Dollywood Discussion Thread

[Nrthwnd]

To heck with the coaster, I want the ice cream!

[coasterbill]

it flew off the track somewhere in the middle and actually landed safely on the brake run.

... and it jumped a shark in the process

[bachir]

I do think Dollywood has an obligation to make some sort of statement. They've hyped the heck out of this rollercoaster for quite some time. If they truly want to be a destination park (they're advertising in S Illinois) then they need to be thinking of those people who plan (or have booked) trips to see this coaster. I cancelled my trip, but heck, I don't even know when to reschedule it for.

 

Its quite obvious to me that they knew full well that LR wouldn't be ready in time. But an announcement of a delay would have hurt their bottom line, so they stayed quiet. And they are remaining quiet, hoping people don't cancel trips already scheduled to see their 'innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster'. Pretty poor form by park if you ask me.

[ASE]

So a TV show (not sure which one I think Home&Family TV) was apparently at Dollywood yesterday and today and let 10 people on LR in order to film their show. So my question is if they can film the show and let 10 people on, what's the hold up?

 

Could be The Willis Family....they performed at Dollywood on Sunday and have a TV show. Would be some decent advertising for Dollywood.

 

Dolly is scheduled to be back in town this Friday to cut the ribbon on the new Lumberjack Adventure at 11AM. From a PR standpoint, it'd make sense to have her officially "open" Lightning Rod while in town. At this point, I can't imagine they'd just "open" it one day without a PR opportunity like that.

 

I did hear they were originally shooting to open it when she was in town for the parade, which obviously didn't happen...so my assumption is they held out for her next trip to Pigeon Forge.

 

I'd be REALLY surprised if we make it through the weekend without hearing SOMEthing from Pete and the Dollywood team if it doesn't open...especially with the "season" kicking into full gear after next week.

[shadox17]

At this point, I can imagine they'd just "open" it one day without a PR opportunity like that.

RMC said, "F it, it's good enough. It's Dollywoods problem now."

[coasterbill]

I do think Dollywood has an obligation to make some sort of statement.

 

And they are remaining quiet, hoping people don't cancel trips already scheduled to see their 'innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster'. Pretty poor form by park if you ask me.

 

Oh for f**k's sake.

 

If you go to the website there's a HUGE orange bar across the top of EVERY SINGLE PAGE ON THE ENTIRE WEBSITE that says " Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Learn More" and then when you click on "Learn More" while you're b**ching about how they're obligated to make a statement you'll see the statement that they made and it says... "Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Lightning Rod is an innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster. The ride manufacturer asked for additional time to commission the ride. Keep watching Dollywood.com for future updates."

 

Oooh it's a conspiracy. They're "remaining quiet" except for on every single page of the website.

 

What do you want them to do exactly? Mail you a puppy and hand-written letter that says "Dear entitled enthusiast. Please have mercy on us and try to forgive us for the fact that you assumed an innovative new coaster that's completely unique would absolutely, 100% be open on time and booked a trip for opening day. I completely understand how one ride being closed would be enough to make you cancel your trip to one of the best parks in America even though a year ago when this ride wasn't here you'd have absolutely loved all of our other offerings which we still have. Please send all bills for therapy and tissues to Dolly directly and we'll be sure to reimburse you. We're really sorry we tried to trick you by not making a statement (except for all over social media and on every singe page of the website). Next time we'll send you smoke signals and hire a sky writer.

[Dollywoodlover20]

So a TV show (not sure which one I think Home&Family TV) was apparently at Dollywood yesterday and today and let 10 people on LR in order to film their show. So my question is if they can film the show and let 10 people on, what's the hold up?

 

Could be The Willis Family....they performed at Dollywood on Sunday and have a TV show. Would be some decent advertising for Dollywood.

 

Dolly is scheduled to be back in town this Friday to cut the ribbon on the new Lumberjack Adventure at 11AM. From a PR standpoint, it'd make sense to have her officially "open" Lightning Rod while in town. At this point, I can't imagine they'd just "open" it one day without a PR opportunity like that.

 

I did hear they were originally shooting to open it when she was in town for the parade, which obviously didn't happen...so my assumption is they held out for her next trip to Pigeon Forge.

 

I'd be REALLY surprised if we make it through the weekend without hearing SOMEthing from Pete and the Dollywood team if it doesn't open...especially with the "season" kicking into full gear after next week.

Could be the Willis crew, I just went to Twitter and searched Lightning Rod Dollywood" and found the tweet, the talked to the guy a bit. With the opening with Lumberjack Adventure, I could see that happening. Kill two birds with one stone and attract double the money. Especially with Memorial Day weekend approaching. Pigeon Forge during that time is equivalent to a Rod Run, maybe worse. If it's not open by Memorial Day, I could see a bit of major backlash happening. Joker opens on the 26th I'm thinking so it's looking like Lightning Rod will be the last RMC to open.

[beenagins87]

I'm not sure if this has been answered or not yet, but how come during May, Dollywood is closed every Tuesday???

[SFOG1991]

I'm not sure if this has been answered or not yet, but how come during May, Dollywood is closed every Tuesday???

I'm assuming it just cuts down on their operational expenses and simultaneously provides some time for smaller improvements/changes before the summer season and maybe even extra time for job training. It's probably a mix of factors like that and all make sense in terms of the big picture and bottom line. I would love to know the exact answer to that though.

[KBrylczyk]

I do think Dollywood has an obligation to make some sort of statement.

 

And they are remaining quiet, hoping people don't cancel trips already scheduled to see their 'innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster'. Pretty poor form by park if you ask me.

 

Oh for f**k's sake.

 

If you go to the website there's a HUGE orange bar across the top of EVERY SINGLE PAGE ON THE ENTIRE WEBSITE that says " Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Learn More" and then when you click on "Learn More" while you're b**ching about how they're obligated to make a statement you'll see the statement that they made and it says... "Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Lightning Rod is an innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster. The ride manufacturer asked for additional time to commission the ride. Keep watching Dollywood.com for future updates."

 

Oooh it's a conspiracy. They're "remaining quiet" except for on every single page of the website.

 

What do you want them to do exactly? Mail you a puppy and hand-written letter that says "Dear entitled enthusiast. Please have mercy on us and try to forgive us for the fact that you assumed an innovative new coaster that's completely unique would absolutely, 100% be open on time and booked a trip for opening day. I completely understand how one ride being closed would be enough to make you cancel your trip to one of the best parks in America even though a year ago when this ride wasn't here you'd have absolutely loved all of our other offerings which we still have. Please send all bills for therapy and tissues to Dolly directly and we'll be sure to reimburse you. We're really sorry we tried to trick you by not making a statement (except for all over social media and on every singe page of the website). Next time we'll send you smoke signals and hire a sky writer.

 

[dstephe9]

I do think Dollywood has an obligation to make some sort of statement.

 

And they are remaining quiet, hoping people don't cancel trips already scheduled to see their 'innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster'. Pretty poor form by park if you ask me.

 

Oh for f**k's sake.

 

If you go to the website there's a HUGE orange bar across the top of EVERY SINGLE PAGE ON THE ENTIRE WEBSITE that says " Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Learn More" and then when you click on "Learn More" while you're b**ching about how they're obligated to make a statement you'll see the statement that they made and it says... "Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Lightning Rod is an innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster. The ride manufacturer asked for additional time to commission the ride. Keep watching Dollywood.com for future updates."

 

Oooh it's a conspiracy. They're "remaining quiet" except for on every single page of the website.

 

What do you want them to do exactly? Mail you a puppy and hand-written letter that says "Dear entitled enthusiast. Please have mercy on us and try to forgive us for the fact that you assumed an innovative new coaster that's completely unique would absolutely, 100% be open on time and booked a trip for opening day. I completely understand how one ride being closed would be enough to make you cancel your trip to one of the best parks in America even though a year ago when this ride wasn't here you'd have absolutely loved all of our other offerings which we still have. Please send all bills for therapy and tissues to Dolly directly and we'll be sure to reimburse you. We're really sorry we tried to trick you by not making a statement (except for all over social media and on every singe page of the website). Next time we'll send you smoke signals and hire a sky writer.

I believe the biggest issue for a lot of people is that not all Hotels give full refunds.. some want you to reschedule.. but for when? Then you have to reschedule time off at work.. but for when?? Dollywood says "soon" and has for almost 2 months now.. so when should these customers reschedule? One would think it will be open in June but who knows.. might not be..

 

I know, Dollywood wants people here now. Plus they don't want to give a date and miss it again.. it's all a catch 22.. give a date and miss it, people will be pissed.. give a date late June and possibly hurt business now..

 

I feel bad for people who have planned and had to replan trips but I don't see a "win" for Dollywood either way you look at it personally..

 

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Djwadeknox]

The cinnamon bread is worth a trip even if you don't ride any rides. So if you can't be happy with Dolly's hot loafs of goodness then I'm sure Dolly would say go to Disney and see if they have lightning Rod open yet!

[awclark]

This thread is hilarious to me now… I've never seen so much saltiness over a delayed attraction before and I'm LIVING for all this sarcastic banter

 

I mean I understand it's 1 of the hottest new attractions to be built this year, but I remember when Maverick's opening at CP was delayed a few weeks to replace the heart-line roll and when Kingda Ka basically blew its entire first season because of the infamous "breakdown", both of which I'm 100% sure faced similar situations in which guests had booked vacations or bought passes and showed up expecting it to be open and were left to be disappointed, but I don't remember coming across nearly as much enthusiast turmoil over those situations.

[Wily J]

I'm not sure if this has been answered or not yet, but how come during May, Dollywood is closed every Tuesday???

 

Those are the days they put together the phony ride videos.

 

#ItllNeverOpen

 

 

[brenthodge]

I do think Dollywood has an obligation to make some sort of statement.

 

And they are remaining quiet, hoping people don't cancel trips already scheduled to see their 'innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster'. Pretty poor form by park if you ask me.

 

Oh for f**k's sake.

 

If you go to the website there's a HUGE orange bar across the top of EVERY SINGLE PAGE ON THE ENTIRE WEBSITE that says " Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Learn More" and then when you click on "Learn More" while you're b**ching about how they're obligated to make a statement you'll see the statement that they made and it says... "Lightning Rod will not be open to the general public at this time due to extended ride commissioning. Lightning Rod is an innovative ride featuring new technology never before used on a wooden coaster. The ride manufacturer asked for additional time to commission the ride. Keep watching Dollywood.com for future updates."

Oooh it's a conspiracy. They're "remaining quiet" except for on every single page of the website.

 

What do you want them to do exactly? Mail you a puppy and hand-written letter that says "Dear entitled enthusiast. Please have mercy on us and try to forgive us for the fact that you assumed an innovative new coaster that's completely unique would absolutely, 100% be open on time and booked a trip for opening day. I completely understand how one ride being closed would be enough to make you cancel your trip to one of the best parks in America even though a year ago when this ride wasn't here you'd have absolutely loved all of our other offerings which we still have. Please send all bills for therapy and tissues to Dolly directly and we'll be sure to reimburse you. We're really sorry we tried to trick you by not making a statement (except for all over social media and on every singe page of the website). Next time we'll send you smoke signals and hire a sky writer.

 

Well - we took our HIGH AND MIGHTY pills today didn't we? Did anyone ask for a puppy - nice extra prize though - Did this person say they booked a trip on opening day - NOPE. The park hyped the heck out of the ride - theres no way with a two month delay they had any plans that it would be open on March 18 and while not exactly a "conspiracy theory" I do think they are trying to not make a "big deal" about an extended delay.

[djcoastermark]

Oh these first world problems, whatever shall we do? Oops, I'm sorry, forgot to add,

 

 

 

@It'llnever open

[Wily J]

 

"Let's not fight amongst ourselfs my children! Rather let's ignore some poor people and play nine holes of mini-golf!

 

And remember what the ancient scriptures say:

 

#It'llneveropen"

 

 

[Guy T. Koepp]

I want my f^@k!ng puppy too!

 

I was the one who stood up for her when everyone else was on the doom and gloom train? Then she ripped my soul apart like a death eater on crack. I lost my faith,crawled into the cave to lick my wounds and came back as the bearer of all things painfully besmirched. I now carry the cross of abandonment and lonely dispair. I bear this cross! I bear this cross for you all! So I ask you?

 

Where's my f^@k!ng puppy!

 

And it better be cute too. Like a little Pug puppy that get stuck in paper towel rolls. Not a f^@k!ng Dalmation. Ugly flatulent beasts!

 

#Itllneveropen

[Wily J]

 

"I still have your puppies Guy. . . "

[Guy T. Koepp]

As much as this pains me to say. Sweater puppies don't count.

 

In this instance.

 

For every other instance, they count. They count big time! And those count more than others.

 

But in this instance, and against my better judgement, sweater puppies don't count.

 

#Itllneveropen

[chadster]

^ Please leave your man card at the exit. Thanks for your patronage. Once you've realized said puppies count in every instance we will consider returning your card.

[DoinItForTheFame]

I want a puppy too. Forget Lightning Rod... just give me a puppy.

[Nrthwnd]

What - what happened to the ice cream?

 

[DoinItForTheFame]

^ It was replaced by puppies. . . Puppies... and more puppies.

[Guy T. Koepp]

Man card? Man card! Don't gimme that. I eat man cards for a snack. I crap more man cards than most men have to give in their lifetime. Then I eat those crapped out man cards as a topping for my man card snack.

 

A real man can appreciate the awesomeness of a Pug Puppy getting stuck in a toilet paper roll. But it takes a really real man to look beyond a nice rack to appreciate said puppy stuck in tube.

 

That is why I take your man card, eat it, crap it out, spread it on another man card and eat that.

 

And! After all that, I still have the cajones to boldly say...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...Itllneveropen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh! That noise you heard. Was me dropping tha mic!