Dollywood Discussion Thread

[Intimidated305]

If I ever saw a person wait 4-5 hours for FCE I would just look at them with a face saying "Why?". Yes don't get me wrong, fun coaster, but not worth the time that could be spent riding Wild Eagle around 20 times.

I rode Firechaser Express a couple times last time I went to Dollywood, but the lines got really long, so me and my cousin (an 8 year old girl who isn't afraid of any coaster) marathoned Wild Eagle for about an hour with no wait.

[ernierocker]

If I ever saw a person wait 4-5 hours for FCE I would just look at them with a face saying "Why?". Yes don't get me wrong, fun coaster, but not worth the time that could be spent riding Wild Eagle around 20 times.

 

You read that wrong. He said the wait got to 90 minutes between 4-5 in the afternoon.

[Dollywoodlover20]

Whoops haha! I was gonna say! Still though I myself have seen the thing get to a 2 hour wait over the summer.

[Garet]

45 minutes for Firechaser Express, yikes...

 

Also known as a "quiet day in Asia"

 

Most of my students would be really excited for lines like that board. I've seen waits of 30-60 mins for a pretty basic roller-skater here but then again it wasn't really designed with the capacity needed in mind for a park with the kind of attendance here especially since it's the only family roller-coaster outside a standard powered double helix. I think something like Firechaser would go down really well in family friendly Korea but I dread to think how big the lines would get.

[COASTER FREAK 11]

Does anyone know if Dollywood has announced their 2016 operating schedule? I looked around online and didnt get an answer, so I am guessing not, but even your opinion as to when the park will open is appreciated. I saw that the park opened on March 21st in 2015, so is it pretty consistent every year? Opening the third Saturday of March?

 

Thanks!

[Dollywoodlover20]

I seen somewhere that the park opens on March 16th or 18th in 2016, so we have like around 2 and a half months until Lightning Rod opens. I just hope it's not one of those RMC's that gets a delayed opening. The winter here down south is supposed to be a late and heavy one. Which means heavy snow around Feb./March.

[Big Papa]

Does anyone know if Dollywood has announced their 2016 operating schedule? I looked around online and didnt get an answer, so I am guessing not, but even your opinion as to when the park will open is appreciated. I saw that the park opened on March 21st in 2015, so is it pretty consistent every year? Opening the third Saturday of March?

 

Thanks!

 

Dollywood 2016 operating schedule

[COASTER FREAK 11]

I saw that and thought it was the 2015 dates, lol. But, it matches next years calendar, so thank you.

[WildEagle2014]

We spoke with an employee and they said that it was right around 31,000 guests on Saturday, the highest the park has ever recorded.

[WildEagle2014]

Forgot to post the other day, but here is the new structure going up beside Red's.

[Dollywoodlover20]

I will love it if that is a new outdoor performance type area with all 50's style music. Maybe a stage for the GemTones?

[brenthodge]

I think that WHOLE area is about to burst at the seams - interesting that the fountain left and also the planter at the entrance to Craftsman Valley- opening up the flow a bit more. Moving the "Carol of the trees" to TH also looks like a strategic move to "clear the decks" Also looks like they were working on the bridge across the duck pond when we were there a few weeks ago - widening? Removing?

[MindbenderManiac]

Went to Dollywood yesterday, Sunday December 20, and had a great time as always. Crowds were kind of light when we arrived around noon, but picked up significantly around 5. In fact the entire main parking lot was full.

 

Temps were cool with daytime highs only making it to about 45, and it was 37 when we left at park close. Crowds were heavy enough to be able to run more trains on the rides, however Firechaser Express only ran 2 trains all day, Mystery Mine only ran 3, and Thunderhead started with 2 trains, but dropped 1 around dark. Was this related to the colder weather? Thunderhead had a full queue after the train was dropped, and the other 2 rides kept 45 plus minute waits all day.

 

On a side note, we did the drive through Christmas lights at I-40 at exit 407 (The Parkway). Great syncronized light show that's worth a stop!

[CustomMadeGJ]

Had my first DW experience yesterday and just can not say enough good things about the place. My wife and I had an amazing time. Beautiful lights, rides are amazing, great food. Might be my favorite park I've visted besides Universal. Wild Eagle is a gem, my favorite of the three Wings I've ridden. We can't wait to com3 back to this unique place.

[mordecai-75]

^ Glad to hear you had a fun time on your first visit, Chiristmas at Dollywood is always special. You should plan your next visit during the warmer months as to be able to hit up the water rides and get a completely different ( yet just as wonderful experience ) festivity wise. Oh, and don't forget, Lighting Rod will be broke in real nice by then!

[jray21]

I've always wanted to visit the park during the holidays, but doubt I'll ever be able to until I retire (if I ever can), or I win the lottery.

[Guy T. Koepp]

^Dude! Fly out to Nashville, stay at meh casa, and we'll head up for the day. You will not regret.

 

Casa is Mexican for house you know.

 

Guy "I'm bilingualish." Koepp

[Vonni]

Construction on LR should really kick into high gear in the next few weeks being that the park will close for the season!

[dabrian]

My family's first ever trip to Dollywood tomorrow. Any tips for a first timer hoping to have great time? Also, will the Christmas lights still be on?

Thanks

[Guy T. Koepp]

It's going to be in the low 70s tomorrow during the day and upper 50s when the sun goes down. It looks like some storms might roll in at night, but all in all with the warm weather and outlook for a nice day tomorrow, it will likely be packed. It would be in your best interest to get there early and get a Q2Q. It is not only good for the rides, but the shows as well. And yes, the lights are up until the close of the season.

 

Have fun!

[sonoma15]

Tuesday when I was at Dollywood the Audio-Animatronic Crow that sits near the Mystery Mine entrance was gone, probably in for refurbishment. RIP Bird Thing 2015

[Dollywoodlover20]

Yes, buzz is getting some refurbishment. I remember when he used to actually talk and interact with the kids. Then slowly just repeated phrases about the mine, then the audio quit one day I was at the park and was making a weird noise.

 

Anyway, I checked Instagram for any new pictures posted from employees of the construction site. While I didn't find any, I did find this. I'm assuming this is the hot rod that will sit outside of the station. I would assume they already have the other one inside of the que house/station being its nearly complete (exterior).

[sonoma15]

Yes, buzz is getting some refurbishment. I remember when he used to actually talk and interact with the kids.

 

Oh I remember that too, around when Mystery Mine first opened.

[Vonni]

I still remember how DW went really big for Mystery Mine's announcement and marketing. Its hard to believe that has been almost nine years ago.

[Djwadeknox]

These are some of the longest I have seen this year. Wow.

Wait Time on Sunday December 27th