Guests returning to Gatlinburg after public health concerns shut down the area for nearly two months will notice the absence of a very beloved attraction.
The effects of 2020 on area businesses throughout the Smokies have been enduring. While many businesses have seemingly bounced back, others are still suffering from the fallout.
Most notably, Ripley’s Guinness World Records Adventure is now closed.
This highly-trafficked attraction reportedly incurred flood damage during the 2020 closures. Most of their interactive exhibits, including many that were the first of their kind, along with most of their games have been lost due to the impact.
Ripley’s Guinness World Records Adventure hosted exhibits, memorabilia and displays from broken records around the world. There were several interactive games and challenges within the attraction. Guests were even invited to attempt setting their own world records in the Largest Interactive Challenge Gallery. According to their brochure, a world record has been broken at this location more than 20 times.
The closure is currently listed as temporary. If this attraction is able to reopen, they will have to rebuild.
There has currently been no word on reopening plans.
It is likely that Ripley’s is simply taking on these challenges one day at a time and adjusting to a new “normal” just like the rest of us.
We here at TheSmokies.com, certainly wish them the best of luck.
In the meantime, guests wishing to patronize the Ripley’s franchise can do so by visiting one of their many other area attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Moving Theater 5D, Ripley’s Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Davy Crockett’s Mini Golf, Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf or their newest attraction – Ripley’s Super Fun Zone in Gatlinburg.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure recently reopened on Friday, July 3 after several weeks of making strategic operational changes to adhere to new social distancing guidelines as recommended by the Tennessee Pledge.
And don’t forget, July 6 is the last day to vote Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for USA Today’s 10Best Aquarium in North America! To vote, click here.
Read More: Ripley’s in the Smokies – A breakdown of each attraction (with coupons!)
About Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Attractions
The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! empire began with a simple sports cartoon in 1918. Robert Ripley traveled the world, collecting “oddities,” and through his career published cartoons and books, broadcasted in radio and created movie shorts.
The first Odditorium opened in Chicago in 1933, and its success led to more locations around the country. Through the years, Ripley’s has expanded into a number of attractions, and the Smokies is proud to boast nine of them. That’s more Ripley’s attractions than anywhere else in the world!
Read More: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Review: 6 reasons why it’s the best
Save with Ripley’s attraction combos and discounts
TheSmokies.com is an affiliate of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! attractions and proud to offer several exclusive deals and promotions to help you save a bit of money at Ripley’s themed attractions.
If you’re spending a day at the Aquarium, use this link to save $2 on Ripley’s Aquarium tickets.
If you’re going to be in the Smokies for awhile, consider a Ripley’s Ultimate Fun Pass. For just $129.99/adult and $64.99/child, you gain unlimited access to all of the Ripley’s attractions for 12 whole months from the date of purchase. (That’s unlimited mini golf, people!) You also receive 15% off merchandise and food, as well as additional coupons for other attractions.
If unlimited isn’t your thing, but you still want to try more than one of these attractions, regular combo passes still save anywhere from $30-72 per adult depending on how many attractions are purchased. (Links below)
Special Offer: Online Special! Save $2 on tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg, TN!
Special Offer: Save up to $35 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 4 attraction combo!
Special Offer: Save up to $22 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 2 attraction combo!
