Dollywoodlover20

I've been in the park when it's been kind of like this. What caused (causes) a majority of flooding in Craftsmans Valley is when the pond at the Grist Mill fills up (in this case very quickly) then spills over the wall causing it to wash down hill leading, well into Showstreet. Now the Jukebox Junction area from what I can see looks to be coming from the LR construction site up on the hill. I mean where else would you get muddy water from behind LR's que house to come from. The only draining system I can off my head think of them having is the creek. I heard that this wasn't only rain though, it was rain, large hail, and strong winds. Blazing Fury even closed around 4:30pm.

I live only 2.5 hours from Dollywood, if I really wanted to I could ride down this weekend and take a chance on it being open or not. Yea I would have a good time regardless BUT I would rather wait til around mid to late June when we have a family trip planned and go and ride it with my family hopefully if it's open by then. I've went to Dollywood when all the coasters were up and down all day. What did I do? Enjoyed a show or got a bite to eat. Something funny that happens to me, usually every time I go, even when it's not on the radar, LIGHTNING pops up somewhere and the coasters close down. So I either ride Blazing Fury or relax for a bit. Basically I'm saying, yes the coaster is running today (up and running again) but don't bank a full trip on that. Yesterday a guy I know was one of the last to get on even though they had people in line at 6pm, they shut the coaster down for the day. He did say though it's probably one of the craziest wooden coasters he's ever ridden. Said his shirt came up over his head during the outward bank and it's entirely pedal to the metal "oh $h*t" moments. He rode closer towards the back, so avoid the front if you want a better ride.

Heard it's been running pretty fast all day long. That airtime in the back seat looks absolutely amazing when coming into the break run! Hoping it keeps running period, and at this speed.

There's a later video of LR on the launch from IG, the back is on the train and it has tail lights that actually work. Makes me wonder if the headlights work?

Just heard from a guy at the park, they just ran a train half full of people (GP). So I am speechless. Literally, my hands are up.

I've never heard of so much human "testing". Usually the ride is cleared and then it's game on. There is no need for extended staff testing either. The coaster obviously works, so I wonder what exactly are the problems with the launch. That's the thing. It's working.... Multiple times... In a row so what's the issue? I know as they are running these tests their not loading and unloading but last week it was proven they could even do that. Exactly. They can load, unload, run humans, they can deal with fairly large quantities. Only thing they haven't done is run two trains.

Apparently the train is sitting at the bottom of the launch and guests are being turned away. Train update though, they have the backs on them now. Could this be causing a weight/speed problem?

Anything from Miss Lillian's Chicken House. I would avoid Red's but that's just me. It's a pricy burger and fries. I would try the new Chicken truck though. Craftsmans Valley has your good restaurants along with the tasty Cinnamon Bread!

Website currently says Tech Rehearsal. They haven't ran trains in two days so I'm not sure what's up. One of the workers on IG took a selfie from the top of the launch hill so I'm wouldn't base any trips because it's in tech rehearsals. I don't think they'll hold a huge special event for the opening of the coaster. Dolly was mentioned to be in the area this weekend, if it opens she might speak a few words, other than that probably nothing major.

To be honest I don't prefer the front seat because I usually don't find it that intense. Usually the middle to back are your sweet spots of a coaster, especially the back because I mean you are getting pulled. It's like pulling a wagon, do you want to be the one pulling it, or the one in the wagon? (I hope my metaphor makes sense)

Here's your difference. Cedar Point- Amuesment Park, Dollywood- THEME Park. They have coasters and all yea but they focus a lot on shows, food, culture, and when they build a ride it is maxed out in theming. Theming is something Dollywood is known for. Even to the tiniest detail.

These reviews are making me excited for my visit! Being out of your seat most of the ride triggers a sense of natural fear in the brain which I love. Constant speed? Give it to me. I really want to experience the outward bank most of all besides the quad down. I was watching a IG video from the line and overheard a guy say "This coaster is amazing, it throws you out of your seat over and over." So seems like everyone is happy with it.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA Coaster is even officially open and they're already sneaking cameras on. Was it on the launch yet?

Exactly and these people are pretty much GP and they're cheering and screaming. The part that cracked me up was the guy screaming "OHHHHHH YEAAAA". That adrenaline rush is the best feeling.

Oh....my......it's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful

From the reviews I've been reading on IG, LR packs a punch with the airtime, and people are loving the quad down and the constant speed it carries. I think Dollywood has a winner on their hands and I'll be going in a few weeks!

Especially with the fact that they may actually let a few people on it tomorrow and a chance of opening Tuesday/Wednesday looks good.

"Why'd we waste our money here when we could've went shopping?! You and your bright ideas! First wooden launched coaster my a$$! Come on, we're leaving now!" Seriously though what's happening in that picture?

Unfortunately, Lightning Rod will not have seat belt extenders. They are adjustable to a set length, but if you cannot fasten the seatbelt in the test seat you will not be able to ride. Thanks Danny for clearing it up! Still can't wait to ride this beast (I know people will take that sexually..) but I feel like LR has power that is just waiting to be released!

Are they sure they want to pick random? Guests will tear things down! Haha but if they're going go let guests on it we are at opening day. I would pretty much bet Tuesday/Wednesday.

Seat belt extenders!!! Yes!! Seems like LR is going to be comfortable which makes me happy. I'm 6'1, 245lbs and Mystery Mine is a lil tight and let's not even talk about WE and the birds nest region haha Big legs on that coaster are just not meant to be. Which is why I always go for row 4.

LIGHTNING ROD IS OPEN!!!!! Edit: well possibly open. It has people on it, and that was posted from a worker of RMC. I seen it and got super excited.

A big kick in the butt up the lift hill and then airtime over the crest and into the drop... and then haul A$$ through the whole ride... Forgive me, but how on earth do you find that pointless? Exactly! This coaster is themed after a hot rod. I don't think a coaster that's themed after a hot rod would have a slow climb up a mountain, that just doesn't kick off "speed" to me. Plus the "Peel out" wouldn't make sense. To have the train "burn rubber" and speed up the hill just simply makes more sense for a 1950's hot rod themed coaster.

[youtu_be] [/youtu_be] there is a video I found on YouTube of today's testing. Just look how quickly it launches from the bottom. You have only a few seconds to think about what's going on before you go LITERALLY 0-45mph. All I can suggest to everyone is KEEP YOUR HEAD BACK! I can hear people now complaining of neck problems,etc. when they know they're being launched 200ft up a mountain. EDIT: looks like I posted and didn't refresh my page! Sorry guys haha

Guy when it does open and has riders screaming, what will you do? #ItsopeningSOON #PeelingOut #BurningRubberBEOTCH