Dollywood Exceeds Expectations

Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains lies Dollywood, Pigeon Forge’s most visited attraction. Unlike the many overpriced tourist-traps in the area, Dollywood exceeds expectations and blows its visitors away with their kind service and family atmosphere. They really do have something for everyone.

Dollywood sign

Some of my earliest memories are visiting Dollywood with my family. I can remember riding the water rides over and over. I recall gaining enough courage to get on Tennessee Tornado for the first time. And the food there is something that you can’t forget. That is why after nearly 10 years, I was excited to come back.

As I drove up to the park, I noticed how secluded it is. All you can see from the highway is the top of Wild Eagle, the park’s B&M Wing Rider. I love big parks that feel like small parks, and Dollywood is just that. Upon entering you are greeted by a small town set up with shops and bakeries. The aromas of kettle corn and cinnamon rolls invite you in.

dollywood bakery

From the main gate, if you go right, you will continue through the small town and will not even see a ride for a while. If you go left (which some people may not know), you can take a small path through the woods and you will find yourself quickly beside the award winning wooden coaster Thunderhead.

As for the coasters, Dollywood has seven. All of which are very different, leaving any coaster enthusiast happy. Thunderhead was built by GCI (Great Coasters International) in 2004. Since then, it has found itself among the Golden Ticket Awards Top-10 Wooden Coasters every year, two of those years (2005, 2006) being at number one. It is truly one of the best wooden coasters I have been on. The ride never lets up. After a 100 foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph, there are 22 turns to be had, not to mention the station fly-through. This was probably my favorite ride at the park.

Thunderhead

Tennessee Tornado is the park’s Arrow looping coaster. It was one of Arrow Dynamic’s last coasters and was built in 1999. Contrary to other coasters of this type, Tennessee Tornado provides a remarkably smooth and enjoyable ride. Although the ride is relatively short, it is worth it because of the first drop through the mountain and its huge loop. Tennessee Tornado is also the park’s fastest coaster with a top speed of 70 mph.

Tennessee Tornado

In 2012, a new type of coaster made its way to the United States. The country’s first Wing Rider, Wild Eagle opened at Dollywood. Also voted “The Best New Ride of 2012,” the coaster sends riders on a 3,127 foot journey along the top of the mountain. If you can take a moment during your 61 mph flight through four inversions to look around you, you will find phenomenal views of the park. Wild Eagle is situated on top of a hill in the center of the park, so you can really see a lot while riding.

Wild Eagle

Just last week on May 6, one of Dollywood’s coasters celebrated its 36th Birthday. Blazing Fury is the park’s oldest coaster, dating back to 1978 when the park was still called Silver Dollar City Tennessee. The ride was based off of the original Silver Dollar City’s ride in Branson, Missouri. The coaster is powered for most of the ride, while riders are treated to a dark ride experience of a burning town and other little scenes from the Appalachian region. Near the end of the ride, the train is allowed to freely take three drops, which makes this coaster a coaster.

Blazing Fury

One of the coasters I was most anxious to ride was Mystery Mine, a custom Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter. Dollywood did an excellent job at theming this ride. It was something I’d expect to see at a Disney park. The ride building looks like it was been there for decades and the attention to detail in the station and during the ride is incredible.

mystery mine ride building

May is a great time to visit Dollywood! There were hardly any lines at all.

The coaster itself consists of both indoor and outdoor sections with two left hills. When you begin your ride, you are immediately thrown down a steep little drop and then make several twists and turns before arriving at the first lift. There isn’t a large drop here though, you go outside now through more twists and turns. Then suddenly you are immersed into darkness. You start going up the second lift and a screen at the top shows the mine structure crumbling down above you with great sound and lighting effects. Once at the top you plummet 85 feet down the mine shaft into two inversions, the last holding you upside-down for several seconds before arriving back at the station.

mystery mine first drop

The first little drop out of the station.

Dollywood’s new coaster for 2014 is Firechaser Express, an exceptional family coaster. Check out our Firechaser Express review here!

As for Dollywood’s other attractions, you will find a variety that will suit the thrill seekers to those who just want to enjoy a good show. Dollywood’s shows have been voted the best for the last 5 years! Their are usally 4-5 to choose from on a daily basis. They also have a Bald Eagle sanctuary inside the park where you can see these majestic birds up close. In the children’s area they have a ferris wheel, kiddie coaster, a mini Wind-Seeker type ride, and many more attractions suited for the little ones.

bald eagle sanctuary

What else does a good theme park need? Food! Dollywood was voted “Best Food” in 2012 and tied for first in 2013. I highly recommend the sausage sandwich at the Market Square and the 12-pound pie at Lumber Jack’s Pizza! You can also get one pound slices that can feed two people. They’re huge!

Lumber Jack's Pizza

Continuing with the awards, Dollywood has been voted “Friendliest” park for the last two years. I have to say I noticed it from the beginning. Almost everyone you come in contact with has a smile and greets you like you are their long-time friend. The ride operators and staff are the best around; they make your experience that much better. You could really tell they enjoyed what they were doing and that is something you may not always see at the typical regional park.

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The ride operators at Blazing Fury were great! I found out about the ride’s recent Birthday from them.

Great job Dollywood, you made for a great visit, keep up the great work! We will definitely be back!

Who else has been to Dollywood? How was your experience?

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