Dollywood Discussion Thread

[Coaster Hero]

Not saying that they will add inversions, because I really think they wont, but RMC has done these kinds of things before. TC's top gun stall rotates in the opposite direction, and WC's weird "double reversing airtime hill" thing is less insane in real life than the animation, plus an outwards banking hill was added to the end of the layout. RMC likes to make last minute changes to their coasters, and I wouldn't be surprised if the real ride is a tiny bit different from the rendering.

[coasterkid124]

A "tiny bit different" than the rendering would be switching the direction or orientation of an element. Not adding inversions or new big things. I think that marketing something as the world's first launching wood coaster is enough to impress people. No inversions needed.

[brenthodge]

^Like this?

 

(P.S. Dollywood does have Google StreetView, so you can probably grab some more screenshots that way.)

I couldn't spot any on Street View, I'll check again. What I'm looking for are those posts with all the different directional signs on them. Wilderness Pass this way, Owen's Farm that way, Thunderhead some other way, etc.

 

Those specific signs might have only just been installed for the 2015 season.

 

There really isn't a lot of signs like that in the park. I do know there is one on the walking path past Blazing Fury on the way to Tennessee Tornado. I believe it tells you the distance to Wild Eagle and FireChaser Express.

 

 

These are the white sign posts with the butterfly on top. There are actually quite a few of them throughout the park. They were added last year. Sorry I don't have pics, but that might help somebody out there remember what you're looking for.

[KBrylczyk]

No, stop. It won't have inversions. you people are ridiculous. The same people that were certain that Valravn was going to have a name change. Be logical.

 

Awww, you're gonna ruin my entertainment.

[KingRCT3]

^It may not have a lower than 48" height requirement. The point of my post was that Dollywood wants the ride to appeal to the family crowd, whether that is more of a perception thing or literally a lower height requirement so more kids can ride.

 

Ok I get it, but actually that's not the first time I heard the height requirement was different on RMCs with or without inversions, and it really makes me wonder.

 

As for Dollywood, no inversions is logical indeed. Although with a ride with such thrilling elements (launch, steep drop, wave turns, etc.), it wouldn't matter that much and adding inversion would not change the targeted market. At least I think, but the GP in the US is different than the GP in Europe (especially France), so I might be wrong.

[Vonni]

I don't expect inversions to be added to LR either. I'm not really sure where this speculation of one being added even originated. I could assume simply out of boredom but how could anyone find boredom when you have LR to look forward to?

[FaithPlus1]

This addition makes me thing Dollywood should be in play for the Golden Ticket Award for best Amusement Park.

[Guy T. Koepp]

So I was at the park yesterday and snapped off a few pics. Construction on Lightning Rod is progressing very quickly. I did not include a cinnamon bread report as they are great and it would just be redundant. Oh cinnamon bread you are so awesome... ...blah, blah blah. Lather, rinse, repeat.

 

I am never one to say anything bad about Dwood. I love the park, and more so, the woman who it is named after. With that said, I did snap off what I would consider to be a very a troubling picture. I know they love to bathe in their Smokey Mountain, back wood roots, but I fear even they may have backed the trailer just a wee bit far into the back of the park.

 

With that said, I give you pictures!

 

Thank you and enjoy your LR TR. May the baby Jesus bless you and keep you.

Overview of Lightning Rod! It's all flamey and speedy! Oooooooo and dare I say hubcappy!

The right side of the building.

The wrong side of the building.

Looking up the hill. This monster has a deceptively long launch.

A bit further back by the entrance to River Rampage. This thing is gonna be impressive looking as it launches over the ravine. Me Likey!

Even further back. Kinda looks like the steeple on a church spire.

Not only through the trees, but through the trees and the railroad bridge crossing. Beat that! (drops mic)

And finally, the thing that troubled me just a bit. I have always had great experiences with their guest services, but I think their infant services could use a bit of improvement.

 

Anyhoo! Great day! Great park! Great cinnamon bread! Can't wait for Lightning Rod! Peace, Loves and Trash-barrel babies! I'm out! Guy!

[ECZenith]

Thanks for the photos, that launch hill is massive!

I'm just a Dolly Dumpster Baby... I got no mom or dad...

[RyanTPM]

Thanks for the update, looks like they're making good progress and its looking impressive

[DoinItForTheFame]

Thank's for the update!! The station is starting to look good!

[mordecai-75]

Dig the pics Guy, excellent TR.

[Paradox]

Lighting Rod is going to look great towering over that hill! That area of the park definitely needs this new coaster to bring it back to life!

[Dollywoodlover20]

Trying to create a Lightning Rod recreation on No Limits is a struggle. Well it is if you have a Mac and have to use the NL1

[Coaster Hero]

^That sucks man. I know on Mac that you can't use NL2 and like 90% of NL Tools. Good luck though!

[Dollywoodlover20]

This is what I have that's correct so far haha. The angles are what's so difficult. Lightning Rod, from the animation is VERY curvy. Like I mean I was watching closely and there's hardly one spot where you going straight. You're going at different angles constantly. I mean the Twist N Shout, which is pictured (needs adjusting) is even at a sharp angle. Building this on No Limits does give a great perspective of how it will nestle perfectly it that valley/ravine.

[madmax]

From the animation the layout I can garner goes launch lift, airtime hill, drop, series of twisting overbanks, airtime hill, overbank, quadruple down, overbank, airtime hill, non-inverting loop, helix, airtime hill, brake run. This is probably wrong, but it's my blind observation.

[WildEagle2014]

Just a few more photos...work is going fast!

[RyanTPM]

^Looking very impressive! making great progress too with construction.

[Superbatboy]

Great pics, can't wait to visit Dollywood next year!

[ernierocker]

Thanks for the photos! Those views from the employee parking area/backstage areas are going to be amazing once the ride is built.

[DoinItForTheFame]

Omg. I have never been so excited to see wood getting erected. It looks amazing!!!

[coasterlvr]

Omg. I have never been so excited to see wood getting erected. It looks amazing!!!

that's what she said

[SFOGdude25]

Holy mother of airtime that drop!!!

Thanks for the pics!

[Dollywoodlover20]

This thing is going to gain so much speed before going over that drop. Airtime airtime airtime!!!! I'm guessing they're just working on one section at a time? Instead of having multiple crews help get different sections part of the way up.