Dollywood Discussion Thread

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

The Dolly Trolley is probably the greatest value in the whole Smokies! I always ride it to DW if I go by myself to the park and know I won't need to return to my car until the end of the day. It was just $.50 a ride a few years ago and looks like it still is according to the trolley website: http://www.pigeonforgetrolley.org/fares.html

Have there been any hints from Dollywood about next year's new attraction? I don't seem to recall any hints so far. Keeping my fingers crossed for that Sky Ride from the lower area of the park up to Wilderness Pass.

[tntornadox“Fear can make a donkey attack a lion”]

Have there been any hints from Dollywood about next year's new attraction? I don't seem to recall any hints so far. Keeping my fingers crossed for that Sky Ride from the lower area of the park up to Wilderness Pass.

Rumor has it they will be installing a Giant Swing, where? I dunno exactly.

[Intimidator305Challenge me at Donkey Kong...I dare ya!]

Hints:

"It will deliver the mail"
"You might have to keep your head down "

Screamscape Articles:

Screamscape article from 7/4/08:

Barnstormer (S&S Screamin’ Swing themed in a giant barn with old fashioned barnstormer planes)

Screamscape article from 6/28/10: (nearly 2 years after the previous article)

Good rumor was sent in by a reader taking in a relaxing visit to Dollywood this weekend. Being from the Branson area, they showed off their season pass from Silver Dollar City to get a discount on the tickets. Upon seeing this the Dollywood employee asked them what they thought of the Great Swing ride at SDC? Why? Because Dollywood is apparently getting one for 2011. Great news for sure if they follow through, so now the question is… where will it go?

Other minor "changes" to take note of:

If you go to dollywood.com and click on the ride/attraction descriptions for either the Slidewinder, the tiny tots playground area, or the Dreamland Forest Treehouse, you will notice that all three of these attractions seem to be closing up for the year after Labor Day weekend on September 6.
http://www.dollywood.com/ride-q66-Dreamland_Forest_Treehouse.aspx
Usually this area and Slidewinder close late/the end of September...

My Prediction:

My bets on Giant Swing due to the success of the one at SDC, these two articles from Screamscape, and Dollywood's "hints". The whole barnstormer plane idea goes with this as well.

[disneygurlz2sDesperate Housewife Who Wants to Live in THIS Castle!]

We visited the park back on July the 5th. It had been 11 years (my daughter was a baby) since we were last there and I could not get over how much they have added. Even though I had followed the addition of each ride through the website here, and from Dollywood, I still didn't realize they had added an entire new section of park over the years.

This truly is an awesome park-much more "Disney-like" than your typical ride park. GREAT themeing everywhere. Exceptionally friendly park employees, who always strike up conversation. Fun, unique rides. Can't wait to go back again!

Shari

[Intimidator305Challenge me at Donkey Kong...I dare ya!]

http://www.themountainpress.com/view/full_story/8955195/article--Dollywood-abuzz-about-new-ride

Dollywood abuzz about new ride

Viewed 5480 times

PIGEON FORGE — Dollywood is preparing for a barn raising, quickly followed by the arrival of their newest attraction in 2011 — the Barnstormer. The $5.5 million giant swing will be situated in a barnyard-themed area which will also include play area for younger guests.

The Barnstormer pays homage to the daring aerialists and stunt pilots of the 1920s and is designed to give its riders an idea of what being a passenger in one of the planes would be like.

“I remember my daddy and granddaddy talking about the old barnstormers that used to do all kinds of crazy stunts above the fields where they’d work crops,” Dolly Parton said. “My new Barnstormer ride offers folks those same breathtaking moments, high in the sky above Dollywood. And I’ve recreated a critter-themed barnyard that reminds me of growing up on the farm here in the Smoky Mountains!”

The ride features two pendulum arms with seating for 32 riders. Seated back to back, riders travel progressively higher on each swing of the Barnstormer’s massive arms, reaching a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation. At its peak, the Barnstormer reaches 81 feet in the air, taking riders high above the barn’s rooftop and the area’s treetops.

The one-acre project will be located in the area currently occupied by Dreamland Forrest and adjacent to the Mountain Slidewinder, one of park’s most popular rides which opened in 1987. The Barnstormer will rest amid a traditional red barn on the Owens Farm, a nod to Parton’s family’s rural upbringing.

While the Barnstormer fills the air above the barn, children’s play areas dot the landscape around the barn. With a fun, barnyard theme, children can enjoy a 22-foot by 16-foot bi-plane play area as well as a pig pen water play area.

The Barnstormer has a ride capacity of 450 passengers per hour, and a 45-inch minimum height requirement. It also includes a custom-designed ADA seat.

The new area opens in March 2011 to usher in Dollywood’s 26th operating season.

The number one ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood is an award-winning 150-acre family adventure park located in Pigeon Forge near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Open nine months a year (late March to early January), Dollywood hosts four of the South’s largest festivals and offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction. In addition to the 2009 Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows, Dollywood is the recipient of 15 Big E Awards in recognition of the park’s live entertainment which features country, bluegrass, gospel and Appalachian music. The Golden Tickets’ 2007 Publisher’s Pick for best theme park, Dollywood also is a two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event. In addition, a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region demonstrate daily.

For more information, visit http://www.dollywood.com.


Read more: The Mountain Press - Dollywood abuzz about new ride

I personally cannot wait for this ride at Dollywood... Since I am a season passholder!!! This seems like it will be a perfect fit in the former Dreamland Forest or should I say the new Owens Farm! Even though it looks to be a copy of the SDC one, I believe this one will be overall better due to the better name, theme, location, and the kiddie area revamp!

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

I'm just super glad they're NOT taking out Mountain Slidewinder!!!!

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

^ Ditto!!! That's one of the attractions that makes Dollywood so speacial IMO.

It sounds like they are taking out Dreamland Forest...or did I misinterpret that? I'm a little surprised if so since it always seemed like a popular kids area whenever I've been to the park.

The new attraction sounds like a great addition, and I like the idea of incorporating a kids play area into it.

[thrillriderAm I allowed to eat donkey during lent?]

This sounds great.

I like the cedarpoint version of this ride. The only concern I have, is the 450 people per hour. The line for this thing is going to be crazy long.

I think they have the same version of this ride at silver dollar city.

[Intimidator305Challenge me at Donkey Kong...I dare ya!]

I think they have the same version of this ride at silver dollar city.

They do, it is called The Giant Swing. As far as capacity goes, I am a bit worried as well, but considering this attraction will be in its area of its own (besides Slidewinder) away from Timber Canyon, Wilderness Pass, and the Country Fair I think it won't be too terrible... I'm just hoping it takes the Q-Bot!

[PKI JizzManJizzy jizz jizz jizz jizz]

Dollywood will do a great job on theming, as usual. Damn. Adventue Mountain, S&S Swing, Mystery Mine, Thunderhead, Tornado....this park is so awesome.

Can't wait to visit again in 2011.