Wilderness at the Smokies
(Disclosure: Our hotel accommodations at the Wilderness at the Smokies, along with our Ice Skating Rink passes, waterpark and arcade activity passes, were provided by the resort. As always, all opinions expressed here on my blog, are my own. This is a sponsored post by Wilderness at the Smokies).
The holidays can be so hectic at times. What better way to relax and unwind than to escape to the Wilderness for lots of family fun? This resort is beautiful all year round, but around Christmas time, the magic comes to life. Even if you're looking for that perfect Summer getaway, Wilderness at the Smokies is a resort that you can enjoy ALL YEAR!
When we arrived, check-in was a breeze and the staff were super friendly, helpful, and excited to have us! The lobby had gorgeous pre-lit garland wrapped around the winding stairs that lead you to the suites. Beautiful flocked Christmas trees filled the room giving such a welcoming presence. Don’t forget to check your pamphlet for your coupon book to use during your stay!
A ride up the elevator to the very top floor took us to our gorgeous suite. We stayed in a 2 room suite that had everything we needed and some. Housekeeping stayed on top of everything! I know staying away from home can sometimes be a little weary, but Wilderness is the exact opposite of that. In fact, our daughter left her phone in the room, and they called to let us know within the hour and are shipping her phone to us at no charge. These pictures do not do the suite any justice. We were astounded. The kids loved the log bunk bed and couldn’t wait to try it out! I have been wanting an entertainment center with a fireplace, and this suite gave me that and so much more. Next to mine and my husband’s bed lead you out to the balcony with the most amazing view.
Overlooking the balcony, you’ll see the outdoor water park, the cute little VIP weather controlled cabanas, and the Ice Skating Rink that had just reopened! We were so stoked to try and ice skate. Their Ice Skating Rink just reopened on November 15th and will stay open until January 5th.
ADMISSION: $20.00
SPECIAL DISCOUNTED DAYS:
Once we got settled in our room, we headed down to the main lobby to head outside to the Ice Skating Rink, which is where we spent most of our afternoon. Have you ever ice skated? My husband can roller skate very well but he says ice skating is a lot harder but extremely fun to try! Both him and our daughter would live on the ice if they could. She absolutely loved it! She says she is the Queen of the ice just like Elsa!
The Ice Skating Rink is all decked out in Christmas lights with beautiful music playing in the background. Beside the Ice Skating Rink towards the lobby, Wilderness has created such a whimsical seating area completed with little fireplaces, heaters, lights, music, and a bar. Perfect way to relax and unwind while keeping warm.
After Ice Skating the kiddos were ready to hit the water slides inside the indoor water park. We took a trip up to our room to change and head back down in our little red wagon. As soon as we entered the indoor water park, we were all mesmerized. With all of the amenities, there’s something for everyone to do. My husband and daughter hit the waves, and my son and I played on the kid’s slides, swings, and more. In the center of the indoor water park, they have a station where you can grab a drink, a snack, and your towels using your provided towel cards. Then even have a bar right behind Smokies Surf Rider.
By the time we had splashed until we couldn’t anymore, we were ready to eat! We went down to Billy Jacks Snack Shack which is located inside the Adventure Forest Family Entertainment Center. They have a few different dining options, and we loved their wings, chips and artichoke dip, but their breakfast was top notch! (Try the Zebra Pancakes and thank me later)!
Monday morning approached fairly quickly because let’s be real, time flies when you’re having fun and needless to say, we were on cloud nine the whole time. We woke up extra early on our last morning to have breakfast and spend some time in the arcade, at the Adventure Forest Family Entertainment Center.
We played the games up stairs located at the Wild Kids Club . We got to do guitar hero, AC/DC pinball, Whack-A-Mole, and more. Then we headed downstairs for some more fun! The kids wanted to checkout the rock climbing wall. While my husband and daughter climbed the walls to the tip top to hit the button, my son and I played at the claw machine to win a giant ball (my son actually just wanted to climb in there himself).
We racked up on tickets and let the kids have one last run through the jungle gym inside the arcade center and I lost count of how many time they climbed and slid down the spiral slide between the treehouse and other play sets.
Then it was time to go, unfortunately. Feeling a little bittersweet, we went to the ticket booth to get our tickets counted and pick out some prizes. On the way out while holding their prizes they were already asking when we would be coming back. I reassured them that we would definitely be back real soon and when we do come back, we’re all in for a special treat! Keep reading until the end for a big surprise!
I’ve got some tips, tricks, and additional information for you all who plan to stay at the Wilderness at the Smokies. Before I share my tips and tricks, we wanted to give a HUGE thank you to the Wilderness, the staff, and media for making this all possible and hosting us in the most professional and home away from home atmosphere. We truly enjoyed our stay and have made memories as a family that will last for a lifetime. We are looking forward to making many more memories at Wilderness at the Smokies.
TIPS - N - TRICKS: 1.) A stroller or wagon will be your best friend during your stay. (Depending on the ages of your little ones.) Not only for riding/walking, but for storage as well. We received many compliments on our red foldable wagon.
2.) If you’re able, try and stay at least 3 nights either mid-week or the weekend going into Monday (not applicable to holidays). We arrived on a Friday afternoon and stayed until Monday morning. Sunday and Monday happened to be the best days during our stay. We were able to checkout every single thing over the course of those 3 nights and 4 days.In addition to this tip: plan to start your days early so you can get up, get motivated and have everything you'll need ready to go. Head down to the 2nd floor to the Thirsty Miner Restaurant around 9:00 AM to have breakfast. Once you have finished eating breakfast, The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opens at 10:00 AM. Spend some time at the waterpark then head on over to Adventure Forest Family Entertainment Center!
3.) It’s fun to go out to the city/town and site see etc., but definitely checkout their dining options for meals! Especially breakfast - DELICIOUS! Bonus: Kids 8 and under eat free per adult meal purchase.
4.) DO NOT miss the Starbucks sign mamas. I missed it for the first day and needed to get myself an iced coffee! They have a Starbucks located right inside the Mountain Marketplace and Deli.
5.) Be open to trying new things! Try EVERYTHING!
RESORT INFO & LINKS: STAY:For reservations, prices, and more click here.
PLAY: For Ice Skating Rink information click here. For indoor water park information click here. For outdoor water park information click here.
For questions regarding reservations please call (877) 325-9453.
One more thing ...
If you're planning a trip to Wilderness at the Smokies between late Spring and late Summer of 2020, they're in the process of building an all new outdoor waterpark addition! SURPRISE! The newest waterpark will be HUGE. Wilderness already has the largest indoor waterpark in the state of TN. Now that they are expanding the outdoor waterpark attractions, it's actually going to be the largest waterpark in all of TN! Reserve ahead and save using the links above! Who knows, maybe we'll be splashing into Summer the best way together!
Thank you for reading! If you have any additional questions regarding our stay, tap my Instagram link to send me a Direct Message or shoot me an email!
See y'all on the next blog!
XO - Chels
The holidays can be so hectic at times. What better way to relax and unwind than to escape to the Wilderness for lots of family fun? This resort is beautiful all year round, but around Christmas time, the magic comes to life. Even if you're looking for that perfect Summer getaway, Wilderness at the Smokies is a resort that you can enjoy ALL YEAR!
A ride up the elevator to the very top floor took us to our gorgeous suite. We stayed in a 2 room suite that had everything we needed and some. Housekeeping stayed on top of everything! I know staying away from home can sometimes be a little weary, but Wilderness is the exact opposite of that. In fact, our daughter left her phone in the room, and they called to let us know within the hour and are shipping her phone to us at no charge. These pictures do not do the suite any justice. We were astounded. The kids loved the log bunk bed and couldn’t wait to try it out! I have been wanting an entertainment center with a fireplace, and this suite gave me that and so much more. Next to mine and my husband’s bed lead you out to the balcony with the most amazing view.
Overlooking the balcony, you’ll see the outdoor water park, the cute little VIP weather controlled cabanas, and the Ice Skating Rink that had just reopened! We were so stoked to try and ice skate. Their Ice Skating Rink just reopened on November 15th and will stay open until January 5th.
ADMISSION: $20.00
SPECIAL DISCOUNTED DAYS:
- Mondays: 50% Off (regular admission of $20) for educators/students with valid school ID
- Tuesdays: 50% Off (regular admission of $20) for military/first responders with valid proof of service
- Wednesdays: 50% Off (regular admission of $20) for church youth groups with presentation of church bulletin
- Thursdays: 50% Off (regular admission of $20) for wearing an ugly Christmas sweater
Once we got settled in our room, we headed down to the main lobby to head outside to the Ice Skating Rink, which is where we spent most of our afternoon. Have you ever ice skated? My husband can roller skate very well but he says ice skating is a lot harder but extremely fun to try! Both him and our daughter would live on the ice if they could. She absolutely loved it! She says she is the Queen of the ice just like Elsa!
The Ice Skating Rink is all decked out in Christmas lights with beautiful music playing in the background. Beside the Ice Skating Rink towards the lobby, Wilderness has created such a whimsical seating area completed with little fireplaces, heaters, lights, music, and a bar. Perfect way to relax and unwind while keeping warm.
After Ice Skating the kiddos were ready to hit the water slides inside the indoor water park. We took a trip up to our room to change and head back down in our little red wagon. As soon as we entered the indoor water park, we were all mesmerized. With all of the amenities, there’s something for everyone to do. My husband and daughter hit the waves, and my son and I played on the kid’s slides, swings, and more. In the center of the indoor water park, they have a station where you can grab a drink, a snack, and your towels using your provided towel cards. Then even have a bar right behind Smokies Surf Rider.
By the time we had splashed until we couldn’t anymore, we were ready to eat! We went down to Billy Jacks Snack Shack which is located inside the Adventure Forest Family Entertainment Center. They have a few different dining options, and we loved their wings, chips and artichoke dip, but their breakfast was top notch! (Try the Zebra Pancakes and thank me later)!
Monday morning approached fairly quickly because let’s be real, time flies when you’re having fun and needless to say, we were on cloud nine the whole time. We woke up extra early on our last morning to have breakfast and spend some time in the arcade, at the Adventure Forest Family Entertainment Center.
We played the games up stairs located at the Wild Kids Club . We got to do guitar hero, AC/DC pinball, Whack-A-Mole, and more. Then we headed downstairs for some more fun! The kids wanted to checkout the rock climbing wall. While my husband and daughter climbed the walls to the tip top to hit the button, my son and I played at the claw machine to win a giant ball (my son actually just wanted to climb in there himself).
We racked up on tickets and let the kids have one last run through the jungle gym inside the arcade center and I lost count of how many time they climbed and slid down the spiral slide between the treehouse and other play sets.
Then it was time to go, unfortunately. Feeling a little bittersweet, we went to the ticket booth to get our tickets counted and pick out some prizes. On the way out while holding their prizes they were already asking when we would be coming back. I reassured them that we would definitely be back real soon and when we do come back, we’re all in for a special treat! Keep reading until the end for a big surprise!
I’ve got some tips, tricks, and additional information for you all who plan to stay at the Wilderness at the Smokies. Before I share my tips and tricks, we wanted to give a HUGE thank you to the Wilderness, the staff, and media for making this all possible and hosting us in the most professional and home away from home atmosphere. We truly enjoyed our stay and have made memories as a family that will last for a lifetime. We are looking forward to making many more memories at Wilderness at the Smokies.
TIPS - N - TRICKS: 1.) A stroller or wagon will be your best friend during your stay. (Depending on the ages of your little ones.) Not only for riding/walking, but for storage as well. We received many compliments on our red foldable wagon.
2.) If you’re able, try and stay at least 3 nights either mid-week or the weekend going into Monday (not applicable to holidays). We arrived on a Friday afternoon and stayed until Monday morning. Sunday and Monday happened to be the best days during our stay. We were able to checkout every single thing over the course of those 3 nights and 4 days.In addition to this tip: plan to start your days early so you can get up, get motivated and have everything you'll need ready to go. Head down to the 2nd floor to the Thirsty Miner Restaurant around 9:00 AM to have breakfast. Once you have finished eating breakfast, The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark opens at 10:00 AM. Spend some time at the waterpark then head on over to Adventure Forest Family Entertainment Center!
3.) It’s fun to go out to the city/town and site see etc., but definitely checkout their dining options for meals! Especially breakfast - DELICIOUS! Bonus: Kids 8 and under eat free per adult meal purchase.
4.) DO NOT miss the Starbucks sign mamas. I missed it for the first day and needed to get myself an iced coffee! They have a Starbucks located right inside the Mountain Marketplace and Deli.
5.) Be open to trying new things! Try EVERYTHING!
RESORT INFO & LINKS: STAY:For reservations, prices, and more click here.
PLAY: For Ice Skating Rink information click here. For indoor water park information click here. For outdoor water park information click here.
For questions regarding reservations please call (877) 325-9453.
One more thing ...
If you're planning a trip to Wilderness at the Smokies between late Spring and late Summer of 2020, they're in the process of building an all new outdoor waterpark addition! SURPRISE! The newest waterpark will be HUGE. Wilderness already has the largest indoor waterpark in the state of TN. Now that they are expanding the outdoor waterpark attractions, it's actually going to be the largest waterpark in all of TN! Reserve ahead and save using the links above! Who knows, maybe we'll be splashing into Summer the best way together!
Thank you for reading! If you have any additional questions regarding our stay, tap my Instagram link to send me a Direct Message or shoot me an email!
See y'all on the next blog!
XO - Chels
