TEDodd

Then I can't read. And like I said, I don't like stuff on my face/ if I wouldn't do it for warmth on the hour walk from my room to work in sub zero temps I'm not doing it at a theme park. But to each their own.

Plays hell with my glasses. And I just don't like anything on my face, never have. In the frigid cold in Afghanistan I couldn't do the gators on my face.

No, at least not until later in March (daughter's spring break). But not likely until mask requirements are removed. Me either. I'm only 5'9" and have ridden at 140lbs and 200+ (getting older sucks). Then again, I don't have a problem with TT's restraints either, but lots complain about them too. I just wish they both had more arm room. But WE has a similar issue.

Perhaps, but I think they even did one last year once they finally opened. I never doubted they would this year.

They have that every year on the Friday before opening. Dolly is usually at the park that day too. But not likely this year. Not sure when they might update the reservation page, or if they will even require reservations since it's passholders only.

So even on my big screen I can't tell clearly what's still topper and what's new. I was expecting more I-box on the back side of the hill than it appears to be and he describes.

Thanks. I was looking yesterday, but was before he posted that. so all I saw was #2 from December.

Yes, I've been in the lot before. That road used to be the entrence to the park. And at least a few years ago was the route the trolley took. Got a link? This is the first mention I seen of that.

Normally, sure, but after 2020 and how '21 is going so far? Not so sure, but hoping for the best. I'd like to go in late March and it be open. I was close... 57% vs 67%

Something like 2/3. Look back in this thread.

You think they built all the track and shipped it already? Maybe, but there were no reports of a big pile of track at DW, so I don't think so. I think it's being built and shipped in many parts. I don't think RMC has space to hold all the track at once and make one big shipment (and all the other project as well). I don't think DW would want to store all the track for months as they install it.

Right, but when will, it be done? Weather can be a big driver and is unknown. And when will the new track be manufactured, when delivered, and when installed. Right now that's all unknown. Transportation of goods is a mess. Lots of limits on manufacturing and installation that could change at anytime. Either could be shutdown for 2 weeks if someone tests positive. Just way to many variables to predict.

All of the coasters are usually open, just like in Nov/Dec, subject to minimum operating temps. But usually not a problem. Only the water rides wait for warmer weather. LR is an unknown. The retrack work may not be finished. Just have to see what March/April brings.

I've gone in March and April. Weather is a toss up. It could be in the 70s and clear, or snow. One year I went in late March and it was nice all week, then snowed the next week, enough to close the park (and Newfoundland Gap to the south). And I've been there when it was below 40 and still had a blast. Ear muffs help My only concern with May is they might loosen the restrictions (I know, not likely) and a surge in the crowds.

Still many of us rode multiple times on multiple visits. I know one trip I got 4 rides including 2 after dark. And another trip 3 times, with one after park close. Honestly, enough that I've lost count, and didn't even try to count.

Note they are closed Tue and Thu in May and only open 10-6 Mon, Wed, and Fri. But given that, yes usually pretty dead during the week in March, April, and May (other that the week of local spring break, Apr 5-9 this year). Weather affects that though. If it warm early it might pick up. And of course restrictions due to the current virus will affect that too. If things change by May, there could be a surge of pent up demand. But I'm not holding my breath on that.

I doubt you'll notice a difference. Same profile and the old track is to new to have much wear. If anything it might be more intense with the new track (less track flex so curves are tighter and less drag from the deformation)

Hoping for good weather then. I'd like to see it open all season. It'd be nice to have a win.

I saw the pic. My question was where is that. Someone suggested the old wagon shop (short time pottery shop)

Oh, the wagon shop. Which reminds me of my earlier comments about craftsmen. Not just a different craftsman there, but one less. Most of the craftsmen are gone now, just selling stuff made off site, and most not had made either. Which do we loose next? Glass blower? Candle maker? The belt guy? (Didn't he do more than belts in the past?)

Just saw this https://blog.dollywood.com/index.php/2021/01/14/january-2021-whats-happening-at-dollywood-this-off-season/ Wonder where they are moving the blacksmith to.

Supposed to always stop at the line to the far right of the station. They do the same at all the stops, they always pull to the line.

I never found it bad or madness , just long waits and some random people that couldn't follow the "rules." So I'd avoid it if it looked like more that 2 or 3 trams. Did a long wait before they redid the loading area (and moved the lot C stop) and it wasn't bad, but the new area doesn't seem to work as well.

I usually pay the upcharge for Preferred parking. The hill is a b*tch at the end of a long day but beats waiting on the tram. But since they increased the upcharge I've used normal parking on slow days (when I usually visit) and when I get there early enough.

This has nothing to do with SARS-CoV-2. The craftsmen I talked to in 2018/2019 said DW wasn't as good to work with vs the past. Charging higher fees, larger percentages of sales, and overall making it less hospitable. A few that were there in '18 said they weren't coming back in '19 and they didn't. I started noticing it before the illuminights stuff was started. Much like the decline of world craftsmen and food during Festival of Nations in recent years.