ASE

If you've ever wanted to know how they load trains onto the Wild Eagle... I'm at the park...workers are on the lift hill of Lightning Rod...still not open, but will check back in a bit.

I'm not there to confirm, but just saw this stating it reopened today: http://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/amusement-parks/dollywood-roller-coaster-open

I'm at the park today and noticed they were working on it so I asked the employees at Lightning Rod's entrance… The parts are here and they're currently being replaced. They're "very hopeful" that it will open tomorrow, Wednesday. He said it was a piece in the restraints… Restraints were working TOO well and wouldn't unlock at the end of the ride. So they are having to replace that part on every seat on every train.

"Home & Family" is having a "Dollywood Week" special starting May 30...

Could be The Willis Family....they performed at Dollywood on Sunday and have a TV show. Would be some decent advertising for Dollywood. Dolly is scheduled to be back in town this Friday to cut the ribbon on the new Lumberjack Adventure at 11AM. From a PR standpoint, it'd make sense to have her officially "open" Lightning Rod while in town. At this point, I can't imagine they'd just "open" it one day without a PR opportunity like that. I did hear they were originally shooting to open it when she was in town for the parade, which obviously didn't happen...so my assumption is they held out for her next trip to Pigeon Forge. I'd be REALLY surprised if we make it through the weekend without hearing SOMEthing from Pete and the Dollywood team if it doesn't open...especially with the "season" kicking into full gear after next week.

Fire at Dollywood! I hear Guy is a suspect........ http://wate.com/2016/05/10/small-fire-quickly-put-out-at-dollywood-building/

I'd hold off until Lightning Rod opens if anyone is planning to visit on a weekend. The crowds have been huge, lines have been long, etc...Lightning Rod should help crowd levels & wait times throughout the park once it opens.

I'm hearing they are doing testing with people now...hoping to open this weekend!

Launch vid posted today at https://www.instagram.com/oz_was_yes/

Great pics! Looking forward to the videos!

Pretty cool behind the scenes photos posted on instagram today...they've cleaned up a lot of the boxes, parts, junk, etc...getting closer!

Numerous workers are on the lift hill today...glad to see some activity!

Saw this posted on Twitter today...looks like at least 1 RMC person (or at least someone wearing an RMC jacket) doing something on Lightning Rod today. Hopefully progress.

Yes, it was running and had about a 30min wait.

At Dollywood today...picture perfect day...crowds were light this morning. They've done a fantastic job renovating Jukebox Junction. Has a much more fun "vibe" to the area now. ZERO activity on Lightning Rod...haven't seen a single person anywhere near it to work on anything. The new food truck in Jukebox Junction serves up some delicious, fresh fried chicken sandwiches. Highly recommend.

I think it's safe to say they're still a bit short-staffed... https://hfecorp-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobsearch&company_id=16687&version=7&byBusinessUnit=NULL&bycountry=0&bystate=0&bylocation=NULL&keywords=&byCat=NULL&proximityCountry=&postalCode=&radiusDistance=&isKilometers=&tosearch=yes&startflag=0

To clear up some confusion about the years of Dolly and Dollywood… Dollywood started as Railroad Road in 1961. It changed to Goldrush Junction in 1966 and then Silver Dollar City in 1977... and finally Dollywood in 1986. As far as 50 years goes… Dolly and her husband Carl Dean will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this May.

Great pics, WildEagle2014! But uh....don't tell me the Rockin' Roadway is shut down already! Hoping they have a MUCH better year this year with it staying up. Also hoping the park has adequate numbers of employees this year as well to keep everything open.

Email I just received from Dollywood PR: Lightning Rod will not be open for Grand Opening weekend. Lightning Rod is an innovative ride featuring new technology never used on a wooden coaster. The ride manufacturer asked for additional time to commission the ride. Progress is being made daily. Please check dollywood.com for future updates. FAQ: 1) Why is it not ready, didn’t you start construction last summer? A) This an innovative ride featuring technology never before used on a wooden coaster. At the ride manufacturer’s request ride commissioning has been extended to ensure the best possible ride experience for our guests this season. 2) Is it safe? A) Yes! Safety is our number one priority at Dollywood and we work hard every day to keep our guests as safe as possible. 3) When do you expect it to open? A) We will open when the ride is fully commissioned and we are comfortable the ride is the best it can be. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot provide a date. 4) When is Dolly visiting? A) Dolly’s schedule is very full this year with a tour, a new album etc. She will, however, be on park March 24. She will also be in Pigeon Forge on Friday, May 6th for the parade on the Parkway.