All photos: Michael Dutterer and Johnny McWilliams. View full-sized image.
ACE Southeast members gathered on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for ACEers in the Wild at Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia — and despite a soggy start, the day turned into one of the most memorable regional events in recent years. With a mix of coasters, critters, great food and some of the friendliest staff around, Wild Adventures proved once again why it’s a hidden gem worth the trip.
A Wet Welcome… and a Warm One
As attendees arrived at the park, the skies opened up with a downpour that put an early pause on morning ERT. But Wild Adventures didn’t miss a beat. The team quickly ushered everyone indoors to wait out the worst of the weather, keeping spirits high with the help of Public Relations Manager Asher Raymond. Raymond hosted a lively Kahoot trivia game that had attendees laughing, competing and staying entertained while the rain hammered outside.
Attendees experienced a wet ride on Boomerang.
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Once the storm eased, the group headed straight to the Vekoma Boomerang for ERT. Almost everyone managed to board the first train — only for the skies to open up again the moment the train returned to the station. While the rain cut ERT short, it didn’t dampen the day for long. By early afternoon, the weather cleared and stayed beautiful for the rest of the event.
A Feast and Fantastic Conversation
Around noon, Wild Adventures treated attendees to a hearty lunch featuring shrimp po’boys, pizza, wings and mini funnel cakes loaded with toppings. The meal alone would’ve been enough to impress, but the park went above and beyond by hosting a Q&A session with an all‑star panel: the park president, head of maintenance, head of operations and public relations.
The Q&A session covered multiple topics regarding park operations.
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The team answered every question with patience, enthusiasm and genuine pride in their park. Their passion for Wild Adventures was unmistakable — and contagious. As a bonus surprise, the park raffled off door prizes to several lucky winners.
Coasters, Creatures and a Park Full of Charm
With the sun shining, attendees spent the afternoon exploring everything Wild Adventures has to offer. Although the park may be smaller than some regional destinations, it’s packed with personality. From its collection of coasters to its extensive animal habitats, lush landscaping and winding pathways, there’s something to discover around every corner.
Members hopped between rides, visited the animals and soaked in the atmosphere of a park that’s as much a zoo as it is an amusement park. Clean, well‑maintained and staffed by courteous employees, Wild Adventures made a strong impression on first‑timers and returning fans alike.
As the sun set, the day wrapped up with a ZZ Top concert included with event admission — a perfect capstone to an already unforgettable experience: great music, great company and a park that took care of attendees from start to finish.
Wild Adventures may sit “in the middle of nowhere,” but ACE Southeast members left feeling that it’s absolutely worth the visit. Beautiful grounds, a unique blend of rides and wildlife and a team that went above and beyond made ACEers in the Wild a standout event.
We came for the coasters, but we left with so much more.
— Michael Dutterer, ACE Southeast Assistant Regional Representative
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