Dollywood Discussion Thread

[coasterfreak101]

Man, that is some STEEP banking on that climb. Can't wait to see this thing finished and testing!

[PVA62]

I doubt track would be done this weekend...this still have a ton left to do don't they? I don't think they have anything on the quad down yet do they?

[Dollywoodlover20]

They have track completed all in the ravine including the double up to the quad down. So I'm guessing they'll finish the structure today and start finishing track on the quad down this evening. Tomorrow track the rest of the quad down, then up to the non inverting half loop. I know that the break run and part of the "drop" from the non inverting half loop is tracked.

[jarmor]

It does look like its pushing it to be testing by sunday but we'll see.

[kickflipbacktail]

This is screaming along. If we're testing by Valentines day I'll be ecstatic.

 

Edit- Have the supported under the fakeout drop and the bottom of the first drop yet?

[horootle]

Valentine's Day is two days from now. Do you really think they just bang in the last piece of track and immediately hit dispatch?!

[moneygrabber]

I'm beyond excited for this coaster. I don't think I've been more excited for a new coaster before honestly. Lightning Rod looks to shoot straight up the top of my list of fav coasters when I finally get my hands on it!

[moneygrabber]

I'm beyond excited for this coaster. I don't think I've been more excited for a new coaster before honestly. Lightning Rod looks to shoot straight up the top of my list of fav coasters when I finally get my hands on it!

[CP Maverick]

Valentine's Day is two days from now. Do you really think they just bang in the last piece of track and immediately hit dispatch?!

That's how it works in Roller Coaster Tycoon

[coasterbill]

I haven't been following this as closely as I should but it seems really ambitious to have this ride open in just about a month when the track is so far from being completed, especially since it's the world's first launched wood coaster so it's not exactly a tried and true B&M style ride we're talking about here.

 

Is the prevailing thought that this will still be able to make preview day? We're hoping to head down opening weekend and we're cautiously optimistic but you have to admit this seems overly ambitious.

[Guy T. Koepp]

^Word on the street is that they should complete track work this weekend and begin testing next week. I'm not at all concerned.

[coasterbill]

Good to hear! I really didn't want to settle for BGW that weekend, lol.

[kickflipbacktail]

On Instagram they just posted that they're installing the last piece of support structure (I'm not sure if that means that they're already supported the 2 access roads where the first drop is) Idk how long it takes to install track but if not this weekend I'm sure tracking will be done and testing started by next weekend.

[horootle]

Is the prevailing thought that this will still be able to make preview day? We're hoping to head down opening weekend and we're cautiously optimistic but you have to admit this seems overly ambitious.

 

"cautiously optimistic" seems fair.

 

Wicked Cyclone - last track installed 4/20, first test 5/6, media day 5/20

Twisted Colossus - last track installed ~4/18, testing by 4/29, media day 5/21

Goliath - last track installed ~5/24, testing 5/31, media day 6/18

Iron Rattler - last track installed 3/15, testing by 4/2, media day 5/15

 

Goliath had the tightest schedule, so going on that, if LR has any hope, they need to finish track by 2/22 (still possible!) and cross their fingers that the launch system doesnt give them any trouble.

[Dollywoodlover20]

See this was my only worry about Dollywood getting a RMC was the previous delays that the recent RMC's had had. Mystery Mine was the only coaster that didn't open on opening day and that was because they wanted it to have a "Friday the 13th" opening. If LR doesn't open on schedule, a lot of people that are traveling down on opening day will be disappointed and Dollywood knows that, which is why they're trying to hurry. RMC said the last bent was in place so the only thing to do now is finish the remaining track.

 

I will say I do feel confident that Dollywood will have this completed in a week or two. Not sure about the theming around the area and station, and the refurb of JJ, but the coaster yes.

[WolfBobs]

Let's not forget that the 4 RMCs listed there were at Six Flags parks who generally don't have their rides ready by opening day. Generally shooting for Memorial Day weekend openings or later.

[mordecai-75]

Anyone know if the second train has arrived yet?

[FaithPlus1]

I'm beyond excited for this coaster. I don't think I've been more excited for a new coaster before honestly. Lightning Rod looks to shoot straight up the top of my list of fav coasters when I finally get my hands on it!

 

Yeah, I'm even excited for Thunder Rod to start testing! Just watching those trains crest the top of that hill will be sweet. I'm going sometime in the middle of July, where Ill get to try out Thunder Rod for myself! Boom!

[bachir]

Any word yet on LR's height requirements? I saw in an earlier post the thinking was 48 inches. I hope that's the case for my son's sake. Hope they don't do 54.

[kickflipbacktail]

Any word yet on LR's height requirements? I saw in an earlier post the thinking was 48 inches. I hope that's the case for my son's sake. Hope they don't do 54.

I'm pretty sure its 48. All of the other USA RMC coasters are 48 inch height requirements.

[Jodon]

3 questions:

 

1. Does anyone know if track work has been completed yet?

 

2. Heading down over Easter Weekend. Would Saturday before Easter or the Monday after Easter be better for attending?

 

3. Has anyone used the Fun Time Trolley to park and get to the park as opposed to paying for parking at Dollywood? Thoughts on using it, or should I just pony up the $12 for parking?

[Dollywoodlover20]

Watched in a recent video on YouTube (Posted on the 15th) where Pete said they plan to send the first train over the hill near the end of this week.

[Guy T. Koepp]

3 questions:

 

1. Does anyone know if track work has been completed yet?

 

2. Heading down over Easter Weekend. Would Saturday before Easter or the Monday after Easter be better for attending?

 

3. Has anyone used the Fun Time Trolley to park and get to the park as opposed to paying for parking at Dollywood? Thoughts on using it, or should I just pony up the $12 for parking?

 

Don't know, but my guess is yes, or in the next day or two.

 

Definitely Monday.

 

The Trolly is awesome. You get a great trip down the Pigeon Forge strip depending where you get on. Just allow for time as it makes several stops on the way to Dollywood.

[betterday85]

3 questions:

 

1. Does anyone know if track work has been completed yet?

 

2. Heading down over Easter Weekend. Would Saturday before Easter or the Monday after Easter be better for attending?

 

3. Has anyone used the Fun Time Trolley to park and get to the park as opposed to paying for parking at Dollywood? Thoughts on using it, or should I just pony up the $12 for parking?

 

I would think the Monday after Easter would be best.

 

The Fun Time Trolley from Patriot Park is usually a decent option. During busy times (usually leaving the park in the evenings), the trolley can be packed with standing room only but it's only a 5 minute ride from Patriot Park to Dollywood and is only $0.50 per person. Also, Patriot Park is located at the Old Mill Village and you can get a delicious meal at the Old Mill Pottery House Café! For Pigeon Forge, the Patriot Park trolley is the only trolley that picks up at Dollywood.

[chickenbowl]

Watched in a recent video on YouTube (Posted on the 15th) where Pete said they plan to send the first train over the hill near the end of this week.

 

That's great news. Can you direct me to the said video?