BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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 4/23/2007 7:33:04 PM
You probably know that Dollywood opened up a brand-new roller coaster called Mystery Mine this year. It was the first "eurofighter" in the US, and well themed, AND at Dollywood (which I think is my favorite park)... everything was calling. For the past couple weeks I have been thinking about it.. I was supposed to go on media day but that just didn't work out for a couple reasons. Oh well... so last week I was talking to a buddy of mine (Andrew, aka swimace) and we talked about going one of these days. I sent him a message Saturday night asking if Sunday was good, and turns out it was. So after going to bed after midnight I was up again at 4:30 to be out the door by 5. I made pretty good time, arriving at the park around 9:20 following a little bit of icky traffic on the Parkway (it has been worse though)
Knowing I will have a lot of opportunities to go to the park this year, and with it still only $69, I decided to get my first Dollywood season pass. I waited in a sizable line but once I was at the counter it only took about 3-4 minutes to purchase my pass, give them my info, and take my picture (all in one stop, no less). Amazing, it takes that long just to get your picture at SFOG. I also realize that I paid the same price for both parks, yet this one I don't see as a baby sitter service. Maybe because it appeals to a much broader range of people? Maybe they are well into the black because people actually spend money inside? (more on that later). oh, and while I was in line, another passholder gave me a coupon to get Andrew in for free... sweet! What college kid doesn't like the word free? That was the first of many great bits of luck on the day.
The gates opened at around 9:45 so I was able to go in while *someone* was trying to navigate the Smokies. The rides didn't actually open but I was able to grab breakfast inside the gate. I ordered a gigantic sweet roll and a bottle of apple juice, and it totaled about $5, which is awesome. The food was amazing, even if I could only eat about half of it. As 10am approached, still no word from Andrew, so I joined the MASSES as they opened up Thunderhead Gap. More than 90% of the traffic went to Mystery Mine though (funny photos in the link above) which left me headed to Thunderhead to enjoy one of the best rides in the world. With a mere 2 train wait, I was able to ride in the 3rd train of the day in the front row. I haven't been on Thunderhead in a little more than a year, so I was wondering how it would stand up to all the rides I've been on since then. It's been my #1 coaster for 3 years now...
and I still have to give it credit. It has aged very well, it doesn't seem quite as silky-smooth, but its got that feel of a wooden coaster that many have complain it lacked. The ride still has some of the most ferocious pacing around, and the stronger airtime pops were better than I had remembered. Overall its still a phenomenal ride that I have to keep on the top of my list. I can't wait to ride Troy in a few months to see if anything can convincingly knock Thunderhead out of my top spot. None of the 48 woodies I have ridden since I first rode Thunderhead have been able to pull that off, though El Toro makes it close (in fact I'd call it a tie, they are both amazing yet very very different, making if difficult to choose since I have no firm preference to ride style)
Shortly after that, I got the call and headed out the park. I met up with Andrew, Clemson orange and all, and we headed into the park. I had my hand stamped, but I still was able to go through the front gate. My season pass, though I had used it just 30 minutes before that, scanned successfully... odd. I knew he wanted to do Mystery Mine first, and since I had gotten my Thunderhead lap in quick, I had no objections. We walked back up the hill and entered a line that was out of the queue - wow. But its not all bad, since it took about 30 minutes in total. We were in luck with our first ride, as we got the front row
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Swimace
Posts: 5916
Registered: 8/28/2003
Rank: Platinum Critic
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4/23/2007 8:37:52 PM
After reflection I've decided that Dollywood is absolutely baller and they need to start construction on the direct Clemson to Dollywood tunnel so that I don't have to get lost in the mountains next time I go (oh, and there will be a next time for me, hopefully fall on a not very crowded weekend). Dollywood really surprised me, for a park with only 3 large coasters it kept me entertained for a long time and I felt like I could have spent the rest of the day there.
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nyeboy9
Posts: 950
Registered: 4/19/2006
Rank: Gold Critic
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4/23/2007 10:17:54 PM
Glad you had a good time. I've always gone during July. By The way, I have a friend that worked on Blazing Fury during the off season. He said they increased the amount of water in the basin that the trains go through, so that probably explains your soaking.
I'm glad to see good reviews for Mystery Mine!
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hrrytraver
Posts: 1270
Registered: 7/16/2005
Rank: Platinum Critic
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4/24/2007 7:08:38 PM
i don't expect a trumpet fanfare to herald me saying this ----- but coming from me it may be a surprise to site regulars ----- i'd really like to go to dollywood sometime.
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nyeboy9
Posts: 950
Registered: 4/19/2006
Rank: Gold Critic
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4/24/2007 8:04:15 PM
^I hope you're able to make it out some time. Many people say they come to only go to Dollywood. But, their plans usually change as they take a look at the Smokies and decide to head up to Gatlinburg.
Anyway, I haven't been able to make it out to Dollywood yet, but they are great at customer service. One drink vendor accidently dropped my drink when he was handing it to me. He apologized, gave me another coke, and asked if I would still like the other coke for free, since the bottle was only dented.
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darkridrMD
Posts: 720
Registered: 7/12/2004
Rank: Gold Critic
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5/13/2007 7:33:27 PM
I just came back from my first visit to DW. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, Hrry. It's such a beautiful park and has a nice mix of rides. I was amazed to see more senior citizens than children there, although I guess school is still in session. The customer service was great. Up there with Knoebels as far as that goes. I found it interesting that there are no signs mentioning cutting in line penalties. It seems that it just doesn't happen as often there as in other Six Flags, uh, I mean parks. Anyway, Thunderhead is now in my top ten woodies.
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nyeboy9
Posts: 950
Registered: 4/19/2006
Rank: Gold Critic
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5/14/2007 7:36:36 PM
^It's a real laid back atmosphere, so there is very little line cutting. Even if there was, many people probably wouldn't care since they have very short wait times.
I'm glad that you enjoyed your trip.
"Ya'll come back now!"
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