mckayj93

I always love online ignorant posts! I love how a common trend on the River Battle announcement was first the log ride is gone, now this. I get that the log flume is gone, but don't people (even GP) think Daredevil Falls is a much better ride?

I'm a very cheap person so I'll throw in my thoughts about my favorite companies. Before telling my tips I'll tell a bit about my habits. I don't fly much so no tips there. When staying somewhere I only care more about cost, cleanliness, and safeness more than luxury. Unless I am seeking out a specific feature such as a indoor pool or hot tub. Most of my traveling is in the South, so my experiences might be different than how a brand might typically be in other places. Credit Card- I use a Discover Card primarily. I don't have a need for a travel card or branded card (More explanation why in hotel section). Discover always gives at least 1% cash back, while offering a 5% cash back in categories every quarter. I use these to my advantage by mass buying gift cards in the respective quarter. This means gas, restaurants, Amazon, etc. They also offered a six flags deal about every other year. The reason I stick with Discover is their cash back can be applied to your account, or choose from a list of about 100 places to get extra money on the card. For example $20 of cash back can get you a $25 gift card to a restaurant. You can also shop online through their site and get extra cash back. I double dip the Discover Deals with another site like Upromise, eBates, MyPoints, or SwagBucks. I can get potentially up to 10-20% back off of a simple purchase. Their customer service is also fantastic, another reason I stick with them. Gas- I am loyal to Speedway. The stations are clean, have good food and drink offerings, and have the best rewards system. If you work it right with gift card purchases, I easily earn a $200 gas card each year and that goes a long way in my Honda Civic! I'm not knowledgeable on car engines, but I'd say using the same brand of gas each time doesn't hurt anything. If I go outside of Speedway territory, I typically stick to Shell or BP to ensure good quality fuel. Hotel booking / general thoughts- No matter which brand you go with- book through the actual company instead of a third party like priceline. If you ever get in a bind it is a bigger mess to fix. After you pick a hotel brand family and stick with it, the deals, promos, and rewards balance out the discounts anyway. I also recommend staying somewhere with breakfast unless you really want to eat somewhere specific where you are. This can save money and the time of stopping somewhere else. TripAdvisor is always your friend. A 10 second glance will tell you if a hotel or restaurant is a good or bad idea. If you are road tripping, put water and other drinks and a bag of snacks in your car. You can get ice at hotel and it beats paying triple for a late night coke from the machine. Hotel Brand- coasterbill gave some great tips for Choice, but I'm going to share why I went with Wyndham instead. Wyndham consists of a wide range of brands which honestly needs some consolidation. I normally go on the cheap end as long as its clean and safe, but have the flexibility to stay somewhere nicer. I have the flexibility of cheap and mid range, while companies like Hilton, IHG, or Marriott don't have a value option. Drury and LaQuinta are great, but not enough of them for me to be loyal. Here is why Wyndham for me: -Like Choice, they have properties everywhere, and in different income brackets. - If worked properly- their rewards program can be very lucrative. Again, it depends on how and where you travel. You get a free night for 15k points, or a go fast award for 3k. The go fast award is using 3k points plus some cash based on property. I've save tremendous money with that. In peak time the $150 night turns into a $40 plus 3k points. It is also fairly easy to earn status and more perks. Each stay (even 1 night in a cheap motel) earns 1,000 points. There is always promotions going on to give bonus points. I typically earn enough points for a award every 1.5-2 nights. I normally stay in different hotels every night in the same town to maximize points- especially if I'm alone. You can redeem at any property, ranging from the cheap, mid range, luxury, and even the condo timeshare units. -More thoughts on Wyndham Brands: - Wyndham / Wyndham Grand- Very nice properties, compare to Crowne Plaza, DoubleTree, Marriott, etc. Only stayed at a couple of these. Normally only in large cities. -Wyndham Garden- these can be really good or really bad. Typically these are rebrands of another hotel. Most are fine. - Knights Inn- Just don't do it. Most of them are drug dens or bug infested that need to be shut down. Plus most have no breakfast. - Howard Johnson / Travelodge- These range greatly in quality and amenities. Typically in big cities they are pretty bad and I wouldn't do it. However in tourist or rural areas these are normally ok. For example- Travelodge now brands itself with the National Parks, and most that I know of near a park are pretty good. Hawthorn Suites- Never stayed at one, more of them up North than in the South. Haven't heard any major complaints. Microtel- I really like these. Rooms are consistent. Most have at least 1 hot item for breakfast. Not many have a pool though if you want one. They have an option of 1 queen bed rooms, good cheap option normally if traveling solo. Ramada- These can range in quality and amenities but are normally nice. A lot are rebrands of older Marriott type or old Holidome Holiday Inns. They all have good breakfast, free at some places, extra at others. If breakfast isn't free, I typically stay somewhere else for same cost. Wingate- These are really nice. Think Courtyard or Hilton Garden with free breakfast. Some have pool some don't. There aren't many of these and are normally the priciest Wyndham option in town. Days Inn- you will see the most of these. I've never stayed in a bad one but I can thank Trip Advisor for that. Typically least consistent brand. Will have breakfast for free, typically continental but some can surprise you. I normally don't stay at these in big cities, not because of the property but usually loud and late clientele. If I can stay at another Wyndham property for $5 more I'll do it. Super 8- This brand has really improved and is the most consistent value brand. Most properties are renovated now, I really like the new furniture and beds. Each room has pictures on the wall of a local site and it adds a nice touch. More likely than Days Inn to have better breakfast. You can still get a dud but this is my most stayed brand. Baymont- this is my favorite brand, and if I'm not crashing for simply getting off the road, I'll normally splurge if its within $10 more of the Days or Super 8. They always have a great breakfast options, and the beds are the best non luxury I've stayed in. Typically a lot better clientele and amenities. Thats a lot of info, hope that helps! Let me know if you have questions about Wyndham or their rewards. I can normally have a good Super 8 value night for half the cost of a Hampton or HIExpress, while having the option of a Baymont, Wingate, or Ramada for a little less. Dollywood is also my home park, also can answer any questions about the Smokies

I see them doing a mid level option with convention space, or another hotel building and make a larger pool / entertainment area connecting them. I don't see them building value, way too much competition in town who would underprice them. It's curious to see how development will happen, the Burger King and gas station have opened within the last year, and Veterans will be connected to more roads.

I was hoping that it would be River Battle if something was leaving. I was really worried about Daredevil Falls or Sidewinder. I've never rode River Battle- I either wasn't in a mood to get that soaked or I thought it would only be fun if you had a decent sized group of people or smaller kids with you. Stuck out like a sore thumb even worse than Country Fair. I haven't been to SDC yet but based on pictures it seems their splash battle is much better integrated and themed in the park. I think River Battle would be a good fit for Wild Adventures. Already sort of has animal theming and seems to be an easy attraction to move. I don't think Wild Adventures is bleeding money, it is a different demographic than the other parks due to the zoo aspect. It is far enough away from Atlanta or Orlando to fit a niche. I've only been once, when I was about 7, don't remember any specific rides, just animal exhibits. We stayed in Valdosta on our way to Disney from Nashville. It was a good and fairly inexpensive overnight break in the drive before our Disney tickets and hotel started. I assume that the decision was made based on the fact the access roads to the loop are on the there side of the retaining wall and hill based on the picture. I'd love to see the main path cut through the current ride area to make a straight path instead of the curve. I doubt that a theater or entertainment facility will be put in- due to the fact most of that is on the other side of the park with Showstreet to some of Craftsmans Valley. This keeps the elderly and wheelchair crowd from having to go up the larger Timber Canyon incline. On each side of the new path I'd love to see a nicer buffet or sit down food option, better theming for Wilderness Pass (on the caliber of SDC's Firemans Landing), at least one decent flat (Dollywood's biggest need IMHO), a smaller flat to appeal to kids, and hopefully a dark ride or small coaster such as the new steel RMC.

Thanks for the advice. I didn't think of weekend operations at the parks. My event is Friday and Saturday all day, so I'll probably drive to Branson Wednesday, do the after 3pm deal and go all day Thursday, then drive to Tulsa. St Louis will probably be a separate trip. It seems Frontier City is more worthwhile of a detour than Magic Springs. Hot Springs is closer to me if I ever make a special trip. You think going through Memphis and up 63 is better than taking I24 to Paducah and taking US60 all the way?

Most local places in the Smokies you can't go wrong with. One of my favorites is Country Steak N Eggs in Townsend, or the Pottery Cafe in Pigeon Forge. Log Cabin Pancake House in Gatlinburg is good too. Also if you have time, definitely check out the National Park. A lot of the free ranger programs are really good, as well as the hiking trails.

Hi, I'll be taking a work trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma in April 2018. I live in Nashville, TN. I have some flexibility with days before and after my event, so wanted to possibly get some parks in on the way there or back. All this will be places and roads I've never been before. After looking at my options here are some of my thoughts- It looks like I can take I40 through Arkansas or US60 through Missouri. Aside from destinations along the way, either of these roads a better ride? I do want to stop at Silver Dollar City. I've got a Dollywood pass I'll get half off, hopefully their new coaster will be running, but since I've never been there not a deal breaker if not. I consider Dollywood my home park and really interested to see similarities and differences in another Herschend park. It looks like Magic Springs in Hot Springs, AK is not far off the route. No water park in April, so would this be worth my time? Also heard Hot Springs National park itself was interesting to visit. Frontier City in Oklahoma City would be like 100 mies out of the way. Probably will never make a special trip there for that, so is that park and city worth the detour? I could add about an hour or two detour and go to Six Flags St Louis. But then again, I might save that for a special trip another time, Ive heard that the City Museum and other things in the city were great fun as well. Anywhere else in this area that would be must see's if I'm passing through? Appreciate any thoughts!

Nice report so far. Mels diner is good. Tons of other good places to eat in the area!

I wouldn't call Tennessee Tornado bad or painful, but definitely the most intense brakes at Dollywood, especially in the front car. It's seems worse when they are running 1 train. This is my only Arrow Coaster as of now, can't say how others compare on the brakes.

This company also is the ride company for my local fair in TN. It seems like the last few years the rides look shadier, I thought it was just me being older and more knowledgeable about rides, but maybe not. I don't do fair rides, I'll wait til I'm somewhere with them put in the ground with regular park staff that check.

I was the first person on LR today! It opened about 20 minutes after the park. I was the first one the ride op walked up in the line, the station reeked of burnt brake fluid when I got up there, smell left after a couple minutes. Got front row first ride, then went around again and got back row. That was my first time front and back! Rode well, no jolts that I noticed. View was great in the front, airtime was even more insane in the back row. This was my first ride since March, the launch did stop a little sooner than before. It didn't take away from the experience though, just noticed it today.

I live in the south and I don't drink sweet tea, but I know a lot of people who do. I wonder why they decided to take it out. I saw the Gazillion Bubble Show for the first time a few weeks ago and I thought the same thing. This is definitely one of the best shows that has ever been at Dollywood. I drink sweet tea like others drink coffee. Only certain places had it before. To me it's understandable if only one quick serve place in a area of the park has it, for instance only 1 kiosk in Market Square used to have it. I guess the rationale was even if it was selling, it probably took more space and time to make and clean compared to a Coke fountain machine. They should still have a handful of quick serves that have it, I like certain foods with tea and certain foods with coke. I don't mind buying food and drink from different vendors if I can get my sweet tea if I want it lol

Was at Dollywood today from 4:30pm- closing. I'll be back Thursday. A few things- - If you ever had the opportunity, do some of the ranger led programs in the National Park. There are even some that you don't have to do anything too physical. It was great and free. - I listened for music closer after seeing people comment on it. Each festival has a slight twist in what I hear around the park, and I think thats ok. Showstreet had a lot of pop / country / Christian music, and I thought it fit the area. Jukebox Junction obviously was 50's 60's music. I hear the most Dolly music in Timber Canyon and sometimes Craftsmans Valley. I've never had an issue with music. A little bit more Dolly would be nice, but I think they have a good range currently that fits each areas theme. - As far as food I noticed the "festival" kiosk at Market Square had salads, wraps, and smoothies. I haven't ate at Front Porch Cafe yet but I think they have some healthy options. Cinnamon Bread was as good as always, probably not healthy though. Market Square also no longer does homemade chips, store bought now. - You can no longer get sweet tea anywhere in the park except the sit down restaurants. That stinks, especially being in the South. A few people told me Red's had it but they do not. - The Gazillion Bubbles Show was really good, better than I expected. Would have been even better if I had a younger kid with me. - Mystery Mine's theming was really good today. My last few trips at least one special FX has been down, I noticed some that I hadn't seen before today. - Lightning Rod was a let down today. Was 85 min wait when I got there, so did other stuff then noticed it dropped to 20. I got in line, got to front of the line and it went down. Also saw a failed launch at one point in the day. Closed for the day after I waited a bit in hopes it would open again. - Got my first night rides on Wild Eagle and Tennessee Tornado. I've now done a night ride on everything except Drop Line and Lightning Rod. They have all been great, but Wild Eagle in front row at night is by far my favorite so far. It's a must do. Thunderhead also gives a great night ride. Tennessee Tornado was pitch black for the last couple elements. - Even with the nitpick things (even LR), Dollywood is still a great place. Great rides, great shows, great theming It is growing but I don't think they are loosing the charm. The employees are what makes this place, and sure they are mostly older but some of my favorites are also younger now as well. Operations here blow away other parks. Tennessee Tornado has the best ride ops, cracked jokes the whole time. My two favorites today: "Welcome aboard the fastest currently operating coaster at Dollywood" and "Ready to do 8 corkscrews at 120mph? Well hope not cause that would be a lie" And there's a older guy at the popcorn stand near Celebrity Theater who remembered me by name. Just a few thoughts lol

I might wait and do a extra trip a weekend in August if they offer the season pass deal like last year. Especially if aquarium does the $10 deal again. I guess its still a gamble with Lightning Rod, got to ride once this season, twice last. Just would hate to wait an hour and it goes down

Thought about doing this a Thursday and half a Friday, then doing Beech Bend Friday Night Lights deal on the way home. I'm use to Dollywood's theming, entertainment, and coaster line up, so curious to see KK especially with the deal. And figured staying at a walking distance hotel would save $ on parking.

Have some extra time off work next week, thinking about making an extra trip to Dollywood. Hotel costs are pretty much the same all week. Which day do you think would be best for Dollywood and which for National Park as far as crowds and Lightning Rod? Obviously not Saturday lol. And are there any deals for Splash Country besides the value I get with my Gold Pass?

I've never been here before and live in Nashville. Thought about making a solo trip up for a day or two this season for the out of state deal. More interested in dry park than water. Questions- How much time is needed for park? Dry? Dry & water? How are crowds and lines on a weekday? If I stayed at one of the nearby hotels (Howard Johnson, Ramada, or Super 8) could I park at hotel and walk to park, or would that be frowned upon? Anything you would want to know on a first trip here?

Lightning Rod closed for the day, this sign with the info on the website out front near the entrance.

Anyone know if Bring A Friend passes can be upgraded to a season pass (outside of the current deal for $67 this week on the site). I've heard conflicting reports on if you can or not

Dollywood shared your video on their Facebook page!

Some Timber Canyon pics! Really opened up the area. Will be a big help with crowds. New entrance to Timber Canyon from Showstreet New theming on path Drop Line coming into view! New theming. These were pretty funny! New Timber Canyon theming Ate for the first time at Granny Ogle's Ham and Beans. Was really good and cheaper than I expected.

I was there today. First time on season pass holder day. There was hardly anyone there. Only 3 coasters opened at 10 due to cold. More opened at 11, Mystery Mine and Firechaser at 12. I forgot to take pictures of new things I saw. Besides the obvious Whistlepunk Chaser and Drop Line, Timber Canyon got some huge improvements. The sidewalk widening will make a huge difference once crowds are packed in there. Many more pieces of theming and signing were put in. Really helps separate the area between Wilderness Pass and Timber Canyon more. Sideshow Spin being gone made the Country Fair seem much more open, and honestly I think better. Felt much easier to navigate. I also noticed most restrooms in the older parts of the park were gutted and upgraded, specifically in Showstreet. Food seemed on top quality like usual for me today. I didn't go to Lumberjacks though. Mother Africa show was great for those of you going during the Festival of Nations. Singing, dancing, circus type acrobatics. Overall a great day. Coasters had pretty much zero wait all day, Lightning Rod and Fire Chaser 10 min wait. Lightning Rod was amazing as usual, didn't feel any pothole, they were using both trains and dispatching pretty quick when I was there. I'll be back tomorrow for opening day, although might sleep in a couple hours and not be there at opening due to the incoming rain. I'll try to get pics of new theming to share.

Checked into my hotel tonight in Pigeon Forge and it turns out the all the Festival of Nations Performers are staying here except Mother Africa. Dollywood vans in the parking lot. Pretty neat! Makes me wonder why they are staying here and not the Dreammore lol.

Does anyone know if the new app has the ride wait times on it? Didn't see a link on there. Maybe it only shows when the park is open.

Just got my season pass holder email for March 17th- looks like a lot of discounts for the day! Red carpet entrance, free preferred parking to 1st 100 cars, discounted sky zip, food discounts.