JZ Photographs Ober Gatlinburg and Dollywood in Autumn!

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:00 am Post subject:

Thanks for the comments everyone! Dollywood photos are being uploaded as we speak.

I'm pretty sure there were two ninja stores...one that I got a picture of, and another right next to Burger King Taiko Laughing

Can I have a Whopper and...oh, pair of nun-chucks please.

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:11 pm Post subject:

Hey TPR!

Another installment on the way...

So, I took a trolly to Dollywood since the aunt and uncle were going hiking elsewhere. When the trolly dropped me off (along with two other folks) little did I know it, but I was about 5 miles out from Dollywood! I was on the tram that goes directly to and from Dollywood. Apparently, I was dropped off at the Dollywood Information Center that's right off this main road. Soooo...I began walking. I saw a sign for Dollywood Lane, and followed it. Once again, little did I know Dollywood recently changed the entrance to the park, and I was heading in the wrong direction. I stopped in a golf hotel and these two nice 'ol ladies gave me a ride to the park because they were afraid I was going to freeze to death! I got in free, and that made up for my frustration with the wrong drop off.

As stated before, I went once in '04 for about two hours, and rode the coasters. I didn't remember much of it being twelve years old the last visit. So it was like a whole new park to me!

There were no waits all day, for the record.

It was about 36* when I got there at 9AM, so only half the rides were running. I headed to Blazing Fury first.

Blazing Fury - I totally forgot how long of a ride this was! The dark ride portion was fantastic, and the drops really took me by surprise. I loved it!

Timber Tower - Thank GOD the water effects weren't on! The theming put into it was really cool - it's a nice area. The ride was pretty fun; Huss did a good job, and Dollywood did a good job supplying extra effects. I rode twice.

Thunderhead - Lovely location for the ride. In the morning, it was one of the few rides open, and it was so cold they had little hand warmers and things blowing hot air so we wouldn't get too cold! I like Kentucky Rumbler over Thunderhead, but damn this ride is more intense! I thought it was a bit rough in the middle and in the back....not really rough, but compared to Kentucky Rumbler and '04...too much mini jackhammering. Granted it was very cold, so I'm sure I didn't ride in its prime. I rode about 10 times.

Tennessee Tornado - This is probably my favorite looping coaster. A fantastic pre drop helix and first drop. The first loop is amazing, and the smoothness of this ride combined with the speed and other two grey out inversions...it's a top knotch coaster. I wish the other Arrows were as good as this! This is a back seat coaster. I rode about 7 times. Underrated!

Mystery Mine - A new credit for me! I knew about the ride, and that it had three different sections, so I couldn't wait to ride. This ride grew on me soooo fast! The surprises, music, theming, drops, elements, everything!...was sooo cool and addicting. In the backseat it does get jerky, but the front I had nothing to complain about. A+ ride, I even bought a crow! I rode about 15 times.

Mystery Mine vs. Steel Hawg/S&S's El Loco:
Okay, so something I was just thinking about. I believe S&S could have made this ride; and better, at that. Steel Hawg has: a steeper drop, the same reverse banked curves, downward/upward heartline rolls, half loops, immelmans, and quick lifts. Pretty much everything MM has to offer. Gerstlauer did a fantastic job, don't get me wrong! But with S&S's restraints, I think they could have made the same ride with more comfort and extra elements. Mystery Mine = Expanded, themed, more elaborate version of the S&S El Loco. Both great, great coasters!

Daredevil Falls - I got the whole ride by myself thanks to the weather! A great log flume, I loved it.

The park was very nice, everyone was very friendly and helpful, and the Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill was epic! Best of all....I didn't have to share it! I wish I had done the Sky Zip tour...but I didn't have enough time.

Enjoy the pictures of this beautiful park!
-JZ

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject:

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

Does the Dolly Trolley no longer take people to the park from the main tram center in downtown Pigeon Forge? In the past, I've always parked my car there for free and taken the $.50 trolley ride to the park.

That walk to the park would've been REALLY long if not for those sweet little old ladies.

Love the pics!

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:39 pm Post subject:

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:02 pm Post subject:

More photos! I forgot to include that I absolutely couldn't find Slidewinder. I looked all over, couldn't find signs, and just gave up Taiko Mad

Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:01 pm Post subject:

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 9:33 am Post subject:

JZ, great photos as always and, oh yes, I did enjoy the train when I was there in November last year. AND the "awesome food" too. Wonderful park!

Looks like you had a great time. Job well done! Taiko Really Happy

Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:53 am Post subject:

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