Dollywood Discussion Thread

[gerstlaueringvar]

If you guys can see it, after the LSM's you'll see there is a little space then there is some more that are either more LSM's or trims. Can you tell? I hope they aren't trims right after the launch :/ I didn't realize the area would have an actual street look to it now and I love it! I know Pete said it would look like you're walking on the streets on Sevierville, but I didn't know he meant literally. The area looks so much better!!!

Those are normal friction brakes that opens every time the train enters during normal operation and closes as soon as the train passes through. It is a type of anti-rollback system that can also be seen on Vekoma's motorbike coasters and California Screamin'. (Photos from Google)

[Projektion]

^I though they were something a long the lines of the brake fins at the end of the launch track on Intamin LSM coasters which are supposed to force the train to roll back if the computer detects it's not going fast enough.

[dstephe9]

Hey Guys, I guess i'm new here although I have been following the forums here for some time now. I have read so many of your posts that I almost feel like I know some of you.. But anyway. I have seen a lot of pictures relating to lighting rod and read theory after theory as to why it did not open on Friday. I know others were there as I was too. Well I had a brain fart and managed to get this shot.. What to you guys think?

I'm stills sticking with my theory of them just being behind and there are no actual issues with the ride. It was said they would start testing early Feb (Valentine's Day) but the track wasn't even complete yet.

 

So I'm sticking with my theory it is just behind.. I'm sure there are small issues but if testing had started on time they would have those worked out as well before the park opened

[dstephe9]

I've been looking around to read comments from the GP about the coaster being closed and the reaction, not very happy. Some are getting told March 24th some are getting told April 8th (Thrills in The Hills). One woman even called concerning vacation plans and wondered if it would be opened by July and the parks response was that they did not know. I have faith in Dollywood but I don't want Lightning Rod to lose its shine and place in the spotlight, due to a majority of their guest peak (May-early August) not getting to ride.

 

Honestly, I don't think the problems are that bad and this will open in around the next 2 weeks? Maybe even this Thursday if were lucky... I just really want to ride it!

My estimates, from what I have read on here, is that they are a week and a half to two weeks behind so you very well could be correct. I'm hoping for Thursday to!!

 

Again these are just my opinions though.. I know no one that currently works at the park so I just put everything I have read together to come up with this

[I love pie]

Have they even tested with water dummies yet?

Yes.

[PVA62]

I don't think there are any water dummies in that video....

[sonoma15]

Have they even tested with water dummies yet?

Yes.

 

Should we tell him?

[DoinItForTheFame]

I don't think there are any water dummies in that video....

 

There aren't.

[VF15]

Quick questions about Dollywood's fast pass:

-Would it be necessary to get one on Monday, May 23rd?

-Since it's a Q-Bot, how much time does it cut off from the regular wait?

[CookeGMP]

Quick questions about Dollywood's fast pass:

-Would it be necessary to get one on Monday, May 23rd?

-Since it's a Q-Bot, how much time does it cut off from the regular wait?

 

I don't think it would be necessary at all. I don't believe it reduces wait time, rather it virtually waits in line for you.

[mordecai-75]

^ Since it's a Monday, If you get to the park at opening and give it about an hour then go check out the Country Fair area. If it's packed with folks that means it is gonna be a busy day. It will cut the wait times significantly. However if LR is open by then you may wanna splurge on one just for that. I know i will be even on un-busy days,

[Dollywoodlover20]

According to Mr. Danny, Lightning Rod will NOT open at all this week. I'm just gonna go with it opening around Thrills in The Hills. I may be down that way around then visiting some friends and maybe doing our first Dollywood trip of the year (if Lightning Rod opens) if not, we'll just go in June like always.

[I love pie]

I don't think there are any water dummies in that video....

 

There aren't.

I saw something white so I assumed they were water dummies.

[Turtle Wax]

Well we got our media day invite for next Thursday so doesn't sound like the delays are too long...

 

Since everyone seems to have forgotten this. I haven't read anything anywhere stating that the media day has been cancelled.

[dstephe9]

It could just be a "Dollywood is Open" media day but I am hoping the Media day is for LR and it opens Thursday.. But looks like Thursday is going to be a rainy, nasty day so they may push the opening back past the Holiday Weekend

 

Never know

[The Geek Mojo]

Yeah, just looked at the forecast for Thursday and it looks horrible. I doubt Dolly will get out in that mess and the park will probably be very slow and not running rides if it's lightning. So, it doesn't look good for Lightning Rod this weekend. Which is sad because I'm gonna be in the Smokies this weekend and was hoping to ride. Think I'll skip Dollywood this trip and come back later in the year.

[dstephe9]

I'm hoping for low crowd's because of the forecast BUT I am also hoping it is like this past weekend where they called for rain and storms and it was actually fairly pretty most of the weekend..

 

We will see! I plan on being there unless it is just an all day downpour

[chadster]

Well we got our media day invite for next Thursday so doesn't sound like the delays are too long...

 

Since everyone seems to have forgotten this. I haven't read anything anywhere stating that the media day has been cancelled.

 

And since you forgot about this posted a few days later...things change. I believe this has been turned into a Dolly opens the park event. With her tour schedule there are very few days she will be able to make an appearance this year.

 

I am not sure who that was because all I have said today is that Dolly will be here on Thursday but we do not know what the disposition of the ride yet. Progress is being made day after day. We will let you know as soon as we know. We are as anxious as you are to have Lightning Rod open.

[Fast7up]

Was at the park yesterday.Was kinda of cold and not a lot of people there.Did not see much going on around Lightning Rod.Just a few people up on the lift hill.Hopefully it will open soon as I'm only 2hrs away and can make a quick trip over there.It looks awesome!Looking forward to riding it!

[Alan6602]

Hey Guys, I guess i'm new here although I have been following the forums here for some time now. I have read so many of your posts that I almost feel like I know some of you.. But anyway. I have seen a lot of pictures relating to lighting rod and read theory after theory as to why it did not open on Friday. I know others were there as I was too. Well I had a brain fart and managed to get this shot.. What to you guys think?

I'm stills sticking with my theory of them just being behind and there are no actual issues with the ride. It was said they would start testing early Feb (Valentine's Day) but the track wasn't even complete yet.

 

So I'm sticking with my theory it is just behind.. I'm sure there are small issues but if testing had started on time they would have those worked out as well before the park opened

 

I think I am going to have to agree. I was concerned thought about why they would take the blower stacks off the hood of the front car though.. But I watched as the added the roof to the top of the lift and from the looks of the inside of the bay area it does look as if they are just a little behind now..

[brenthodge]

LIGHTING WHAT?

Just got a "Plan your Dollywood Vacation" email - interesting that LR isn't even mentioned AT ALL. Like - "What new coaster?"- "pay no attention to the large wood structure there folks - nothing to see - move along"...

 

Sad and funny.

[dstephe9]

They do have new billboards in Knoxville with Lightening Rod on it[emoji14]a new one was put up this week beside my apartment..

 

Doesn't mention an opening day on it at all, just says visit Dollywood

[thrillrider]

Yeah, just looked at the forecast for Thursday and it looks horrible. I doubt Dolly will get out in that mess and the park will probably be very slow and not running rides if it's lightning. So, it doesn't look good for Lightning Rod this weekend. Which is sad because I'm gonna be in the Smokies this weekend and was hoping to ride. Think I'll skip Dollywood this trip and come back later in the year.

 

Am I the only one that sees the irony that a ride named "lightning rod" would be closed if there were lightning? Kinda like windseekers being closed for wind.

[Dollywoodlover20]

Lightning Rod has adverts running here in Southeast KY pretty well. It's a combo of the animation and the hot rod with the launch coming out of the road. At the end it just says "SPRING 2016...only AT DOLLYWOOD" You can't miss the Lightning Rod billboards coming into town as well. They're literally everywhere.

[Devins3]

I am at Dollywood today, they have been working on taking a train off the track all day. I would think this is a step in the wrong direction but we do not know anything so who knows. Was still something really cool to watch.