“As the country recovers from rough economic times, travel trends indicate families are looking for summer getaways that are not too far, too expensive or too time-consuming. That’s where Wild Adventures fits in. Wild Adventures is a nearby affordable family theme, water and animal park vacation destination. A season pass lets you come back all summer long or general park admission gets you two days for the price of one,” said Bob Montgomery, WA general manager.

“And the best part is, WA lets families pick their level of adventure, from mild to wild. They can fill their days with the largest collection of family rides in the area including eight coasters, cool off on the new multi-million dollar Wahee Cyclone in Splash Island and then enjoy a family concert in the evening. New shows and events, like Kidzpalooza, and animal interactions round out the memorable summer escape,” he added.

Wild Adventures’ summer event, Kidzpalooza, June 12–August 15, features new entertainment for kids of all ages. The Anastasini Circus, joins the park’s show lineup June 12 with jaw dropping acrobatics, jugglers and more under a big top tent. Families can also marvel at the mesmerizing Tigers of India, and tap their feet to Country Rocks Live!, both showing during Kidzpalooza. Tigers of India is an award-winning show featuring eight majestic, multi-colored tigers. The live act highlights the incredible bond of man and tiger while showcasing the animals’ natural behavior. A variety of gifted singers bring music to life with country hits from yesterday and today during Country Rocks Live!

In June, popular hypnotist Tammy Barton also takes families on a journey of the mind. Starting in July, the antics of the Dana Kunze High Dive Show entertain with a mix of high diving tricks and comedy and man’s best friend takes center stage with Doggies of the Wild West. Marshall Rowdy Yo along with his sidekick, Calamity Jo, amaze and amuse audiences with a cast of “Pooches from the Prairie.”

During 4th of July weekend, WA welcomes a special guest appearance by Kaptain Robbie Knievel who will be attempting a daring leap over WA’s iconic lake. To date, Robbie has successfully completed over 250 professional jumps, including 20 world records, highlighted by the Caesars Palace Fountain jump in 1989, the building-to-building jump in 1999 and the Grand Canyon in 2000.

Featuring the region’s largest outdoor amphitheater, WA promises families a variety of musical experiences this summer, including performances in May, June and July. The park line-up includes family concert performances in the rock, pop, country, Christian and gospel genres. Already scheduled to perform are:

May 22 Rodney Atkins
May 29 David Crowder Band
June 5 Backstreet Boys
June 12 Steven Curtis Chapman
June 19 Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin
June 26 Kool & The Gang
July 10 World Class Rockers
July 17 Josh Turner
July 24 Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly
Sept. 25 Third Day
Oct. 2 Vince Neil

All concerts are free with general park admission or a 2010 Season Pass. Reserved seats are available for an additional $10.

Families can vacation anytime with season passes on-sale at www.WildAdventures.com. Best prices are now available. Regular passes are $69.99 and Gold Passes including free parking are $89.99. Prices increase by $10 on June 14. General park admission includes the second day FREE. Adults tickets are $45.99, kids (ages 3-9) and seniors (55 and older) are $40.99. Prices do not include tax.

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park, water park, and animal park all in one place for less located in Valdosta, Georgia. The park features one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts. The park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), a company specializing in family entertainment. For nearly half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 21 properties across nine states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in six cities.

Exclusive passholder preview reveals new rides, entertainment and park landscape

 
Valdosta, GA – Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park (WA) opens for the 2010 season Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m.  The area’s number one tourist attraction offers season passholders an exclusive sneak peek to the park’s new offerings, including a trio of family rides and new live entertainment, on Friday, March 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Season passholders will also be among the first to ride the park’s flagship wooden roller coaster, The Cheetah, which just completed a million dollar renovation.  In addition, the park will reveal its new look, having planted more than 400 trees and added new spots to “beat the heat” in the last several months.
 
“Wild Adventures has a tradition of providing families all the excitement of a big theme park at a family affordable scale.  It offers all in one for less — a theme park, water park and animal park rolled into one.  This year, with 20 concerts, and nearly a dozen limited engagement shows, guests will find something new to see and do every month,” said Bob Montgomery, vice president and general manager.  “Plus, to help keep guests feeling refreshed, the park has removed more than 350 tons of concrete to make way for more shade trees and a new, interactive water fountain.”
 
Three new rides join park favorite
 
The new season promises more thrills with three new family rides.  Guests will twist and turn on Whirling Wildcats, a spinning scrambler that propels thrill seekers of all ages in a circular motion.  They will test their fear of heights on Viking Voyage, a five story family roller coaster that takes guests on a 40 mph ride with surprising dips and turns.  Finally, they will find themselves in the driver’s seat on Falcon Flyers, a flying scooter ride, overlooking WA’s famed central lake. 
 
After an extensive renovation, WA’s popular wooden roller coaster, The Cheetah, will also feel like a new ride to park guests.  A million dollar refurbishment was designed to provide a smoother ride without sacrificing the wild excitement wooden coaster lovers have come to expect. 
 
Fresh entertainment debuts monthly
 
WA surprises guests all year long with exclusive, limited engagement shows including a special guest appearance by Kaptain Robbie Knievel on July 3, who will be attempting a leap over WA’s iconic lake. 
 
The park opens with world famous magician Aaron Radatz, who mesmerizes guests with his Vegas-style magic show.  In April, WA maintains its tradition of offering breathtaking animal performances with the premiere of Tigers of India. The award winning show features seven majestic tigers.  The live act highlights the incredible bond of man and tiger while showcasing the animals’ natural behavior. 
 
May brings the opening of Country Rocks Live! to WA.  With a variety of gifted singers, this new show brings music to life with country hits from yesterday and today. 
 
The summer heats up with high energy performances guests cannot find anywhere else.  The Anastasinis are eighth generation performers who join the park’s show lineup in June with unbelievable juggling, high wire, and acrobatic performances under a big top tent.  Also in June, popular hypnotist Tammy Barton takes guests on a journey of the mind. 
 
Starting in July, the antics of the Dana Kunze High Dive Show entertain with a mix of high diving tricks and comedy.  Man’s best friend takes center stage in July with Doggies of the Wild West.  Marshall Rowdy Yo along with his sidekick, Calamity Jo, amaze and amuse audiences with a cast of “Pooches from the Prairie.”
 
Concert line-up offers variety of musical styles
 
Featuring the region’s largest outdoor amphitheater, WA promises families a variety of musical experiences from spring through fall.   The park line-up includes 20 concert performances in the rock, pop, country, Christian and gospel genres.  Already scheduled to perform are:
 
March 13              Lynyrd Skynyrd                                                               
March 20             George Thorogood & Los Lonely Boys
April 10                Jeremy Camp
April 17                 REO Speedwagon & Styx
April 24                Josh Turner
May 8                    Wynonna
May 15                  Chicago
May 29                  David Crowder Band
June 12                 Steven Curtis Chapman
June 19                 Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin
June 26                 Rodney Atkins
Sept. 25                Third Day
Oct. 2                    Vince Neil
TBA                       Backstreet Boys
 
More concerts will be announced soon to complete the 2010 concert season.  All concerts are free with general park admission or a 2010 Season Pass.  Reserved seats are available for an additional $10.
 
New spots to refresh and recharge
 
In March, WA marks the debut of a new, greener landscape plus spots for guests to cool off.  The goal is to create shadier spots for the warmer spring and summer months.  To create the parkwide changes, more than 4oo new trees have been planted along new pathways, creating an overall guest-friendlier environment.  A new interactive, jumping water fountain will delight kids and parents alike with 22 jets that spray in all directions.
 
“Last season, WA unveiled our multi-million dollar Splash Island Water Park renovation including the opening of the popular Wahee Cyclone.  This year, we wanted to add even more spots to help families cool off in the warmer temperatures,” said Montgomery.
 
In addition, WA offers new sweet and savory food options to tempt taste buds.  Guests can cool off with real fruit smoothies, and frozen treats at Fresh N’ Fruity or they can journey to Voyager’s Treats for a freshly-made, sweet puff.  Guests can also watch their food as it cooks at BBQ Smokehouse, with smoked delights such as turkey legs, sausage, and roasted corn.
 
Season passholder sneak peek
 
Passholders can check out WA’s new rides and shows before everyone else on Friday, March 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Season passes are on-sale now at www.WildAdventures.com.  Regular passes are $59.99 and Gold Passes including free parking are $79.99.  General admission tickets for the official park opening on Saturday, March 6 are also on-sale.  General park admission includes the second day FREE.  Adults tickets are $45.99, kids (ages 3-9) and seniors (55 and older) are $40.99.  Prices do not include tax.

2010 Season Pass Provides Unlimited 2009/2010 Admission

Valdosta, GA – Family is at the heart of the holidays and the heart of Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park this Christmas season.  Together, families can experience the true holiday spirit with The Miracle of Christmas, an inspiring living nativity performance.  The moving show features memorable Christmas songs to tell the true meaning of Christmas, such as “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.”  In addition, the Christmas review, We Need a Little Christmas, is back by popular demand to entertain families with a classic song and dance holiday performance.

It would not be the holidays without a visit from the jolly man himself, Santa Claus.  Guests can visit with the man in the red suit and share their holiday wish list with him.  His elves will be nearby to the capture the moment in a picture.

“Wild Adventures is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with your family and a Wild Adventures Season Pass is the perfect gift to give the one you love.  It is a gift that lasts all year long, and with three new rides, 20 concerts, all-new summer shows and bigger events in 2010, it is a great value,” said vice president and general manager Bob Montgomery.

To make the merriment even more budget-friendly, Wild Adventures recently introduced an EZ Pay Online Payment option for purchasing 2010 Season Passes.  Wild Adventures EZ Pay is only available online and gives guests the option to pay for season passes with automatic monthly payments.  More information on Wild Adventures’ EZ Pay is available at wildadventures.com/ezpay.

2010 Season Pass benefits include unlimited park admission through January 1, 2011, admission to Splash Island Water Park (season opening April 10), general concert seating for all 20 concerts, Bring-A-Friend days throughout the year, admission to park festivals, such as Kidzpalooza and Kid-o-Ween.  Season pass holders will also receive admission to special pass holder only events, and 50% off admission to other Herschend Family Entertainment properties and more!

Families can skip the shopping hustle and bustle to enjoy the park’s rides, shows, animals and lights.  Open select dates until January 2, 2010, the park’s thrill rides will be operating all season long.   The thrill rides, animals, and shows at Wild Adventures give families more than enough reasons to stay close to home to celebrate the holidays.

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park located in Valdosta, Georgia featuring one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts.  The park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), a company specializing in family entertainment.  For nearly half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 21 properties across nine states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in six cities.

Concerts FREE with Park Admission or 2010 Season Pass

Valdosta, GA – Wild Adventures Water & Theme Park promises to deliver a year of unforgettable concerts in 2010 with 20 performances.  Diverse and popular acts are included in the line-up from country, Christian, rock, Gospel, R&B, and pop genres.  More concerts will be announced soon to create a concert season not to be missed.

2010 Concert Schedule (as of November 20, 2009)*

Mar. 20          George Thorogood & Los Lonely Boys
Mar. 27          Lynyrd Skynyrd
Apr. 10           Jeremy Camp
Apr. 17            REO Speedwagon & STYX
May                Backstreet Boys (date to be confirmed)
May 15            Chicago
May 29           David Crowder Band
June 12          Steven Curtis Chapman
June 19          Tye Tribbett & Kirk Franklin
June 26          Billy Ray Cyrus
July                Great American Country Network -Emerging Artist Showcase (date to be
confirmed)
July 10           Rodney Atkins
July 24           Frankie Beverly with Maze
Aug. 28          CMA Award Winning Trio – TBA
Sept. 25          Third Day

“We have added seven more concerts to the line-up for 2010,” said Wild Adventures   vice president and general manager, Bob Montgomery.  “We know that our guests have come to recognize Valdosta as the southern showcase for live entertainment and we are making sure we deliver on that, year after year.  The 2010 concert season line-up will be the best in the South.”

General admission to all of the 2010 concerts is FREE with park admission or a 2010 Season Pass.  EZ Pay online payment plan makes it easier to purchase a season pass in monthly installments to enjoy all that Wild Adventures has to offer in 2010.  EZ Pay is available through December 31, 2009.

In addition to general concert admission, the park also offers reserved seating for an additional cost.  Reserved seating for each announced concert, with the exception of the major country trio, will go on sale January 15, 2010 and will be available for purchase online, by phone or at the park.  General concert seating is included in park admission; reserved seating is an additional cost to park admission.

*All performers and dates are subject to change due to circumstances beyond the park’s control.

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park located in Valdosta, Georgia featuring one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts.  The park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), a company specializing in family entertainment.  For nearly half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 21 properties across nine states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in six cities.

Contact:
Micha Hogan
(229) 219-7114
mhogan@wildadventures.com
www.wildadventures.com

New Online Payment Option for Season Pass Purchases

Valdosta, GA- Wild Adventures is introducing a new way to purchase 2010 Season Passes…EZ Pay!

Wild Adventures will launch an online Season Pass EZ Pay plan November 5, to give guests the opportunity to purchase 2010 Season Passes in several payments.  Depending on when they enroll in EZ Pay, the cost will be divided among three or four payments.  This online payment option gives guests an easier way to afford year long entertainment at the park.

“We have found that our guests enjoy visiting the park throughout the year and want to continue this tradition despite economic troubles,” said general manager Bob Montgomery.  “Like many retail locations, Wild Adventures will now offer payment options to help guests continue to enjoy the park while staying on budget.”

This new payment plan is only available online at wildadventures.com/ezpay and requires a valid credit card for automatic monthly payments and a valid e-mail address.  Once it is paid in full, the guest will be able to use the Season Pass.   For more information on Wild Adventures’ EZ Pay payment option, visit www.wildadventures.com/ezpay or call 229-219-7080.

Contact:
Micha Hogan
(229) 219-7114
mhogan@wildadventures.com

Herschend Family Entertainment Leadership

Company Plans More Investment in the Future

Valdosta, GA – Wild Adventures Theme & Water Park (WA) marked its two year anniversary under Herschend Family Entertainment’s (HFE) ownership this fall, revealing it has more plans for investment in the park in the next five years.   Since 2007 when HFE purchased the park, the company has invested $6 million to increase the quality and value of the park to local citizens and tourists.  Bob Montgomery, WA vice president and general manager, announced the Valdosta-based theme and water park is in the process of finalizing a master plan which will provide new attractions and creature comforts in the coming years.

“In just two short years, Wild Adventures has added new family attractions and experiences including thrill rides, animal interactions and family-friendly festivals.  This past spring, we unveiled a $3 million renovation to Splash Island, the region’s biggest water park, and we also upgraded four park restaurants,” said Montgomery.

“The improvements have received high marks from our guests and our vision is to continue to build upon what we’ve started.  Guests will see the park begin to transform as we add four hundred trees, more landscaping, and additional walkways, for more shade, beauty and better park flow.  Our wooden roller coaster, the Cheetah, will undergo a million dollar renovation for a better ride experience,” he added.

The residents of Valdosta and Lowndes County and area visitors can look forward to seeing changes begin as early as next year.  The park has revealed it is adding three new rides in 2010, including a family coaster, in addition to 20 concerts and four summer shows.  Long term plans include changes to the park’s themed areas and the creation of a concert lawn.

Since assuming the day-to-day management of the park in 2007, Montgomery and his team have focused on enhancing the overall guest experience at the park, entertaining and serving more than a million guests since its first full season under HFE ownership in 2008.  Service also extends into the community through volunteer work with Second Harvest of South Georgia and events such as the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides, Second Harvest’s Duck Derby and Lowndes County Relay for Life.

As a major employer in the Valdosta/Lowndes County community, WA has also worked with Valdosta Technical College and the Chamber of Commerce to develop programs like Work Force Development.  The goal is to improve overall opportunities for job applicants in the local area by providing valuable job training, effective hiring procedures for companies and assistance to the community to attract new businesses.  Employee programs like informational seminars, resource referrals, and incentive programs create an encouraging work environment at WA and make it a great place to work for great people.

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park located in Valdosta, Georgia featuring one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts.  The park is owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), a company specializing in family entertainment.  For nearly half a century, HFE has owned, operated or partnered in 21 properties across nine states, including Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City; operating partner with Dolly Parton in Tennessee’s Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country; operating partner in Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park and owners of Ride the Ducks amphibious tours in six cities.

Contact:
Micha Hogan

(229) 219-7114
mhogan@wildadventures.com

3 New Rides, 20 Concerts and New Summer Shows

Valdosta, GA- Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park announces more concerts, more rides, more summer shows, and more days of fun for 2010!

The Valdosta theme park plans to host twenty concerts in 2010!  Artists scheduled to perform include REO Speedwagon & Styx, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Third Day.  There will be more concerts to announce later that appeal to every park guest and music lover.

In 2010, Wild Adventures will add more fun to the park experience with three new thrill rides and more amazing shows!  Kidzpalooza, the summer event for children of all ages, will feature new and exciting performances to captivate every guest.  Catch Daredevil Kaptain Robbie Knievel as he attempts to jump the lake, Independence Day weekend with the largest fireworks display in South Georgia and north Florida

Even the park calendar has expanded, so don’t miss a minute of the fun!  Wild Adventures has added more hours and more days and to the park season for guests to enjoy.  Visit www.wildadventures.com to see the 2010 park calendar.

Buy your 2010 Season Pass in October to receive the lowest price and upgrade to a Gold Pass for FREE!  During the month of October, all 2010 Season Passes will be $59.99 plus tax and automatically upgraded to a Gold Pass.  The 2010 Season Pass can be used as soon as it is purchased to enjoy Phobia, Kid-o-ween, the rest of the 2009 park season and all of 2010!

Season passes and park admission are available for purchase online, by phone or at the park.  For more information, visitwww.wildadventures.com or call 229-219-7080.

Contact:
Micha Hogan
(229) 219-7114
mhogan@wildadventures.com