Somebody get my Uncle Mike.
Let’s go back, way back to the mid-80s, a pre-teen John Gullion would go and visit Uncle Mike and Aunt Beth for a few days in Southern Indiana – near the border with Louisville, Kentucky.
Part of the tradition of these trips included Mike would take me to an arcade and we would spend a, frankly speaking, an inordinate amount of quarters playing Dragon Slayer, Pac-Man, Tron and the other video game classic of the era.
Joust! I just remembered Joust! There were flying dragons and you had a lance and you had to spear the eggs before they hatched. Good god, the 80s were a decade of wonder.
Now, it’s time to go back, thanks to this new Ripley’s Attraction, back to 1985, for some 80s themed fun.
That’s right. It’s just like the Marty in “Back to the Future”, except instead of desperately trying to avoid a questionable relationship with our mother that may or may not have led to our own conception decades early, we’re going to play some games, a little indoor laser tag and some holes of miniature golf.
What is the Super Fun Zone in Gatlinburg, Tenn?
The Super Fun Zone features an 80’s style arcade with a fun atmosphere and a bevy of 80s themed activities like Totally Rad Laser Tag, Schweet Mini-Golf, Awesome ’80’s Shooting Gallery – which should have been called War Games but there was probably some copyright BS and the To the Max Retail Shop.
I am honestly disappointed that there isn’t a Gag Me with a Spoon Diner but I recognize the marketing difficulties of that one.
As an 80s arcade, the Super Fun Zone is appropriately splashed with bright, Day-Glo neon colors straight worthy of a Wham! video. It is, to use the vernacular of the day, totally tubular.
The arcade makes for a fun experience and a great outing for the entire family – especially on days where the weather may be less than ideal. The 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, the Radical Laser Tag arenas and Shooting Gallery each provide magnificent fun, but if you’re a child of the 80s, or a hipster, the excellent gift shop is righteous.
Vintage t-shirts feature 80s icons like Chuck E. Cheese and Showbiz Pizza, others celebrate The Karate Kid, and Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago. And no, I’m not telling you what movie Abe Froman is from. If you don’t get it, you make me weep for the future and you should totally go to another arcade.
Our favorite things to do at Ripley’s Super Fun Zone
There are a plethora of fun things to do at the aptly named Ripley’s Super Fun Zone. But if we had to pick our favorites, we’d include catching a game of laser tag in the laser tag room, playing a round of mini-golf on the indoor course and channeling our inner 80s child on the retro-style arcade game consoles.
Ripley’s Super Fun Zone Coupons and Discounts
The best way to save on this family-friendly experience is to use Ripley’s bundle special when you book online.
Read Also: Ripley’s promo codes and discounts in Gatlinburg, Sevierville
Save up to $25 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 2 attraction combo!
Ripley’s discounts
Save up to $25 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 2 attraction combo!
Save up to $35 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 3 attraction combo!
Ripley’s discounts
Save up to $35 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 3 attraction combo!
Other area Ripley’s Believe it Or Not attractions
If you’re in the mood for other local Ripley’s attractions that the whole family can enjoy, you may want to check out some of these other area offerings:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Davy Crockett Mini Golf
- Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
- Ripley’s Moving Theater
- Marvelous Mirror Maze
- Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
The Guinness World Records Adventure deserves an honorable mention in this list, but this attraction has been closed since the summer of 2020.
Read Also: Is Ripley’s Aquarium worth the money: A review of Gatlinburg’s aquarium
Where is Ripley’s Super Fun Zone located?
Ripley’s Super Fun Zone is located in Gatlinburg next to Anakeesta near traffic light 5.
Have you been to Ripley’s Super Fun Zone? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Me and the family went there this past February. We bought the Ripley’s ultimate pass, which is definitely worth the money. The laser tag and gift shop are awesome. The mini golf is a waste of time. My wife and I have a 17 year old and a 14 year old and they were bored within 5 minutes, we didn’t even finish the course.