Dollywood Discussion Thread

[neilnky]

Thanks so much for the fact sheets!

[Canobie Coaster]

^^ Usually we spend a bunch of time analyzing photos trying to determine what type of ride it may be, but Dollywood made it easy for us with that fact sheet. Looks like a nice collection of flats for the park plus a solid new family coaster.

[neilnky]

I think three things are what I can't wait to see:

1. The entrance via a hollow log.

2. The Wildwood Tree.

3. Dragonflier.

 

I am so happy to hear about them planting 400 trees and 1000 shrubs. It will spring to life before you know it. I knew I could trust Dollywood! I wonder how long it will be to connect it to the rest of the park with a second entrance. I don't like dead ends but I bet as they continue to expand it will work out. I was so thankful for Wilderness Pass! It is just part of growing I suppose.

Edited August 3, 2018 by neilnky

[coasterbill]

Question...

 

So they had a forest, but they wanted to put a theme park land there that looked like it was in a forest, so they clear-cut the entire forest and now they're spending a million dollars on 400 trees and a bunch of shrubs to make it look like a forest even though it already was a forest but they just spent a bunch of money getting rid of the forest so that they could put a forest there.

 

I'm not bashing them or complaining. I'm legitimately thrilled that they're going to have so many trees and clearly they did this for a reason or they wouldn't have done it but can someone enlighten me because I'm legitimately curious as to the potential benefits of doing it this way?

 

As for the rides, this is EXACTLY what the park needs and I'm thrilled to see another Moose on the Loose style attraction. I'm just really confused by this tree thing.

Edited August 3, 2018 by coasterbill

[CoasterAuditor]

Very exciting expansion. This makes three roller coasters added since I last went in 2012, and the added flats are certainly a plus! I was hoping for another larger more modern flat but this looks fantastic. I can go to Barnstormer ( ) or Drop Line for my large adult flat fix.

[Shavethewhales]

So they had a forest, but they wanted to put a theme park land there that looked like it was in a forest, so they clear-cut the entire forest and now they're spending a million dollars on 400 trees and a bunch of shrubs to make it look like a forest even though it already was a forest but they just spent a bunch of money getting rid of the forest so that they could put a forest there.

 

The original forest wasn't the issue. It was the steep slopes those original trees were on. ADA access and all that. Remember that DW is already getting sued constantly for people tripping over their own feet. Don't need to add anymore steep inclines/stairs to the mix. Plus, this gives them a lot more flexibility with future additions on this side of the park. It will be wooded again soon.

[coasterbill]

Okay, that makes sense. All I've seen are aerial pictures so I don't know much about the terrain there once you get over the hill since it's not really discernible. Like I said, obviously they're doing this for a reason but you have to admit it seems like the strangest thing ever.

[Dollywoodlover20]

I love the area!!! Plus the good thing about this is, it satisfies those that always say the kids need something to do with families. Well this is just that. There’s a family coaster for every one, with kid flats in the area. I’ll be focused on the family coaster of course and the theming. I love looking at theming and detail.

Another great thing I was thinking about is, now that they’re ticking off the “kid focused area” next year, 2020 could be the next big coaster? That’s exciting.

[TEDodd]

I'm just really confused by this tree thing.

 

They had to level the ground, build infrastructure (power, water, sewer).

[IntraTrax]

A Vekoma suspended family coaster is a perfect addition to Dollywood. Considering they are a family-friendly amusement park, it will be perfect for the park. Now the park lineup will be diverse, promoting the park as one of the greatest family-friendly resort, while being the Tennessee capital of thrilling rides, and extreme coasters. I'm pretty sure Dragonflier will be one of the best family coaster in USA.

[coasterbill]

Why are people still talking about the coaster when the park is getting the sheer unimaginable brilliance that is Bears on the Loose?

 

I know you think I'm joking but it's going to be the best ride in Wildwood Grove and possibly the world depending on if the bear talks and whether or not it has a super-deep Tennessee accent.

 

Edit: Oh no, what if the bear tries to teach you about Jesus? Let's be honest, it could happen.

Edited August 3, 2018 by coasterbill

[A.J.]

I'm not bashing them or complaining. I'm legitimately thrilled that they're going to have so many trees and clearly they did this for a reason or they wouldn't have done it but can someone enlighten me because... what?

To add to this discussion, they want to tell a story and / or create a certain atmosphere, right? Sometimes, getting to that level of immersion can't be accomplished with existing foliage and / or site conditions. Perhaps they want a to include certain number of tree species that aren't normally native to the area where the park is located. Or, perhaps, the construction that will happen in the area will leave such a huge impact on existing foliage / wildlife that the cheapest and most effective solution is to basically wipe the slate clean and replant.

[neilnky]

I wonder if there will be animation for Dragonflier? I think I have watched Orkanen POV's a hundred times lol. Looks like it is 56 seconds from the time you start moving until the time you stop. I just love the idea of zipping around the grove on a dragonfly.

[alilstronger]

So excited for this addition!

[neilnky]

I have been watching as many reviews on YouTube as I can find lol. Is the bear ride actually considered a coaster? If so won’t that mean Dollywood’s coaster count will be up to 11? One video said the s&s steeplechase bear ride is a coaster so was curious what ya’ll experts said!

[coasterbill]

It’s basically this, so it’s probably like 6 credits...

 

[komasixx]

The Black Bear Trail is a metallbau emmeln pony trek. A long powered track. No drops. No gravity. No S&S. No coaster here. Just sit on the ride and rock the bear back and forth.

[Yubstep101]

I think there's something like that at Adventureland in Iowa, I think it's called Shakin' Bacon. Saw it from my ride on Storm Chaser there.

[coasterBro]

I have no idea what park I was at where I rode one of those (it may have actually been the one at Darien Lake), but it was just great silly fun.

 

This whole area looks to be a great addition to the park!

[Nrthwnd]

Several of these are in European parks, all over. Rock'n Rides I call them.

Djurs Sommerland, Denmark. With a 'horse' on it, thru the trees there.. TPR 2014 Scandi Tour.

[thrillrider]

Darien lake has something similar to this. I believe legoland florida does as well.

[Nrthwnd]

Still, riding bears is so much cooler than (yawn) horses, cows... or moose.

[pinslasher]

Theme Park Review was invited to attend the media day at Dollywood for Wildwood Grove and let me say, they were fantastic. Wildwood Grove is the largest expansion EVER for the property and will feature over 11 family experiences.

 

You will enter the area by entering through a fallen log in the Timber Canyon area right by the Mystery Mine entrance. Once through the log, you will be transported to the wild, mystical world of Wildwood grove.

 

I hope you enjoy the pictures below and please let me know if you have any questions.

 

-David

 

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Hello Dolly!

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Dolly and Craig talk about this new ,000,000 expansion of Wildwood Grove. This area will feature over 11 new family experiences, new restaurants and shows.

Treetop Tower

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Indoor family play area

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Black Bear Trail (MAYBE A COASTER CREDIT?!?!?)

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

NEW COASTER CREDITS!

Layout of Dragon Flier - The largest and fastest of its kind of family coaster

The Wildwood tree

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Welcome to the Wildwood Grove Media Day!

Construction site of Wildwood Grove!

Looking forwards Timber Canyon - The Dragon flier will be in front and to the right of this picture

Looking forwards Timber Canyon - The Dragon flier will be in front and to the right of this picture

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

The building will house the indoor play center - Hidden Hollow

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Another look at Hidden Hollow play center

Looking back towards the cabin on the train route. This space will be reserved for future expansion.

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Concept Designs - Day and Night versions / After dark, the area will LIGHT up!

Lunch was served at Dream more resort...

If you haven't checked it out... you need to... DONUT WALL!

[Nrthwnd]

Ooooooooo.

 

I Donut Walls! They do one at every yearly Opening Night Party of our annual Queer Film Festival, starting this Thursday!

 

Great posting of what all happened, there!

Thanks for sharing it!

[dstephe9]

Question...

 

So they had a forest, but they wanted to put a theme park land there that looked like it was in a forest, so they clear-cut the entire forest and now they're spending a million dollars on 400 trees and a bunch of shrubs to make it look like a forest even though it already was a forest but they just spent a bunch of money getting rid of the forest so that they could put a forest there.

 

I'm not bashing them or complaining. I'm legitimately thrilled that they're going to have so many trees and clearly they did this for a reason or they wouldn't have done it but can someone enlighten me because I'm legitimately curious as to the potential benefits of doing it this way?

 

[attachment=0]Untitled.png[/attachment]

As for the rides, this is EXACTLY what the park needs and I'm thrilled to see another Moose on the Loose style attraction. I'm just really confused by this tree thing. [emoji38]

Did you see the "mountain" that was there before building this area? It's a huge, I mean huge elevation drop.. they removed the trees so they could chop down the mountain.. it's not like they removed the trees just to plant them again..if I had to guess, parts of the mountain dropped 100ft in elevation if not more. Can't move the mountain without moving the stuff on the mountain

 

I'm excited about this area and excited to see what's next! Several interviews have bee released from top HFE people that make it sound like Dollywood isn't done with these large investments, at least anytime soon. I see another hotel or resort in the next 5 years or so, I'd say another lathe coaster, and possibly another area.. this new area looks nice but I'd bet it's just the start of something bigger like they keep teasing.

 

One of those, at the end of the season "oh we aren't done yet" moments.

 

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