SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
General Category => Other Parks => Dollywood Discussion => Topic started by: shavethewhales on March 06, 2018, 09:17:47 AM
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http://www.wbir.com/mobile/article/news/local/dollywood-developing-5-acre-expansion/51-526144541
Continuing the discussion over the MASSIVE clearing taking place at DW right now, it has now been leaked that an indoor play area (Fireman's Landing for DW), a Frisbee pendulum ride, and an indoor roller coaster are in the works, among other things. It's not clear whether they are all coming next year, or if it's being built in stages, but my assumption is that a few rides and the play area are coming next year with the new roller coaster following.
The news of a new indoor roller coaster is HUGE to me. Every indoor attraction HFE has built has been amazing. Plus, if DW is getting one, that means SDC will get one soon as well! Hopefully for both parks' sake, it's not at the cost of FITH and Blazing Fury.
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OK, so apparently here are the actual blueprints: https://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/blog/things-to-do/dollywood-expansion-2019/#
I got overly excited reading the new's report description. Apparently there's actually no indoor roller coaster, and the pendulum ride is a swinging ship, not a frisbee as I had assumed.
Looks like the coaster is a family suspended? Hard to tell. I don't know why they thought it was indoors, I guess because they showed it with the ride envelope around it.
Seems like a very "family" oriented area. Basically a bigger Fireman's Landing with a coaster and new rides. Can't decipher the theme yet, but it might be "snow". ::)
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That "roller coaster" is very interesting looking considering it looks like an enclosed tube like ride and there are fans on the support columns. I was almost guessing a bobsled type coaster......but the fans are interesting to say the least.
Jay
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That "roller coaster" is very interesting looking considering it looks like an enclosed tube like ride and there are fans on the support columns. I was almost guessing a bobsled type coaster......but the fans are interesting to say the least.
Jay
Snow goes with bobsled so an encloses bobsled the fans used to help the "chill" factor. Will it have cooling system other than fans. World's first 4d enclosed bobsled ride?
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More like worlds first suspended 4D bobslead, lol. On closer inspection the layout matches one of the newer standard Vekoma family invert layouts. The supports definitely attach at the top when you look closely at the station detail. I really think it is just a standard Vekoma jr. invert with the ride envelope shown around the track. The news people saw that and thought it was enclosed.
That got me so excited, and then so disappointed when I figured out what was really happening. Oh well, it's a nice addition. I'd like to see what the theme is though, because it's a lot of rides thrown around and DW has a poor recent history of throwing too many rides into an area. It feels more like a typical amusement park with each passing year. I've complained about the "wilderness" area in the back before... but it should be better this year with the cheap splash battle gone.
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Knowing how Hershend does two park deals with manufacturers, has anyone considered this mystery coaster being Dollywood's answer to Time Traveler? https://mack-rides.com/products/rollercoaster/inverted-powered-coaster/
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I wonder if SDC will get a Vekoma family invert. There is plenty of room for a smaller coaster next to FL in the waterbogan footprint.
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Knowing how Hershend does two park deals with manufacturers, has anyone considered this mystery coaster being Dollywood's answer to Time Traveler? https://mack-rides.com/products/rollercoaster/inverted-powered-coaster/
My speculation vote agrees with this. Good call. Seems like a great family ride and another 'first' for the US.
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I wonder if SDC will get a Vekoma family invert. There is plenty of room for a smaller coaster next to FL in the waterbogan footprint.
Maybe a dueling family boomerang? But..... where is the second Mack? I was hoping that the DW drop tower would lead to a Star Flyer somewhere, hopefully SDC. Same company. The views a several 100ft. Star Flyer would give SDC riders would be stunning. DW ended up with two Gerstlauers with Mystery Mine and Firechaser Express. Sadly, we all know what happened to our GCI woodie for Branson.
When and where will the second Mack coaster come out of Hiding. Give me a Mack Hyper at SDC and I'll be happy. Will Wild Adventures be gaining a used splash battle soon as it's much farther south and more seasonal of a park.
New dueling Family Boomerang
https://youtu.be/UlC7b5f-KL4
(http://themeparkreview.com/forum/files/27747681_743723522464935_5963861208668741828_o.jpg)
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Oh, there are tons of implications for SDC in all this. Each new ride is something that could come to SDC unless we already have something similar. I guess we should try to keep the SDC speculation in the SDC threads though and focus on DW here.
This is a pretty big dead end for DW though. Then again, for years the park was one giant dead-end, so it's not that unique of a situation for them.
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Eww, so upon further inspection it does look like a cloned Vekoma ride. I really would hate to see SDC and DW pull a Six Flags and jump on the importing cloned coasters bandwagon. They are above that sort of thing. It would detract from the uniqueness of their parks.
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The layout in the concept matches up with the newest model vekoma Suspended Coaster, like this one.
https://rcdb.com/10902.htm (https://rcdb.com/10902.htm)
With the right theming this area could look fantastic. I would also believe this is the first step to connecting the park to the second train loop and will only temporarily come to a dead end like Timber Canyon originally did.
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I’ll just leave this here. :D
Announcement is Aug 3
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I’ll just leave this here. :D
Announcement is Aug 3
LOL<, Now thats a clue!...
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Sounds good to me. I was really thinking we might see the snow theme after all based on some of the area sketches. Still not sure what those fans are supposed to be on the invert.
This has the potential to be really transformation (again) for the park. After the flop (IMO) of Wilderness Pass, this will have the potential to get back to heavy theming and immersive environments that they were doing so well with in Timber Canyon.
Although some don't like it, you have to admit that they did a lot of creative things with Fireman's Landing, and it has a really fun atmosphere and charm of it's own even with all the rides packed in close. I am looking forward to DW's take on it.
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https://blog.dollywood.com/index.php/2018/08/03/dollywoods-new-land-offers-attractions-experiences/
Here's the announcement. Fantasy Forest theme, with a lot of emphasis on the fantasy. Looks nice, though the concept sketches are too artistic to see how much themeing there will really be. Obviously with this theme it will be a lot of landscaping. Luckily DW is good at landscaping and has a much bigger budget in that regard than SDC.
I love the continued "land" additions. Each one has a fun theme and packs in a lot of rides and attractions, but the theme and effort to make it a collective experience really sets them apart from other parks that make additions like these. SFOT's new area with several rides is literally just a bunch of asphalt with some rides plunked down, for example. Even though I would rather have more smokey mountain historical/cultural themes, I appreciate the continued effort to develop extensive themed areas.
Rides of note in this addition include the Vekoma family invert and the Larson Flyers. Celebration City actually got one of the first "new-gen" Larson Flyers, but this is the first new purchase from Larson in awhile for HFEC. Buying a new ride from Vekoma is a big deal considering Vekoma's revamped product line.
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Sounds good to me. I was really thinking we might see the snow theme after all based on some of the area sketches. Still not sure what those fans are supposed to be on the invert.
This has the potential to be really transformation (again) for the park. After the flop (IMO) of Wilderness Pass, this will have the potential to get back to heavy theming and immersive environments that they were doing so well with in Timber Canyon.
Although some don't like it, you have to admit that they did a lot of creative things with Fireman's Landing, and it has a really fun atmosphere and charm of it's own even with all the rides packed in close. I am looking forward to DW's take on it.
I was expecting a mack coaster but it was obvious months ago this was a vekoma family suspended. They arw great for families too. We now know that Herchend is open to vekoma rides going forward. It also seems like the days of two big rides per company is over.
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We now know that Herchend is open to vekoma rides going forward. It also seems like the days of two big rides per company is over.
Well I think it's been common knowledge that the next major addition to SDC is coming in 2020. The real question is what and where. Whatever SDC does, I am sure they want to continue to make a splash in the industry as they are becoming known as a destination park.
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We now know that Herchend is open to vekoma rides going forward. It also seems like the days of two big rides per company is over.
Well I think it's been common knowledge that the next major addition to SDC is coming in 2020. The real question is what and where. Whatever SDC does, I am sure they want to continue to make a splash in the industry as they are becoming known as a destination park.
I'm hoping the FLY coaster that vekoma is buidling for Phantasisland is open when we are there next summer. I can easily see this being bat themed and if it is worth a damn a great fit for SDC
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We now know that Herchend is open to vekoma rides going forward. It also seems like the days of two big rides per company is over.
Well I think it's been common knowledge that the next major addition to SDC is coming in 2020. The real question is what and where. Whatever SDC does, I am sure they want to continue to make a splash in the industry as they are becoming known as a destination park.
I'm hoping the FLY coaster that vekoma is buidling for Phantasisland is open when we are there next summer. I can easily see this being bat themed and if it is worth a damn a great fit for SDC
If we’re going to do a bat themed coaster, why can’t we just copy AcroBAT and get a flyer?
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Well I think it's been common knowledge that the next major addition to SDC is coming in 2020. The real question is what and where. Whatever SDC does, I am sure they want to continue to make a splash in the industry as they are becoming known as a destination park.
Well with that being said, SDC has been officially ranked as the 4th best U.S. theme park. We could now be seeing a lot of additional investment over the next few years on the same scope that we have been currently seeing at Dollywood over the past decade. (who was ranked in at #6, surprisingly enough)
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/06/22/usa-today-poll-rates-silver-dollar-city-among-top-5-amusement-parks/715901002/
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Well with that being said, SDC has been officially ranked as the 4th best U.S. theme park. We could now be seeing a lot of additional investment over the next few years on the same scope that we have been currently seeing at Dollywood over the past decade. (who was ranked in at #6, surprisingly enough)
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/06/22/usa-today-poll-rates-silver-dollar-city-among-top-5-amusement-parks/715901002/
As much as I love SDC, count me among those that considers the list to not be officially anything that means much. Top 20 parks picked by their "experts", and then narrowed down. Not even referring the questionable tastes of a couple of the starting experts, to put SFMM at number 1- when it has almost nothing but coasters anymore, and to not have a Disney or Universal park in there...
I'm not knocking any of those parks, but at least 2 of them I might not have even considered for the top 30. And there are other fairly glaring omissions of parks that I would have put well above several of these.
SDC would possibly crack my top 10, but it wouldn't be very high up. And I love SDC.
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I guess it just really comes down to personal preference.
I have been to Disney World a couple of times, and it is almost perfect, but the wait for the rides is long and the thrill factor just isn't there. But there is so much they do right (shows, theme, food, etc). But, I also liked Disneyland better than World.....World I was ready to leave, Land I ran out of time...
Six Flags and Cedar Fair, if on a good day where there isn't many lines, are great fun. The rides are great thrills, but the theming isn't present or can be laughable. Food not so great, shows are okay, etc. Definitely a thrill seekers park.
To me SDC (and Dollywood) combines the two, plus throws in a natural wonder with Marvel Cave and the natural beauty of the trees and hills. The rides are fun, theming is present, food good, shows great, shopping, etc. - I just think SDC does a great job of having something for everyone.
So I could see how SDC and Dollywood are rated as a top 10 parks, however, I'm still baffled at SFMM being No. 1.
Jay
Edit......added the word Dollywood to try and make this fit that thread better.
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Well with that being said, SDC has been officially ranked as the 4th best U.S. theme park. We could now be seeing a lot of additional investment over the next few years on the same scope that we have been currently seeing at Dollywood over the past decade. (who was ranked in at #6, surprisingly enough)
https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/06/22/usa-today-poll-rates-silver-dollar-city-among-top-5-amusement-parks/715901002/
I agree, all these online best of polls are nothing more than clickbait. No Disney or Universal ? Sorry, as much as I like SDC they cannot hold a candle to theming at the best of the best. What would Disney have done with TT ? I could only imagine.
As much as I love SDC, count me among those that considers the list to not be officially anything that means much. Top 20 parks picked by their "experts", and then narrowed down. Not even referring the questionable tastes of a couple of the starting experts, to put SFMM at number 1- when it has almost nothing but coasters anymore, and to not have a Disney or Universal park in there...
I'm not knocking any of those parks, but at least 2 of them I might not have even considered for the top 30. And there are other fairly glaring omissions of parks that I would have put well above several of these.
SDC would possibly crack my top 10, but it wouldn't be very high up. And I love SDC.
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It looks like the tree will have a nightly show with fireworks (I'm sure that the fireworks part won't be nightly though).
More info is in the video here: https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Rides/Wildwood-Grove
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I was expecting a mack coaster but it was obvious months ago this was a vekoma family suspended. They arw great for families too. We now know that Herchend is open to vekoma rides going forward. It also seems like the days of two big rides per company is over.
I read over on TPR and another site that this is only Phase 1 of a larger expansion and that they have only used 1/3 of the land for this new area, so the latter part of your statement could be premature as the rest could be used for a large coaster installation in the following years, perhaps a Mack hyper and/or launch coaster sometime around 2021? (could also make up for the LR debacle installing the latter)
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Will the remainder of the land be used for expansions? Yes. Will it be any time in the near future? No.
The park keeps hammering on Wildwood Grove being near the end of the guaranteed amount they said they were adding to the park over 10 years.
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In regard to the online polls and the recent rankings SDC and Dollywood have received on polls from the likes of tripadvisor and USAToday. it's publicity that's seen all over the country. That never hurts. It's these type of polls and their being shared via social media that it help making SDC and Dollywood more than just regional parks. They are growing into national, destination parks. They much more well rounded than the typical Six Flags or Cedar Fair park. It's this growing national attention that I think we may well see much more differentiation between the two and why we may be seeing the end of buying in twos or shadowing areas like County Fair/Grand Expo.
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Been seeing some chatter that Dollywoods version of the Waterboggan is done. 2018 was the last season.
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Yeah, sounds like it. Sucks... I enjoy all the toboggan style rides, and these water slides were and interesting breed. I knew this was coming, but wish we had been given more warning. Might have even considered running out there for nostalgia's sake.
Potential site of DW's next big thing though?
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Potential site of DW's next big thing though?
With all of the cleared land they have back near Wildwood Grove? Not a chance. They'll continue expanding out that way.
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Wildwood Grove is open (mostly) now and seems like they did a great job on the new area. It looks to be their version of Fireman’s Landing or Grand Expo. I’m most jealous of Dragonflier. It looks to be a perfect ride to fill the gap between small kiddie coasters and the bigger trill coaster as it only has a 39” minimum height. At SDC, kids go from the Grand Expo Coaster and FitH straight to Thunderation and Powder Keg. Having a smoother, more approachable coaster to transition would be really nice to have.
The way that they put the nets on the ride is a bit strange looking though. Apparently they didn’t want to put the nets off of the ride due to cosmetic reasons of the area.
Dragonflier POV: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O2fUUtWL_VQ
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Would be interesting to see the pics of the new area.. NOT promo pics, but real pics form real people.. Sounds like a nice area.
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Would be interesting to see the pics of the new area.. NOT promo pics, but real pics form real people.. Sounds like a nice area.
There are multiple tour videos on YouTube.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zp9JWTXADyw
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m8CDoMOX30o
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JoX7f5iQ6Jo
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E24cj_DgV18
I haven’t watched all of these so not sure of the quality.
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There was a segment on Wildwood Grove and an interview with Dolly by Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Hoda and Jenna on Monday. Most of the segment was filmed in Wildwood Grove.
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Dollywood likes their non inverting coasters lately.
Since Wild Eagle:
Firechaser
Lighting Run
Dragonflyer
Plus older Thunderhead and Blazing Fury
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Wild Eagle:
Firechaser
Lighting Run
Dragonflyer
Plus older Thunderhead and Blazing Fury
I think if they added PowderKeg to that (Good Coaster) They would have a better mix than SDC.
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Wild Eagle:
Firechaser
Lighting Run
Dragonflyer
Plus older Thunderhead and Blazing Fury
I think if they added PowderKeg to that (Good Coaster) They would have a better mix than SDC.
On second thought I think when we lose FITH DW will have a better mix
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^ you act like there will be a “gap year” between the demise of old FITH and the debut of the new FITH.
(there won’t be)
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^ you act like there will be a “gap year” between the demise of old FITH and the debut of the new FITH.
(there won’t be)
Probably not Swoosh but you know its not a technology thing its a history thing. That can not be rebuilt.
If Echo Hollow is an indicator of "things to come".......... well.
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Let's tell the truth about some things with FITH. The inside/covered queue is woefully small especially during bad weather when everyone goes to it because it keeps running while all the other coasters close and just overall age of the ride.
That said, I think they need to keep the storyline and theme of the ride. Just this weekend we watched the Missori episode of Aeriel America on Smithsonian where the Baldknobber lore is featured.
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Found a video on YouTube where some park guests got a walkaround tour on Thunderhead overlooking Wildwood Grove recently. Ozark Wildcat and Celebration City is mentioned a few times with Pete Owens himself stating the former OzCat Trains were indeed transported and put into use for Thunderhead's operations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zYyEv1LDXY
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A bit bored tonight (rarely EVER happens), so I'll write about my trip to Dollywood the day before Christmas Eve. It wasn't a destination - just passing through on my way out east. The weather was rainy, there was a long line to the parking area, and we almost turned around to leave about 5:00. When we made it to parking, we were told to look hard for a spot as there were probably less than 15 left (and the tram wait could be 45 min.) We finally found one close enough that we could skip the tram. It was close to 6 when we walked thru the gate, and my first impression was ...meh. The park was very lit up, but the lights at the front were mostly pink, purple, and blue - not so Christmasy, but very "in your face" Dolly! The bakery was listed as having gluten free muffins, but there were none and no one seemed to know anything about them. Very few places I can eat, but we found a restaurant that had a smoked ham dinner that I could eat with substitutions, and it was grea! I wish SDC had more plate dinners like this for $13. We didn't have much time, so we walked toward the crafters area so hubs could see the blacksmithing. I think it was on the way there we ran into the Glacier area - very cool! Very, very cool! Hundreds of strands of twinkling lights above your head with wave patterns, fog machines, and space music symbolizing northern lights. We loved it! The entire area was very cool with icy white lights, icebergs, bears, trees, etc. The big tree looked very similar to SDC's, but with the addition of snow machines dropping pretty heavy amounts of snow on visitors near the tree. That was cool! The parade was okay; promoted Dolly quite a bit; not as good as SDC's. I did like the guy with the banjo walking the line to entertain you with music as you waited for the parade. There were over 20,000 in the park that night.
My honest opinion? I had very little time in the park, the roller coasters looked cool, the crafts are way more expensive than SDC - mugs from the pottery shop were $35. Northern Light show was worth the trip! I liked it much more when I quit comparing it to SDC. I still wouldn't make it a destination, but I wouldn't mind stopping by again to see the whole park, shows, and music. Oh, and there are no perks in the park unless you have the more expensive Silver Pass.