his new role.

Cruz’s professional experience includes working with Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia.

Cruz said, “Wilderness at the Smokies has changed the tourism landscape in this area.  It’s exciting to be part of such a special place that so many families look forward to visiting.  We plan to build on and grow the unbelievable success Wilderness at the Smokies has experienced in its first three years of operation.”

Wilderness owner Pete Helland said Cruz has the perfect background and knowledge to firmly establish Wilderness at the Smokies as the Smoky Mountain region’s premier resort attraction.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in 2009 and is the Southeast’s largest indoor/outdoor waterpark resort.  With two outdoor waterparks and a 6-acre indoor waterpark, Wilderness also has six restaurants, a deli, gift shops, convenience stores, mini-golf, and a 36-hole championship golf course.  Wilderness is connected to a 100,000 square-foot conference and event center capable of hosting events for 10,000 people.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the area’s only year-round vacation destinations.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, call toll-free 877-325-9453 or visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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Rick Laney
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