EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DOLLYWOOD WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS
For roller coaster fanatics and coaster enthusiasts alike, there’s something special about the unique experience of wooden roller coasters of all the kinds of roller coasters This is especially true in amusement parks like Dollywood with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. Something about the wood goes perfectly with the natural beauty. Well, except for the screams of terror and delight.
And as with all wooden coasters, much of the thrill is that the wood slightly moves. (No, you won’t necessarily see it). The beauty is that, unlike a steel roller coaster, it’s never exactly the same ride twice. This is great for repeat rides and one of the reasons they are some of the best coasters.
Don’t get me wrong – a steel coaster can be every bit as thrilling, but there is something extra special about a wooden coaster. Even those who love a good steel coaster will enjoy these rides. And don’t worry, Dollywood has several great steel coasters too.
Popular theme park Dollywood has its fair share of incredible roller coasters including two wooden roller coasters to thrill and delight you, Thunderhead and Lightning Rod, so let’s take a look at the unique features of both.
THUNDERHEAD
This coaster can be described in one word – fun. Traditional elements such as a lift hill (with a 100-foot drop) give way to a pinch of airtime and generous sprinkles of banking. All together it is the perfect recipe for fun on Dollywood’s first wooden roller coaster.
Situated between two mountains, the views ascending the lift hill and the views as at the crest of the hill are gorgeous (especially in the Fall) and make the height seem not as high (unless you are afraid of heights).
Fastest speed is just under 55 mph and those over 48″ tall can ride. This puts it in what I would call a “family coaster” category. It’s not a kiddie ride and has just enough thrills, speed and height to be entertaining and slightly thrilling without feeling like your soul is leaving your body.
It has won multiple years of Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket awards with good reason. It is everything a wooden roller coaster should be.
You know that feeling in a car when you go over a slight hill or dip in the road slightly faster than maybe you should? That sensation is what airtime feels like. This ride has just enough to make it fun without making you feel like you are leaving your seat.
LIGHTNING ROD
If Thunderhead is fun, then the second wooden roller coaster, Lightning Rod, is thrilling (with a capital “T”). The addition of Lightning Rod at the Pigeon Forge theme park owned by Dolly Parton was a game changer. Arguably, this is one of the best roller coasters in the world. In any category. And often is the top spot on the bucket list of Dollywood roller coasters.
This is not a family coaster unless your family enjoys thrill rides. If you like thrill rides and enjoy your soul leaving your body (as long as it returns by the end of the ride, of course), then this is more than just a ride, it is truly a thrilling experience. Airtime abounds with over 20 seconds of airtime in the ride.
You will know this is something different not just from the towering track but even the coaster train is made to look like a hot rod car. A little less these days to keep it running smoother but it is a work of art. You will expect guys with a flat top or ducktail haircuts to be looking under the hood.
FIRST WOODEN LAUNCH ROLLER COASTER
This coaster is a launch coaster. What that means to those who don’t know if that it goes from sitting still to really, really fast in a matter of seconds. In this case, you go from zero to 45 mph in seconds. Did I mention that you gain all that speed going up the very first hill? Yep. The lift hill launch (over 20 stories high). But it doesn’t drop you on the 165-foot drop right away. Your first drop is a smaller hill with the ride’s first airtime moments. Then it takes you the big drop.
Lots of banking on this ride include the sideways curve. It is a favorite for a reason. If you like thrilling adventures, this is a 3,800-foot track thrill of an adventure. And if you are on the fence about riding, remember YOLO. Plus, you will have bragging rights forever.
Perhaps my favorite part is near the end of the ride. It has 4 small hills right in a row. Lots and lots of airtime here without too much fear of needing a death grip. It is my favorite part of a great ride.
It’s a record breaking coaster for a reason. The first of its kind as the world’s first launching wood coaster and the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster with a top speed of 73 mph. This thrilling creation comes from manufacturer Rocky Mountain Construction Some changes were made to the Topper track system (it uses steel on top of wood to create it’s magic combination of thrills and speed). And it consistently remains a favorite of all coasters.
WOODEN ROLLER COASTERS AT DOLLYWOOD
There is something very special about wooden roller coasters that just can’t be replicated by other types of coasters. And Dollywood has some other fantastic coasters such as Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine. But Dollywood’s development team continues to impress the theme park industry with their wooden coasters. If this is your first time visiting Dollywood, prepare to be impressed. Don’t forget to download the app so you can see wait times on the Dollywood app.
Now the big question is which one will you ride first on your next trip to Dollywood?
