The ride has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. For the smallest of the bunch, you can ride the Whistle Punk Chaser at only 36 with an adult. While I did put this on the list for the whole family, you do have to be 42 to ride, but once your kiddos get to that point this is one of the most fun things to ride at the park! You get into an acorn and it lifts you up high into the sky and slowly turns around. The Ultimate Guide to Dollywood's Roller Coasters Drop Line lifts you 20 stories up, slowly spins and then plummets you back to the ground. The Wild Eagle was the first ride of its kind in the United States and is situated 21 stories above Dollywood, providing a true birds eye view of the park. These are so much fun! Its a pretty easy ride with a couple of drops near the end perfect for those who arent into big coasters but still want a bit of a thrill. The intense coaster has a 128-foot drop and speeds that reach 70 mph. You might even find a surprise before the final drop! Well, I remember being young and a little afraid of this ride. You must see this in order to be a roller-coaster fan. Luther: "Now, now Molly, I got a weak back.". Likewise, my son will ride faster, and in my opinion, scarier rides but doesnt like rides where the bottom drops out. This is a giant raft ride where six people can ride in a single raft (which is perfect for our family of 6!). Do you enjoy dark rides? Still, if youre a veteran of roller coasters, I feel pretty safe in saying youll find Blazing Fury fairly low thrill. If you purchase through a link on my site, I may earn a commission. People like my grandparents or my young adult mom and dad taking the 4-year-old me to a place of wonder. Luther waits to catch Molly in this iconic scene from Blazing Fury . With several back-to-back loops, this is the only ride in the park that honestly makes me a bit dizzy. This ride actually seems like it lasts a pretty long time, too. Its up to you to decide how high or low you want to go! Learn more. The Wild Eagle at Dollywood - Review with Info & Photos - Smoky Mountains So it goes without saying that weve ridden every ride in the park a thousand times, but even then we never get tired of them. The Wild Eagle, which was the first wing coaster in the United States, will give you the sense of flying - its only air above and below you! My kids love the fighter jet turns as they call them, and its low height requirement means that many ages can ride. So heres my personal pick of the scariest rides at Dollywood, from least scary to most scary: This is a small junior coaster with a small lift at the front and a few minor twists and turns. Did they hire a design team to come in and create Silver Dollar Citys first thrill ride? images courtesy of Dollywood. You can enjoy any of the attractions in this area without the added thrills. Features: Even though you go upside down four times and experience zero-gravity turns, this ride is incredibly smooth. This is a must do for roller-coaster fanatics! Let us know in the comments! 2525 DreamMore Way Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 Reservations: 1-800-DOLLYWOOD (Option 2) Resort Front Desk: 865-365-1900. Its a piece of cake, a kiddie ride. I'm a pretty big wuss when it comes to rides/roller coasters, but I've been trying to face my fears and try new things. Right after entering the park, youll make a right and that takes you out to Jukebox Junction where youll find Lightning Rod. Sometimes, the best attractions are the simplest and most nostalgic. Be prepared to launch both forward and backward in this ride! Snaking over 6,000 feet around Pixar Pier (which makes it one of the world's longest coasters in terms of track length), Incredicoaster is a formidable sight. If you enjoyed the pirate ship ride at the county fair, youre going to love the Barnstormer! Phone +1 714-781-4636. So why is it listed third on the list? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I dont like the big drop rides, but I love this smaller one. For me? Our boys were always so excited when they grew tall enough to ride by themselves. It has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. Everything you need to know about Dollywood - The Points Guy However, youre sure to have an amazing time on these rides if you come for the thrills. Unlike Alpengeist at Busch Gardens, this one doesnt bang your head around and constantly rattle you. Home Blog Pigeon Forge Attractions 4 Incredible Roller Coasters at Dollywood That You Need to Ride Right Now. Its a lot harder to get pictures of family riding these big coasters! The Wild Eagle is an amazing winged coaster that takes you on an amazing ride. Features: This small steel coaster is the perfect one to start off your little one. Read Also: I got to walk along the tracks of Blazing Fury at Dollywood; 8 things I learned. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the Dollywood theme park rides offer thrilling fun in the Smoky Mountains. Read Also: Dollywood Roller Coasters: A Complete List, Ranked [2023]. You ride in a mine cart and half of the ride is inside while half of it is outside. My youngest sons adore this ride and we visit it every time we go to the park. Still, the vast majority of the ride is a relaxing boat ride until you get to the main drop. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. I absolutely love roller coasters. Set in the region's foothills, the amusement park is located at 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Adults are allowed to ride, too, and you must have someone accompany those under 42 who is 16 or older. This is one unique coaster! The Lightning Rod coaster has been in operation since 2016 but received all new track for 2021. Height to Ride: No minimum height requirement but under 42 requires someone 16 or older to ride with them. 6 Abandoned Places in the Smokies You Didnt Know Existed, Is Fall Creek Falls a Hard Hike? And I like that connection to the past. Features: This steel coaster launches you out of the station and takes you on some twists and drops before coming into a building filled with explosives thats about to blow! The line is a little funky because you can choose to go left or right at the top of the stairs. My familys guide to the best rides at Dollywood for every level of adventurer, not just the best rated. We love these, and kids between 42-48 can ride in a double swing with and adult. But, with the theming and the fact that most of the ride is dark, it might be scary for some people, especially young kids who are nervous about new coasters. There are plenty of things to do in Pinehurst, NC besides golf. Youll be doing lots of walking! The quaint little towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are only three hours away from us and they really are our home away from home. Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. It will have a minimum height requirement of 39 inches tall. Blazing Fury does feature a drop in the dark at the end of the ride. Specifically, Fire in the Hole is built around some Branson local history that doesnt translate to the wider world. Thunderhead is a wooden roller coaster nestled between two mountains at Dollywood. Ride in an 8 person raft (2 people each in 4 rows) to view an abandoned logging camp, then up the conveyor to the top, where you go over the falls! Read Also: Dollywood history: A look back at Rebel Railroad, Goldrush Junction. Stuck On The Go participates in affiliate programs. Uniqueness: This ride crosses over and under itself 32 times! 7 Steakhouses, Ranked, 8 Best Mini Golf Courses in Pigeon Forge, Ranked With Coupons [2023], 9 Best Pigeon Forge Shopping Areas and Outlets, Best Ice Cream in Gatlinburg, Top 6 Ranked, A Look at Dollywood History, the Park Before the Dollywood Era, What To Know About Dollywoods Splash Country From a Local. Tennessee Tornado. This ride is ranked here due to its theming and ride intensity. Im a Dollywood Insider and I go in-depth about things you can do at the theme park if you do not like rides on the Dollywood Insiders Blog. The dunes at Ocean are not large and you won't find huge hill climbs as you will at other dune areas, but it's a fun place to ride. If you have a nervous little one, the best area to start out with is Wildwood Grove. It was a pretty chilly March day so I wasnt able to try out the water rides but I made managed to ride each major roller coaster at Dollywood and some of them twice! Blazing Fury is an iconic indoor roller coaster in the park. But once again, if drops arent your thing, this ride may not be either. From Rebel Railroad to Goldrush Junction to Silver Dollar City and on to Dollywood for more than 60 years now, people have come to Pigeon Forge to ride the rails and have a good time. One of the things it is known for is its thrilling roller coasters, which attract visitors from all over the country. This suspended family coaster is perfect for children, older guests or those who in general fear roller coasters. Rides at Dollywood that go upside down include Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, and Wild Eagle. Its one of two water rides at Dollywood. It does not fully go upside down, but it does go a little sideways at times. When I am at Dollywood I wait the longest for Dragonflier and Firechaser because the most people can ride them. Come explore the mine for yourself and see if you have what it takes to challenge this wild ride in the Timber Canyon section of the park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Well, there you have it. In 2021, Lightning Rod has had a significant portion of the ride re-tracked to become an I-box track. You get a pretty good look at the park this way. This steel coaster takes you through an abandoned mine. This is like the Drop Line, but way, way smaller. The ride begins in a dark cave-like area, which could be somewhat scary for little ones. You can fit up to four people in one of the acorns, so if our whole family is riding we split up three and three and ride in two acorns. Whether you're a seasoned trader or a novice, the oldest piece of advice in economics still holds true: buy low and sell high. It is suitable for children at least 48 inches tall. And I like to imagine the families in 1978 with wide collars and polyester pants lining up for a sparkling new Blazing Fury and feeling the exhilaration of that unexpected drop. Lightning Rod. Its home to exciting rides like the Mystery Mine and Thunderhead as well as my personal favorite Lightning Rod. Subscribeto ournewsletterand we will instantly deliver the best area discounts to your inbox. If you dont like big coasters then I wouldnt do Lightning Rod or Wild Eagle. Ill admit I was a bit nervous for my four-year-old to ride, but he was just as secure in his seat as I was in mine even though hes so much smaller. Ill address those concerns below. Its one of my favorite parts of going to theme parks or amusement parks, riding the carousel you rode as a kid, or the coaster that your grandparents took your parents on for the first time. This is near the Drop Line, and its also a much smaller drop ride. Lightning Rod has been named one of the top roller coasters in the country by USA Today. This ride is perfect for thrill-seekers with its 210-foot drop, 110-foot loop, and 61 MPH speeds! Now she is a full-time travel blogger who loves providing trip inspiration and travel tips for traveling the US. Height to Ride: At least 42, and anyone under 48 must ride in a double swing with someone 16 or older. They have incredible shows, working tradespeople like blacksmiths and glassblowers, and award-winning dining. It has a minimum height requirement of 50 inches and a maximum height of 78 inches. Lightning Rod is located in Dollywoods Jukebox Junction area. The Piggy Parade is beside the Busy Bee and the Lucky Ducks and is just like the ducks only as pigs! Trending Now: Gatlinburg Hotels with Indoor Water Park, Lil Travel Folks is supported by its readers. When youre building your first roller coaster, you dont want to overthink things. Half of the ride is outdoors and the other half is inside a dark . Most abandoned mine themed coasters are slower, meandering, family attractions. All photos in this post are our original photos over the past few years at the park. I wouldnt do that here. If you have a younger kid that isnt a fan of the dark then Mystery Mine and Blazing Fury arent for them. And it also boasts nearly 20 seconds of air time. (Easy Guide), Animals in Tennessee Mountains: Exploring Diverse Wildlife, Best Views in Chattanooga: Top Spots to Take in the Scenery, Gatlinburg in October: A Guide to Fall Activities, Raise a Glass to Must-Visit Gatlinburg Breweries. So on my recent trip to Sevierville, I made it my mission to find the best rides at Dollywood. Fire in the hole!. There are some traditional horses here, but also some strange animals, like a rooster! Have a jumping good time on the Frogs and Fireflies! Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! One of the cool things about the ride is that at one point youll zoom back through the waiting area on a platform above everyone. The fun does not have to end at the park. Read Also: 5 Dollywood Easter eggs, hidden secrets you never knew about. How high is the drop on a Mystery Mine at Dollywood? Not at all. This one is really fun! Lightning Rod (roller coaster) - Wikipedia Want to know more? Additionally you can grab some great snacks and play lots of carnival-like games in this area of the park. This ride attracts bees and wasps due to its height in the spring and fall. The oldest coaster is Blazing Fury, which was at the park before it even became Dollywood. Its located in the Owens Farm area and youll also find a large play area for kids as well as a splash pad. Ultimate Guide to Dollywood Roller Coasters for 2023 I still quite enjoy it, but its not for riders who are timid about riding coasters. Our family loves Dollywood Theme Park and visits several times every year. Every day the train makes several runs up the mountain and back, an excursion that lasts about 20 minutes. Take flight on the wings of America's beloved bird, the . I hope youve enjoyed this look at Dollywood roller coasters one of my familys favorite things to do in the Smokies! Trending Now: Gatlinburg Hotels with Indoor Water Park, Lil Travel Folks is supported by its readers. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 1-800-DOLLYWOOD. With the low height requirement, weve ridden this with kids as young as 18 months (our kids are tall). If you purchase through a link on my site, I may earn a commission. Before you come back into the station, you'll go upside down in a corkscrew, which every thrill seeker loves! The Wild Eagle was the first ride of its kind in the United States and is situated 21 stories above Dollywood, providing a true bird's eye view of the park. Riders swing back and forth on this pendulum ride, progressively reaching taller heights and eventually flying up to 81 feet in the air. Riders will experience almost 20 seconds of airtime during their thrilling journey through the hills and valleys surrounding Dollywood. The Dragonflier is the centerpiece of Wildwood Grove, Dollywood's new area of the park. When I think of a roller coaster, I think of something like Lightning Rod, the best coaster in Dollywoods history. They always think its funny when their parents are the ones getting blasted with water. For example, some of the mannequins were purchased from an old haunted house in Gatlinburg. This small figure-8 roller coaster is perfect for the littles as it doesnt go too high or too fast. That upgrade made the coaster smoother and more reliable. The coaster is named the Dragonflier because it mimics the flight of a Smoky Mountain dragonfly, one of the most playful creatures in the area. Height to Ride: At least 36, but anyone under 42 must ride with someone at least 16. Mystery Mine is more of a high speed thrill ride and even goes upside down twice! You ride beside the track with only air above and below you for the huge drop and multiple inversions. Sometimes people underestimate coasters if they are wooden. Ride through a town set ablaze and enjoy three drops but nothing too far or crazy. When you turn left after you enter the park, they are the first two big coasters that youll come to. This is our youngest sons favorite coaster in the park! So the Herschends decided to bring their best ride to Pigeon Forge. This coaster is a suspended coaster, which means your ride beneath the track and your feet dangle. I love watching the tiniest ones riding the ducks. Part metal and part wooden coaster, this thrill ride takes off at high speeds while racing over its track. Dollywood: Hours, Location, Rides, Prices and Ticket Information The ride is a lot of fun, but if going backward isnt your jam, you may want to skip this one. The Tennessee Tornado is one I would recommend if you are just starting out with inversions, then you can ride the other coasters that go upside down: Mystery Mine and Wild Eagle. There arent too many water rides on the list, since they are typically a way for most people to cool off in the summer heat. Mystery Mine at Dollywood Reviews & Info - Theme Park Tourist Your entire family can enjoy all the fun in this area of Dollywood Theme Park. It is the perfect way to spend a great day with your family. They get so excited! Which upside down coaster would be the best for someone who's never ridden a coaster with inversions to try? If you want to reminisce about carnivals from your childhood, make sure to stop by Dollywoods Country Fair. It was actually the first ride of this type in the US! 1. This was Americas first wing coaster and it certainly does feel like you are an eagle soaring as you turn upside down and go through the corkscrew. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Add a stay at Dollywoods DreamMore Resort to your list and you are signing yourself up for even more fun. This massive wooden coaster is a blast to ride! Read my full story here. The Lightning Rod is a favorite for thrill-seekers, but dont sleep on Thunderhead! You find out why once you get to the top. The park has something for everyone, from smaller roller coasters for children to larger ones for adults, some of which hold records! There, you can swim, play games, sit by the fire pit, exercise, hang out in rocking chairs on the porch, and get some rest in your spacious, comfortable room. This ride is not intense and it gives views of the vistas of the Smoky Mountains as well as a view of other nearby rides. Make Dining Reservations at Song & Hearth Book A Spa Appointment The Dollywood Express is one of the parks most popular rides, so expect lines on busy park days. Its a connection to the history of the park, an important link on the road from the parks 1960s launch as Rebel Railroad to the Dolly Parton mecca it is today. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Located in the Pisgah National Forest Linville Falls is a small community that sees a huge surge of visitors from late, Read More A Weekend in Linville Falls, NCContinue, When people think of wineries in North Carolina they dont typically think of wineries near Boone, NC. Whether youre looking for the ultimate thrill or something more family-friendly, you can find it at this world-class theme park. The Lucky Ducks are super simple and safe and just go around in a slow circle. This is a slow-moving ride that the entire family can enjoy. Then youll go straight down! What Is the Scariest Ride at Dollywood? 13 Rides, Ranked There are so many breathtaking moments when you hike in the Linville Falls area. The Dollywood Express is a coal-powered locomotive that takes riders on a beautiful ride through Dollywood with views of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of other fun rides here that don't go upside down. Dollywood Theme Park. You reach a max speed of 73 mph on the 3-minute ride. The ride is meant to simulate the daring stunts of pilots from the 1920s as they zoomed over nearby farms. Reserve a condo in Pigeon Forge today! John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. This guide will provide information about each of Dollywoods roller coasters so that you can choose the one that is right for you. As America's first wing coaster, it's perched 21 stories above Dollywood so you can soar above the mountains. Just because it doesnt scare me, doesnt mean it wont scare others. Our four year old loves this one, as he barely meets the 42 height requirement. You get on a single bear and it bounces you along a track. This ride sits 21 stories above the ground, giving you the feeling you're actually soaring like eagles. This totally depends on who you are but personally, I didnt think any of them were scary. Its a wing coaster where your legs will hang in the air, simulating the flight of an eagle. Wild Eagle is our first coaster on the list that does go upside down. The frame is wooden but its actually a hybrid type build so they use a steel structure as well. Dolly Parton herself will return to the park to mark its opening this spring. This one is more adventurous than the nearby ducks and pigs as the bees lift up in the air (but not more than an adults head height). These include rides like The Mad Mockingbird, Black Bear Trail and Frogs & Fireflies. There are a couple times where you literally are going straight up so you are lying flat on your back. There are several rides at Dollywood that do not go upside down and are still a ton of fun. Height to Ride: At least 42 but need to be 48 to drive, otherwise someone 16 or older has to drive. Like the FireChaser Express, this is one of the easy rides at Dollywood and good for kids. Even both Mom and Dad have ridden this one. Maggie Valley's Ghost Town in the Sky has been closed since the late 2000s (photo submitted to TheSmokies.com with permission by Gary and Carol Cox, circa 2007), Find out which popular steakhouse prepared each of these delicious bites of steak below (photos by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. The drops are pretty mild, estimated to be only about 20-30 feet. If scary means heights for you, this one may be up there. After reaching the top of the hill, you should be able to fly down to earth at a rate of 61 miles per hour. Honestly, though, I never considered Blazing Fury all that different from the Flooded Mine, which closed in 1997. It debuted in 2019 when the Wildwood Grove are aof the park opened. Of course, keep in mind what scary means to you. Receive our latest discounts plus great area attraction information directly in your inbox! Im a sucker for nostalgia anyway. The oldest coaster in the park, Blazing Fury was there when I was a kid and it was Silver Dollar City. On this coaster, you go upside down three times with their triple loop track, go down a 128-foot drop and reach nearly 70 mph. A wooden coaster can often feel a bit more bumpy than more modern steel coasters. It has a 135-foot drop and a top speed of 61 mph. When youre finished why not check out one of the best bakeries in the area? This is genuinely one of my favorite roller coasters in the park. Top 5 Roller Coasters at Dollywood You Have to Ride Lets start with a caveat: The 70s were a simpler time. See Also: Guide to Dollywood Roller Coasters. Well, if youre just looking for adult roller coasters at Dollywood then there are 11 different thrill rides. Height to Ride: No minimum height requirement, but anyone under 36 must be accompanied by someone 16 or older. Join us today as we count down the top 10 rides at Dollywood including such attractions as Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle . Its not always easy being the best. Sadly, since it was the middle of March we didnt do any of the water rides.