Dollywood Discussion Thread

[RCT3Bross]

After seeing the Raptor and The Swarm trains, this was not what I expected at Wild Eagle.

[kunpc1]

The entire site just looks amazing. I was really on the fence about squeezing in a Dollywood trip this year (was thinking more 2013) but seeing this is really making me reconsider!

[BkkMan13]

Oh my god this thing looks so amazing! I can't wait to touch it and ride it of course!

[vacoaster09]

Trains look awesome as they are!!!!... However, it looks like they still have some more details to add on them. So I don't know why there is any complaining. There is so much detail in this ride!

 

see the screws on the angled piece on Swarm

 

Well you can see the screw holes for what looks like an attachment piece here

 

[QueerRudie]

Beautiful pics, Eric... but I will say the station looks -most- R.D. unfriendly... stairs EVERYWHERE!

[Bryce232]

^ I think I saw/read somewhere that the station will have an elevator!

[Shavethewhales]

The trains look like they spent a total of 5 mins coming up with a cover design. Every other Wing-Rider has proven how nice these trains can be made to look, so it's impossible to not make comparisons. These trains have zero luster about them. It would probably be better if they just went ahead and took those eagles off and went with a plain look.

 

I mean, not that it will change the ride experience itself, but there's definitely something to be said for adding bit of atmosphere with some sweet detailing, and I feel like half-assing it only hurts the overall experience. When you have a premier reputation for that kind of thing, people will and should expect more.

 

At least the station and area looks good so far.

[tntornadox]

^ I think I saw/read somewhere that the station will have an elevator!

 

It will, for disabled guests, all our coasters have one. If I am not mistaken, it is in that tower you see on the front of the building.

[Intimidator305]

I think the station might just be the BEST I've ever seen. They basically built a mammoth cabin for it. I can't wait to see the finished station, plaza, gift shop, ect. I think I'm more excited to see that than the actual ride testing, hah!

 

I'm glad Dollywood is my other "home" park as I'm a season passholder to Kings Dominion and Dollywood. My only question is, will this become my new favorite coaster in the park? Thunderhead is my #1 wooden coaster!

[BkkMan13]

The trains look like they spent a total of 5 mins coming up with a cover design. Every other Wing-Rider has proven how nice these trains can be made to look, so it's impossible to not make comparisons. These trains have zero luster about them. It would probably be better if they just went ahead and took those eagles off and went with a plain look.

 

I mean, not that it will change the ride experience itself, but there's definitely something to be said for adding bit of atmosphere with some sweet detailing, and I feel like half-assing it only hurts the overall experience. When you have a premier reputation for that kind of thing, people will and should expect more.

 

At least the station and area looks good so far.

 

It could be worse, like it could be covered in advertisements for hair styling products *AHEM* Six Flags. And maybe there is more theming to be added to the trains...

[ernierocker]

^ I think I saw/read somewhere that the station will have an elevator!

 

It will, for disabled guests, all our coasters have one. If I am not mistaken, it is in that tower you see on the front of the building.

 

You are correct, sir.

 

 

The unfinished tower structure on the front of the building is where the elevator is located.

 

And to the complainers:

 

What you guys are failing to get here is that this ride is not located on a flat piece of land in the middle of Six Flags. It is located on top of a mountain in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. It doesn't NEED extensive theming on the trains and along the layout of the ride. The theming is the natural surrounding. If you put Raptor or Swarm type theming on this ride it would stand out like a sore thumb. It wouldn't fit in!

 

Now, for the part of the ride that will actually be located on the same level as the public areas of the park will be themed out of the wazoo! You can already see this in the themeing of the station. With the backstory of the ride and Dollywood's dedication to conserving nature, the theming of the ride is perfect!

Edited January 25, 2012 by ernierocker

[Tanks4me05]

^ I think I saw/read somewhere that the station will have an elevator!

 

It will, for disabled guests, all our coasters have one. If I am not mistaken, it is in that tower you see on the front of the building.

 

I believe I remember seeing in a Funworld (IAAPA) magazine relatively recently stating that all new rides have to be built so that disabled people have to be able to get access to the ride, and that parks are to make reasonable (as deemed by the parks) additions/changes to already existing rides so that disabled people can get on those as well. So I'm expecting to see all rides with elevated stations to have elevators or an access ramp somewhere

[RobWarren]

The trains look like they spent a total of 5 mins coming up with a cover design. Every other Wing-Rider has proven how nice these trains can be made to look, so it's impossible to not make comparisons. These trains have zero luster about them. It would probably be better if they just went ahead and took those eagles off and went with a plain look.

 

I mean, not that it will change the ride experience itself, but there's definitely something to be said for adding bit of atmosphere with some sweet detailing, and I feel like half-assing it only hurts the overall experience. When you have a premier reputation for that kind of thing, people will and should expect more.

 

At least the station and area looks good so far.

 

Shavethewhales,

 

I agree with what you are saying about half-assing anything. The eagles could have a more realistic look to them but I think they will look great out on the course. The minimal design of the eagles will allow more of the blue track to show through while concealing the train's frame from the top. I think once the ride opens, the minimalistic nature of the theming will look best. Just think about looking up and seeing the eagles soaring on the track with the seats at the tip of their wings!

 

I can't wait to see Wild Eagle testing.

 

-Rob

[SoCalCoasters]

I actually like the look of the Eagels on the trains. Sure, the design is a bit repetitive, but it still is a fantastic looking train, and I think it complements the ride very nicely.

 

Hats off to Dollywood on creating such a fantastic looking ride! I'm hoping to ride it this summer!

[cfc]

The trains look like they spent a total of 5 mins coming up with a cover design. Every other Wing-Rider has proven how nice these trains can be made to look, so it's impossible to not make comparisons. These trains have zero luster about them. It would probably be better if they just went ahead and took those eagles off and went with a plain look.

 

I mean, not that it will change the ride experience itself, but there's definitely something to be said for adding bit of atmosphere with some sweet detailing, and I feel like half-assing it only hurts the overall experience. When you have a premier reputation for that kind of thing, people will and should expect more.

 

At least the station and area looks good so far.

 

I agree with the last sentence of this post.

 

Personally, I think the level of detail on the trains fits in well with both the ride and the park. You're entitled to your opinion, but to say that they'd be better off with "plain" trains is a bit much. It's best to wait until you see the final finished ride in action before making a final judgment.

[RoCo]

I want desperately to make a "tension cylinder" joke, but for the sake of propriety, I'll just leave it at this:

 

These pictures are gorgeous, and this ride looks amazing and I can't wait to ride it later this year.

 

Thanks so much for these awesome updates, TPR and Dollywood!

[STR8FXXXINEDGE]

Holy crap, this thing is looking awesome! You took some great photos, Eric. I can't wait to get back to Dollywood!

 

I think everything about the ride looks great. The track, the colors, the trains, the station, and everything else! I really like the look of the eagles on the trains. It blows my mind how people always find something to bitch about. Be happy. It's a new coaster!

 

Anyway, thanks for the great photos, Eric!

[ernierocker]

Video Interview with Pete Owens posted! Talks about the ride layout, the schedule, and the eagle sculpture!

 

Click below for the video:

 

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1139975#p1139975

 

Working on editing video footage of the tour now!

Edited January 26, 2012 by ernierocker

[Schotcher]

Thank you so much Eric! This looks really awesome, and I love the station!

[-Edge of Beast-]

That is some sexy B&M. Why does it remind me of Wildfire? Hmm..

[jammy2by4]

The theming of the trains is nice but I think the wings are just a wee bit short. I kind of have the temptation to fly out there and elongate the wings so you are flying on the wings of the eagle but then again that's just me .

 

Great looking ride and I wish I could ride it this year but I only have enough to take a trip to Thorpe Park and ride THE SWARM this year, maybe I'll get a chance to ride it on a TPR trip in a few years .

[rcdude]

This ride is looking great, and I can't wait until I get another chance to visit Dollywood and try it (won't happen in 2012 unfortunately). I'll withhold judgment as to theming quality until it is finished, but knowing Dollywood they will not disappoint. As for the trains, could they be better? Sure, but they look fine as they are. I don't care if the ride vehicle is obviously a train or not, it won't affect the experience and that is what a coaster is all about.

[Skycoastin Steve]

I guess the steel eagle with a wingspan taller than Wooden Warrior that's going outside the entrance isn't enough theming.

[Nrthwnd]

Here's a couple of photos of the latest steel sculpture the artist commissioned to do the eagle sculpture, has created. He lives and works just outside Vancouver, (in the Fraser Valley) in the city of Chilliwack.

 

This dragon is huge and really something to see up close. So I think (and hope) what he's designed and building for DW will be just as immpressive.

 

Oh - and Gung Hei Fat Choi everybody!

Here's what the dragon looks like. I think it's currently selling for....$5 million?

Here's the dragon in front of the (local) River Rock Casino that's "hosting" it for a while, until it gets/finds a buyer.

[chargersmichael]

I can't believe how well this ride is turning out...great layout...eagle sculpture...great trains...great colors...great wing coaster...great location...great theming...great everything!!!