dstephe9

Got it, maybe Dollywood is just testing a basic system for now and seeing if an unmanaged system will work for them. I know Sunday they pretty much let the folks with a wristband on as soon as they arrived.. wasn't a huge issue but again on Sunday the park was only at parking lot C (A is handycapped and B is a very small lot) so not many guest.. even then LR had about a 45 min wait most of the day and Firechaser had 30+ This caused us to miss one train due to a larger family with bands getting on but wasn't a huge issue. We will have to wait until one of these slammed days with 35000+ guest! Last year I was unfortunate enough to be at the park one of those days and it was pretty miserable as is but if the timesaver line is backed up we will see how they manage LR or Firechaser or even MM which are the three coasters that get over an hour and a half wait on those days as is Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

The same way they're keeping track of it now with plastic wristbands... That's the thing, they have no limit in place other than only two rides allowed on LR Link I agree with everything you've said on this issue. It's practical, cheap, and easy - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Also, I'm glad you got on LR (and loved it!), great review! That's the problem, currently the bracelets aren't very popular at Dollywood.. it's to early to see if they will cause backups on some rides or not but with a way of not being able to manage the amount of people getting in line of some popular rides, I can see that really hurting Dollywood on some rides such as LR and Firechaser that already backup, even on slow days.. who knows, it might not be a problem at all.. What you also have to remember is that all resort guest get a free band (I believe they still do this year, an email I received said so anyway).. not sure if the get only one for each guest or one for everyday they visit.. that claims 100+ bands daily on busy days. The current design of their bracelet though is broken and needs fixed.. I saw one family arguing with ride ops on LR Sunday bc they claimed they lost their "Star" card.. who knows if they really lost it or not lol so even if these bands don't result in long timesaver lines, they really need to revisit the design for sure. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

My biggest thing is not limiting sales but limiting the amount of people in the fast line. Q-Bots and app based systems allow that to be managed VS wristbands that are just pull tabs or punch systems.. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Yeah, but what are those limited gtys? They aren't advertised anywhere. I have heard of days where cedar fair will sale a couple thousand of them.. I mean I'm sure the park has a hard cutoff but we don't know that number.. even if it's 1000, that's a lot of people on the rides that do back up.. a lot of people when you only have 3 or 4 rides that even need it on a busy day. On a sold out day at dreammore they could very well possibly issue over 300 bands just for staying there Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

The same way they're keeping track of it now with plastic wristbands... That's the thing, they have no limit in place other than only two rides allowed on LR Dollywood last year had a few record breaking days with over 35,000 guest. That's a lot of guest 5000 of those guest buy bands (I don't know the true number,, that's just a guess) and head to one of the two rides that backs up even on slow days at Dollywood (LR or Firechaser).. That flash line is going to back up quickly. Yesterday parking only made it to lot c but LR had 45+ minute wait. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I have heard horror stories of cedar fair parks having flash lines that are thirty or forty mins long due to there not being a system to limit the amount of guest with them.. (I haven't dealt with this personally, just heard stories) Six Flags would actually list rides as "full" or even take them off if their flash lines got to long.. Disney does the same. I don't believe we will have to worry about that happening to Dollywood most days, but it could still be an issue on very busy days with these new wristbands or even paper bands Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I don't believe Dollywood every required a security deposit for theirs.. and if they did, it was only a credit card.. at Dollywood, you just placed the QBot in a box on the way out and that was it.. Six Flags requires both deposit (your CC on file) and your license! At least last time I got one they did. I hate waiting in line to drop off my QBot As for NFC wristbands, I would only want them if they had the plan to integrate it with other stuff such as season tickets and payment options and what not.. Dollywood (I think) is already setup for NFC payment at most places.. it looks like most of their terminals will allow NFC, even if they don't allow it now.. you don't need fancy Mikey terminals like Disney.. A lot of older AMEX and Discover cards have had NFC built in for years, way before smartphones Paper bands are fine, just old school, while most things are becoming modern. they would be easy to buy at the gate and you would be able to cutout the processing booth which is nic Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

The rest of the family got bands, I just used the card (that we all got as our ticket). I think integrating it into the pass/ticket would be the way to go. Add on bands would be a money maker for sure. While control through a phone would be handy, they'd still need kiosks for those w/o smartphones (or dead batteries). Could just be a simple tablet in a themed stand, but nothing overly expensive, and as elaborate as Disney's. Use butterflies intsead of mouse ears on the readyers But go back to the old q-bot style, where you select an available time (like Disney does) but valid anytime after that. Schedule a few initially, then add the next one after each. Continue to limit the number available each day. But do away with the expensive units that have to be carried and turned in. Exactly, you would need a place onsite such as a kiosk or something for dead batteries but NFC is the way to go.. the Q-Bot system was actually partly NFC already. It can be bands, cards, keychains, or anything that allows NFC.. I like the band idea though as it's easier to keep up with.. I know six flags is toying with a phone based flash pass system using their app.. I receive surveys about it from time to time.. they are also toying with NFC based system for tickets and flash pass, again I have received surveys about it.. Disney, of course, already has one.. Universal is working on one more advanced than Disney and I believe it's actually in testing at one of their waterparks.. This is a smart device day and age, no need for fancy devices from the park.. we just need a NFC device, that works with what customers already own and have a backup kiosk or two for folks without smartphones or dead batteries The bands they are providing now seem wasteful, look tacky, and hopefully are just temporary.. I know a few folks seem to like them, but on a busy day (yeah Dollywood had busy days) 10 rides wouldn't be enough for me on a flash style system Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

It's been there a while. I first remember it when Fire Chaser opened. But, coverage was very spotty. In the FCE queue was where I first found it. Later found a few other spots, but even last year it was still spotty. I am pretty sure they have added more antennas now or better antennas.. I saw enough and they had them aimed where most of the park should receive decent WiFi (If their ISP or backend server can keep up with the traffic).. Again, I didn't try it but this is the first time I have actually noticed the antennas Cool. We'll probably check it out the week of the 24th when we are there. If you get there sooner, post your thoughts. It's always been table service. The only one that wasn't order at a counter or a buffet. Or am I forgetting someplace? (Maybe Ham & Beans? As I said, never ate there). And yea, its always been table service but they never had signs saying it.. It just reminded her of Disney was all.. And yeah, I think it will be the next place we eat.. Again, it actually looked good.. When we first passed it had no wait but around 5 it's line was fairly long.. I wish they added some patio seating to it though, the name really makes me think of patio seating haha

I think all parks should go to an NFC system that integrates with smartphones.. Provide the guest who buy the service with an inexpensive wristband they can take home with them (Like Disney Magic Bands) and they control it from their phone.. Dollywood can even use it in their resort! Their is some upfront cost but after that, its all the parks money! In 5 or 6 years, all smartphones will probably have NFC already built in.. 95% of them already do!! Wouldn't even need a band, but bands are neat and gives everyone a souvenir.. When its more advanced, season pass holders can get a band with their season pass on it.. Universal is testing a new system like this, Disney already has one, and I am sure other parks are soon to follow or already have one themselves.. Six Flags has sent me a survey on it meaning its in their mind as well.. Nice thing about it, NFC is easy to waterproof and can be used at splash also.. They can link more and more to NFC like photos.. If you are a season pass holder, or if you already have a wristband, they should allow you to "Purchase" the service via the Dollywood app without going to the fastpass office... I can see myself and other season pass holders adding it on a busy day with one touch of the app!! Now, I am not saying do a free system.. Disney does a free system because they are so crowded but this would also make a good pay system for parks like Dollywood.. Either way, I think they should come up with a system controlled with your phone.. Everyone already carries their phones with them already on most rides so why not?

What about the revamped Baskstage? Did you check it out? How'd it look? My crew has always preferred Aunt Grannie's too. After 4 years and over a dozen visits we still haven't made it to Ham & Beans. The menu actually looked very good for the revamped backstage.. We actually planned to eat there and got sidetracked and when we came back they had about a 30 minute wait.. It had a fresh look and the menu had a fresh food feel to it.. I hope to try it soon.. It was a simple menu and I can't remember all the offerings but they did sound appetizing.. They had a sign beside the menu that said "Table Service Restaurant" and my GF who loves Disney was like THIS MAKES ME WANNA GO TO DISNEY (For those who haven't been to Disney, they call their restaurants "Quick Service" or "Table Service")

That's what they are probably for then, I didn't try to access it. I used to install those things so I knew they are used for communication and WiFi is their normal use.. Outdoor Long Range WiFi to be exact.. I'd imagine you are correct, I didn't notice WiFi was available to guest now.. They are all over the park.. On a side note, Dollywood did a good job painting them and hiding them.. If you don't know what they are you would never notice them.. They are square boxes, usually multiple boxes aimed in different directions.. They are placed on sides of buildings.. I wish I took some photos.. haha

I feel like they could do a much better system, though. If they want to cap the number of rides, give everyone something like a credit card that employees swipe at the ride gates. Or just do it with a fast lane wristband with no cap on total number of uses. I am honestly wondering if this is a temporary system.. I noticed a lot of new industrial "communication" routers in place all around the park.. Similar to WiFi routers (They might be WiFi routers but they can also work on other bands and communication standards).. These are outdoor style routers you would see on college campuses.. All of them might not have been new (but I just now noticed some) but I am wondering if they are trying to install a NFC system or something.. Similar to what Disney has with a wristband that you can control with your mobile phone.. Now this communication infrastructure I saw may have nothing to do with this at all but its an interesting theory. I do know some of these communication routers are new but they might be, and are probably for POS Systems and other data systems in the park. Just a thought though

This picture you posted is actually a play area.. Today it was full of cast iron Dutch ovens and skillets for kids to play with and make music on.. Not sure if that was it's intended use but that was how it was being used today!! I guess they had the cast iron put up when you took the pic due to the rain.. I wish I got a new picture of it with everything out!! ;( Bummer Original Photo Posted by mckayj93

I feel if Dollywood offered these bands at the regular ticket window they would make a killing.. they didn't offer one to me and I didn't see any mention of it so I'd imagine you go to the same fastpass location as always.. with this new system, there is no reason they can't offer at the regular ticket window as an add on.. cut out one stop! Just my thoughts on it.. I do dislike the new system though Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Back from my trip today, overall good day.. operations were fine except on LR.. A few tips 1.) They have changed the season pass holders processing center.. basically they flipped it with the old ticket center.. I didn't read the sign and waited in line at the old season pass holders processing center to find out it was for tickets only.. I had to go to the old ticket windows to process my pass.. my fault, I should have read the sign! Not sure if this has been mentioned here or not.. 2.) Food truck moved! Not far, mainly to the other side of the road but it can't be seen from market square anymore! I almost died when I didn't see it because those chicken sandwiches were to die for! Few complaints that I will definitely mention on a survey if they send one like they normally do or for Dollywood to read here.. Not deal breakers but a big drop in the quality Dollywood normally achieves. 1.) Lumberjack Pizza is made the same way but the new sauce is very bad.. I believe they used to make their sauce homemade (at least the old sign had the ingredients for what they "use" in the sauce).. The new sauce is sweet and very cheap tasting.. like someone said, it really did taste like lunchables sauce.. what's worse is, overall the pizza is great and only ruined by the sauce.. I had no cheese issues the other person had.. Also, price went up and pizza is smaller! Shame on you Dollywood.. Freestyle machines are nice but they yelled at me for a refill! Really, free style machines and no refill even if buying a drink!? Again not sure if it was a new employee that didn't know the policy or if Dollywood is really being stingy on the freestyle machine.. Reds has always allowed me free refills on their freestyle machines 2.) Festival of Nations food really? The Asian almost doubled in price and really wasn't very good.. not like last year's which was authentic and very delicious.. I actually ate it 7 or 8 times last year.. Crepes, yeah decent flavor but not fresh and I'm sure their bakery could do much better with them if moved there.. Tacos looked decent, I didn't have them but the sides looked like TV dinner portions and quality.. I didn't want to try it.. I'm normally very happy with the Festival of Nations food but this year it was a letdown.. let's hope their BBQ is full quality when they have it in a few months! I wasn't the only one there noticing these food issues either.. Lumberjacks was empty with people saying it's no good anymore and two people walked out of the Asian line when they saw the food.. One guy in the Crepes line got his and said "nevermind, just charge me for the drink" and handed it back.. 3.) Was it just me or did they not have many vendors this year for Festival of Nations? Now that I mention it, I can't recall one vendor that offered gifts from other nations.. if they had some, they didn't stand out like normal. 4.) My last and final complaint is the new fastpass system.. the band, yeah I won't be buying one anytime soon.. As for the other food! No worries, it looked as good as usual, smelled as good as usual, and tasted as good as usual! At least what I tried Like I said earlier, the hotdog guy someone posted a pick of is beside the wilderness pass hotdog stand.. the stand that has been there for years, although closed a lot.. it's on the hill to the stands right.. Now this hotdog stand isn't horrible BUT it's your basic small hotdogs boiled in water and a bag of chips for like $6.. around $5 with a gold pass.. nice snack, but not a meal.. I didn't have it this time but ate there once last year and wanted to clear that up.. my last post made it sound like these hotdogs are very bad. someone posted they didn't have mustard but when I walked by they had packs of ketchup, mustard, and relish.. maybe they had ran out yesterday? Again, if you want a snack and don't mind boiled hotdogs, this is a decent stand. If you want a real dog, go to dogs and taters.. Drop Line looks amazing, it's tall, and you can clearly see it stands way above the treeline.. Looked like they are running it's cable now.. The new grass area in the fair area was very popular!! Dollywood, if you read this, last season you sold Hammocks (a generic ENO).. I didn't see if you offered them this year or not but hammock stands in that area would be AMAZING or even hammock stands somewhere else in the park! Just a suggestion but I feel they would be very popular, especially with hammocks so popular in the area already.. Operations, overall were fine.. LR was slow loading and unloading, and whoever refills the forks in Market Square had failed at their job and most dispensers had 0 forks.. aside from that's, lines moved quickly and. everyone was friendly.. I do suggest some folks to help guide people with the new ticket windows.. I enjoyed several shows.. the Polish show was great and so was mother Africa.. Overall very fun day! And these complaints in this post are here to help Dollywood improve.. others have mentioned a few of these same issues.. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Another issue though is this is Dollywood.. you can use your 10 rides up in about an hour with the new system.. with the old you could ride unlimited and I know people who would get 30 rides in on a slower day Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

They had mustard last year.. I mean, those aren't bad hotdogs they are just your basic boiled small dogs.. dogs and taters is much better than the small stand in wilderness pass Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I didn't try Reds this year but I have always enjoyed them in the past. Typical theme park burgers though, so don't expect five guys or Johnny Rockets.. but good flavor and nice fixens bar Lillian's has had some changes it looks like.. personally I have liked grannies better but Lillian's is also good Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that. The egg rolls are actually decent, not mind blowing, but good enough for the price. The chicken concoction that they describe as "teriyaki" is another story, mine was so dry it was like eating a paper towel. You watch them fix it and it doesn't look half bad, then you realize they just give you stuff that's been sitting under a heat lamp for an hour. The rice doesn't even taste oriental, it's like Mexican rice with some soy sauce in it. I would also recommend avoiding the crepes, they aren't made fresh, even though they lead you to believe that. I'm considering trying the FON Tacos, they looked decent in the pictures, anyone have experience? I think it would be cool if they had people from the respective country who actually know what the food is supposed to be like prepare the stuff. I saw this post to late.. Crepes are bad.. last year the Asian food was good and was only $6.. yeah it was in a smaller bowl but this year for $10 it's mostly rice on a plate. It still felt like the same amount in the bowl with a little more rice Also the hotdog man is beside the hotdog stand in wilderness pass.. they put him on the hill behind it, you just can't see the stand in the photo lol Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

So for food cinnamon bread is same as always.. the Japanese festival of Nations food has gone down hill and way up in price though.. pizza now is just bland other than that, everything is great so far Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I'm here now and no music playing it sounds so dead without music.. have they had music other days this weekend? Edit: music is fixed Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

See I don't think you can believe anything that's said about LR.. most people before this year said the launch had 0 issues and even at a coaster event late November Pete said the majority of the issues were due to the train (which is why the launched never engaged). All the rollback issues I saw, the train didn't even try to launch. He also said the trunks would be back this season (didn't say at opening) but said they would be rewiring and reworking the trains which would fix most of the issues So now with someone on the backstage tour saying it was mostly launch issues who knows.. I don't believe anything I hear about it now I guess lol As for the wristbands that replaced qbot, do they let you buy them at the ticket window now? The only reason I can even see that made Dollywood think this was a good idea is if it allowed guest to buy them at the ticket window allowing for a more streamlined process and possibly increase sales of the bands.. Why else get rid of a good system! Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I think it used to be in Rivertown Junction next to the only place it would fit, next to Dogs n Taters. Actually it used to be in wilderness be pass right before you got to wild eagle beside the hotdog stand that was never opened.. all the stand offered were hotdogs and a bag of chips. Tiny boiled hotdogs at that. I found it open once last year and tried it. Waste of $5 lol. before that it might have been beside dogs and taters... I have seen it moved to other random places as well, I think they do it now just to be funny. One time it was beside Tennessee Tornado on the roof beside the cow but the next day it was moved back down the hill.. makes me wonder if it gets moved due to staff pranks lol Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

I thought it was interesting how he said they only close the short time in the winter to get ready for spring.. I knew that's what they used that time for but with that being said they don't close due to the weather or coldness. He said if it wasn't for getting ready for Spring they would be open year round.. I know you can't look to deep into that but as Dollywood turns into more of a national destination like they are planning, anyone ever see them being open year round? Maybe jsut Friday - Sunday during the winter? We already have them almost DOUBLING their fall days this season by being open everyday during October.. So it's already kind of happening.. That area​ is still always busy during the weekends during winter.. I can see Dollywood drawing in decent sized crowds even during Jan - Feb, especially if they have a neat festival bringing folks in.. This winter tourism was down due to the fire but the Mountains are still a huge draw during the winter. Gatlinburg is packed on the weekends, and Pigeon Forge is fairly crowded as well.. Dollywood would just bring more in and help the area even more. Just an interesting thought that probably won't ever happen but still fun to think about Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk