🎂Happy Birthday to Lightning Rod! You're 8 Years Old Now!🎂

Hi Everyone,

Today is Lightning Rod's 8th Birthday!  Lightning Rod has been, in its own cute way, the 'problem child' of Dollywood.  

Emerging from Rocky Mountain Coasters as the inaugural wooden coaster equipped with an LSM lift hill launch, Lightning Rod has thrilled riders with an experience unique to itself. 

Spanning 3,800 feet, with a drop of 165 feet, a top speed of 73 mph, and a G-force of 3.5, you're at the pinnacle of many roller coaster enthusiasts' lists!

Nearly every amazing roller coaster attracts many fans, and more than a few have been quick to point out differences and changes.  I love these comparison videos of Lightning Rods changes over its eight years of life.  

Lightning Rod has had a lot of modifications to it.  The biggest of course is switch from the LSM launch to a traditional chain lift at the end of the 2023 season.  It opened up on day one of Dollywood's 2024 season, a testament to Dollywood's desire to have more uptime for this ride.  You can see my video of LR that day below.

My feelings about it...I think its a win win.  So far this year it has had very little downtime, which was a huge objective for Dollywood.  I also liked that I was able to look around and take in a great view while going up the lift...where previously I would white knuckle the launch.  Many will disagree and there's nothing wrong with that.  I still feel like all the ejector air is still there in all its glory.  For me, the key to enjoying LR is being positive my pockets are completely empty.  I have seen stuff in my pockets that I was so certain were secure, float in front of my face on the quad down, which was not a good feeling at all...so, I need empty pockets so I can relax, lol.   A friend I was with lost car keys on it one time - nightmare!  The storage cubbies in the station hold larger items like backpacks and big purses, as well as smaller items for hats, glasses, phones - use them.

After the 2020 season, Dollywood decided to replace over half of the track with the more durable Ibox Track. Originally constructed with Timber Topper Track, consisting of six layers of lumber and a metal topper, the new sections are now entirely steel, providing a long-term solution. A picture from Wikipedia distinctly illustrates the differences between the two track styles.

Dollywood has an excellent coaster on its hands and in my opinion, they've made many improvements that lead me to believe it's going to be with us for a long time.  So happy 8th birthday LR, and it looks like you're going from problem child to a golden child. 😊

🟦🟩VIP Tour Info-Roundup for 2024🟩🟦

Hi Everyone,

 

I have written blog posts about the VIP Tours at Dollywood as details for each tour became available. However, I would prefer to create a single post dedicated to VIP Tours and update that post as new information emerges.

The Dollywood VIP tour program has recently expanded to include the Dolly Parton Experience and the Summer Celebration Tour. For more details on these offerings, follow the links provided below to visit dollywood.com.

• CURRENT TOURS
• Summer Celebration Tour - June 15 to Sept 1, 2024- LINK
• Dolly Parton Experience Tour - LINK
• Dollywood VIP Tour
• Harvest Fest - LINK
• Smoky Mountain Christmas - info coming soon.
• EXPERIENCES - Make-your-own-Crafts
• Dip-Your-Own Candles
• Make-Your-Own Blown Glass Ornament
• Customize-Your-Own Custom Belt, Ornament, Bracelet and more
• Forge-Your-Own Knife

Dollywood has a couple of articles written by Insiders that you might find helpful...

• The VIP Experience at Dollywood
• What is the Magic of Glacier Ridge VIP Tour (Smoky Mtn Xmas Only)

These are very popular Experiences for Dollywood.  I have a friend that insists on always dipping a candle every time we go.  How about you, which experiences do you or your family and friends insist on doing each visit?  Let me know in the comments.

PREVIOUS VIP BLOG ARTICLES

IWALY Festival VIP Tour

Flower & Food Festival Tour

🌺🌻Summer Celebration Tasting Pass🌸🪷

Hi Everyone,

Dollywood has unveiled the details for their Summer Celebration 2024 Tasting Pass. The event is scheduled from Saturday, June 15, to Sunday, August 11, 2024, providing ample opportunity to sample everything. Let's explore the offerings!

Here's the link to ''BUY NOW'' - click here to do that, if you wish.

If you're a Gold & Diamond Passholder, take advantage of your discount entitlement.

Previously, I would share a map highlighting all the Festival Food locations, but now there's no need for that (or for this festival), as Dollywood has incorporated them into the park map. Simply use your Dollywood App or grab a brochure at the entrance to find all the locations with ease.

Spot the Festival Dining Location Icon next to my arrow.  The heaviest concentration of locations is in the Showstreet and Rivertown Junction areas.

ALSO! You may be interested in checking out my popular blog post that lists ALL of Dollywood's Menus with Prices.  Check that out HERE.

What are your thoughts on the offerings for the Summer Celebration Festival? Share your opinions in the comments.

🥳HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAZING FURY - 46 LOOKS GOOD ON YOU!🥳

Hi everyone,

June 6, 2024 marked Blazing Fury's 46th Birthday!🥳

Happy Birthday to Dollywood's Blazing Fury.  46 years looks good on you!

Built in-house back when Dollywood was known as Silver Dollar City Tennessee, Blazing Fury has been transporting riders to safety through the fire riddled 1880's town since June 6, 1978.

The cast of characters that you encounter have some things to say in all the Chaos!

"Now Molly, I've got a weak back" - "Weak back or not Luthor, here I come" - "You look like you've been kissing that steam train" - "Fire in the hole!!" - How many times have you recited those lines on your trips over the years?

The ride featured a splashdown at the rides end until 2013 I believe it was, when they removed it and updated the control systems for the 2014 season.  In 2015 we learned that Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) was trusted with replacing the last one third or so of track, which included the falling bridge, the second dip, and the finale dip that leads into the station.  Simultaneously, RMC was also building Lightning Rod in Jukebox Junction.

At one time there were four trains.  Each train has a 7.5 hp motor that utilizes an electric current from the track, similar to how a model train operates.  Around the burning bridge scene, it mostly switches to gravity to get everyone to the station.

Coincidentally, Dollywood's sister park Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri just this year replaced their version of Blazing Fury, known as Fire in the Hole.  They trusted RMC with a brand-new iteration of the ride and so far, has been a hit with those who cherished the old ride, as well as the next generation of riders.  Check out my popular blog post on SDC's version to see artwork, behind the scenes construction, and more.  Check that out here.  As far as I am aware, there are no plans for a Blazing Fury 2.0.  Given all the work on it in the past decade or so leaves me to believe that it is going to be at Dollywood in its current state for a while, but you just never know with Dollywood.  They keep their plans quiet.

Happy Birthday Blazing Fury!  I know for a fact that you are a beloved part of Dollywood! 

What are your favorite memories of Blazing Fury?  Let me know in the comments.

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