Dollywood Discussion Thread

[UnderCoverDrummer1]

The view of Wild Eagle's drop and loop towering over Mystery Mine is pretty awesome. Definitely a very impressive sight on a computer. I can only imagine how great it is to see in person! I may just have to make a trip to Dollywood once this opens and experience this new B&M creation.

[Hilltopper39]

The setting alone on this ride will make it a unique experience, but it seems like all of the reviews I read of X-Raptor said that the ride itself was kinda dull but with really cool themeing. I hope that the ride on Wild Eagle isn't a let down, but we'll see.

[Randomman295]

Personally, this was on my list for best coasters of 2012, even though I live in AZ. But I'm still happy that Dollywood is doing well.

[UnderCoverDrummer1]

The setting alone on this ride will make it a unique experience, but it seems like all of the reviews I read of X-Raptor said that the ride itself was kinda dull but with really cool themeing. I hope that the ride on Wild Eagle isn't a let down, but we'll see.

 

Think about Iron Wolf compared to Riddler's Revenge or even Georgia Scorcher, or Superman: Ultimate Flight compared to Tatsu. B&M has gotten into a habit of designing prototype rides conservatively and then expand/intensify their subsequent designs once the technology has been proven. I think that these newer designs will prove and step in the right direction compared to X-Raptor.

[matteocrepaldi]

I can't wait to see pictures of the loop from the front. I wonder how far apart the entrance/exit are...

 

Same here! A vertical loop with that kind of trins sounds like an interesting experience!

Too bad there's an ocean between me and this ride!

[osm]

Holy crap that was quick. They should have no problems getting it open in March whatsoever at this rate.

[Hilltopper39]

The setting alone on this ride will make it a unique experience, but it seems like all of the reviews I read of X-Raptor said that the ride itself was kinda dull but with really cool themeing. I hope that the ride on Wild Eagle isn't a let down, but we'll see.

 

Think about Iron Wolf compared to Riddler's Revenge or even Georgia Scorcher, or Superman: Ultimate Flight compared to Tatsu. B&M has gotten into a habit of designing prototype rides conservatively and then expand/intensify their subsequent designs once the technology has been proven. I think that these newer designs will prove and step in the right direction compared to X-Raptor.

 

Yeah I agree that the B&M prototypes are usually not as good as the later versions of those certain types of coasters but I'm afraid that with these B&M wing ridersthe trains themselves might have some limitations that maykeep these coasters from ever being very intense or overly exciting. The stats for Wild Eagle are a little bit more impressive than Raptor or X-Flight or Swarm but I wouldn't be surprised if it is more of a really fun coaster and less of a OMFG top 10 coaster (see Cheetah Hunt), which is not a bad thing especially for a park like Dollywood.

[osm]

^True, but I'm not sure how many people actually expect it to be a top 10 coaster, because I certainly don't. A coaster can still be great without being OMFG, and I expect this to be like that, just like many other B&M loopers of different varieties. However, if B&M makes a 4D version of a wingrider, I definitely would expect that to have top 5 potential.

[donkeyman18]

Wow I've never seen any coaster go up that fast! Can't wait to ride it on new hotness! Should be alot of fun!

[alilstronger]

Damn, this thing is being built fast. Dollywood is such a great park for things like this. They always make sure they have their new rides open for the start of the actual season!!

[ABW]

^True, but I'm not sure how many people actually expect it to be a top 10 coaster, because I certainly don't. A coaster can still be great without being OMFG, and I expect this to be like that, just like many other B&M loopers of different varieties. However, if B&M makes a 4D version of a wingrider, I definitely would expect that to have top 5 potential.

I couldn't agree more. I don't think anyone has or should announce this ride as an OMFG ride just yet. And really, it doesn't need to be. Just take a look at that amazing location. That alone makes it a great ride, but you can tell just by looking at the statistics that this won't be just another prototype.

[B&MIntaminGCI]

It's like every time I blink, a new inversion/element has been constructed. This coaster is going to be so awesome.

[coasterlover420]

I am curious to see the width of that loop. None of the photos had a really good angle, but it must be really far apart at the bottom due to the trains. It will be a strange experience going right through the middle of both sides of track during the loop!

[Wes]

Looks fantastic! Thanks for the pics!

[dragonskeep]

The photo from the cabin is awesome. It's gonna be a cool spot to photograph the ride all the way through completion. Any chance this thing has a soundtrack, I love the one on Manta.

[jarmor]

Well, manta has a very eloborate que that is an attrraction in its self. Anything is possible. I mean mystery mine has one...

[tntornadox]

Quick update:

 

- The first Wild Eagle billboards are going up in Sevierville.

 

- The Zero-G is a work in progress.

[sfgam#1]

THERE DONE WITH THE LOOP !!!!!! and x flight has just started to make the ground space -____-

[Jay20016]

I am curious to see the width of that loop. None of the photos had a really good angle, but it must be really far apart at the bottom due to the trains. It will be a strange experience going right through the middle of both sides of track during the loop!

 

I'm not so sure the clearance will be as large as people are speculating... As the train enters the loop, you've got to have clearance for two abreast seating + excess ride envelope for arms/legs/supports/etc. As it exits, the opposite side of the train (the other two passengers in that row) could theoretically occupy the same available space since there should never be a time when two trains are on that section of track at one time...

[Visioneer]

This is a family target coaster and easily was always their intention ... smart. The setting is great, but this will not be a major thril for most enthusiast. Fun, absolutely.

 

Think Cheetah Hunt; not Maverick.

[dragonskeep]

Anything would be more thrilling than Cheetah Hunt was yesterday, she was sluggish. On a related note Kumba is thrilling and was kicking ass yesterday.

 

I do expect Wild Eagle to be a little more thrilling than CH and even better looking.

[ernierocker]

Heading to the park tomorrow. Hoping to get my son his first coaster credit on Veggie Tales. He is right around the 36" mark so fingers crossed!

[nannerdw]

Wow, what a view! This looks even better than Wildfire's scenic lift hill.

[Shavethewhales]

This is a family target coaster and easily was always their intention ... smart. The setting is great, but this will not be a major thril for most enthusiast. Fun, absolutely.

 

Think Cheetah Hunt; not Maverick.

 

Lol, what? This ride features a 135ft drop and 4 large inversions, complete with a train that will expose riders to the elements like never before. There's nothing "family" about this ride, it's firmly in the "thrill" category for all but the most hardened enthusiasts. Just wait till it's done, it'll look a whole lot more thrilling when all the track is there and you actually see it in person.

[PhilipB]

Was at the park today. From the parking lot I noticed that the ride was sticking out in three places. That's right, three. They're done with hill, loop, (not new news), but now they're mostly through with the Zero-G roll. They've got the actual roll done and they just have to finish the down hill part.

 

Also, from Adventure mountain, you can see track piece laying behind the fence. One piece looks like the side of a loop....or immelman. They're going to have this thing finished by the weekend...