Tag: water park

Wilderness at the Smokies is expanding again with new attraction called “Runaway Canyon”

Posted by Rick Laney – October 1, 2009

WildernessSmall

Sevierville, Tenn. –  Wilderness at the Smokies resort in Sevierville, which has been open a little more than one year, is growing again.  This fall, a new attraction will open in the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark at Wilderness at the Smokies, and insiders say the new attraction – called Runaway Canyon – will add a whole new dimension of fun to the South’s largest indoor and outdoor waterpark.

Although the resort is closely guarding most of the details about Runaway Canyon, General Manager David McGregor said the new attraction represents an additional local investment by Wilderness at the Smokies of more than $1 million.

“This is something that our guests are going to love,” McGregor said.  “We’re so excited about it and can’t wait until it opens this fall.  Guests are going to recognize that Wilderness at the Smokies plans to give them something new every time they come to stay with us.”

Inside the Wild WaterDome at Wilderness at the Smokies

Inside the Wild WaterDome at Wilderness at the Smokies

The name “Runaway Canyon” was selected by fifth grade students at Catlettsburg Elementary School in Sevierville.  With the help of Principal Jerry L. Wear, Wilderness at the Smokies asked students to help them pick the name of the new attraction.  As a reward for selecting the name, fifth graders from Catlettsburg Elementary and their families are going to be the first people to experience Runaway Canyon when it opens.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort opened in June 2008 with the Stone Hill Lodge and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark.  Six months later, River Lodge and the 60,000-square-foot Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark were added.  In May 2009, Wilderness at the Smokies expanded again with the addition of Lake Wilderness, the resort’s second outdoor waterpark.  Lake Wilderness features Cataloochee Creek Adventure River, the Wilderness Rapids Wave Pool and a set of poolside cabanas.

Wilderness at the Smokies, located minutes from Interstate 40 and situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  With two outdoor waterparks, an indoor waterpark with a wave pool and surf rider, hot tubs, and countless waterslides and attractions, Wilderness at the Smokies has something for all age groups.  For more information about Wilderness at the Smokies, visit www.WildernessAtTheSmokies.com.

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

Wilderness at the Smokies Expands Sales & Marketing Team

Posted by Rick Laney – July 2, 2009

steve-cruz-photo1Sevierville, Tenn. –  Wilderness at the Smokies resort has hired Steve Cruz as the newest member of its sales and marketing team.  Cruz brings more than 15 years experience in the East Tennessee tourism industry.  His previous professional experience includes working with Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia.

Cruz will serve in the newly created position of sales and marketing director and will be responsible for directing all sales, marketing and advertising for Wilderness at the Smokies resort.  He will join Dottie Clabough, director of group sales, and Kim Bridges, director of public relations and promotions.

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 year of operation.”

Wilderness general manager David McGregor said, “We believe Cruz will be a great addition to our sales and marketing team.  He brings the perfect background to firmly establish Wilderness at the Smokies as a premier area attraction.”

Wilderness at the Smokies, conveniently located just minutes from Interstate 40 in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is establishing a new standard for family vacations to East Tennessee.  Phase I of the resort opened in June 2008 with a 234-room hotel and outdoor waterpark.  The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opened in December 2008 and the resort has just unveiled its Lake Wilderness Outdoor Waterpark which features an Adventure River and a 10,000 square foot Wave Pool. 

The developers of Wilderness at the Smokies resort are the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort - America’s Largest Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  For more information on the resort or for reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453).