Get Ready to Take an ‘Ocean Journey’ in East Tennessee in 2023
We all know Dolly Parton doesn't let any grass grow underneath her feet. Well, neither does her hometown of Sevierville TN.
MORE EXCITING ADVENTURES COMING TO THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
For the longest time, the small mountain community was simply that...a small mountain community that just so happens to be where Dolly Parton was born and raised. But a lot has changed over the last several decades, and it wouldn't be wise for ANY community in the Great Smoky Mountains to drag its heels when it comes to any type of entertainment venture.
While the nickname of "entertainment capitol" is usually reserved for cities, you could argue that Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg have earned the right to collectively brand themselves as an "entertainment capitol." And if they won't, I will.
XPERIA: OCEAN JOURNEY
Coming to Sevierville...a brand new immersive attraction called Xperia: Ocean Journey, and it seems positioned to revolutionize the concept of the ocean-centric theme park.
Xperia: Ocean Journey already has a home base at one of the Smoky Mountains' most popular destinations--the Five Oaks Tanger Outlet Center in Sevierville. But when it opens, it could be a game changer.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT XPIRIA: OCEAN JOURNEY
Before you start thinking it's just another aquarium, here's what Xperiaworld.com says we can expect:
Xperia: Ocean Journey is a revolutionary new way to experience the wonders of the ocean. It combines stunning visual effects and cutting-edge technology to transport guests into the depths of the ocean for an unforgettable experience with marine creatures, including a life-sized humpback whale in 3D, giant battling humboldt squids, a stealthy thresher shark, life-like dancing sea lions, and more. Xperia: Ocean Journey is the ultimate underwater voyage with visual effects created by the Oscar winning VFX artists behind Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman, and Westworld.
XPERIA: OCEAN JOURNEY AND THE 40-FT CURVED 3D DOME THEATER
The new attraction will feature a 40-foot curved 3D dome theater. And while I can't vouch for what the presentation at Xperia will look, I can tell you I've been in one of those theaters. It was at the Cleveland Science Center and we had a blast. (The movie was a recreation of prehistoric life, so those mammoths were REALLY mammoth.)
It sounds like another exciting adventure has been added to visitors' agendas in the Smokies.
Once upon a time, all you needed was a week to take in everything you wanted to see on a trip to east Tennessee. Now it seems like you might need a month.
Xperia: Ocean Journey will open in late 2023.