Kalahari Resort: Celebrates 10 years of vacation adventures; preps for summer record

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (June 1, 2010) – There’s a decade of fun brewing at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Having hosted more than 10 million visitors since opening in May 2000, Kalahari is gearing up to capitalize on the trend of travelers taking drive-to regional getaways versus fly-to vacations this summer. In addition to introducing a new cast of characters, a new hip-hop theme song and special on-site 10-year celebration activities, summer at Kalahari Resort will bring unique packages and deals.

Kalahari, which first opened as a 100-room hotel with a 60,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, is now home to a 756-room convention/waterpark/theme park complex. The resort expansions began in 2002, when the company doubled the size of its indoor waterpark and added major attractions such as the region’s first Master Blaster water coaster. In 2004, Kalahari was first in the U.S. to install the FlowRider, a simulated surfing ride, in its indoor waterpark. And more recently, the resort completed an Indoor Theme Park complete with an indoor Ferris wheel, go-cart tracks and climbing wall. Over the last 10 years Kalahari Resort has invested more than $129 million into resort expansion projects.

“There’s no question that Kalahari Resort has been a major asset to Wisconsin Tourism since opening 10 years ago,” says Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. “We commend the resort for drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists to Wisconsin, providing more than 1,200 jobs for Wisconsin residents, and for stimulating our economy now more than ever.”

Summer Packages and Deals

From golf getaways to theatre packages to waterpark family fun to relaxing spa retreats, Kalahari has a package to fit any vacationers’ needs this summer. Each registered guest staying between May 28 and September 5, 2010 will also receive a complimentary ticket to the renowned Tommy Bartlett Show. Here are just a few packages guests can look out for:

Fantastic Family Getaway, starting at $399.95 for two nights: Includes a two-night stay in a Desert or Hut room for up to four guests, admission to Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark for each registered guest, breakfast for two adults and two children (12 and under), one 14-inch pizza and four fountain sodas, $40 credit towards dinner at Great Karoo and Kahunaville, four Indoor Theme Park passes, $20 credit towards spa services at Spa Kalahari and one complimentary in-room movie.

Stay and Play Golf Package, starting at $195 per person: Includes a one-night stay in a Desert of Hut room for up to four guests, Combination Suite for up to eight guests, or Nyumba Entertainment Kondo for up to 18 guests, admission to Wisconsin’s Largest Indoor Waterpark for each registered guest, 18 holes of golf at Trappers Turn Golf Club for each registered guest (includes GPS cart and use of practice facility) and complimentary shuttle service to Trappers Turn Golf Club.

Suite Spa Stay, from $159.95: Includes a one-night stay in a King Whirlpool Suite or Lodge Room for up to two guests, admission to Wisconsin's Largest Indoor Waterpark for each registered guest, breakfast for two adults and a $50 Spa Kalahari gift certificate.

For additional packages and deals, vist them on meetingpages.com.

“It’s hard to believe that it has been a decade since we opened our doors,” says Todd Nelson, who owns and operates Kalahari Resort along with his wife and five children. “What an amazing opportunity we’ve had to grow in this industry and to provide a memorable experience for both our leisure and convention guests. We can’t wait to see what the next 10 years brings.”

In 2007, Kalahari added golf to its offerings when it purchased Trappers Turn Golf Club to offer sports packages to its guests; and in April 2010, the resort became part owner of Crystal Grand Theatre in Wisconsin Dells to offer yet another above-and-beyond entertainment option to the region’s residents and visitors. For more information on Kalahari’s 10th birthday, including little known facts about the resort, go to their profile.

MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon McCarthy, 952.401.0125 x2

BACKGROUND: Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells is a “world-away” waterpark experience in the heart of the Midwest. Situated along I-90/94, the authentically African-themed Kalahari Resort greets Wisconsin Dells visitors with a sneak peek of its colorful web of award-winning outdoor and indoor waterpark slides, attractions, and activities. The resort is home to America’s largest indoor waterpark, and offers more than one million gallons of water fun, 110,000-square-foot Indoor Theme Park, 742 guestrooms, 14 stand-alone five bedroom suites, the full-service Spa Kalahari and Salon, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site restaurants including Kahunaville, unique retail shops, a 15-screen cinema and 100,000-square-foot convention center. Kalahari also features Trappers Turn, a 27-hole award-winning golf course and the Crystal Grand Theatre for live entertainment. A second Kalahari Resort is located in Sandusky, Ohio. For reservation information, call 1-877-KALAHARI (525-2427).

Published by:  WisBusiness.com