For TPR's Wild Eagle Information Page, including concept art, videos, and more, CLICK HERE!

Hey guys!

As I am sure you all know by now, Dollywood officially announced their new for 2012 coaster last night! In an unprecedented event, the park announced Wild Eagle, a B&M Wing Rider, during the 2011 Boomsday firework show in downtown Knoxville, TN! And Theme Park Review was there!

Not only did Dollywood graciously roll out the red carpet for us with a VIP area to document the big announcement, but they also invited us to the park for an exclusive Construction Tour of the new ride!

Before we move on to the photos, I can share with you a little inside info on the ride.

- As far as additional theming goes, Dollywood still has some surprises up their sleeve that sound amazing! There will just not be any additional theming during the ride's course, besides the trains. And believe me, when you see the view and surroundings of this ride, the natural theming is just fine!

- Construction is ahead of schedule on the ride which is planned to open with the park in March! Expect testing to begin a couple of weeks beforehand.

- There may be something world recording-breaking on Wild Eagle after all!

- Dollywood is planning on opening Sky Zip next season, but an opening date is not yet set.

- Naturally, the ride station will feature a dual loading station on both sides of the train. The station will be located in the area behind the blue construction fence next to the Sky Zip booth (scroll down for a photo).

- Finally, be sure to check out http://www.dollywood2012.com
for up-to-date information about Wild Eagle!

Now, on to the photos!

Knoxville, TN serves as the backdrop for the big announcement! Hey, look! It's the Wigsphere from that Simpson's episode!

Every year, over 400,000 people fill the banks of the Tennessee River during Labor Day weekend for Boomsday!

If you don't know what Boomsday is, it's a firework show that is launched off this bridge and the barges below.

Noted!! By the way, does something look a little "off" by this sign???

Oh, look!! Dollywood is announcing their new ride tonight!! Good thing we decided to come here tonight!

And Theme Park Review has VIP access to watch the announcement!

And here is our awesome view!

Our awesome hosts for the evening! Tim Berry, Director of Sales and Marketing, Craig Ross, General Manager and Brian Angello, Social Media Specialist. Thanks again guys!

Almost time for the show and the announcement!

The weather did not want to cooperate tonight.

But that didn't keep the crowds away! Everyone wanted to know what the new ride was going to be! ;=)

The show has started!

And Wild Eagle is officially announced! Awesome logo!

Dollywood was able to utilize lasers to reflect the ride's logo throughout different locations of the firework show.

What an awesome show and announcement!

The next morning, Dollywood invited us to the park for an exclusive construction tour of the construction site of Wild Eagle!

The promotional banners for the ride are already out in the park!

This area of the map will look a little bit different next year!

As you reach Wilderness Pass, you see the first visible evidence that there is a new ride being constructed!

Theme Park Review is ready to go behind the scenes for a Wild Eagle construction tour! (Hi Pete!)

Click here for Page 2 of Wild Eagle Construction Tour 2011 Photos

Wild Eagle Construction Tour 2011 - Page 1 2 3

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