brenthodge

EXACTLY - seems very irresponsible on the part of RMC to wait until the entire structure was complete before performing any testing to evaluate the system. I know there will be TEST AND ADJUST but to be "surprised" that the entire system is not working just seems a little weird.

I really don't understand how you get all the way to the point of being "finished" and realize the most critical element - HOW YOU GET THE THING GOING - isn't working. Wouldn't you think that would have been figured out way before you get to the point we were at when they went "opps - our bad"

Did Dolly make any remarks as to why her big rod isn't ready to ride on yet? Something like it "taking longer than you planned to get a country girl ready for a fast ride"?

LIGHTING WHAT? Just got a "Plan your Dollywood Vacation" email - interesting that LR isn't even mentioned AT ALL. Like - "What new coaster?"- "pay no attention to the large wood structure there folks - nothing to see - move along"... Sad and funny.

Love how this thing really look like roads whipping through the mountain. I love how this coaster is "themed" with any real theming elements -just these "hot rod" cars hugging the terrain and twisting like they will replicates the look like no "themed" ride would.

Overall area looks great around LR - Any other improvements around the park with pics?

I think - while YES they tried - hoped and prayed it would be ready they should have had "plan B" all along. I agree waiting till a few days out to announce "not gonna happen" was a bit crazy. If there was even a chance of this being "behind" they should have not promoted it as opening on opening day. I wonder if - in the future - this will impact the marketing of all major ride openings. I totally agree that they should have promoted it as "Grand Opening" in late march or April with a firm date. They could have been sure then they would have hit that deadline, but could have also marketed the fact that LR would be in "Preview" when the park opened for the season. They could have clearly told people that the ride MAY be open, or may not - may run the full day, or may have to shut down to make adjustments. This is a "preview" period and like any "show" there might still be tweaking. THAT WAY people could have planned accordingly knowing that if they came in those first two week, there were no guarantees. It seems now like they are gushy to even post a date for fear that they will not make that as well. I think this was poor planning and synergy between the marketing and the planning/construction teams. A lot of "hoping" and maybe even pushing one or the other to make this happen. To beat up on the guy saying it was sloppy is unfair - because like it or not - the timing of it and the way it was worded was a bit sloppy.