You'll love Wild WaterDome, a massive 66,000-square-foot indoor water paradise at Wilderness at the Smokies in Sevierville, Tennessee. This isn't your average pool – it's a tropical oasis with a special Foil Tech glass roof that lets you tan in winter (yes, really). Storm Chaser drops you 55 feet in pure darkness, while Ridge Runner Water Coaster shoots you uphill with more computing power than a moon mission. With 84-degree temps year-round, a 10,000-square-foot wave pool, and attractions for every age, it's like summer never ends. There's way more surprises waiting beneath that glass dome.
Article At A Glance
- Wild WaterDome spans 66,000 square feet of indoor space, featuring a unique Foil Tech glass roof that enables indoor suntanning year-round.
- The facility maintains a tropical atmosphere at 84 degrees and processes 200,000 gallons of water daily through a 30-minute filtration cycle.
- Major attractions include Storm Chaser with a 55-foot drop and Ridge Runner Water Coaster, alongside a 10,000-square-foot Great Wave Pool.
- Safety measures include 150 trained lifeguards, Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and strict height requirements for all attractions.
- Family-friendly areas feature the Flying Squirrel Shallow Activity Pool for toddlers and zero-depth entries for easy accessibility.
Year-Round Fun at Wild WaterDome
Beyond the seasonal limitations of traditional water parks, Wild WaterDome at Wilderness at the Smokies offers year-round aquatic entertainment in its sprawling 66,000-square-foot indoor facility.
You'll never have to check the weather forecast again – this place is your ticket to endless summer, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Let's be real: there's nothing worse than planning a water park day only to have rain crush your dreams. But at Wild WaterDome, you're basically weatherproof.
The genius Foil Tech glass roof is like having your cake and eating it too – you'll soak up natural sunlight and even get a tan while staying cozy warm inside. It's like being in a tropical paradise, minus the expensive plane ticket.
Think about it: while everyone else is bundled up in January, you're sliding down water slides in your swimsuit.
The temperature's always perfect, the fun never stops, and you're living your best life while others hibernate. No more waiting for summer to make a splash – this place is your year-round ticket to freedom.
With attractions like the Storm Chaser Thrill Ride offering an exhilarating 55-foot drop, thrill-seekers can chase adventure any time of year.
Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Wild WaterDome doesn't miss a beat.
Signature Water Slides and Attractions
The heart-pounding thrills at Wild WaterDome come alive through its diverse collection of signature water slides and attractions.
You'll find yourself face-to-face with beasts like Storm Chaser – a pitch-black plunge that'll have your heart in your throat for 55 white-knuckle feet.
Let's get real – Ridge Runner Water Coaster isn't your grandma's lazy river. This bad boy rockets you uphill (yeah, you heard that right) and sends you careening through three stories of pure adrenaline. The Reverse AquaLucent effects? Mind-blowing.
The enchanting Kaleidoscope Kavern features mesmerizing light shows and immersive sound effects along its winding path.
Want more? Trail Twisters and Runaway Canyon are waiting to test your courage inside the Wild WaterDome.
And don't even get me started on Timber Rattler – it's basically the king cobra of waterslides in these parts.
For the true daredevils:
- Storm Chaser – Darkness is your only companion
- Ridge Runner – Physics-defying madness
- Trail Twisters – Twist, turn, scream, repeat
- Runaway Canyon – Family thrills without the training wheels
- Timber Rattler – The longest, meanest slide around
Trust me – these aren't your typical backyard slip-n-slides. They're pure, unfiltered adventure.
Family-Friendly Water Play Areas
Every family member can find their perfect splash zone at Wilderness at the Smokies' inclusive water play areas. From tot-sized adventures to full-family fun, you'll discover countless ways to make a splash.
Let's face it – keeping everyone happy isn't always easy, but this place nails it. With a combined indoor space of 205,000 square feet across multiple waterparks, there's room for everyone to spread out and play.
You've got options. Tons of them. The Flying Squirrel Shallow Activity Pool is perfect for your little ones, while the Snapping Turtle pool lets older kids show off their water basketball skills.
Need more? Head to the Great Wave pool – it's massive at 10,000 square feet, and those waves aren't messing around.
Here's why these family zones are absolutely worth your time:
- Zero-depth entries mean even toddlers can waddle right in – no dramatic deep-end drama
- Multi-level play structures like Washout Mountain keep kids entertained for hours (blessed peace for parents)
- That 500-gallon dump bucket at Salamander Springs? Pure, unadulterated joy when it dumps
Want to chill? Grab a private cabana.
Need action? Hit the Timber Rattler slide.
It's your call – that's the beauty of having so many choices under one roof.
Safety and Comfort Features
Watchful eyes of 150 trained lifeguards form the backbone of Wilderness at the Smokies' extensive safety system. It's like having a small army of guardian angels in swimsuits, making sure you're having fun without the worry.
They're not messing around with safety – Coast Guard-approved life jackets, strict height checks, and weight limits keep everything running smoother than a water slide. Personal item storage is available through rentable lockers for $10.
You'll love how they've thought of everything when it comes to comfort. That genius Foil Tech glass roof? It's like having your own private beach indoors – minus the sand in uncomfortable places. You can actually tan in December. How crazy is that?
The climate control keeps everything perfect, no matter what Mother Nature's throwing at the mountains outside.
Want to feel like royalty? Grab a private cabana. It's your personal oasis with AC and VIP service.
Zero-entry pools mean no awkward entries – just stroll in like you own the place. And when you're done playing water warrior, those hot tubs are calling your name.
Trust me, after a day of sliding and splashing, your muscles will thank you.
Tips for Your Indoor Adventure
Savvy adventurers know that conquering Wild WaterDome's 66,000 square feet requires a game plan. Think of it as your own personal water kingdom – complete with a crystal-clear roof that'll either bless you with vitamin D or remind you to slather on that sunscreen. Yeah, even indoors. Trust me on this one.
Let's get real about maximizing your splash time. You've got three essential moves to nail:
- Pack smart – stash your valuables in the lockers and keep your swimsuit on for seamless shifts between rides and that killer pizzeria.
- Time it right – hit the wave pool early, then migrate to the slides when everyone else is loading up on lunch.
- Mix it up – bounce between the Cyclone Racer's adrenaline rush and the hot spa's zen vibes.
Rain or shine, this place is your year-round ticket to freedom from boring pool days. The waves every 10 minutes in the giant wave pool keep the excitement flowing non-stop.
When hunger strikes, you won't need to perform the dreaded wet-clothes-shuffle to other restaurants. The on-site grille's got you covered, and the adult bar? Well, let's just say it makes those kid-filled splash zones a lot more bearable.
Did You Know?
The Wild WaterDome's transparent roof isn't just for show – it's engineered with special UV-penetrating panels that allow guests to tan indoors even during snowfall.
This architectural marvel employs Foiltec, the same material used in Beijing's Water Cube Olympic venue.
The dome's design creates a unique microclimate where temperatures remain a constant 84 degrees while supporting live tropical plants year-round. At 65,000 square feet, the Wild WaterDome provides ample space for its numerous attractions including the Hurricane ride and family-friendly water features.
Even more fascinating, during nighttime hours, the dome's surface reflects the water's movement, creating a mesmerizing light show visible from miles away in the Smoky Mountains.
10 Weird Facts
10 Weird Facts About Wilderness at the Smokies Indoor Water Parks:
- The see-through roof in the Wild WaterDome actually allows guests to get a suntan indoors during winter months, making it one of the few places in the world where you can tan while it's snowing outside. The 66,000 square feet of indoor space makes this feat even more impressive.
- The water park uses enough water to fill approximately 250,000 bathtubs, and it's all continuously filtered every 30 minutes.
- The kaleidoscope lighting in the lazy river creates such unique patterns that some guests have reported feeling mild psychedelic effects while floating through the tunnel.
- The Ridge Runner water coaster uses more computer programming than the first spacecraft that landed on the moon, with its complex lighting and timing systems.
- The constant 84-degree temperature is maintained through a sophisticated climate control system that must account for hundreds of bodies, thousands of gallons of water, and varying outdoor temperatures – making it one of the most complex HVAC systems in Tennessee.
- The wave pool's wave-generating mechanism can create waves precise enough to match the pattern of actual ocean waves from specific beaches around the world.
- The water park's filtration system processes enough water daily to supply a small city, using over 200,000 gallons of water per day.
- The Reverse AquaLucent technology in the water slides creates optical illusions that can make riders feel like they're traveling in the opposite direction.
- The park's plumbing system is so complex that it required a custom-designed computer program just to monitor water flow and pressure throughout the facility.
- The glass edge of the upcoming Lookout Lagoon rooftop pool will create an optical illusion making swimmers feel like they're floating above the Smoky Mountains.
References:
- Wilderness at the Smokies Official Website
- Tennessee Tourism Development Authority Reports
- International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Technical Documentation
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Case Studies
- Water Parks Engineering and Technology Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Height Requirement for the Ridge Runner Watercoaster?
You'll need to be at least 42 inches tall to ride the Ridge Runner watercoaster. This same height requirement applies to several other exciting rides like the Cyclone Racers, River Otter, and Smokies SurfRider.
Are Towels Provided or Do Guests Need to Bring Their Own?
You'll find towels provided at the main waterparks during your visit, but you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Just remember, if you're heading to Soaky Mountain, you'll need to pack towels.
Is Outside Food and Drink Allowed in the Waterpark?
Like 90% of waterparks nationwide, you can't bring outside food or drinks into these parks. You're allowed one factory-sealed water bottle and empty refillable containers. Don't worry – there are snack bars inside.
What Are the Age Restrictions for Adventure Forest Activities?
You'll need different heights for each activity: 42" for Ropes Course with adult (48" alone), 42" for Laser Tag, 36-54" for Drop Ride, 42-76" for Cloud Coaster. All kids under 12 need adult supervision.
Can Non-Hotel Guests Purchase Day Passes to the Waterpark?
Like accessing a summer oasis, you can definitely grab day passes if you're not staying at the hotel. They're available online or at Guest Services in the Arcade, but quantities are limited, so book early!
Wrap Up
You can't beat the year-round watery wonderland at Wilderness at the Smokies' indoor parks. Like a tropical oasis in the heart of Tennessee, it's your ticket to endless splash-filled fun – rain or shine. From heart-pounding slides to lazy rivers, you're covered. Pro tip: book during off-peak times to avoid swimming in a sea of people. Trust me, this place is worth every penny when you're escaping winter's chill.
