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To begin my spree of reviews on this seems-to-be-dead-yet-still-extremely-useful site, we have the Barnstormer, at Dollywood. During my recent trip, the park was virtually empty of thrill-seekers, and every exciting ride was walk-on. Therefore, I can't say much about the line length during the peak, but I can imagine that it would be less now that the ride's novelty is beginning to wear off on regulars.
Though only one of the vehicles was active during the trip (due of course to the off-season's very low ridership) which affected the feel of the ride, it's an amazing experience even with only one side running. While the ride time may seem rather short, the ride is truly exhilarating, throwing riders at the highest point of its swing into the best zero-G sensation you may ever feel on a flat ride - throwing one's arms and legs into the air as the pod crests may be the closest to flying you'll ever get. It's truly amazing.
In traditional Dollywood style, the ride (and its little area) is themed immaculately, with 'barns' flanking the sides of the ride meant to look as though the ride has smashed through the edge of it a few times, and very amusing writing written ATOP the sheds at either end of the ride, only visible from the ride itself! The whole area is beautifully themed and the ride is perhaps one of the best flats I've ever been on, despite the relatively short number of swings in the cycle. If you're there, this is a MUST RIDE, on up there with the park's excellent collection of coasters.
And as a side note, I'll always remember the Barnstormer as the place where a little girl loved my Fluttershy t-shirt so much that she apparently talked both her mother and fathers' ears off out of excitement once the ride was over... on the first of three consecutive rides. That little girl's smile made my day.
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