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ThuNderaTion's 15th

ByShavethewhales

This year marks 15 years of the wild enjoyment offered by ThuNderaTion, Silver Dollar City's first major roller coaster. Though no longer the largest, wildest, or most favored ride in the park, ThuNderaTion (TNT for short) still holds a special place in the hearts of nearly all SDC patrons for it's wild ride and notable charm.

ThuNderaTion burst onto the scene in 1993 as SDC's first major roller coaster and it's largest ride at the time. It was an instant success, quickly gaining a reputation as the wildest mine train type roller coaster ever built. Carrying a price tag of $7 million, ThuNderaTion was built by the world famous Arrow Dynamics, whom the Herschends trusted for the success of the Thunder Express roller coaster at SDC's twin theme park Dollywood. ThuNderaTion was to be different from Arrow's past mine train creations however, for SDC wanted something wilder, and something wilder is what Arrow gave them. A massive high G-force helix, swooping curves into deep valleys, and a terrifying finale made this mine train totally stand out from among anything the firm had built before. The addition of backwards facing seats has further heightened the fun.

Much of the original theme of TNT has been forgotten, though many thematic elements remain still. The story goes that a group called the Gumbo Gang is trying to start up the old J&P (for Jack and Peter Herschend) Mine again, but as with all SDC characters, their eccentricity and clumsiness leads them to build a massive mine train roller coaster. You can still spot the Gumbo Gang if you peer over the right side of the lift hill as you climb it.

Here's to another 15 years of fun on one of SDC's most prized experiences.

Comments

Coaster

Nice article Steve! This is still a great ride even after 15 years. SDC has a great knack for restoring rides and keeping them up in pristine condition, much like they've done with Fire in the Hole and The Flooded Mine. I hope this ride never leaves because it truly is a great part of SDC history as the first major thrill ride and it's first major roller coaster. It is also history for many of us I'm sure. It was one of my first roller coasters. Along with, The Runaway Ore Cart (R.I.P) and Fire in the Hole.

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