WillMontu Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 (edited) Last weekend (March 31), Erik Johnson and I made the trip up north into the deep south for a weekend of rides, culture, and more. I start this out with Dollywood. I haven't been to the park since 2007, and even then, I did not get to stay for very long. Obviously the biggest addition is Wild Eagle, but there have been a few other changes, such as changing the "horseshoe" layout into a complete loop. While there, we met up with Chuck, Cameron, Guy, and a few others (sorry, I missed your names) in addition to the little friend we call the Q-bot. With the cost of a season pass less than two days of admission, it is worth it. Plus there's a special entrance. I only wish Universal had something like this. Waiting for the rope to drop This is what we're here for HDR composite of the eagle statue Chuck, Erik, and Cameron chat all post their photos. What did we do before Facebok and smartphones? I guess we resorted to more primitive forms of communication, like text messaging (as those of us who were on the original 2007 TPR Midwest trip will very well remember) The seats are similar to B&M Flying Coaster seats, though the harness does not lock down at the base - this means that they can lower slightly during the ride - unless I braced for it, it happened on every ride. Maybe this ride is trying to suffocate me. The front seat, on the outside is the best way to enjoy this ride. The inside seats are okay, but the metal bars limit the ability to stretch your legs. Note to self: Clean lens Cameron and Erik enjoyed their ride Going over the top Next ride was Thunderhead, but it wasn't ready to open yet. The ride ops here do a very good job compared to most parks. With loose items, for example, they will put them on the cubbies to save having to cross the train and then come back - Six Flags on the other hand, would rather charge you a few dollars to store it. A little blurry, but I like the way this came out. Yes, through the trees. Despite issues a few days prior, Mystery Mine was up and running though some of the effects were not. It goes down Tornado was running well and was very re-rideable The first few cars have been equipped with cameras In case you want to buy a coaster like this, here's the company you need to contact. It does have a few Toomer elements to it In addition to Ohio, Georgia, and Carolina, we have our balls in Tennessee too The irony! We had a few visits by Miss. Lillian Cameron gets blessed, while some random kids watch in horror. Over to the other side of the park. There are a few remnants of the Silver Dollar City days Everyone has to have this photo #70 "Cinderella" was running today It takes some time to prep the train between boardings, so we went over to the carousel. We skipped on the kiddie coaster - I need the credit, but I'm not that sad and pathetic. Up the hill Blow the horn! She's looking good No diesel or propane here. This is the real deal. Over to the Screaming Swing for a quick ride. As a private pilot, this section is right up my alley, though I'm not endorsed to fly tailwheel. Clear prop! I see they did their research. These are all true. Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread I think she likes Chuck That's it for now. Following soon will be the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride, an attraction that puts both Dinosaur and Jurassic Park River Adventure to shame, and a drive around the Smokies. Edited April 16, 2012 by WillMontu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Johnson Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Great photos as always! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfc Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Miss Lillian is a stalker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intimidator305 Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Thanks for sharing! Amazing photos, especially the last one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameron Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Awesome, Will! Cameron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookie-monster Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Great photo's thanks for the report. Can't wait to go to Dollywood this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillMontu Posted April 16, 2012 Author Share Posted April 16, 2012 I finally got some time to post the second part of this TR, covering Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride and part of the drive back to Florida. Edit: I give up. Sometimes I wonder why I even do this when there isn't any interest. If I can't do a good PTR, I will just have to post my photos elsewhere. The Jura [sic] Jungle Boat Ride is one of many "attractions" in Pigeon Forge. It combines the best elements of Jurassic Park (boat ride) with the best elements of Dinosaur (dark ride) With this ride, explorers go back in time to get up close and personal T-Rex normally dominates, but only raptors can open doors, and they know no fear This poor guy discovered that the hard way. Can someone find some more duct tape to re-attach his arm? Now, come with us as we go back in time to dark places and scary dinosaurs This gentle giant poses no threat to us The "Exit" sign is a nice touch The ever elusive "Flash-a-saurus" shows its stuff to Chuck and Cameron Nooo! Don't eat Erik! Not our dino! This guy's been injured by the raptors We were all expecting this one to squirt water at us. The ride concludes with a disembodied T-rex head roaring at us and the boat rocking a little bit Just get out and ride this. It may cost a little more than a ride on Manhattan Express, but this one won't kill you (unless you count the raptors) There are coupons around. Knowing that raptors can run at 10 m/s, with a top speed of 25/ms, Erik and I headed into the Smoky Mountains. The little white Hyundai, normally accustomed to flat Florida, took it in stride. They shouldn't be able to catch us up here "We are savages"? Not as much as the raptors Fairly overcast today, but still a very impressive view, especially for us Floridians. Another stitch The long and winding road Part of the AT passes through the area, and is one of the highest points along it. Moving to the cloud is the big thing at the moment, whether it's using Azure, iCloud, App Engine, or U.S. 441 Walking up to Clingmans Dome There was not much to see from the observation tower today, and it probably won't to much to protect us if the raptors make it up here The architecture has that distinct 60's feel It's almost unreal, like something out of a movie or a game Going back down the other side, there are more spectacular views Thank you for reading. I can post high resolution versions of any image (including the stitches) if anyone is looking for some desktop wallpaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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