Wilderness at the Smokies

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FACILITY STATS

Year opened: 2008

Total indoor waterpark space: 60,000 square feet

ADR composite: $159

Accommodations: Two “mountain modern” style lodges. Stone Hill Lodge has 234 standard hotel accommodations and River Lodge has 472 units that can be rented as single rooms or multiroom suites.

Staff: More than 400 full-time, year-round

Waterpark description: Wilderness at the Smokies opened the state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark at the end of last year.

The Western Frontier-themed waterpark’s top attractions include the 10,000-square-foot Great Wave Pool, two tube slides; and Washout Mountain, a four-level, play-and-spray structure with a 500-gallon tipping bucket and an indoor/outdoor hot tub. A full-service restaurant and snack bar are accessible from the waterpark.

The “it” factor: This property combines Old West theming with state-of-the-art amenities and design. The Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark features two rides new to the Smoky Mountains region: the Smokies Surfrider (a surfing/ boogie boarding simulator) and the Storm Chaser Thrill Ride, a four-person raft ride that plummets 50 feet into a giant funnel with an electric light show and sound effects.

The waterpark also includes some of the latest technology, such as the “Foil Tech” glass roof that allows guests to tan indoors. Also on property are two arcades, two full-service restaurants, and two outdoor waterparks. Additionally, the resort is located adjacent to the Sevierville Events Center, which has more than 200,000 square feet of conference and exhibit space.

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