Electerik Posted May 9, 2007 Posted May 9, 2007 So I was your intrepid Mystery Mine construction photographer over most of the winter. And then...well, other things just sort of came up. Strange to think of how many others have posted Dollywood/Mystery Mine trip reports ahead of me, considering that I live 2 miles from the park. Oh well, such is life.... And now, I leave you with what you've all been waiting for: the official first construction shot of whatever they end up building next up there. And the second half, while much better, is too short and over much too-abruptly. Still the vertical drops are fun and the theming is pretty cool. The first half is made up of small, tight elements that really don't work well on a ride with over-the-shoulder restraints. So what did I think of Mystery Mine? Well, honestly, it was kind of mediocre. The other new attraction this year: pan for gold. Seems like a natural. Lumberjack Lifts. But wait, what's that in the background? Could it be...? Thunderhead has added a Q2Q line, so now you get to hear the Control Booth Operator struggle in vain to police it the entire time you're in line. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. The somewhat-difficult-to-photograph Tennessee Tornado. There will be Mystery Mine photos eventually, I swear. The, um, falls of Daredevil Falls. The lift of Daredevil Falls. The beginning of Daredevil Falls. Craftsman's Valley midway, with a slight Irish overly in honor of the annual Festival of Nations event. The church and the wagon shop. The Geode gift shop is open again this year. That's kind of exciting. I'm not a games person, but this one seemed strange to me; Like a mutant combination of skeeball and a race game. Well, that was fun. Who wants to see the shooting gallery?! Look, a rollercoaster! Wandering around near the train station. People sitting quietly under a tree. Another rapids pic to anger you more. Smoky Mountain River Rampage's staging area. Rockin' Roadway. Rumored to be in danger at one point, but they decided to keep it so that I could keep taking pictures of it. Because, really, wouldn't you rather see this anyway? I'm going to make you wait for the Mystery Mine photos while I take pictures of cars. The transition into the 1950's area. The seldom photographed "Adventures in Imagination" area of the park. The main entrance. The best picture of me ever. (Which is sort of sad, when you think about it.)
Shavethewhales Posted May 9, 2007 Posted May 9, 2007 Ah, if I see one more DW photo TR, I might go nuts with jealousy... Someday, someway, I'll get there eventually. You thought MM was only mediocre? What does that make rides like Thunderhead and TT then? I wondered how well the dark ride stuff would work, but I thought it would still be an outstanding ride overall.
ConleyKE Posted May 12, 2007 Posted May 12, 2007 Awesome pictures! I really want to go back to Dollywood again. Alot has been added the past three years. My younger sister will be at the park tomorow as part of their eight grade trip this weekend in Gatlinburg. Too bad I couldn't go with and chaperone or something. Kevin "yes im jealous of my sister right now" C
America Sings Freak Posted May 12, 2007 Posted May 12, 2007 This makes me want to go even more this park always looks so clean and beautiful that I wish I lived in Tennessee.
Recommended Posts