Eric's Dollywood Thread!

[tntornadox]

Awesome thread! I hope you covered some of the Tornado theming... it's backstory is amazing, but few people know it. I find myself explaining to guests all the time why our uniforms say 'Tennessee Mining Company' and how it all ties-in...

[ernierocker]

National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration Trip Report Cont'd

 

It's time to continue our day at Dollywood and what better way to do it than with food! As I am sure you all know, Dollywood has some of the best theme park food out there. It's so good that I am going to dedicate an entire report down the line just on food! But for now, here is a "taste" (pun intended) of what it has to offer.

 

On Sunday, we decided to eat at Miss Lillian's Chicken House.

 

Located next to the Valley Theater and directly across from the Grist Mill, the Chicken House is a buffet style restaurant serving good ole Southern cooking.

 

You will probably run into Miss Lillian herself as she likes to come out into the dining room to greet her patrons and do a chicken dance or two.

 

The place is usually pretty busy so you might want to try eating there at a non-peak time.

 

And here are the prices!

 

And here is my first helping! Yes, you can get seconds!

 

I will save the rest for later when I do my "All about Food" segment, so let's move on with the rest of our day. After eating lunch, it was time for something I have been looking forward to for a long time - my son's first coaster credit! On our previous visit with the kids, Dylan was just a tad underneath the 36" mark and got denied! So, let's see if we were successful this time...

If you want to credit whore at Dollywood you will need to head to the Country Fair!

 

Could Veggie Tales Sideshow Spin finally be Dylan's first credit? And for that matter mine, as I have actually never rode it before!

 

She has eluded us until now but we have been feeding Dylan lots of Flintstone Vitamins and I think today is the day!

 

It's almost our turn!

 

Success! He was JUST tall enough to ride! Woo Hoo!

 

You will have to take my word that Dylan is somewhere hidden in that train. The ride's train do not make it easy to get good photos.

 

And the verdict is....

He loved it! He actually rode three times during the day and cried every time he had to get off! Now, it's time to get working on Kayla!

 

After our coaster success, we headed to the Village Carousel so both kids could get their first ever rides on it.

I can remember riding this years ago and it having rings that you could grab. Anyone know why they removed them or if they actually existed and I am not crazy?

 

Dylan looks a little apprehensive about all of this. Or maybe that is just the jello that is smeared all over his face.

 

Kayla is ready for her first theme park ride ever!

 

Dylan loves it! Really, what kid doesn't love a good carousel? :

 

Now, lets go for a train ride!

Better hurry! It's almost ready to leave!

 

The whole family can ride at the same time!

 

Just about time to go!

 

And we are off!

 

Kayla is a HUGE train enthusiast already!

 

I don't seem to remember much more of the train ride after passing the Grist Mill! Mmmmmm, Cinnamon Bread!

 

Just look at it! So good!

 

Oh. What. Ah, yes that's right. We were talking about the train ride. Sorry, got distracted.

 

Even the train ride has theming along its course!

 

There used to be a little show right here involving a gun fight and the train being "hijacked" by the bad guy.

 

Even the scenery of the train ride has changed! These are some of the best views of Wild Eagle to be had in the park!

 

The loop at the top of the mountain has drastically changed since the inception of Wilderness Pass. This is what remains after the area was excavated.

 

Heading back down the mountain you get more great looks at Wild Eagle!

Be sure to check out the train when you are at the park. It really is a great change of pace and you get some great views of the park!

 

Before ending our day, we decided to take another lap around the park starting with Timber Canyon.

We of course didn't get to ride Timber Tower which is closed indefinitely.

 

You at least can check out some of the hydraulic setup of the ride.

 

You probably know the story. Dollywood is in a contract dispute with Huss and the ride's future is unknown at this point.

 

As it turned out, Thunderhead was also down for the count for the rest of the day.

 

With the only other major ride in Timber Canyon down, we assumed this would have a negative impact on Mystery Mine's line. But we figured we give it a shot anyways.

But it actually wasn't too bad! My parents both rode it and liked it!

 

Now, lets head over to the park's Arrow looper, Tennessee Tornado!

This is actually an Arrow ride that doesn't suck!

 

Enter here for the anomaly that is a smooth, fun Arrow looper!

 

Oooh, I wonder what it is!

 

Sorry Dylan, this is a credit you will have to wait on!

 

Kayla couldn't care less if she gets a coaster credit. Just walking around is fun enough for her!

 

What is it about 14 month olds that make it impossible to get a photo of their face???

 

Tennessee Tornado was one of Arrow's final coasters before going bankrupt and boy did they go out with a bang!

 

And Dollywood has a sign to prove it!

 

Here are some ride facts for you statistic geeks.

 

It comes as no surprise that Dollywood spared no expense in theming the entire area including the ride's queue.

 

I have rarely been when this portion of the queue is full, so most people probably run right past these fun little signs.

 

Scariest. Dog. EVER.

 

I don't get it... OH, she has a ridiculous last name. I get it. :

 

While the ride is short, it is packed with unique elements that make it worth a ride or two each visit! (On some days, you can even gray out on it!)

 

Before leaving the park, we had to pay a visit to the park's other coaster in the area - Blazing Fury! The ride had been down when we made our first loop around the park,so we were hoping it would be open this time.

And it was!

 

The ride plays homage to the former park's namesake, Silver Dollar City. (yes, this park was also called SDC before Dolly came along)

 

And look! You can just barely make out Wild Eagle through the trees!

 

I see Transfer Station construction!

 

A little family photo before leaving! (Dylan was not in a photo-taking mood at this point.

 

Thanks Dollywood for yet another amazing day!

 

And that concludes this trip report! I still plan on making a couple more visits to the park before the season is over, so expect a lot more updates soon!

Edited October 20, 2011 by ernierocker

[krazekiddd]

Thanks for making me hungry! You really are making me obsess over planning a trip here again; hopefully for Christmas!

[larrygator]

Does the Southern Quartet know that it is actually a Quintet? Yeah yeah, so only four of them are singing and one is on the piano, but that's still five.

 

Also, for those who don't think they would like the cinnamon bread, the fresh chocolate chip cookies sold in the Grist Mill are also excellent.

Edited October 20, 2011 by larrygator

[Meteornotes]

I don't think you can go wrong with any baked good at this park. I recall Falafel getting a sticky bun roughly the size of a human head the first time we visited that was incredibly tasty. And I remember getting a rice crispy square that was awesome, and also served as a bed for Ice Bat. The food at Dollywood is just amazing.

 

dt

[Electerik]

Harrumph!

 

/Fair enough.

//I miss Dollywood.

[ernierocker]

Also, for those who don't think they would like the cinnamon bread, the fresh chocolate chip cookies sold in the Grist Mill are also excellent.

Those cookies really are amazing! I actually haven't gotten any this year, which will have to change.

 

Harrumph!

 

/Fair enough.

//I miss Dollywood.

 

And your Dollywood updates are sorely missed as well! I hope you don't think I am stepping on your toes any by doing this thread. As, your awesome thread was more broader in coverage to include the region around the park, plus you left us to move to Orlando so someone has to fill that hole.

Edited October 20, 2011 by ernierocker

[Hilltopper39]

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't the train at Dollywood one of the few (if not only) actualy coal fired steam engine trains left in operation at a park in America?

[Electerik]

I hope you don't think I am stepping on your toes any by doing this thread.

 

Certainly not! I just miss Dollywood. I'm glad you're taking up the slack!

[ernierocker]

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't the train at Dollywood one of the few (if not only) actualy coal fired steam engine trains left in operation at a park in America?

 

Although I can't say for sure that it is the only one at a theme park, it is definitely one of the few.

 

I have been thinking about adding a feature to this thread where I do little short updates with "fun facts" about the park and providing a brief history/background about the Dollywood Express was going to be one of them. Maybe, I can do some more research about that and see if I can find out if it is the only one.

[tntornadox]

It has to be one of the very few, the poor train conductors are asked all the time how they simulate the smoke and cinders that fly out the stack... when they tell guests it's real, they still don't believe them half the time... lol.

[Philrad71]

^ I for one certainly believe it as I got one of said cinders in my eye about the same spot as in the photo where you see the smoke billowing. Luckily, I managed to wipe it right out, but it did smart a bit.

 

With that said, I can jump on the Dollywood fanwagon too...that place was awesome and it is only going to get better with the new wingrider!

[larrygator]

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't the train at Dollywood one of the few (if not only) actualy coal fired steam engine trains left in operation at a park in America?

 

Although I can't say for sure that it is the only one at a theme park, it is definitely one of the few.

 

I have been thinking about adding a feature to this thread where I do little short updates with "fun facts" about the park and providing a brief history/background about the Dollywood Express was going to be one of them. Maybe, I can do some more research about that and see if I can find out if it is the only one.

 

Are Cedar Point's still coal fired? I thought they were.

The only other places that comes to mind, but not traditional amusement park are Clark's Trading Post and Tweetsie's Railroad

[ernierocker]

Are Cedar Point's still coal fired? I thought they were.

The only other places that comes to mind, but not traditional amusement park are Clark's Trading Post and Tweetsie's Railroad

 

Yes, just looked it up and Cedar Point's trains are indeed coal-fired. I will be talking about Tweetsie's Railroad in an update next week because it has major ties in the Dollywood Express history.

 

Now, it is time for a Video update!

 

Back in 2009, Candace and I joined up with TPR on the Deep South Bash when they visited Dollywood. We had an amazing two days at the park which included a ton of cool stuff including a backstage lights-on tour of Blazing Fury. I have finally gotten around to editing the video I took of the tour and here it is!

 

 

Note: I am not a professional at taking or editing videos by any means, so hopefully you will be able to get a feel for the tour. Hope you enjoy it!

Edited October 24, 2011 by robbalvey

[QueerRudie]

Awesome video, Eric- I've had a fascination with the 'coasterlike' elements of BF since my first DW visit 11 years back- and the footage of the drops/turnarounds/splashdown are great! Nice job- and looking forward to other treats like this in the future.

[cherryblossom]

You will probably run into Miss Lillian herself as she likes to come out into the dining room to greet her patrons and do a chicken dance or two.

 

What, no photos of you doing the chicken dance with Miss Lillian???

 

I think Eric was more excited that he finally got the kiddie coaster credit.

[ernierocker]

 

What, no photos of you doing the chicken dance with Miss Lillian???

 

 

I'm saving those for a rainy day!

[Velo_editor]

Great thread and I wish I could get back to the park before the end of the season. LOVE how the new coaster is dominating the skyline in places and it just looks massive compared to the rest of the park's scale.

 

Question - can you eat the delicious cinnamon bread while riding rides? And of so, if you ate the cinnamon bread while riding Flying Eagle would you survive from such awesomeness?

[ernierocker]

Time for another update!

 

Smoky Mountain Christmas Trip Report 11-11-11

 

Since I was at the park on Friday for the Wild Eagle Construction Tour, I decided to take a couple of laps around the park and get some photographs of its transition over to Smoky Mountain Christmas . If you do not know what this is, it is Dollywood's annual holiday festival that lasts nearly two months from early November all the way until the last weekend of the year. This has to be one of my favorite times of year to visit the park, as they do a fabulous job of transforming everything in the park from the shows, restaurants, landscaping and even the rides.

 

If you have never been during this time of year and didn't know already, most of the rides are open at the park except for the water rides. The rule of thumb is as long as the temperatures does not dip below 41 degrees, all of the coasters will be operating. So, not only do you get all of the great holiday theming but you can also enjoy the rides with usually minimal waits compared to the summer season. And here is a little hint if you are on the fence about making a journey over the park in the next few days...the current 10-day forecast at this point calls for mild temperatures every day!

 

And the most important thing I want to note from the day:

 

You can buy a 2012 Season Pass right now and enjoy unlimited admission to the park for Smoky Mountain Christmas. This could be perfect for those that don't have a season pass this year and wanted to get one next year due to Wild Eagle opening!

 

So, enough talking and onto the photos!

Arriving at the park 30 minutes before opening and the pay booths for the parking lot look fairly busy! But don't worry, most people were here for the shows and all of the rides were walk-ons!

The parking lot was already full back to Tram Stop D, so it was a LONG walk to the front gates. And is that Wild Eagle I see in the background?!?!

The lines were long for the ticket booths and the season pass booths. As I said above, if you buy your 2012 Season pass right now you can enjoy unlimited admission to the park for Smoky Mountain Christmas.

We're here! So, let's go check out some Christmas decorations!

The park sets the mood beautifully as soon as you walk into park. This is a hard photo to snap as it is usually filled with families getting their photographs taken.

Little decorations like this are scattered throughout the front plaza's landscaping.

It wouldn't be Christmas if Frosty wasn't here!

And here is a general overview of the Front Plaza.

Even the park's decorations are hard at work getting the park ready for the holidays!

We will get back to the decorations but shortly, but now let's check out some of the seasonal shows the park offers for Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Christmas in the Smokies is one of the longstanding shows during the holidays. Be sure to get in line well before showtime as this show will get full!

Sha-Kon-O-Hey goes on hiatus for the holidays and is replaced by Christmas on Ice.

I am not a show person, but I did take a photo of the sign if you were curious what the skaters looked like.

Here is another show that you will need to get in line early for! Remember, the shows ARE on the Q2Q so you might want to consider making that investment if you like the shows.

Dollywood even has one of those live nativity scenes located at the Valley Theatre in Craftsman Valley if you are so inclined.

The Back Porch Theatre takes on an Appalachian theme for the holidays.

The outdoor theatres at Dollywood are perfect if you want to just pop in and listen for a bit but not be stuck in a showroom for an hour. And with that photo, I am going to move on from shows but I wanted to note that Dollywood also has a nightly Lights Parade and Christmas Light show which I hope to cover in a future visit to the park.

During Smoky Mountain Christmas while it is true that the water rides are closed, it does afford a unique opportunity for photos.

Like this one of a drained trough on Splash Battle. No splashing today.

And speaking of drained troughs, how about some rare shots of Smoky Mountain Rampage?

If you answered no, too bad because I am going to post them anyway.

So, while I took this photo I overheard somebody nearby ask their husband if the ride was closed. True story.

In this photo, you can clearly see what causes the rapids to occur on the ride. Just a little wood to impede the water flow will do it.

This may look like a makeshift access bridge but is actually the ride's "Pile driver" element.

And one last photo of Smoky Mountain Rampage. This is actually one of the wettest "drops" on the ride. Amazing what a little ramp like this can do!

You can't have a Dollywood Trip Report without photos of food, so here we go!

And the park offers plenty of holiday inspired food options!

I plan on covering the seasonal food options more in a future report, but for now I wanted to give you a feel for how the park transforms their restaurants for Smoky Mountain Christmas.

The Backstage Restaurant offers a Christmas Buffet and here you can see everything on the menu!

To close out this report, let's check out some more of the park's decorations!

Even the faux window fronts around the Pines Theatre are showing off the holiday spirit!

As well as some of the park's stores and shops.

You can find this quaint setting in the park's Blacksmith Shop.

And yes even Mystery Mine's vulture gets into the holiday spirit!

Probably my favorite area for decorations in the park is located at Rivertown Lake.

This is also the location of Carol of the Trees which is a nightly light show.

It is certainly not Christmas without a Christmas tree and the park has plenty of those scattered around the park.

And finally one of the park's centerpiece decorations, the Christmas Tree located in Market Square.

And that's it! Thanks for reading!

Edited November 15, 2011 by ernierocker

[The SETGO Guys]

But don't worry, most people were here for the shows and all of the rides were walk-ons!

 

You've mentioned this in your trip reports on Dollywood before. Is it regular for the rides to be walk ons at Dollywood? Or does this only occur during special events?

 

If I was to ever plan a trip out to Dollywood those days seem ideal to go.

[cfc]

Apple cranberry fritters sound really dang good.

[ernierocker]

But don't worry, most people were here for the shows and all of the rides were walk-ons!

 

You've mentioned this in your trip reports on Dollywood before. Is it regular for the rides to be walk ons at Dollywood? Or does this only occur during special events?

 

If I was to ever plan a trip out to Dollywood those days seem ideal to go.

 

If you avoid the summer months and Saturdays, there is a high probability that you will see short lines for the rides. The only downside to going during the fall and winter seasonal events, is you miss out on the water rides. If that is important to you, I would recommend going on a Sunday during the spring (unless it is a holiday weekend). If you get there at opening, you will almost be guaranteed walk-ons for the rides until the local churches let out around noon.

[chadster]

Awesome pics Eric! I need to do Dollywood during Christmas. Headed to SDC in a few weeks for their event, it was awesome last year, but Dolly's looks like it might edge out SDC. In contrast to the Dollywood SP special, SDC is doing one where you can get a friend in free during certain time frames if you buy your pass now.

 

I must say, hands down, Herschend has it going on.

[cherryblossom]

the elves scare me.

[ernierocker]

the elves scare me.

 

So, do spiders, snakes, zombies, ghosts, monsters, aliens, maniacal killers...oh hell, pretty much just anything in a horror/scary movie!

 

Apple cranberry fritters sound really dang good.

 

If they are anything like the apple fritters they serve at the Apple Barn down the road, then yes they are!

 

Awesome pics Eric! I need to do Dollywood during Christmas. Headed to SDC in a few weeks for their event, it was awesome last year, but Dolly's looks like it might edge out SDC. In contrast to the Dollywood SP special, SDC is doing one where you can get a friend in free during certain time frames if you buy your pass now.

 

I must say, hands down, Herschend has it going on.

 

Oh, I am sure SDC is equally as awesome as Dollywood's Christmas event. I need to take advantage of the discounted tickets we can get there with the Dollywood season pass one of these days!

 

Thanks for the comments guys! I am working up a trip report that will concentrate just on the 50's section of the park. Just need to work up some motivation!

Edited November 17, 2011 by ernierocker