ernierocker

I don't understand why discussing this debacle (which it is) makes people so uncomfortable. We all have differing opinions and perspectives — that's what makes (or used to make) discussion forums like this so interesting. But surely there are less stressful topics to follow. Believe it or not, the majority of members on this forum do not find a bunch of negative and bitching posts as "so interesting". This isn't sharing opinions or perspectives; this is complaining and bitching constantly that the ride has had issues or the park pr staff isn't doing their jobs. There has been a lot of grandstanding going on in this thread so it is only natural that you will get responses like coasterbill that are sick of the constant negativity. And let's be honest..a debacle? Ring Racer was a debacle. Just to be clear, I am not saying you can not make negative posts. You can continue to make your posts complaining about the park as long as you do so in a respectable manner towards members of this forum and park staff. Just don't be surprised that you will get a response by people who choose not to pick apart every negative thing that happens in life. And seriously...enough with the #itwillneveropen. It will be automatically deleted.

Let's get back on topic guys. Thanks.

^Yeah, it appears to be having issues today but I was just pointing out that it did open with the park. Plus, the amount of drama in that Facebook rant.

^Yeah, probably shouldn't copy a Facebook post and post it as a fact. I know people who were able to ride it this morning when the park opened.

We were in the back and it shook a bit on the drop and wave turn but nothing too alarming in my opinion. I figured it was more due to the fact it was hauling ass.

Yes, just rode it. It did go down for about an hour for maintenance.

Line ran between 30 mins to 50 mins this afternoon. I think I waited about 40 mins. Rode in the front row and it was even better than my ride two weeks ago. Incredible ejector air throughout. Best airtime I have experienced on a ride without OTS restraints except for Phoenix.

Sounds like the ride ran pretty consistently through the evening. Going to head down and try my luck after work tomorrow.

You have just typed out the dumbest thing I have ever read. Congrats. This is like blaming cows for causing heart attacks.

^The rave reviews make more sense now, huh?

Be careful what you ask for . . . How did Dueling Lightning Rods work out?

Amazing report. It will be Food and Wine time when I next visit but I am still wanting to have a meal here once.

Considering the situation, his question is fine. I am curious as well considering this is an ongoing situation and this is a major holiday weekend.

^I agree. Let's move on. You also might ride it again (say in the back seat) and be blown away. Who knows.

It goes both ways. If you go to a message full of sports fans of a certain team, tell the fans how overrated their team is, you should expect to receive some form of backlash. You have also been all over the place with your posts as well. First you say this: And then you say this: And then it is backing to being great: This one is strange because you don't know what a signature RMC stall or corked roll feels like yet that is what kept it from being "in the stratosphere". And then finally this: If you want your opinion to be respected, try to be a little more consistent in it.

As has been stated, assigned seating for rides at Dollywood is not common, Pretty sure EVERY train that leaves Mystery Mine is assigned seating. Maybe all Dollywood host don't know what they're talking about as proven again here. He said it is not common. One coaster out of all the rides at Dollywood, does not prove him wrong. And please don't be rude; we welcome park staff to post on here.

I agree; the length is not a major issue. For comparison, Outlaw Run felt slightly short to me although it is an amazing ride. Lightning Rod does everything it needs to do in the length of track it has.

I can safely say that Lightning Rod is the best coaster I've been on outside of the Northeast/East Coast. It is a fantastic, perfectly paced ride. I've only been on it once and it was the first ride of the day with a full train of riders, so it is a little too early to compare it in intensity and airtime to my other favorites, but it was quite the first experience. The launch was fun, not intense and I actually felt the brakes hit at the top. Going over the crest of the lift was incredible seeing the entire hidden portion of the ride for the first time. I rode in the 2nd row and was out of my seat almost as soon as we started down the first drop. The first half of the wave turn really didn't make much an impression, but the 2nd half really whips you down to the next elements. I loved the twist and shout and the other element (can't remember the name that comes after the wave turn). Really reminded me of some of the elements of Outlaw Run. The quad down was amazing. You could hear the passengers behind me gasp as they realized what was about to happen. The airtime was close to ejector. I'm sure different rides will vary, but for being the first fully-loaded train, I anticipate some amazing airtime in the future here. The half loop at the end was the perfect way to end the ride. You get all of the constant speed elements and then the one "stall" element right at the end. This is what I think ultimately will put this one ahead of Outlaw Run for me. The pacing is perfect on Lightning Rod. I'll probably be heading back at some point this weekend. Need to ride again and again.

Getting closer.

Ride will be opening around 11 today and is expected to be running all day.

Quoted for truth. The crazy thing is, even though I'm just in the next state over, it's almost exactly the same distance from me as it is from you. From a major airport? Not sure how anyone could make a statement that Dollywood is in the middle of nowhere. It is in the smack dab middle of the one the bigger tourist traps and one of the top 2 (most years it is #1) visited national parks in the country.

SFMM missed a huge opportunity when they failed to place rings on the lockers on Full Throttle.

^It wouldn't surprise me if they did anything major now or if they just open the ride when it is ready. There will still probably be a media ride day so they can do their POVs and media can be filmed riding.

No. The ride isn't opening, its just a media day featuring the coaster.