People come to the Smokies for a lot of reasons throughout the year, and many of those reasons ultimately add up to Dollywood; the second-most popular attraction in the history of the Smoky Mountains with only the mountains themselves (and the National Park) topping the level of attraction Dollywood brings to our area. The reason for Dollywood’s success is simple: three decades of providing serious, high quality entertainment with shows, festivals, arts and crafts and, most definitely, the rides.
We don’t have a huge, name-brand family fun park like Disneyland or Six Flags or anything like that anywhere near us for miles and miles and miles, so Dollywood, both with their flagship park and their nearby Splash Country waterpark, more than makes up for that with a slew of rollercoasters, thrill rides, children’s rides and play areas and much more. If you’ve never been to Dollywood, here are some of the rides you’re missing out on:
Daredevil Falls
“Only a real daredevil will venture into an abandoned logging camp for a one-of-a-kind boat expedition. If you’re up to the challenge, let our adventurous guides help you navigate your way through some close calls with the bears and the old left-behind lumber machinery. But, just when you catch your breath, your boat careens over a waterfall down a 60-foot drop at a heart-racing 50 mph!” – Dollywood.com
Dizzy Disk
“One look at Dollywood’s Dizzy Disk, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon the midway at the county fair. You can take in all the sights around you as passengers settle into their seats facing outward for a ride that glides back and forth while simultaneously spinning in circles. It’s easy to see why we call it the Dizzy Disk.” – Dollywood.com
FireChaser Express
“They say where there’s smoke, there’s fire. In the Smoky Mountains that’s more than just a saying. Fortunately, it seems like with every big blaze, there have always been a few brave souls willing to answer the call – heroes able to tame nature’s fury and preserve the Smokies for generations to come! Now comes your turn to celebrate that heroic spirit in a new coaster sure to test your mettle, and leave you screaming for more! It’s FireChaser Express – the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster – blasting riders forward and backward!” – Dollywood.com
Lightning Rod ®
“Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod ® launches riders from zero to 45 mph more than 20 stories up its lift hill to one of the ride’s first airtime moments. At the crest of the hill, riders face twin summit airtime hills before tackling the daring first drop. Lightning Rod races down the 165-foot drop and propels guests along its 3,800-ft. track to a top speed of 73 mph, the fastest speed for a wood coaster in the world. Located in Dollywood’s Jukebox Junction, Lightning Rod rockets riders around its massive wooden structure on an adrenaline-charged lap through the trees in the hills and valleys surrounding Dollywood. During the ride, guests experience nearly 20 seconds of airtime. The coaster train is comprised of 12 cars, carrying two passengers each, for a total of 24 people per train.” – Dollywood.com
Sky Rider
“On the Sky Rider, you’re the pilot as the plane soars 70 feet above Country Fair. There’s even room for a co-pilot and either can control the rudders to move the wings on this exciting ride. With the pilot and co-pilot at the controls, each ride is a different experience but every ride is incredibly fun since mom and dad can enjoy the Sky Rider with their little ones.” – Dollywood.com
Smoky Mountain River Rampage
“If you want to experience one of the Great Smoky Mountain’s most popular sports, then Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain River Rampage is a must! This white water rafting adventure is full of exciting dips, twists and turns along the way. No two excursions are the same, but each one promises a good soaking for all who dare to brave the rapids.” – Dollywood.com
Thunderhead
“An old sawmill once moved lumber out of the mountains at Thunderhead Gap. Wood is still the focus, but now the operation known as the Thunderhead is the wildest ride in the woods! Carefully situated between two mountains, this massive wooden coaster stands tall among the mighty trees and takes advantage of the area’s rough and tumble terrain to create a daring ride featuring a 100-foot drop and a top speed of 55 mph.” – Dollywood.com
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Wild Eagle**
“America’s first wing coaster, the first ride of its kind in the U.S., is perched 21 stories above Dollywood and takes riders on a unique experience that feels as if they are actually soaring high above the Smoky Mountains. Instead of having the train on the track, Wild Eagle® seats riders on either side so there is nothing but air above and below the rider!” – Dollywood.com
See more incredible things that Dollywood offers at www.dollywood.com!
