tntornadox

As has been previously mentioned, Dollywood is the more 'mainstream' theme park experience of the two. Of course, the HFEC product is nowhere near 'traditional theme park' in any form of the word, but Dollywood is moving away from its roots somewhat- expanding in rides, namely. Which is a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. I miss the hokey old rides like Flooded Mine, but I'd take the new rides over it anyday... IMO, Dollywood is the more progressive of the two, what works is replicated at SDC (Splash Battle) and what dosen't isn't (Timber Tower). Bear in mind as well, Dollywood does have an obligation to be a great RIDE park as well, I mean, it is Tennessee's only theme park...

Well, it wasn't Thunderhead, but I dedicated my Tornado 'test runs' today in your honor! Sorry, I work it, so it's the only coaster I can get to... The thoughts and prayers of the Dollywood Fans are with you, looking forward to a speedy recovery!

I think alot of young people follow their family political wise until they learn more about it themselves and make a more informed decision as far as what they care about and want to see. It may be the same party as their family, or another. But I think it takes time for them to mature political wise and discover which party is best for THEM.

^^ Dude, I totally understand, trust me. Here on Rocky Top, things are much the same. I am in a Poli Sci class and the teacher asked on the first day people's party affiliations if they had one, then asked WHY. You hit the nail on the head- 'my parents are ________, so I am a _________'... which is flawed logic, I know from personal experience- my family is staunch Republican, but I am leaning Democrat.

That's because young people are sick and tired of the same Republican Party that has sunk our country these past 8 years. This generation remembers when life was better under President Clinton, and how bad it became under Bush and Republican leadership. The difference is night and day. My two cents, anyway.

Dollywood continues to move up in several categories... stealth style.... One day, we will overtake Holiday World for 'Friendliest Park'... mark my words.

Obama has run a comparitevely clean campaign, which stands for his character. The GOP can't do anything but run attack ads and lies, too bad many Americans still believe their bs after all these years. I mean, if I get it in an email, it must be true, right? McCain is so out of touch, he thinks he is a 'change agent' even though he has been in the Senate for 26 years. He has no faith in women, he picked Palin simply because he wanted the female vote, period. He can't remember how many homes he owns, that's scary, given he will be in control of our military (World War 3, anyone?), the slumping economy is 'in our heads', and we are a country of whiners. That sums McCain up. If you think America deserves better than that, Obama is your man. He isn't perfect- noone is, but he looks, sounds, and has a much better standing amongst things, IMO, than McCain. --One final quote: That ends the question for me. I do not think, IMO the GOP deserves another chance in the White House after all they have done these eight years.

But the #1 can do ALOT more about it than this one has. Where was he after Hurricane Katrina? Hiding in his ranch in Texas? Wish to solve the declining oil stockpiles? Let's build some off-shore oil rigs that will result in a few drops of oil in about 6 years... And I am tired of hearing 'let the market take care of it'.... about everything- the economy, healthcare, etc. Oh, the market will take care of it, too bad it will be too late for the rest of us still with our sanity, home, and wallet intact.

There are enough people out there who prefer to pay $4/gal gas and suffer through the worst economy is almost 20 years... so the GOP may have a chance... Seriously, I lose faith in humanity sometimes...

Of course, I am a little biased, but I love Dollywood's the best. Seeing as their fleet is made up of REAL Baldwin 2-8-2 locomotives that have been painstankingly restored and maintained, it is a real trip into the past, being pulled behind two veterans of World War 2 (both of DW's locos were used by the U.S. Army on the Alaskan Railway during WW2).

^ You and me both, buddy. Dollywood has always been my homepark, the park grew up with me, really. I remember back when it was nothing but a bunch of crafts with a decent mine train coaster and a few 'home-made' attractions such as Blazing Fury and Flooded Mine. They didn't have huge roller coasters then, but it was still a GREAT park that I ALWAYS looked forward to visiting, it was my Disneyland. Then, as I grew up some, Dollywood and HFEC really did too. Dollywood added Daredevil Falls in 1998, and its been all downhill from there, as far as great thrill rides go. Am I glad that's the way they are headed? As a coaster enthusiast, yes; as a genuine lover of the parks, not really. As long as HFEC keeps their roots in mind, and don't stray too far from them, I have no problems calling them one of the best chains in America. In the end, I would still have that opinion, even as a teenager and coaster enthusiast, if they didn't have some of the major rides they do now- HFEC parks are great PARKS, and anyone who appreciates the whole experience will love them for what they are- extremely well-rounded family theme parks. This is one proud member of Generation Me who is a proud supporter of Herschend Family Entertainment!

Us Herschend fanboys have been attempting to educate people about the finer things in enthusiast life for years now. Those who are true THEME PARK Enthusiasts, not roller coaster enthusiasts, meaning those who enjoy the experience of a park- the atmosphere, the food, the shops, the shows, and those little details that make Disney parks top notch- will love HFEC parks. They are entertainment parks, not theme parks, and definately not amusement parks. Sadly, alot of people come to Dollywood expecting something else and view it in a negative light, which is their opinion of course, but my opinion, as well as that of a majority of people is that it (and SDC) are great parks, ran well, with a great well-rounded assortment of rides with lots of other little knacks to entertain you... oh, and the food is awesome too. Which is exactly what it should be, do we REALLY need anymore Six Flags' or Cedar Fair parks?

If you haven't been to Dollywood in a few years, or even THIS year, you will find that the park is now a total loop at the top. Mystery Mine is directly connected to Tennessee Tornado. I am biased, obviously, but with all of this praise of Dollywood I am hearing, it makes me stand in awe that this is the same park I visited back in the early 90s, when I wasn't but 5-6 years old and all they had rides wise was the rampage, some carnival rides, the Flooded Mine, Blazing Fury, and Thunder Express. The park sorta completely avoided rides altogether back then... yet was STILL a great park with an incredible atmosphere with great food and awesome employees. What's changed? They've added major rides and are attracting a much broader and wider audience.... I am glad the quality has not declined in so doing. I think alot of people would agree, Dollywood has came a long way in a very short period of time and literally came from nowhere to a possible Top 10 Park... I have a feeling the best is yet to come...

Hello everyone, this is my first post on this site, I have posted at TN for years now, but felt the need to chime in here. I work on the Tennessee Tornado at Dollywood and as a matter of fact was on the dock the day this young man visited us back in April.. As a general rule at Dollywood, safety surpasses everything- including guest satisfaction. It takes us five minutes to open a second train due to our performing block tests EVERY time the second train is added to ensure no incidental collisions can possibly occur... as maintenance likes to say: 'We would rather they collide empty'... And since we are talking about two train operations, allow me to say this- as a guest, I would become impatient that it took a large line to add a second train on TT. The fact is, with two trains running on that particular coaster (it being as short as it is), we only have 20 seconds to check restraints and gather loose articles (takes a long time) before the ride stacks. I am happy to report that given the new connector path to the Timber Canyon area of Dollywood, the Tennessee Tornado has seen a significant rise in guests this season so far. This means we usually have to add the second train now on a daily basis (even through the week), so if you've never seen TT with two train ops, this is the year to see it. Lastly, Dollywood adopted the 'no re-rides' policy based off an IAAPA directive that was sent to its member corporations not long after the string of incidents on rides all around the country. I too hated this policy as a guest, but the official reasoning is this: when you ride a thrill ride, a coaster in particular, your heart pumps faster. If you get off and walk around, your body has the opportunity to gets its bearings before you ride again, if you re-ride 4-5 times and unbeknownst to you, you just so happen to have a heart ailment, it could cause you to have a heart attack, which sadly, has been happening more and more in frequency in recent years. In the end, I support this policy, given the above information- safety is more important than guest satisfaction at times, even at parks that are world renowned for their friendly and efficient service. And to DBru, please don't take this post as me harping on you, that is not my intention. I feel that a legitimate argument is best when both sides of the coin is heard with the appropriate facts to back it up.