Wild Adventures
Encyclopedia
Wild Adventures Water & Theme Park is located 5 miles (8 km) from Valdosta, Georgia
, United States
. It is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation
. The park features approximately 59 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters, hundreds of exotic animals, shows, Splash Island water park and numerous concerts from country, pop, rock, Christian, to oldies superstars. All of the rides and attractions (except for Go-Karts, Mini Golf, Skycoaster, and Skill Games), general seating concerts, daily shows, special events and the water park are included with park admission. Reserved seating for concerts can be purchased, park admission is still required to get in.
, Georgia
in 1996. Starting out as a small petting zoo(Liberty Farms)D&L, over the years, Wild Adventures has become one of the Top 50 Theme Parks in North America. The park is home to eight roller coasters
and numerous flat rides. The rides were initially added to the park in 1998 and has since rapidly grown. Splash Island, the park's water park, opened in 2003 as the park's largest expansion which includes several water slides and attractions.
In 2004, Adventure Parks Group purchased Cypress Gardens
in Winter Haven, Florida
. The company was privately held by Buescher. Expansion died down for the park following the Cypress Gardens purchase.
In 2005, The Gauntlet was added, which is an S&S Power
Screamin' Swing
complex. For the park's 10th anniversary in 2006, the park announced their intent to add the Shaka Zula River Adventure log flume, relocated from the defunct Miracle Strip Amusement Park
in Panama City Beach, Florida
. The ride was delayed due to engineering problems, but never opened to the public.
In September 2006, Adventure Parks Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection. The park operated without interruption during the bankruptcy reorganization.
On September 25, 2007, Wild Adventures was sold because of bankruptcy requirements. Adventure Parks Group LLC, announced that Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven and Wild Adventures park in Valdosta, Ga., will be sold to the highest bidder in a private auction starting Sept. 25. The sale will fulfill requirements resulting from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing by Adventure Parks Group a year ago, but it does not mean the end of either theme park. The opening minimum bid for a package purchase of the parks is $53.25 million, Sumner said. An opening minimum bid for Cypress Gardens alone is $17.4 million and the opening minimum bid for Wild Adventures alone is $38.85 million. In September 2006, Adventure Parks Group filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors seeking payment for $25 million in debts. Much of the company's financial difficulties can be traced to 2004, when three hurricanes (Hurricane Charley
, Hurricane Frances
and Hurricane Jeanne
) ravaged East Polk County, Florida
and left a trail of destruction at Cypress Gardens.
On September 25, 2007, The Ledger
reported that Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation
had purchased Wild Adventures for $34.4 million.
Upon Herschend taking over the park, they had the Gauntlet removed and indicated that they do not plan on opening the Shaka Zula River Adventure log flume ride. However, Herchend did bring in the new ride, The Rattler, the first new ride in three years, which opened March 21, 2008. It is a Huss Frisbee
type flat-ride manufactured by Moser Rides of Italy. Also, in 2008, the Tiger Terror rollercoaster was sold and moved to Lowry Park Zoo
in Tampa, Florida
and renamed to "Tasmanian Tiger".
In February 2009, the American
post-apocalyptic
zombie comedy
Zombieland
was partly filmed at Wild Adventures.
Before the 2010 season, the largest number of rides have been added and removed. The Gold Rush rollercoaster had been removed. The Mystery Maze had been removed. The Viking Voyage roller coaster had been added along with two new flat rides, Whirling Wildcats and Falcon Flyers. All three rides were from the now defunct Celebration City
in Branson, Missouri. In 2010, The Bug Out rollercoaster was renamed to "Go Bananas". The S&S Doubleshot was renamed to "Firecracker".
When Splash Island was opened it had no theming and looked more like a community pool center. In 2008, Wild Adventures announced that Splash Island would undergo a 4 million dollar renovation turning the park into a Polynesian themed paradise. Wild Adventures also announced their intent to build a new ride, the Wahee Cyclone.
Valdosta, Georgia
Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 54,518. The Valdosta metropolitan area, according to the 2010 estimate, has a population of 139,588...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is owned by Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation is a privately owned themed-entertainment company that operates several theme parks and tourist attractions within the United States....
. The park features approximately 59 rides and attractions, including eight roller coasters, hundreds of exotic animals, shows, Splash Island water park and numerous concerts from country, pop, rock, Christian, to oldies superstars. All of the rides and attractions (except for Go-Karts, Mini Golf, Skycoaster, and Skill Games), general seating concerts, daily shows, special events and the water park are included with park admission. Reserved seating for concerts can be purchased, park admission is still required to get in.
History
Kent Buescher, founder of Wild Adventures, started the park on a plot of farm land outside of ValdostaValdosta, Georgia
Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 54,518. The Valdosta metropolitan area, according to the 2010 estimate, has a population of 139,588...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
in 1996. Starting out as a small petting zoo(Liberty Farms)D&L, over the years, Wild Adventures has become one of the Top 50 Theme Parks in North America. The park is home to eight roller coasters
Roller coaster
The roller coaster is a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks. LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first coasters on January 20, 1885...
and numerous flat rides. The rides were initially added to the park in 1998 and has since rapidly grown. Splash Island, the park's water park, opened in 2003 as the park's largest expansion which includes several water slides and attractions.
In 2004, Adventure Parks Group purchased Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens was an American theme park near Winter Haven, Florida, that operated from 1936 to 2009.-History:Billed as Florida's first commercial tourist theme park, Cypress Gardens opened on January 2, 1936 as a botanical garden planted by Dick Pope Sr. and his wife Julie...
in Winter Haven, Florida
Winter Haven, Florida
Winter Haven is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 26,487 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 estimates, the city had a population of 32,577, making it the second most populated city in Polk County...
. The company was privately held by Buescher. Expansion died down for the park following the Cypress Gardens purchase.
In 2005, The Gauntlet was added, which is an S&S Power
S&S Power
S&S Worldwide is a company known for its pneumatically powered amusement rides and roller coaster designing.-History:S&S Worldwide was founded by Stan Checketts as S&S Sports, Inc. S&S Sports manufactures bungee jumping and trampoline equipment. S&S Sports was sold in 1996...
Screamin' Swing
Screamin' Swing
Screamin' Swing is a pneumatically powered pendulum ride designed by S&S Power. The ride was first installed and operated in 2004 at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, USA.-Design and operation:...
complex. For the park's 10th anniversary in 2006, the park announced their intent to add the Shaka Zula River Adventure log flume, relocated from the defunct Miracle Strip Amusement Park
Miracle Strip Amusement Park
Miracle Strip Amusement Park was a popular local theme park built in 1963 in Panama City Beach, Florida, across the street from the beach. It featured several rides that were uniquely spectacular by placing them within enclosed spaces and adding pounding music and lighting effects, in addition to...
in Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The city is often referred to under the umbrella term of "Panama City", despite being a distinct municipality from the older and larger inland Panama City to the east, making Panama City and Panama City...
. The ride was delayed due to engineering problems, but never opened to the public.
In September 2006, Adventure Parks Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code
Chapter 11 is a chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Chapter 11 bankruptcy is available to every business, whether organized as a corporation or sole proprietorship, and to individuals, although it is most...
protection. The park operated without interruption during the bankruptcy reorganization.
On September 25, 2007, Wild Adventures was sold because of bankruptcy requirements. Adventure Parks Group LLC, announced that Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven and Wild Adventures park in Valdosta, Ga., will be sold to the highest bidder in a private auction starting Sept. 25. The sale will fulfill requirements resulting from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing by Adventure Parks Group a year ago, but it does not mean the end of either theme park. The opening minimum bid for a package purchase of the parks is $53.25 million, Sumner said. An opening minimum bid for Cypress Gardens alone is $17.4 million and the opening minimum bid for Wild Adventures alone is $38.85 million. In September 2006, Adventure Parks Group filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors seeking payment for $25 million in debts. Much of the company's financial difficulties can be traced to 2004, when three hurricanes (Hurricane Charley
Hurricane Charley
Hurricane Charley was the third named storm, the second hurricane, and the second major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. Charley lasted from August 9 to August 15, and at its peak intensity it attained 150 mph winds, making it a strong Category 4 hurricane on the...
, Hurricane Frances
Hurricane Frances
Hurricane Frances was the sixth named storm, the fourth hurricane, and the third major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. The system crossing the open Atlantic during mid to late August, moving to the north of the Lesser Antilles while strengthening. Its outer bands affected Puerto...
and Hurricane Jeanne
Hurricane Jeanne
Hurricane Jeanne was the deadliest hurricane in the 2004 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the tenth named storm, the seventh hurricane, and the fifth major hurricane of the season, as well as the third hurricane and fourth named storm of the season to make landfall in Florida...
) ravaged East Polk County, Florida
Polk County, Florida
Polk County is located in central Florida between the Tampa Bay and Greater Orlando metropolitan areas. The county was established by the state government in 1861 on the eve of the American Civil War and named after former United States president James K. Polk. The county seat is Bartow and its...
and left a trail of destruction at Cypress Gardens.
On September 25, 2007, The Ledger
The Ledger
The Ledger is a daily newspaper serving Lakeland, Florida and the Polk County area. It is owned by The New York Times Company. Jerome Ferson became publisher of the newspaper on July 30, 2007....
reported that Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation
Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation is a privately owned themed-entertainment company that operates several theme parks and tourist attractions within the United States....
had purchased Wild Adventures for $34.4 million.
Upon Herschend taking over the park, they had the Gauntlet removed and indicated that they do not plan on opening the Shaka Zula River Adventure log flume ride. However, Herchend did bring in the new ride, The Rattler, the first new ride in three years, which opened March 21, 2008. It is a Huss Frisbee
Frisbee (ride)
The Frisbee is an pendulum-motion amusement ride designed by HUSS Maschinenfabrik. The term is often used to describe similar rides built by other companies.-Design and operation:...
type flat-ride manufactured by Moser Rides of Italy. Also, in 2008, the Tiger Terror rollercoaster was sold and moved to Lowry Park Zoo
Lowry Park Zoo
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is a nonprofit zoo located in Tampa, Florida. In 2004, Lowry Park Zoo was voted the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the US by Child Magazine, and is recognized by the State of Florida as the center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity .Tampa's Lowry Park Zoological...
in Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
and renamed to "Tasmanian Tiger".
In February 2009, the American
Cinema of the United States
The cinema of the United States, also known as Hollywood, has had a profound effect on cinema across the world since the early 20th century. Its history is sometimes separated into four main periods: the silent film era, classical Hollywood cinema, New Hollywood, and the contemporary period...
post-apocalyptic
Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction
Apocalyptic fiction is a sub-genre of science fiction that is concerned with the end of civilization due to a potentially existential catastrophe such as nuclear warfare, pandemic, extraterrestrial attack, impact event, cybernetic revolt, technological singularity, dysgenics, supernatural...
zombie comedy
Zombie comedy
The zombie comedy, often called zom com or zomedy, is a film genre that aims to blend zombie horror motifs with slapstick comedy as well as dark comedy.-Early years:...
Zombieland
Zombieland
Zombieland is a 2009 American zombie comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer from a screenplay written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. The film stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin as survivors of a zombie apocalypse...
was partly filmed at Wild Adventures.
Before the 2010 season, the largest number of rides have been added and removed. The Gold Rush rollercoaster had been removed. The Mystery Maze had been removed. The Viking Voyage roller coaster had been added along with two new flat rides, Whirling Wildcats and Falcon Flyers. All three rides were from the now defunct Celebration City
Celebration City
Celebration City was a "night-time theme park" located in Branson, Missouri, USA. Celebration City was themed after America in the 20th century, with areas based on Route 66, Small-town America in the 1900s, and a beachside boardwalk in the 1920s...
in Branson, Missouri. In 2010, The Bug Out rollercoaster was renamed to "Go Bananas". The S&S Doubleshot was renamed to "Firecracker".
Attractions
Roller Coasters
| Ride | Year Opened | Year Removed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ant Farm Express | 2000 | Vekoma Vekoma Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. is a roller coaster and thrill ride designer with its facilities based in the Netherlands. The company was founded in 1926 by Hendrik op het Veld under the name "Veld Koning Machinefabriek" and had first manufactured agricultural machinery and mining equipment... steel roller skate coaster. A family-friendly twisted steel coaster. |
|
| Boomerang | 1998 | Vekoma Boomerang Boomerang (roller coaster) Boomerang is a model of roller coaster built by Vekoma, and named after the hunting implement based on the traditions of the Indigenous Australians... coaster. A common shuttle coaster Shuttle roller coaster A shuttle roller coaster is any roller coaster that ultimately does not make a complete circuit, but rather reverses at some point throughout its course and traverses the same track backwards... that inverts riders. |
|
| Cheetah | 2001 | CCI Custom Coasters International Custom Coasters International was one of the premier wooden roller coaster manufacturers in the world and produced more wooden coasters in recent times than any other company... wooden roller coaster Wooden roller coaster A wooden roller coaster is most often classified as a roller coaster with laminated steel running rails overlaid upon a wooden track. Occasionally, the structure may be made out of a steel lattice or truss, but the ride remains classified as a wooden roller coaster due to the track design... , the largest roller coaster at the park. |
|
| Fiesta Express | 2003 | Zamperla Zamperla Zamperla is a designing and manufacturing company in Vicenza, Italy. It is best known for creating thrill rides and roller coasters worldwide. The company also makes smaller coin operated rides commonly found inside shopping malls.... kiddie coaster, a mini wild mouse coaster. |
|
| Go Bananas! | 2000 | Maurer Söhne Maurer Söhne Maurer Söhne is a steel construction company and roller coaster manufacturer. Founded in Munich, Germany in 1876, the company has built many styles of steel buildings, ranging from bridges, industrial buildings, and even art structures. While known for building various wild mouse coasters, Maurer... wild mouse roller coaster. |
|
| Gold Rush | 1999 | 2009 | Chance Rides family coaster. |
| Hangman | 1999 | Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster Vekoma SLC The Suspended Looping Coaster is a model of steel inverted roller coaster built by Vekoma. There are at least 39 different installations across the world. The minimum rider height requirement is or more.-History:... (SLC). |
|
| Tiger Terror | 1998 | 2008 | |
| Swamp Thing Swamp Thing (Wild Adventures) Swamp Thing is a steel roller coaster located at Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia. It opened at Wild Adventures in 2003 mainly as a introduction coaster for kids. Swamp Thing is a standard Vekoma Suspended Family Coaster with alligator themed scenery... |
2003 | Vekoma family suspended coaster. | |
| Viking Voyage | 2010 | S&MC Steel roller coaster Steel roller coaster A steel roller coaster is a roller coaster that is defined by having a track made of steel. Steel coasters have earned immense popularity in the past 50 years throughout the world... |
Splash Island Water Park
Splash Island is a Polynesian themed water park and is free with admission into Wild Adventures. It takes up 27 acres (109,265.2 m²) of the 177 acre (0.71629422 km²) park with 7 rides, and 5 shops. Splash Island first opened in 2003 being Wild Adventures largest expansion since rides were introduced in 1999.When Splash Island was opened it had no theming and looked more like a community pool center. In 2008, Wild Adventures announced that Splash Island would undergo a 4 million dollar renovation turning the park into a Polynesian themed paradise. Wild Adventures also announced their intent to build a new ride, the Wahee Cyclone.
Rides
- Bonzai Pipeline
- 3 Inter-twined slides featuring the tallest slides in Georgia built in 2004
- Catchawave bay
- A large 25000 square feet (2,322.6 m²) wave pool built in 2003
- Hakini Rapids
- A 5-Story "Family Sized" water slide with unexpected turns and drops built in 2011
- Kalani Blasters
- 2 Medium sized inter-twined slides built in 2003
- Kona Cliffs
- A giant, "Family Sized" speed slide with three drops built in 2011
- Paradise River
- A relaxing "lazy river" through the water park built in 2003
- Polynesian Adventure
- A giant 4 story water fortress built in 2003
- Wahee Cyclone
- A large 5 story water tornado built in 2009
- Sea Turtle Cove
- A small water play area for younger children built in 2006
Annual events
- Boy ScoutsBoy Scouts of AmericaThe Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
Day - Girl ScoutsGirl Scouts of the USAThe Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It describes itself as "the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls". It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and was organized after Low...
Day - Home SchoolHomeschoolingHomeschooling or homeschool is the education of children at home, typically by parents but sometimes by tutors, rather than in other formal settings of public or private school...
Day - All American Weekend - Festival commemorating the spirit of America.
- Kidzpalooza - Summer event with shows and events focused on the young and young at heart. It's all about kids.
- Phobia HalloweenHalloweenHallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
themed event with several attractions.