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DRobbins1993

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Everything posted by DRobbins1993

  1. These findings came in 2012 when WE was constructed and saw the wasps for the first time. Reasearch by the University of Tennessee and local entimological groups that found this bread of wasps to not be local to the area, and to be quite aggressive. They've never found nests in the area and the wasps never create them while they are here leading the researchers to believe there was a different bunch of wasps each day (otherwise, why wouldnt they set up shop if it's so perfect?)Additionally, Paper Wasps are commonly found in the northeast in the spring and the south/southwest during the fall and winter. This lead to the notion that the species was migrating, however this has never been pursued further. The red wasp, however, IS local and has its mating season during this time of year and is the species that is most prevalent when TH shuts down for their swarm. As for their love of WE and TH, both species look for a high and hot place to gather during the day and gradually dissipate as it gets darker. The local red wasps like wood and cling to TH, but thanks to the pressure treatments and chemicals used in "weather-proofing" the wood, the wasps cause no harm to TH. The Paper Wasps seem to seak altitude as well as heat and WE's lift is the highest and warmest thing in the immediate area. This makes it prime realestate for their activity. The Gatlinburg Space Needle also sees a swarm this time of year.
  2. Aside from the many people at DW that DO complain about them, they are literally up there by the hundreds and sometimes thousands. The species of wasps that shut the rides down also is not local to the area. They are in a migration pattern from the New England area headed towards the gulf and Texas, travelling along the smokies. This is important because guests may not know if they are allergic and if they get stung we may not be able to get them off the ride quickly enough before an allergic reaction occurs. Shutting down before someone gets the chance to get stung is always the better option. Also, should a ride have an error and stop on the lift and need evacution the situation is instantly much more severe.
  3. We've officially reached wasp season. Wild Eagle has been shutting down daily in the early afternoon and reopening closer to the end of the day. jn the next few weeks we'll see them start to close around 11:30am and be down until at least 5:30 if not closed for the day. From now until the start of November, get your rides on Eagle in FIRST, then head elsewhere. LRod is starting to see them more in the station due to their hot tin roof but their numbers arent great enough yet for shut downs. They're currently down for maintenance.
  4. Commenting in several topics. 1. Coming from a Safety Trainer of all coasters and even the Zip Lines at the park, here is what I can tell you of our policy. Ever since the woman fell out of NTG, Dollywood's policy has been that Hosts are not allowed to assist in the closing of a restraint on any ride whatsoever WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BARNSTORMER where it is difficult to push down completely from the seat. There, hosts are required to push down until the restraint makes contact with the guest's lap. At all other attractions park wide guests must be able to secure themselves into the seat and a host will check the bars/locks by tugging against the restraint. Hosts cannot push down for fear of injuring a guest with the bar itself or causing them to be hurt by the restraint during the ride. Hosts may lower the bar to put it within your reach such as a child riding MM or WE, but they cannot push down on a restraint. 2. LRod's downtime has nothing to do with the launch, which is running beautifully. 3. TimeSaver devices only allow 6 people on each device. 4. The Inventors Mansion Still Stands but the ramp is gone.
  5. As has been stated, assigned seating for rides at Dollywood is not common, Pretty sure EVERY train that leaves Mystery Mine is assigned seating. Maybe all Dollywood host don't know what they're talking about as proven again here. Mystery Mine assigns a row, not a seat and Mountain Slidewinder has to assign seating to properly distribute weight in each boat. These have been the only rides to assign placement in the park before LRod. Barnstormer assigns you a side of a swing but not a seat. THANKS
  6. Completely assigned seating is temporary during the technical rehearsals. These rehearsals also give the hosts a much-needed sense of how the ride will operate normally when we have big crowds. As has been stated, assigned seating for rides at Dollywood is not common, and this is a practice run for many of the hosts. Once they get more accustomed to it, they will be able to take requests for front or back.
  7. Im so glad to see this comment from you guys! I'm very happy to hear that my fellow team members took great care of you. It was my pleasure to treat you both during your trip to the states and Dollywood!
  8. 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.
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