Last month Dollywood opened FireChaser, a dual-launch family coaster, and Coaster101 recently got to experience the awesome new addition. The Gerstlauer built coaster occupies the site of the former Adventure Mountain climbing attraction and even reuses some of the thematic elements. Not only does the ride feature two launches, it also has a chain lift hill up the side of the mountain.
The coaster is themed around a volunteer fire station and the queue line and surrounding areas feature many little details to support the story line.
Unlike most roller coasters, the three, seven-car trains enter and exit the station from the same side. Just like a firetruck, the vehicles back into the station and launch straight out of it.
FireChaser Express is pure laugh-out-loud fun. The layout takes the best elements from several other types of roller coasters and combines them into one great ride. There are wild mouse-style hair pin turns that press you into the side of your seat, tummy tickling airtime hills, trick-track, and a show scene complete with fire and smoke effects. It’s a much more thrilling ride than other themed family coasters, namely Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain, Unverisal’s Flight of the Hippogriff, and Cedar Fari’s Backlot Stunt Coasters. It’s a great introduction to g-forces, something most family coasters lack.
The show scene building
I’m not a huge fan of going backwards on roller coasters but FireChaser Express hits the sweet spot of just enough thrills without being too long or uncomfortable. In fact, I’d say it’s far more fun and effective than the backwards segments on other famous family coasters such as Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest and Orlando’s Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride. I highly recommend sitting in the back seat because you can see everyone’s reactions during the backwards segment. The sensations also change as you suddenly become the “front” of the train.
The backwards segment
Speaking of family friendly, as a new father I’ll be bringing a new perspective to Coaster101 and I wanted to begin by complimenting Dollywood on how family friendly they really are. Their parent swap program is great: the entire party waits in line TOGETHER. Most of the major rides have a dedicated waiting area where one parent waits while the other rides then they immediately swap places. It’s very easy and convenient. Many of the restrooms throughout the park have Baby Care Centers attached that are awesome for changing and feeding infants. It’s the little things like this that most guests will never use (or realize they are even there) that makes Dollywood a world class destination.
Off-ride footage of FireChaser Express in action including the cool track switching mechanism:
FireChaser Express is just the first part of Dollywood’s $300 million dollar expansion plan over the next ten years. They’re off to a great start and the future for Dollywood is very bright if they keep building the same quality of attractions. We’d like to extend a special thank you to Pete Owens and Dollywood. To learn more tips about visiting Dollywood read this.
Recent Discussion