by VICTORIA ELIZABETH
Nestled among the whispering pines and pristine farmlands of Valdosta, Ga. lays Wild Adventures, a dynamic 170-acre wildlife and theme park featuring state-of-the-art, grand scale roller coasters, a plethora of family friendly rides and attractions, award-winning entertainment, an exciting array of farm life, as well as seasonal specialty events that are sure to be the highlight of your year!
The Backstage Pass team and I were elated to return to this beloved park to highlight the Great Pumpkin Luminights, the grandest fall festival in all the South, featuring hundreds upon hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, a 100-foot twinkling Twilight Tunnel, towering sculptures, glowing entertainment, and delicious pumpkin spice treats.
Lauded by critics and attendees alike as the “Must See” attraction of the fall season, the Great Pumpkin Luminights features a myriad of specialty attractions, events, and decadent treats that are sure to please everyone in your group.
NIGHT LEGENDS:
This walk- through experience highlights a diverse display of hand-carved pumpkins, featuring themed segments such as “sports legends” (like Kenny Moore, Tom Moore, Jerry Rice and numerous iconic sports team logos), Wild Adventures Legends (including beloved institutions such as Liberty Farms Petting Zoo, Oasis Outpost, Splash Island (Wild Adventures’ award winning theme park complete with towering slides, a lazy river, and much more), Wild Adventures Christmas: Wild And Bright , and of course, Great Pumpkin Luminights.
JACK AND LUMA’s PUMPKIN FOAM PARTY :
Perfect for the both kids and kids at heart alike, Jack and Luma’s Pumpkin Foam Party invites guests to frolic and play till their heart’s content in a sea of bubbly foam, creating endless unforgettable memories amidst a sea of sudsy excitement.
HOOPS OF WONDER:
Featured on the main stage at Wild Adventures’ iconic Lakeside Showplace, this magnificent, jaw dropping show features the mesmerizing talents of Miss Lianna, a multi-generational cirque performer and inductee into the legendary Sarasota, Fla. Circus Hall of Fame. A few of the many spellbinding acts you can expect to take in during Hoops of Wonder are juggling, hand balancing, the age-old art of antipodism (foot juggling) and, of course, many unconventional and daring methods of hula hooping.
PUMPKIN SPICE FESTIVAL TASTING PASSPORT:
The Pumpkin Spice Festival Tasting Passport affords guests the exclusive opportunity to taste and savor a vast array of flavors from the various restaurants, food stands, and “sweet shacks” from across the park
Each tasting pass is presented in the form of a wristband with a customized QR code, which can be scanned at each location and redeemed for the item you select.
PUMPKIN SIZED BITES
Pumpkin Spice St. Louis BBQ Ribs
Tender pork ribs glazed with a rich pumpkin spice BBQ sauce that blends sweet heat with fall flavor.
Location: Lonestar BBQ
Mac & Cheese with Smoked Sausage
Creamy mac and cheese loaded with smoky sausage for a hearty, comfort-filled bite.
Location: Lonestar BBQ
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese Cone
Spicy buffalo chicken and creamy mac and cheese piled high in a waffle cone.
Location: Congo Wings
SPICED UP SNACKS
Pumpkin Spice Soft Pretzel
Soft pretzel coated in pumpkin spice and sugar for a warm fall treat served with a side of marshmallow fluff dipping sauce.
Location: Pumpkin Spice Festival Plaza, Jungle Canteen, Refresh & Refill
Pumpkin Spice Churro Bites
Warm pumpkin spice churro bites served with fluffy marshmallow fluff dipping sauce.
Location: Water’s Edge Tacos
TASTY TREATS
Pumpkin Spice Soft Pretzel
Soft pretzel coated in pumpkin spice and sugar for a warm fall treat served with a side of marshmallow fluff dipping sauce.
Location: Pumpkin Spice Festival Plaza, Jungle Canteen, Refresh & Refill
SWEET SIPS
Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino
Hot cappuccino infused with the warm taste of pumpkin spice.
Location: Lonestar BBQ, Mayfield Ice Cream Shop, Safari Burger
TWILIGHT TUNNEL:
Arguably a centerpiece of the Great Pumpkin Luminights experience, the 100 foot Twilight Tunnel, beautifully illuminated by a dazzling array of diversely colored lights, creates a striking back drop for one of a kind photo opportunities and endless memories waiting to be made.
Several of the resident attractions you can look forward to experiencing all season long include the Safari Train, which enables guests to ride a classic train and experience an up close and personal vantage point of an assortment of amazing animals, including giraffes, water buffalo, rhinoceros, zebra, ostriches, gemsbok and more!
The Alapaha trail is a beautifully immersive walk through experience, displaying numerous animals and types of wildlife including alligators, monkeys, and black bears… even a 14-foot alligator. Numerous animal shows such as “Gator/ Live” offer an up close and personal educational alligator experience as well as feeding opportunities.
Special thanks to Asher Raymond and the entire Wild Adventures Team for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature!
WEBSITE: https://www.wildadventures.com
PHONE NUMBER: +1 (229) 219-7080
