Dollywood Discussion Thread

[A.J.Counts I305 as 32 credits...]

Canned RollerCoaster Tycoon screaming guest noises in the animation...

[robbalveySite Admin]

WILD EAGLE IS TRACK COMPLETE!

TRACK COMPLETE ON AMERICA’S FIRST WING COASTER;
DOLLYWOOD RELEASES WILD EAGLE VIRTUAL RIDE ANIMATION


YouTube Videolink


PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Dollywood marked another construction milestone on its $20 million Wild Eagle wing coaster as installation of the 3,127-foot track was completed last week.

Wild Eagle is the first of its kind in the U.S. and set to open March 24, 2012. The new coaster’s innovative floorless design positions riders on the “wings” along either side of the coaster’s track with nothing but air above and below, allowing passenger to experience the freedom of flight.

In anticipation of the opening of Wild Eagle, the most awaited new roller coaster in the U.S. in 2012, today Dollywood premiered custom animation at Dollywood2012.com which allows fans to take their first virtual ride. The virtual ride takes passengers soaring through the Smoky Mountains from Wild Eagle’s stunning roost 21 stories above the park’s Wilderness Pass area.

Using the latest video animation, riders journey along Wild Eagle’s massive track and maneuver the coaster’s four inversions including a giant loop, a “zero-G” roll, and a giant flat spin. Wild Eagle’s nearly two-and-a-half minute ride includes a plummeting 135-foot first drop.

Next in the construction process is the arrival from Europe of the custom handmade passenger trains. Designed to carry 28 riders each, the Wild Eagle trains feature an imposing bald eagle with piercing eyes and broad wings outstretched for flight.

Wild Eagle is the largest single capital investment in Dollywood’s 26-year history. The park’s development team is collaborating with Switzerland-based Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), the world’s premier coaster manufacturer. Pioneers in ride technology, B&M has built 11 of the 20 highest-ranking steel coasters in the world, according to Amusement Today magazine.

Based in the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park open nine months a year (late March through December) and offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. A family-friendly vacation destination, Dollywood also includes the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country, voted America’s “Must-See Waterpark.” Dollywood offers all-inclusive vacation planning with a variety of overnight lodging options. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com.

[giscoStarbucks Enthusiast]

Looks pretty cool. Can't wait to ride it!

[A.J.Counts I305 as 32 credits...]

Dollywood marked another construction milestone on its $20 million Wild Eagle wing coaster as installation of the 3,127-foot track was completed last week.

THANK YOU! Someone gets it right!

Now more than ever, I think that Raptor, X-Flight, Swarm, and Wild Eagle are two credits each! Anyone agree with me?

[VinTheAttendantChallenge me at Donkey Kong...I dare ya!]

Wow! Major kudos to the marketing team. That video kicked A$$! And it amazes me how quickly the track went up. I've never been to Dollywood, but they certainly seem to rank as one of the most "dedicated to quality" parks out there.

[DiSabNeil Peart makes me erect]

1. That music got me amped up.

2. Part of me hopes that the trains' eagles' wings extend a little farther out over the seats - they just look a little too short in the animation.

3. But above all, HOLY CRAP, WILD EAGLE!!!1!

[jjune4991Jar-Jar Binks smells like Donkey]

Holy Crap! Less than 2 months to build this coaster? Man, they really really wanted to be the first in the US!!

[coasterfreakyI teach at the school of donkey!]

Holy Crap! Less than 2 months to build this coaster? Man, they really really wanted to be the first in the US!!

lol, no. They started pouring footers in early April and there were rumblings of the new coaster in March - see page #73 for pictures.

[ernierockerWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

^I think he was talking about track construction.

LOVE the POV video! Looking forward to seeing the completed track in person next week!

[DougMJrJar-Jar Binks smells like Donkey]

Wow, that thing was put up fast. The animation looks as awesome as I imagined. So pumped for next year!