Tag: Vacation

Free Disney Parks app now available exclusively through Verizon

Posted by Rick Laney – August 19, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Looking for an easier way to find your favorite Disney characters while visiting a Disney Park?  Wouldn’t it be nice to know how long the line and wait is for that ride on the other side of the park? Thanks to a new app from Disney and Verizon Wireless, visitors will be provided valuable information like this to help enhance their experience in Disney Parks.  This new FREE app, called “Mobile Magic,” is now available and is compatible with most Cellular Sales smartphones.

The GPS-powered Mobile Magic app exclusively for Verizon phones

Mobile Magic is the only official Disney Parks app, using GPS technology to identify park visitors’ locations while providing them with important information such as attraction wait times, as well as FASTPASS return times for the park they are currently visiting.  With GPS-enabled maps, park visitors can easily find nearby characters, attractions, dining options, or even the nearest restroom.

Upon arrival to the park, guests may enter their parking location to keep it stored for when they return at the end of the day.  They may also use the app to find information on transportation options, including the monorail and shuttles.

Additional information provided by the Mobile Magic app includes a list of daily park events, weather information for each of the parks, show information and even live, competitive trivia games.

Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon premium wireless retailer, is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. The company operates more than 400 stores across the United States. For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies. For more information about Cellular Sales, visit www.CellularSales.com.

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

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

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.

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

Remembering the RMS Titanic 99 years later

Posted by Rick Laney – April 15, 2011

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. — John Joslyn, co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge,  has been to the RMS Titanic on the ocean floor and organized the $6 million expedition to the ship that brought the world its first televised video of the famous luxury liner in her final resting place two and a half miles beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

Today marks a significant milestone for the RMS Titanic and the Titanic Museum Attraction.  It has been exactly 99 years since the lookout in the crow’s nest shouted, “Iceberg right ahead!”  For the next twelve months leading up to April 15, 2012, when it will have been a century since the Titanic was lost, Titanic Museum will have many special events and ways to honor, respect and pay homage to those 2,208 passengers and crew members onboard RMS Titanic.

As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner, we will continue to open the door to the past and let our “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic – surrounded by more than 400 artifacts from the ship and its passengers.

Below is an amazing photo from one of John Joslyn’s dives to the bottom of the Atlantic where the world’s most famous luxury liner still rests today.

The RMS Titanic as seen by Titanic Museum Attraction co-owner John Joslyn.

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

Wilderness at the Smokies resort dives into spring 2011 with record-breaking attendance numbers

Posted by Rick Laney – April 12, 2011

Sevierville, Tenn. – After record-breaking March attendance, Wilderness at the Smokies resort, the Southeast’s largest indoor/outdoor waterpark resort, is diving head-first into April 2011 with its Spring Grand Opening of all outdoor activities and attractions.

One of the three amazing waterparks at Wilderness at the Smokies resort

During April, Wilderness at the Smokies attendance figures rose more than 30 percent over the same time period last year.  The resort attributes a steadily growing spring break crowd and additional rooms that are now available at the resort for the growth.  Wilderness at the Smokies resort offers guests more than 1,500 rooms in a variety of configurations to choose from during their stay.

“As we continue to grow, word is getting out about Wilderness at the Smokies resort,” said Pete Helland, owner of Wilderness at the Smokies.  “Not only is Wilderness at the Smokies unique to the Smokies, it’s unique to the entire Southeast United States – and people are seeing what a great, affordable, family vacation we provide.  I expect that we will continue to see growth and more record-breaking months moving forward.”

April also ushered in the opening of Wilderness at the Smokies’ many outdoor activities – including both Salamander Springs and Cataloochee Creek outdoor waterparks.  Featuring wave pools, waterslides, an adventure river and countless play areas for people of all ages, the outdoor waterparks are always a resort favorite with guests.  The resort’s mini-golf course, cabanas, and outdoor dining facilities also opened this month (all outdoor activities operate weather permitting).

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

Titanic Museum Attraction celebrates one year of operation in Pigeon Forge and launches new audio tours

Posted by Rick Laney – April 7, 2011

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – This month marks the one-year anniversary of Titanic Museum Attraction’s Grand Opening in Pigeon Forge.  The museum, which has already been named one of the Smoky Mountain Region’s top “must-see” attractions, has hosted over 800,000 visitors in its first year of operation.

The Memorial Gallery at Titanic Museum Attraction

The excitement about Titanic Museum Attraction that started when popular television host Regis Philbin emceed the Grand Opening Celebration in 2010 – calling it “simply the best museum I’ve ever seen” – has continued to grow with each new special event and the constantly-changing elements within the museum.

John Joslyn, co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction, said, “As we enter our second year of operation, we wanted to give our visitors something special.  If I had the ability to let you walk through the Titanic Museum Attraction with one of the survivors, would that interest you?  Of course it would – and I can do that right now with the brand new audio tour we just introduced at Titanic Museum Attraction.”

The headset for Titanic Museum Attraction's new audio tours.

As part of a television documentary Joslyn produced, he traveled the world interviewing survivors of the Titanic, and those dramatic first-hand accounts of what happened are now being revealed for the first time ever at the Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge.  Guests will be able to hear amazingly detailed stories about what took place on the ship that fateful night and learn the stories behind the museum’s most fascinating artifacts.Titanic

Titanic Museum Attraction invested well over $1 million in the new audio tour, which is available as an “adult tour” version and a “young person tour” version.  Narrated by Jaynee, the Titanic Museum’s First Class maid, the audio tour includes music and special effects that sound amazing on the $600 audio players from France which are used in some of the world’s premier museums.

Joslyn has been to the RMS Titanic on the ocean floor and organized the $6 million expedition to the ship that brought the world its first televised video of the famous luxury liner in her final resting place two and a half miles beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

This month also marks another significant milestone for the RMS Titanic and the Titanic Museum Attraction.  On April 15, 2011 it will have been exactly 99 years since the 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 Titanic was lost, Titanic Museum will have many special events and ways to honor, respect and pay homage to those 2,208 passengers and crew members onboard RMS Titanic.

As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner, we will continue to open the door to the past and let our “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic – surrounded by more than 400 artifacts from the ship and its passengers.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. is open daily at 9 a.m.  Reservations are strongly suggested (many days sell out entirely). Or, passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicpigeonforge.com or by phone at 800-381-7670.  Two (2) audio players can be rented for $10 at the museum.

Cedar Bay Entertainment owns and operates Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.  A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Mo., the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction.  Since it’s April 2006 grand opening, Titanic Branson has welcomed more than 3 million guests.

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

Titanic Museum Attraction sponsors romantic Valentine’s Day vacation giveaway

Posted by Rick Laney – January 18, 2011

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – Romance and adventure were in the air when Titanic set sail on April 10, 1912.  Fourteen couples traveling on Titanic were on their honeymoon, including nine in first class.  There were also many young brides-to-be sailing to America to start a new life in a new country.  Titanic Museum Attraction’s Sweetheart Month – which takes place throughout February – pays tribute to romance and the lasting love of devoted couples everywhere.

Romance is alive and well at Titanic Museum Attraction.

In honor of the Titanic’s romantic history, Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is giving away a FREE Vow Renewal on the Titanic Museum’s Grand Staircase which includes a two-night stay at the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort in Sevierville, Tenn. and two tickets to the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The Vow Renewal ceremony will take place in elegant style on Titanic’s million-dollar Grand Staircase and will be presided over by the ship’s captain.

Titanic Museum Attraction is looking for couples who got married in a very unique way or have a unique story to tell about their wedding day.  Beginning now, anyone who thinks they have an amazing love story can go to Titanic Museum Attraction’s website at www.TitanicPigeonForge.com and fill out the entry form. Get your family involved as well. You can have your parents, grandparents, friends, etc. fill out contest entry forms about your wedding. Make sure that each entry includes the same “Bride and Groom” information.

On Valentine’s Day, one of the couples will be selected and awarded with the Vow Renewal package. You must fill out a contest entry form on the website to win. Winners will be notified after Valentine’s Day and the Vow Renewal must be scheduled and executed by Dec. 31, 2011.

It really is that simple!  Entries will only be accepted until Feb. 13, 2011, so hurry and beat the crowd! Contestants must be 18 years of age to enter.  The prize package does not include travel, airfare or other accommodations.

Although it has been open less than a year, the Titanic Museum attraction already is recognized as one of the Great Smoky Mountain area’s top attractions, and according to owner John Joslyn, the museum is just getting started.  Valentine’s Day will be celebrated all 28 days of February at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge during the museum’s first annual “Sweetheart Month.”

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

Cedar Bay Entertainment owns and operates Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo.and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.  A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Mo., the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction.  Since it’s April 2006 grand opening, Titanic Branson has welcomed nearly 3 million guests.

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Disclaimer:

The contest will be open only to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. The contest winner will be selected by a panel of Titanic Judges. The most unique wedding story, to be determined by the panel of Titanic Judges, will win. Winner will be notified by telephone and/or email.


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

One-of-a-kind new $40 million “Water Magic” attraction will make a huge splash in Pigeon Forge

Posted by Rick Laney – November 23, 2010

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – Nothing fascinates children of all ages like water.  They are drawn to it, mesmerized by it and love being surrounded by it.  Next year, John Joslyn plans to give kids (and kids at heart) just what they want with his brand new “Water Magic” attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

John Joslyn

Joslyn announced Tuesday morning that he is moving forward with plans to build the more than $40 million Water Magic across from his Titanic Museum Attraction on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.  Joslyn said construction would begin early next year and he hopes to open the new attraction by the summer of 2013.  Contrary to early reports, Joslyn said Water Magic is not a water park.

Joslyn has been welcomed warmly to East Tennessee, and the Titanic Museum Attraction he co-owns and operates with his wife Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, has been an overwhelming hit with tourists – averaging 100,000 visitors per month.  Like everything the Joslyn’s have been involved with, Water Magic will leave its guests amazed and in awe.

John Joslyn said, “When we came to East Tennessee last April, we had evaluated a number of tourism markets.  We have experience in Orlando and in Branson – so we truly believed our concepts would succeed here.  We’ve surpassed our projections here in Pigeon Forge in almost every way, so it should come as no surprise that we want to build our next major attraction right here.  I can assure you, Water Magic will exceed any of your expectations – this one is simply going to blow you away.

“Water Magic will be one of the world’s most innovative and magical family-themed attractions.  Full of water but not a water park – Water Magic will introduce a new dimension in family entertainment for all generations.”

Like Joslyn’s Titanic Museum Attraction across the Parkway, the brand new Water Magic will be impossible for visitors to miss.  The entire attraction will be wrapped in GREEN as it recycles water, generates electricity, and produces its own HVAC in a unique, new, eco-conscious building of the future.  From the Parkway, the building itself will be an amazing sight.

Water Magic is a one-of-a-kind attraction that will offer guests a splashing good time, beginning with a 100-foot kinetic-energy sculpture.  Crowned with a 1,000-gallon water bucket that haphazardly topples over on a regular basis, this iconic sculpture will feature water that cascades down and onto Water Magic’s grand entry plaza.  Like other Joslyn projects, Water Magic will be unparalleled in its commitment to every aspect of the guest experience.

Artist's conceptual rendering of Water Magic

The first stop for visitors to Water Magic will be Emporium Square, a two-story atrium with a kaleidoscope of water-driven gadgetry that immediately captures the imagination.  Fountains of water, in every shape, size and description, will be synchronized to music, creating a marvelous water wonderland.  Center stage will be occupied by none other than the “Wizard,” the impresario of Water Magic.  Guests will find he has a devilish sense of humor and loves to make people wet.

Emporium Square will lead to a number of portals, and each guest may choose the one that begins his/her adventure.  Each portal flows into a different gallery that offers a fun experience with water—that mysterious, slippery, mesmerizing, reflective and hypnotic wet stuff that’s just plain fun.  Some galleries will allow guests to feel like they are walking on water, while the Water Tunnel will make them laugh out loud from the surprise burst of water they get as they enter.  And let’s not forget the Mirror Maze gauntlet that not only puzzles the mind but keeps everyone on their toes with—you guessed it—more water.

Guests will love the new Water Theater and the latest production of Water Magic’s “Imagination Rhapsody”—a musical cacophony of water jets and swaying water spouts that will entertain all.  Guests will even be able to orchestrate their own water symphonies, but they shouldn’t be surprised if the wrong note sends a wave of water their way.  In the Deep-Sea Exhibition area, guests will experience a dive to the ocean floor, where they can explore the depths and its creatures.  Another experience designed to mesmerize guests will be the famous Bubble Room, where there’s a lot more to bubbles than anyone thought they knew.

Like a water-powered funhouse on steroids, Water Magic is where guests can opt for complete and total immersion.  Our motto is “Get Me Wet.”  Our objective throughout the attraction is to entertain with a splash of “edutainment.”  And not to worry; body dryers flank each gallery to blow-dry any wetness.

“I got into the water in the 1980s with Titanic,” Joslyn joked, “and for the past 25 years I haven’t been able to get out.  I don’t know what I’ll do next – but chances are it will involve water.”

The most unique aspect of Water Magic’s basic equation is that almost every entertainment element—from concept to creation—will have sprung from the minds of Westgate’s design team.  Therefore, Westgate Entertainment will have proprietary control of all intellectual property, and may recycle and apply it to future attractions.  This will help Westgate create a powerful brand that preserves the unique qualities of Water Magic and other future attraction venues.

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

WonderWorks bridges the gap between education and entertainment for vacationers

Posted by Rick Laney – June 29, 2010

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – With summer vacation in full swing, parents and educators are singing the praises of WonderWorks – one of Pigeon Forge’s premier vacation destinations.  By combining fun, completely interactive zones with science, art and physical challenges, WonderWorks is a comprehensive learning experience where visitors’ imaginations can run wild.

WonderWorks, is an amusement park for the mind or an easier way to describe it is as an  indoor theme park that opened in 2006 and has nearly 60,000 square feet of fun for all ages. Housed in an upside down building (you have to see it to be believe it), WonderWorks appears to have been ripped from its foundation and set back down on its roof.  Beneath its fascinating exterior, WonderWorks features a myriad of hands-on learning experiences, demonstrations and activities utilizing some of the most sophisticated graphic and audio presentation techniques available.

“Parents want to be involved in their child’s education,” said Andrea Wilson, Ph.D., the educational manager at WonderWorks.  “Here at WonderWorks, the kids have a great time – and they make lasting memories with their family and friends – but it also influences their educational journey for the rest of their lives.  They get more value here than they do from putt-putt or go-carts.  Children leave this building with knowledge they didn’t have when they walked in.”

"Mind Ball" at WonderWorks

Inside WonderWorks, guests find 120 interactive adventures that are divided into separate themed zones.  The “Challenge Zone” includes a rock climbing wall, physical and psychological endurance competitions and even a “bed of nails” to lie on.  In the “Space Zone,” visitors are entertained with interactive, 3-D films about outer space plus a life-size re-creation of space suit they can try on for size, a Mercury Space Capsule, and simulators that allow guests to land the Discovery Space Shuttle as it glides in from outer space.

WonderWorks also houses a “Sound and Light Zone,” a “Natural Disaster Zone” (where guests can experience a 6.0 earthquake), and the “Control Center” where visitors ride the roller coaster they created in a coaster simulator.

The museum aligns with a variety of state educational standards for educators & students, and all lesson plans have multiple curriculum components. Students may participate in each exhibit on-site, but classroom discussion should follow each one individually. The lessons range from studying the Scientific Method and Newton’s Laws to learning about sound energy and natural disasters. Below are examples of the exhibits at WonderWorks and the lessons for each:

  • Mind Ball – Two people compete to see who can relax and clear their mind the fastest.  Unlike most competitive situations where the focus on winning creates an anxious, adrenaline-driven state of mind, the new Mind Ball challenge reverses the expectations of those competing.  You can’t win at Mind Ball by desperately focusing on winning – you only win by relaxing your mind and focusing on as little as possible.  At the Mind Ball challenge, students learn how alpha and theta waves affect their brains. 

  • Velocity Ball – The student will throw a ball at a screen between one and three times. The student chooses one of seven famous batters, and then attempts to throw the ball where the batter would hit. The screen will tell the student the success of their pitch and the speed; next, students will analyze the collective data. This individual exhibit teaches students about gravity, Newton’s Laws, muscular system, push/pull, force and motion and measuring with non-standard units. Exhibits with similar lessons include “How High Can You Jump?,” “Rock Climbing Wall,” and “Robotic Arms.”
  • Pulley Seat – The student will try to pull him/herself up on each of the three pulley seats. It’s important that the teacher point out to the students that the complexity of the process is variant upon the number of pulleys. Students then discuss: why some have an easier time pulling themselves up based on size or athletic ability; how much force must be exerted to pull yourself up, etc. This exhibit teaches about: simple machines, Newton’s Laws, gravity, push/pull and force and motion. “Air Cannons” is an exhibit with similar significance.
  • Are You a Risk Taker? – The students will answer 20 true or false questions based on personal feelings or experiences. Next, they place their hand on a sensor and it will light up a category which they fall under based on their answers. The categories for risk are high, medium and low. They write down their level of risk and later discuss the collective data as a class. This exhibit teaches students: probability and central measures of tendency such as mean, median and mode, among other lessons. Similar exhibits include “Safe Crackers,” “One in a Million,” and “What Are the Odds?”

 

  • Space Weight – Students will step up on the scale and write down their weights for the Earth, Moon and Mars. Weight being identified at various places helps students understand that there are different places in the sky, but also that their body does not change but their weight does. The scale not only gives pound measurements, but students can elaborate this by converting to metric units once they are back in the classroom, and a graph can be made for collective weight in each location. This exercise teaches students about objects in space, gravity, measuring with non-standard units and planets. Similar exhibits include “Cosmic Discovery,” “Space Information Center,” and “Space Update.”

 

  • Floor Piano – Students have the opportunity to play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Hush Little Baby.” The keys on the floor piano are labeled as per their musical name. To play the song, students must correctly match the note on the piano with the note name on the page. This is an extremely difficult task because stepping on the notes is not the origination of the sound, but the sensors as to proper body placement. The Floor Piano teaches that our ears process different sounds differently, and that it is difficult to play an actual piano.  Sound energy is the main educational focus. Similar activities include “Sound Labs” and “Roaring Lion.”

 

  • Quake Café – Students will ride in the Earthquake Café and experience a 6.0 level earthquake which can lead to an in-class discussion about the effects of natural disasters and their affect on the ground, buildings and erosion. This exhibit teaches students about safety procedures, natural disasters, Newton’s Laws, and force and motion. Comparable lessons are taught in “Hurricane Hole,” and “Natural Disasters.” 

Many WonderWorks exhibits feature data collection cards for individuals or classes to use. In addition, there are coloring sheets for those students who may be interested. There is also a WonderWorks Test and Scavenger Hunt worksheet to quiz the students on what they learn at the museum.

Learning and playing at WonderWorks

Richard Van Huss, the director of federal programs for Elizabethton City Schools, said, “It is rare, in this day and time, to find a learning experience that is so entertaining for children.”

From an entertainment standpoint, WonderWorks is the #1 indoor attraction in Pigeon Forge.  Every evening, WonderWorks comes to life with the “Hoot N’ Holler” Dinner Show – one of the most popular shows in the Great Smoky Mountains.  For years, visitors have enjoyed a fantastic three-course dinner with their family while experiencing the 90-minute performance featuring “Scraps,” whose antics leave guests rolling in the aisles with laughter.

The new “Wonders of Magic” show at WonderWorks features nationally-recognized magician Terry Evanswood.  In addition to Evanswood’s daily performances of “Wonders of Magic” at WonderWorks, a new museum called the “Hall of Magic” just opened inside WonderWorks showcasing some of magic’s most treasured artifacts from legendary magicians like Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston and Harry Blackstone.  WonderWorks also features the WonderDog Café where guests can enjoy the world-famous WonderDog with its secret recipe chili sauce without ever leaving the attraction.

ValueVacation tickets to WonderWorks are available in a variety of packages that meet the needs of any size family.  To learn more about WonderWorks, the Hoot N’Holler Dinner Show and the new Wonders of Magic show featuring Terry Evanswood, visit www.WonderWorksTN.com or call 865-868-1800.

WonderWorks operates from 9 a.m. to midnight every day.  We also operate in Orlando, Fla. and will open soon in Panama City, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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