STDog

Somebody has to be first or there won't be anything new.

Isn't it a little early in the day to be excited about the coaster not having delays yet?? They didn't have their first delay until about 1:15 yesterday. So give it time. If they were running at park open and and went til after 1, that's 3+ hours. Better than in the past where an hour or two was the best they managed.

As I recall ~ 1hr before opening. Except on pass holder early entry days, then I think they start an 2 hours before general opening (one hour before pass holders can get in) At least in the past, I've gotten in the lot 1hr before opening (not on a pass holder early entry day) and the trams were running. Last few times they've let people through the gates too, with ropes at a few places to keep people from the rides. Back in June, I was in line at LR 10 minutes before the park opened, and the line was already back to the bridge towards River Rampage. None of Jukebox Junction was roped off then. You probably couldn't get up Craftsman's Valley though or to the Country Fair, or Owen's Farm areas. The next day at the same time there was a rope at the top of Timber Canyon so you couldn't get to Thunderhead (normal before opening).

I wasn't saying that the 17th wasn't valid reason. Hell I was agreeing that the start of school was the reason for the hours to cut back. If Knox and Blount are a week earlier, that just adds to it. (I'm from west TN so I don't know the counties in east TN well, but we started in early Aug too. This year it's Aug 4) The Universities supply a lot of the summer staff too. The students need to head back and get ready before classes start.

A few examples: UT in Knoxville starts the fall semester Aug 17. Vandy starts Aug 24. UGA starts Aug 11. South Carolina starts Aug 18. Sevier County schools (including Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg high schools) start Aug 17.

While handy, it's a steep hill from the gate to the lot. Only busses/shuttles allowed down by the gate. I like not having go wait on the tram, but after a long day that hill can be rough, especially if you have little ones. Valet is nicer since drop-off/pick-up is right at the main entrance. No hill to climb. With a few under 6 or 7 I'd go that route. Or just take the tram to a normal lot.

Already ridden it. My wait us over. Look forward to riding again.

5 hours away too. Went in March (spring break) and early June. I'm closer to Atlanta, but in the 7 years I've been here haven't gone to SF. Just not much there for my wife, but she loves the Smokies and DW. I know we'll be back at least once more, up to 3 times, this year.

They did that the entire "rehearsal" period before. But, it doesn't hurt to ask. Most won't and if you are quiet about it you might be accommodated. I was earlier this month (the week after the flood). (Or maybe it was my daughter?) I headed home the Saturday the park hours extended, so no night option. And coming in to the fireworks sound cool.

Same poster blames the restrains. https://www.instagram.com/p/BHUkBmbjmjv "there was only one train in operation and 4 of the rows were blocked off because of the restraints not unlocking properly." Oh, and this pic of some parts https://www.instagram.com/p/BHUlJ84D8kW

As far as food, Paula Deen's and the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant are great (I prefer the 2nd). The new distillery in Wears Valley (http://www.jakescreek.com) is worth a visit. Some need differences compared to the ones in Gatlinburg. For example they have rye and wheat liquor not just corn. And the whole atmosphere is different. The Cades Cove Distillery still isn't open. Tennessee Legend Distillery (http://www.tennesseelegend.com) is fairly new in Sevierville (east on 411) I still need to make it by the Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge (Old Mill area). Speaking of the Old Mill area, I've heard good things about the Old Mill Restaurant but haven't eaten there yet. Oh, and this place was fun. http://www.deerfarmzoo.com And don't forget ziplines/horse rides. There's a bunch to choose from, some off the beaten path, like http://www.nexttoheavenmountainadventures.com/ And I still want to check out http://www.jayellranch.com/

Better chance than if you went yesterday or the day before. It's actually reopened to the general public now. Still might go down/close, but it now has run passengers again since the recall and motor issues.

I know I rode the week before it opened.

Sorry you had to wait so long. Hope you got more than one ride.

_HE_ might, but the girl in the Airstream over by LR wouldn't have a clue.

Shows in all 4 browsers I have on my tablet ("internet," Firefox, Chrome, and Dolphin).

They are everywhere. Restaurants, stores, online. Don't know how much they save though.

Everything I find online says 63 MPH. http://rcdb.com/534.htm I've never seen 2 trains running on it. I have seen 45min - 1hr lines.

LR is the only ride on the site that has info on the manufacturer. But RMC is mentioned a few times and was often mentioned in early info about the ride. http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Rides/LightningRod/AboutTheRide Was WE or FCE done similarly? Nothing on the park pages mention the manufacturer of them, now.

Still seeing closed banner on website.

Just looked and see the closed banner. The details popup appears to have changed. Not claiming all RMC coasters are That's weird because the mobile site and app were plastered with that yesterday but today nothing. Haven't been down to the park to see what's happening though yet That was the mobile site (Firefox on my android tablet). Note the top of the pic.

Lol. Being from West TN for my first 2 decades, I agree, though not fond of most "Memphis Style" pork. Give me something between Memphis and Carolina, but with hints of St. Louis. But that's sauces. The meat needs a good rub and long smoke time. But give me the little shacks with no or little seating. And if they have more than one store or cook off site, forget it.

Except a one day visit makes plenty of sense for many people. And seasons passes don't make sense for a lot of people. Do you work for the park? Really? Throw a shill accusation out? No, but I guess you won't believe me. People that throw them out that way never do. When I visit the area (2-4 times a year) is for 5-7 days. Dollywood isn't the only thing there nor the only reason to go. Last time it was day 4 before the water park, then 2 days at DW. Unlike the "destination" parks. Still if I go anywhere it's for at least 2 days 95% of the time. I don't like the mad scramble to do it all in one day. Orlando I don't care for, but the family wanted to go. 6 parks in 6 days sucked.

Just looked and see the closed banner. The details popup appears to have changed. Not claiming all RMC coasters are closed.

Has LR been in TS yet? I didn't think they were uding TS on it yet.