Photo TR: Dollywood '10...featuring Adventure Mountain

[BeemerBoyWDW Monorail Fanatic]

This past weekend we accepted an invite to Dollywood. The forecast was for rain, but hey, the visit was free, and we were REALLY looking forward to the new ropes course at the park. Can you blame us?

Anyway, we arrived at the park on Sunday morning around 9:30 to a light to moderate crowd, stepped inside, and took the usual left turn towards Thunderhead. Considering the impending doom of afternoon thunderstorms, and what we figured would obviously be a smaller capacity attraction, we decided to head straight for Adventure Mountain.

Instead, we took a quick ride on Mystery Mine since it was a walk-on, and were rewarded with our best ride yet on that thing. Not sure if I caught a "magic seat," or the ride has finally "settled in," or whatever, but it didn't bash me once, and the family jewels managed to avoid the usual crotch punch from Gerstlauer.

Okay, now my thoughts on Mountain Adventure. This may sound like a stretch, but I sincerely think this may be the best attraction any park in the states has added in the last 20+ years. Seriously, it's that impressive. I honestly didn't arrive expecting to be blown away. I expected a solid attraction from Dollywood, but moreso a "once in a while kind of attraction."

Let's put it this way, we easily spent a good 2 1/2+ hours on Mountain Adventure....and probably could've spent more! I can't tell you how family-friendly this thing is. It literally incorporates something for everyone. We constantly saw whole families exploring it together, because each station along each course provides a challenge for every degree of difficulty.

In speaking with an assistant, she mentioned that it's not uncommon for AM to have a 2-3 hour line on the weekends! People LOVE it.

I will say this though, I'm stopping well short of the "more parks need something like this" bandwagon. The reason is simple. Although I LOVE the concept, something like this should be reserved for chains like Disney, Busch, and Universal. The problem is that it requires a lot of employees to run it. And by employees, I mean mostly competent, pleasant, patient, and efficient people willing to run it correctly. It's a whole different beast than sitting there pushing buttons and fighting the urge to text your friends about what happened on the Hills last night.

When we arrived, we only waited about 15 minutes to get onto the course. I just can't imagine Cedar Fair or Six Flags employees being able to handle what the Dollywood employees were able to do....with a smile. In fact, I'd bet the house it's impossible. And furthermore, I wouldn't trust 90% of them to do it either.

Anyway, I'll try and let the pics explain more.

***DISCLAIMER - Some of the pics featured in this report were taken while navigating Adventure Mountain. On our second trip around, I mistakenly forgot to place the camera in the l.ocker with everything else. I didn't realize it until up on the course. Since the place was pretty empty, I carefully stood off to the side for each shot, and then placed the camera back into the zipped cargo pocket. An attendant did see me once, and after realizing I was no harm to anyone, let it go with a simple nod of the head.
I STRONGLY suggest not following my lead. Please get a l.ocker for all your belongings, and follow all park rules. ***

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

Scooter - nice job covering Adventure Mountain

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

SOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS!!!

Thanks for the pictures of the 'kiddie' area as well.

[downunderI prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

Wow, I love the look of Adventure Mountain, it looks like a perfect addition to the park. I always go to parks a year too early, oh well, Dollywood was awesome even without Adventure Mountain.

[ParkTripsA tie for 1st Place = 3rd Place]

I only read this thread because I saw who the last poster was, and figured an inappropriate comment about your wife would be here. Needless to say I am disappointed.

It wouldn't be a Dollywood report without photos of some fatty on a scooter. I suspect there will be a part 2? You already teased some of us with photos from the Grist Mill.

[downunderI prefer to mate with donkeys over humans!]

^Huh, are you talking about me, if so, I find your comment inappropriate and unjustified?

[ParkTripsA tie for 1st Place = 3rd Place]

Do I really need to link to the hottest girl thread?

Its a joke. Apparently you like girls. Moving on.

[live2tell75Bonafide Donkey Expert]

This looks like a fantastic addition to the park - I can't wait to experience it someday. Thanks for the report - good job!

[KoolkidHave I mentioned how awesome donkeys are?]

Awesome pictures, thank you very much


Dollywood is one of my must visit parks

Thanks again.

[tiger01I'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

Thats a great report! Thanks for the great photos I'd love to visit this park someday!!!