I’ve lived in Georgia for 8 years and had never seen the laser show at Stone Mountain. I had imagined a bunch of lights flashing while music played. Little did I know that Stone Mountain Park’s Lasershow Spectacular has been an Atlanta tradition for 31 years, and is the longest running lasershow in the world. And, Boy! Was I in for a surprise!
This show is a state-of the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring laser show effects with a mixture of cartoons (using laser lights), film, fireworks, and optical illusions. I could have sworn pieces of the mountain were "crumbling" and falling to the ground!
There is something for everyone at the Lasershow Spectacular!
The lasershow includes a musical score featuring all-time favorite tunes and medleys accompanying a variety of themes and genres. Examples include:
- “Heroes” - a salute to everyday heroes such as doctors, fire and rescue, police, etc.
- “Georgia Artists” - a tribute to favorite Peach State artists such as R.E.M., The Zac Brown Band, Ray Charles, Outkast, Indigo Girls, Phillip Phillips, Little Richard and James Brown.
- “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”- a homage to the Charlie Daniels Band.
- “An American Trilogy” - an Elvis Presley segment bringing the Memorial Carving to life with lights and laser effects.
For those new to Mountainvision, here are a couple of fun facts:
- Mountainvision technology was developed in 2011 and features 3D like effects without the need for 3D glasses.
- Mountainvision is four to five times the size of an IMAX screen and taller than the Statue of Liberty.
- Mountainvision would be similar to purchasing a 5,500 inch high definition TV.
If you’ve been to the show previously, know that it has changed this year. The last big change was two years ago in 2012 when Mountainvision first was introduced.
This year the show is improved with more sequences throughout the entire performance. The show now features a lighting feature at the base of the mountain shining up like fingers of light showcasing the 825 foot mountainside. The addition of an overhead laser canopy effect now immerses guests as if they are a part of the show. Additionally, laser mirror bounce shots from all directions on the lawn create the effect of lasers jumping over guests’ heads. Plus, guests will love the updated music playlist featuring 10 new songs, such as P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass” and Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” And when Idina Menzel’s, “Let it Go”, comes on, every girl in the crowd will singing along!
Admission
The Lasershow is free with your $10 parking fee to enter the Park and takes place at Memorial Lawn in the Stone Mountain Attraction area. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs. And plan to arrive early with games or a picnic! The lawn was pretty crowded two hours prior to the show. But everyone was having a good time playing and listening to Stone Mountain’s music!
Lasershow VIP Terrace Options
If arriving early isn’t your thing, terrace seats can be reserved. The Lasershow VIP Terraces give you the best seat in the house where you can enjoy the show with a snack or dinner package, along with an outstanding view of the mountain, its famous carving and the world’s longest running lasershow.
Personally, we enjoyed the unlimited popcorn snack, and with it being very hot, were grateful for the cold drinks!
Terrace Seats with snack is $10/person, or with dinner is $24.99/adult, or $16.99/ child (ages 3-11).
Is the show too late for your little ones?
Why not plan an overnight stay? Stone Mountain offers three options within the park: Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort, Marriott Stone Mountain Inn, and Stone Mountain Park Campground.
The Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort is a AAA 4 Diamond resort with rates beginning at $159/night. Amenities include pool, spa tub by gardens, full-service spa and several dining options.
Marriott Stone Mountain Inn features 92 oversized guest rooms with a veranda, an outdoor courtyard swimming pool and buffet style southern cooking served in the Mountainview Restaurant. Rates begin at $129/night.
Stone Mountain Park Campground is a #1 campground - as rated by Woodall's. Rates begin at $25 for a tent site, and $40 for a full hook up site.
Never been camping before?
No worries! Stone Mountain Campground has you covered with their Ready, Set, Camp! Program. For $99 you get:
- A Four (4) person tent that is already set for you when you arrive.
- Four (4) sleeping pads
- Best of all, these items are yours to keep for your next camping adventure!
Because we didn’t feel like making the long drive home after the lasershow, we chose to take our trailer to Stone Mountain campground. Look for our review of the campground next week!
Want to enjoy the attractions prior to the Lasershow?
Other attractions to see at the Park include:
- Crossroads - a village of shops, restaurants and activities!
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 4D Adventure - This is a short film experience with immersive 3D and 4D special effects!
- Mini-Golf - 18 holes of fun!
- Scenic Railroad - fullsize 1940's locomotive with open-air cars takes you on a five mile excursion around the mountain
- SkyHike - a treetop adventure course!
- Summit Skyride - high-speed Swiss Cable Car takes you to the top of the mountain for stunning views - on a clear day you can see for more than 40 miles!
- Geyser Towers – The perfect place to cool off after a hot day in the sun!
Adventure Passes at the gate are $24.95/adults and $19.95/child (ages 3-11), plus taxes
Attractions Savings: Guests can save on admission after 4 p.m. with a Sunset Adventure Pass & Lasershow Snack Terrace. The pass includes access to the Stone Mountain Park attractions from 4 p.m. until close and then watch the Lasershow from the comfort and convenience of a terrace seat, complete with popcorn and a drink for $21.95 (plus tax) per person.
For more information about Stone Mountain such as hours and various attractions and shows, please visit their site at stonemountainpark.com. They can also be found on Facebook at Stone Mountain Park and Twitter via @StoneMtnPark.
Disclaimer: Macaroni Kid received complimentary tickets to this show to help facilitate this review. The options are my own.
