Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is known for its waterparks. But as the company prepares to open its fifth resort in Spotsylvania next year, it hopes to make a splash at the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Parade Appearance
Those tuning in to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade may spot Kalahari’s float. Titled “Colossal Wave of Wonder,” it depicts an elephant mother and her calf on a wave, as well as a surfing rhino and an octopus. The float’s skirt features a design by South African artist Karabo Poppy.
“This really encapsulates who we are and the joy of family together through the beauty of Africa,” says resort general manager Brian Shanle.
This is the eighth year Kalahari will appear at the parade. This year, Grammy Award–winning musician Ciara will perform on the float. “She’s a multi-generational icon, and our guests have grown up with her. It’s cool for us to have her representing us and adding that layer of joy and nostalgia as we celebrate 25 years,” Shanle says.
Kalahari’s New Resort
The new Virginia location of the Africa-inspired resort is currently under construction on the I-95 corridor between DC and Richmond. It’s set to open by November 12, 2026, says Shanle.
The $900 million facility will include a hotel with more than 900 guest rooms, a 150,000-square-foot convention center, an adventure park, and several dining concepts. The star attraction is the 175,000-square-foot indoor water park (the largest in Virginia). It will feature thrill rides, a lazy river, and other family-friendly fun.
“We’re a family business, and we value the families of our guests and want to give them a location that allows them to make memories that last a lifetime,” Shanle says.
Kalahari is celebrating 25 years in operation this year. Its other four locations include Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Sandusky, Ohio; Round Rock, Texas; and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
In regard to the new Spotsylvania resort, Shanle says, “Being number five, we get better every time we do it, always focused on the guest experience. In this location, it’s similar to what we’ve done, because we don’t just create a resort and leave it alone. We continue to enhance it with better restaurants, better attractions all the time.”
This company broke ground in October 2023 and is preparing to open the resort next year. Shanle says Kalahari plans to hire about 1,400 people over the summer to staff the resort.
Feature image courtesy Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
