Wilderness At the Smokies – REVIEW
Well, we are back from vacation. It is 9:21 PM. Kids are in bed, grocery shopping done, ALL unpacking completed, and we had cleaned (well, straightened) the house before we left. Tomorrow I’ll do some laundry and we’ll be set. We had a great week!
I wanted to give my review of the resort we stayed at with the specials going on. I talked about this here. It was a nice place in some ways. The linens were all nice, good beds, kind of modern, granite-like countertop for the bathrooms. Just some nice touches. I like that it was just new. Our room had two queens, a full couch, a coffee table, and a little dining area. And, it had a mini-fridge as well! Very nice.
There is some false advertising going on though. I think they are putting out brochures and information on their website as to what it will look like completed, but the information about what is complete up to this point is not stated CLEARLY. They advertise multiple waterparks and tell us that the indoor one will be opening this winter. You can click on the various parks on their site, and it gives a description of them as they are in the present tense. In all actuality, there is only ONE waterpark currently. There are three sections to it – a baby/toddler area (with swings and two little slides – Everett loved it), a huge section with a dumping bucket and a treehouse feel, and a 3 foot pool with some basketball goals. There are also two water slides. The one that would be most attractive to most ages of kids would be the big treehouse-like waterfall, but the heater was broken. The water was colder than our Y pool – that’s cold! It was literally numbingly frigid, and it felt like there was ice in the water. Hardly anyone would swim there; I was told there was a broken heater. There were four basketball goals but only one deflated (like only half the air) basketball to play with. The water slides were neat – Katie Beth loved them. The two had the exact same path though – one you go down with inner tubes and one with just your body. We got to the waterpark at 10 (when it opened) and my kids were done by about 12:30 and were asking to leave.
The pictures that are online are NOT the parks that are at this resort. They are from the other resorts that this company owns. The one waterpark is much smaller than the pictures!
The other false advertising was that we got a brochure that stated the rooms had a scenic view of the Smokies or the waterpark. Well, it turned out we walked a long, long way to our room and were on floor SB (for sub-basement). It was really the first floor as we weren’t underground, but our view was of a concrete wall and construction trucks (and workers) by about 8 am. If you’re going, request a good room. Also, NO cell phone service for us there.
I was also not AT ALL impressed with the service. I kept reminding myself that all of the employees were only about three weeks into their job, and that’s to be expected no matter where you are at a new place. But, I asked for an hour later on our check out, and they wouldn’t give it to me. No exceptions they said. Our waiter at the breakfast buffet had to be flagged down to get anything. The breakfast buffet was $9.99 a piece for adults – kids were free. I don’t know that we got $20 worth of food with the four of us, but it was pretty good. I always judge the fruit – a good buffet doesn’t just have cantaloupe and honey dew but has strawberries and grapes. No strawberries or grapes, but they did have fresh pineapple and whole apples. It was good – they would make an omelet for you as well.
Now, all that to say, it was a good visit. The kids loved Dollywood, but that is another post in and of itself I will get to soon. But, this resort is in Sevierville so you still have to drive into Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. There aren’t clear directions on the website or when we called. It’s great for a night if the heaters are working in all the pools. But, there is not nearly enough to do to entertain for a whole week. I would recommend it for a night while the rates are discounted. After that I’m not so sure about it. I think I’d rather stay closer to the strip or the mountains and spend my money on some of the other activities. Again, good for one night, not for a week.
Would love to hear your opinions if you’ve gone!
Thanks for the review Sarah. Good to know, especially if their advertising can be misleading.
glad that you are home neighbor
I’m really sorry that the trip wasn’t what you expected. I just looked the place up on tripadvisor.com & read several similar unfavorable reviews. It seems that those people complained because the place wasn’t what the website showed, and they were given coupons or free rooms. Thanks for letting us know what it was really like!
well sara I am sooooo glad I read your review because we were just about to make reservations for 3-4 days starting August 1, we live in S.C. so now we must find something and smewhere else to go, maybe myrtle beach maybe asheville …..again I can’t thank you enough I am glad we did not waste our hard earned money……Larry .L and family.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I was just about to pay for my reservation starting Aug. 3. We will NOT be going and can’t thank you enough for saving us the time, hassle and money.
We went June 30. Your review is right on the money. LOTS and LOTS of false advertisement.
I would add the I was very surprised the pool closes at 7 pm. My kids LOVE to swim at night
until they fall out! When we were there a 16 year
old got sucked into a drain. It took 5 minutes for
them to free her. I assume they corrected that
problem the next day. Also the elevators had no
sensors on them. They were closing and my 11 year old was not in and when I put my arm out to stop them they kept closing. Scary. There was an incident later that evening with another family. I guess one of them got hurt by the elevator. They were upset and I did see maintenance men installing sensors the next day. We stayed two nights. My boys did swim quite a bit. They are 11 and 12. We got a $159 rate and would not consider paying a cent more. It was good for 2 days entertainment. They even asked to go to the waterpark the day of our check out, which is permitted, but my husband and I were ready to hit the road. The waterpark is really small, though. It
is actually about the size of most public city swimming pools. The rooms are extra nice, however. They reminded me of Animal Kindom Lodge at Disney. The beds were very comfortable. There is no view whatsoever
though. I never book a room for the view though.
We plan on going again when the indoor park opens in the winter. I will only stay one night though and NEVER more than two!!! One more thing, no coolers are allowed in the waterpark.
There food is OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH. Two
hamburgers and one water was $18.00. I told
them to keep it and we ran into town and ate.
I
Had reservations for Wilderness at the Smokies for Wed., July 30 – Sun. , Aug. 3. arrived on Wed. p.m. for it to takes us 30 minutes to find our room. Got to the room, it was not at all what we were told we were getting. Our room was supose to be a balcony view of the water park (very little of a water park) I might add. We instead were on the bottom floor, looking at a concrete retaining wall. Room was much smaller than excepted also. Complained to the manager (Julie) and the only thing she could tell us was. She could move us to
the 4th floor but it was not clean yet and they did
not have any balcony suites left! Very dissappointed with the whole thing. Got our money back! Stayed with American Mountain rentals in a cabin went to Dollywood splash country and had a BLAST!
Hi! Thanks for your review. I just want to know if you have to stay at the resort to go to the water park. I always like to go to Dollywood and Gatlinberg so I don’t know about staying at the resort if we arn’t going to be at the water park the whole time.
Just an update for everyone on here. The wilderness is near opening of their second phase. And let me tell you AMAZING. They have an indoor wave pool four waterslides two hot tubs a kiddie area and an indoor surfing attraction!!! A brand new arcade, restuerant with seating for 300. The new condos are nice as well. I cannot wait for the opening in a month I am already booked for a week over christmas. I agree that the original hotel was not enough for the price but now that this big indoor waterpark is opening It should be well worth it!
Hey, I really appreciate the information about your stay. We stayed there a couple of weeks ago and when I booked, I knew the right questions to ask. When I booked the trip, I specifically asked if our room was at the same location as the waterpark and they assured me that it was. Would you believe when we got there we were NOT in the same building as the waterpark? Anyway, I explained about specifically asking for a room and mentioned reading your experience and the best they said they could do was take $60.00 off of our bill. It was very tedious to have to load all your stuff (including 2 small children) out in the cold snow to go swimming. Not to mention that the dressing rooms had no benches to set your stuff down while changing, no changing rooms, I had to change myself and my little ones is a bathroom stall.(not very sanitary, you know how kids touch EVERYTHING). I also have older children that if we had stayed in the same building as the waterpark could have gone swimming when they wanted to, instead of waiting on mom and dad and the babies. The waterpark is really nice now that everything is finished. We had a wonderful time for the price of $150. a night, but I personally would not spend $250. night. Having read your comments, I had a much better idea of what to expect. Thank you so much! ~Jessica
I forgot to mention how adorable your family is!!
Once they get everything built you will love it. We are from Wisconsin and love the Wilderness @ Wisconsin Dells (the waterpark capital of the world). Every Spring Break we had a trip booked while we lived up there and loved every minute of it. BUT, I agree with the buffet. Our meals were usually away from the resort.
When we found out that they were building one in the Smokies, we were thrilled. I’m booking my soon to be 12 year old’s birthday in March there. That’s her only wish for her birthday.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience. Hopefully it was because it’s new and not like that all the time. I’ll write back and let you know how our experience is in March. Thanks for the warning though. Believe me they’ll get an earful if it’s not the same as the one in the Dells. It is a lot of money to drop if they aren’t up to standards.
Thanks,
Jenni
We just got back from the park last Sunday. All I can say is DONT GO! Waste of money. There is still construction going on and was awoke at 7 am two mornings in a row to the sound of men drilling, sawing and heavy machinery. Not once was I informed the resort was still under construction nor my room would be over looking the water park being built in the middle of the resort. The rooms and building is nice enough, but the customer service was lacking, food way overpriced, unappetizing and security was a joke. My two year old was ran over by two teenage boys running through the toddle area in the water park. My older son started to chase the boys down and was yelled at by a young punk Lifeguard. Nothing was done about the boys who knocked my baby down but my son was threaten with removal. Then that night (Fri) there were about 100 kids on our floor running up and down the hallway screaming, laughing and get this, wrestling outside my door at 12:30 pm. We called the front desk and was told security had been notified and were on there way. They must have been in Gatlinburg because they finally showed up 40 minutes later after me and 3 other pissed off fathers were in the hall telling the kids we were calling the police if they didn’t shut up and get into their rooms. The next morning I asked to speak to a manager. A 20 something year old kid named Ryan came out to talk to me. No help and I was more pissed off than when I went to talk to him.
So after spending close to 800 bucks for three nights, I was more tired checking out than when I checked in. Then we were told the resort was closing down for a Fire Marshal inspection at 12 noon after we were told at check in we could use the water park the day of checkout until closing as it was part of the fee charged to stay at the resort.
Best advise…….DONT WASTE OUR TIME AND MONEY!
Are there any specials being ofered or coupons for a family of 2 adults and 3 children? Thank youfor your assistance.
Catherine Fraga
Good Morning,
Are there any Specials or Coupons being offered for a 1 night stay for 2 adults and 3 children? thank you for your assistance.
I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this place I had so much fun and I cant wait to go again this spring break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We just came home yesterday after a week of spring break at The Wilderness Resort. My family loved it! I had children of different ages with me, an 11 year old, 8 year old, and a 3 year old and it was a great time for everyone. I even had the time of my life and I am 41. The only bad thing I have to say is people go down at opening time and place resort towels on all of the lounge chairs to hold the spots and then show up around noon. This is so disrespectful but after the first 2 days we just went down at opening time and stayed the day so we would have chairs. The staff also seems a little clueless and rude but not too bad. I hope it is because they are all still learning their jobs. Their is construction but it never bothered us and we had a great view. I think the people that complained on here must be unhappy people because for all this place offers it was well worth our money. We are already planning our next trip to The Wilderness At The Smokies!
We just got back from staying at this resort- let me say- ONLY BECAUSE OF A CHEER COMPETION HELD AT THE CONVENTION CENTER NEXT DOOR!! We will NEVER return. First of all, upon check up, the were hurridly updated on where our room was and was told the pottery meeting was “somewhere” on the first floor. Thanks for the info. Also, we went to eat at the buffet and was completely finished with our dessert before our waiter returned to learn, upon the info from my wife, that our neice, who ordered from the menu had not even gotten her food. I went looked for myself into the kitchen area and saw her order just sitting there. She received a cold, very overpriced pizza. Then, the next morning, we were awoken to what sounded like elephants jumping up and down on the floor above us. There is absolutely no sound proof in rooms, halls or anywhere in this place!! Every morning around 3 am, it sounded like some elephants were stampeding above us. Then, we tried to eat breakfast before the cheer competion, but was told there was only 2 waitresses and they had “no idea” when we would be served. Neverless, we left. This place is nice if you don’t mind paying an outrageous amount for substandard service and a sleepless night, but the waterparks was ok. They were working on the outdoor waterpark, which were reminded of at 7 am upon hearing the bulldozers at work. BOTTOM LINE- DON’T STAY HERE IF YOU CAN HELP IT!!!!!!!
Any of you who had a bad experience need to give this place another try. It sounds like most of you were there when they were not entirely opened (they didn’t complete the indoor waterpark until December 2008) and the actual resort won’t be complete until the summer of 2009. We have been there twice and our kids, who are 14, 16 and 18, love it. We had a wonderful experience. FANTASTIC room. Great service. Beautiful surroundings.
If you book a place that isn’t finished, you have to expect that it won’t be the same experience that you would have when they get done building. There aren’t many places you can go in January and February where you can play in the surf, sit in the waves and enjoy 80-degree weather even though it’s 15-degrees outside. This place is a lifesaver for anyone in Atlanta, Charlotte, Lexington, Knoxville and Nashville. Don’t believe the comments about Wilderness at the Smokies being a less than wonderful resort. We love it. We’ll go back. And then we’ll go back again. Next time, we’re booking a suite and taking our kids’ friends with us !!!
I have to disagree with the last review. I was just there for Spring break stayed April 9-13 and it was not what I had expected, the website pics. looks much nicer than the actual place. The first night we got there the fire alarm went off at 3:00a.m. I’m 8mos. pregnant so not a nice feeling it was very cold outside and I only had on my PJ’s.We waited for about 40mins. to find out that it was a false alarm also to find out this just happened a week ago . The next day the air wasn’t working well so I called the front office and spoke with Mark and he stated he would have the Security officer come up well like the other blogger said he must have been coming from Gaitlinburg we stayed the whole time with the patio door opened because I didn’t feel like dealing with it because somebody was going to get cursed out. The water park isn’t as big as it looks on the internet White water is much better 30mins. away from my house I could have saved my $600.00. The kids did enjoy the waterpark oh last but not least the facility isn’t secured we came in at 1:00a.m. the doors were not locked anybody can get in.
Our experience to the Wilderness was expected to be the best vacation we have ever taken. However, it turned out to be the worst. We allowed my daughter to celebrate her 11th birthday party here, by taking 8 of her friends/family with us. I placed reservations over the phone and was suggested to choose the “JR Deluxe Suite”. At first, we were only planning on taking 8 but we ended up with 10 people total. The representative I spoke with, said that if we added headcount, it would be 15.00 for each extra person. When we got to the Resort, we had to wait in line for an hour at check in. Then, we were told that the JR Deluxe wouldn’t sleep 10 and offered to “upgrade” us to the 1 BDR Suite for 100.00 cheaper. I refused, because the rep on the phone told me that the JR would sleep 10 and these were in the main building closer to the water park. Finally, we received our keys and went to the room, and the keys didn’t work. I then had to go back to lobby (with 8 kids) and wait another 30 min. to get the keys activated. Then, we get back to the room and there is only 1 bed in the room. At this point, I was fed up. I told the kids to change into their suits and go on to the waterpark and I would handle the room issue. Another 45 min. wait in the lobby, a manager says they “upgraded” us to the 1 BDR Suite. But this time, I didn’t get offered the 100.00 discount. We were located right beside the waterpark. I guess this was supposed to be a good trade, but was horrible. All we heard were maintaince workers, doors slamming, kids screaming, and houskeeping our entire stay. So, the next morning, we decided to go upstairs to breakfast and just hope that it would a better day. Check out is at 11, therefore, we planned to go to the breakfast buffet at 10 and then go back to the room and change into our suits and load the cars, so we wouldn’t miss the 11 checkout time. We get up to the restaurant and were told that the kids that didn’t have shoes on couldn’t come in. Remember this is inside of the waterpark. They said that they had glasses and it would be a health code violation. I completely understood, but I said it would be more convenient if you had a sign posted somewhere stating this rule. Then, the kids took my shoes and went to the buffet and fixed their plates (1 at a time). They were forced to eat in the pool area and not one time, were they offered silverware or a drink. I asked the Restaurant Manager to have someone wait on them and she just walked off. Therefore, I went into the restaurant to get the drinks myself, instead I was escorted out by security. Keep in mind that the kids are still eating with no drinks and I was scared that one of them would get choked. I then left my fiance’ with the kids and went to the front desk to talk to the hotel manager. He kindly walked back to the restaurant, which the kids still had no drinks or silverware. My daughter was crying because this is her birthday and it is embarrising for her. She is bi racial and said that why are they making us sit out here with nothing and some of the other girls said they didn’t even eat because everyone was looking at them at the pool. Then the Restaurant Manager stated that they couldn’t serve them drinks because there is no glass allowed in the pool area. Funny thing is, their was a kid inside the restaurant drinking from a Kid’s cup and all of their plates were glass. Then I was told that I had to pay for 4 of their buffets and I refused. It is now 2 hrs later and my Fiance’
and I still haven’t eaten and I have been sitting here trying to contact any manager at the hotel with no success. I just want to say thank you for ruining my daughter’s vacation birthday and add that I was also informed by a few other “white” unsatisfied guests that they were upgraded to other rooms and given free pizza vouchers and a free nights stay. We haven’t been offered anything, not even a sorry. Worst 1,000 bucks I’ve ever spent in my life and I plan on letting everyone know. The only good things were the water park and the night manager who was black (the only one who tried to help)!
Worst decision we ever made
We recently stayed at the Wilderness at the Smokies “RESORT???” for a dance competition. Kids do not eat free under 11 unless it is at a buffet restaurant which is barely ever open, first of all. All the restaurants have very limited hours, and the water parks close early. The water parks are very small and not as impressive as they seem to look on the website. Upon checking in, there was a long line and three people checking customers in. One, however, saw a friend of his in line and just walked away from his computer to go catch up with his buddy while the rest of us stood in line looking at each other like-hello???? The room that we hiked to was very small, claims it holds six people, two queens and a sofa bed. We had four and after two nights of our planned six night stay, we checked out and opted for a much cheaper hotel down the road with a bigger room. There was one small mirror (for four people trying to get ready in the morning), nowhere to hang swimsuits and towels, no balcony. I assumed that resort meant that everything you would need to have a great fun time would be right there on the site. Well, restaurants did not open for lunch until 12:00, and even the bar was closed by 10:00 p.m. So if you were on a schedule, you had to drive somewhere else to eat a meal. Also during our dance competition, those who stayed at the Wyndham suites (the second finished building on the resort) STILL HAD TO PAY $5.00 A DAY TO DRIVE TO THE EVENT CENTER WHICH IS PART OF THE RESORT TO PARK!!!!!!!! That is so absurd. We spent our two days there very dissapointed and frustrated. Too much money spent on advertising a VERY POORLY ran resort. Also the website claims to give a military discount on top of any other discounts as a way of thanking our troops….well they do NOT give the military discount if you have any other discounts. Simply false advertising. So, kids under 11 do NOT eat free unless you go to a specific buffet restaurant (which is very expensive for the adult meal and not very good), and the military discount is NOT given on top of any other discounts. WILL NEVER NEVER STAY THERE AGAIN AND WILL NEVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. Save your money, stay at a cheaper hotel, go to Splash Country one day, and you will have a much better time! Read these reviews and if you value your dollar, stay somewhere else!
I have to say, I work at Wilderness as a lifeguard, & it’s not all it’s cut out to be. It is nice, but very misleading & over-priced, I believe. Plus, I work with NO benefits. If you are local, I do NOT recommend a job there. Nice pay, but nothing comes with it.
Hello, I also work at the Wilderness as a lifeguard and I wish I could share the same views. The managers are nice, the rest of the guards are pretty nice too. They want us to work hard and stuff but I can see why
I work there too..
Ok, let me rephrase. Our Managers are great, & I have nothing against the staff. The only problem is having no benefits. That’s really all I was complaining about. Well, the over-priced thing too, but trips are worth it all.
I thought the same thing. Talk to the managers though see what they can do about the beneifts thing. I haven’t had a problem with them too much.
Hi, we just returned from the new resort in Pigeon Forge and it was awesome. Their was no construction going on and all the parks were open. Everyone says its over priced but for the enjoyment you get, I think it is worth every penny. I will agree the food is over priced but their is plenty of other places to eat around there. I think if you went when it was under construction you should give it another try. All around it is a great place to go for FAMILY enjoyment. We were there for 3 days and we are going to return again soon. We had 3 adults and 8 kids and they never got board. The indoor park is the best with the wave pool and the surfing, it also has the same kiddie slides as the out side park. The best slide was the Storm slide, it was awesome. Try the indoor park you will love it and don’t forget the Lazy River. So please go give this park another try, you will not regret it.
“The kids never got board.” Honestly, is spelling a lost subject in this country? Bored, not board!
board (bôrd, brd)
n.
1. A long flat slab of sawed lumber; a plank.
2. A flat piece of wood or similarly rigid material adapted for a special use.
3. Games A flat surface on which a game is played.
4. The hard cover of a book.
5. boards A theater stage.
6.
a. A table, especially one set for serving food.
b. Food or meals considered as a whole: board and lodging.
7. A table at which official meetings are held; a council table.
8. An organized body of administrators or investigators: a board of trustees; a board of directors.
9. An electrical-equipment panel.
10. Computer Science A circuit board.
11. Sports
a. A scoreboard.
b. A tote board.
c. boards The wooden structure enclosing an ice hockey rink.
d. A diving board.
e. A surfboard.
f. A snowboard.
12. Basketball
a. A backboard.
b. A rebound.
13. Nautical
a. The side of a ship.
b. A leeboard.
c. A centerboard.
14. Obsolete A border or an edge.
15. A usually large, vertically positioned flat surface used for writing or posting, especially:
a. A blackboard.
b. A bulletin board
Yeah, I’m a lifeguard as well, only part time because of school but I read some of the bad reviews on here about lifeguards. People have to understand the job of lifeguards. To prevent injuries and to look out for the well being of the bathers in the pool. When you people leave your small children to run around and mis behave they dont listen or follow the rules! How bout you just be a parent and stay with your kids so we wont have to do it for you! I try my best to make the guests happy but most of the time you guests dont understand a lot of things.