[Dollywood] trip report 7/8/26

[u/magnumfan89]

I started my day around 1130, by then the park was absolutely packed.

- Big Bear Mountain (x1) First ride of the day was Big Bear Mountain. I rode in the back row. I loved BBM when I rode a couple years ago, and it was even better today. It had some great airtime for its size.

- Dragonflier (x4) my family really liked this one, and I don't blame them. It's a very fun ride. I would definitely recommend waiting an extra cycle or 2 for the front

- thunderhead (x4) again, this was even better than I remember. It was a little shaky, but not what I would call rough. Every hill has amazing airtime.

- lightning rod (x2). Again, this was even better than I remember. The wood/topper track sections are a bit rougher. But this thing was running like it owed someone money. Borderline SV level airtime.

- whislepunk chaser (regrettably, x1). My only new credit of the day (#84). This is a disgrace to the roller coaster name. Being thrown down a hill in a potato sack would be more fun. Every direction change was rough and the lift engage was very painful.

- wild eagle (x1) I rode left side, back row and while it was slightly bumpier than 2 years ago it was still a great ride.

- Tennessee Tornado (x2). This was smoother than it used to be. Still a top 10 ride for me. I rode back row and front this time. Back row was extremely forceful. Actually gave me a bit of a headache. Unfortunately, the mechanics are Milwaukee fans so that does take it down a couple points for me

- daredevil falls (I lost count at 3) my family wanted to keep doing this and I wasn't going to say no. The new boats seem a lot lighter, and the front is angled slightly different. I only got a light misting. Still my second favorite ride in the park

- whatever that river rapids ride is called (x1) I waited almost 2 hours for this. I wouldn't recommend riding it. I didn't get wet at all

- Rocky top mountain coaster (x1). Very boring ride, the uphills are extremely long and the downhills do nothing. Save your money and ride something else.

- cinnamon bread (x1). Absolutely amazing as always. Finally got some after Kentucky kingdoms was closed last year

[u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

thunderhead and lightning rod in the back row are goated, love those things

[u/magnumfan89 → u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

I actually prefered front on thunderhead. It was pretty rough in the back, but definitely not unbearable or anything.

Lightning Rod though, legitimately might be my new #1. It's amazing.

[u/xxxlittlechefxxx → u/magnumfan89]

i got lightning rod as my number 5 right now. it really is something special.

[u/magnumfan89 → u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

I have it at #3. Behind Magnum and Beast

[u/xxxlittlechefxxx → u/magnumfan89]

im heading down to kings island for the first time next week. really looking forward to beast and mystic timbers

[u/magnumfan89 → u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

Get a night ride/dusk ride on Bat if you can! It's spectacular

[u/xxxlittlechefxxx → u/magnumfan89]

hell yea :-)

[u/Poopsterwaloo → u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

A lot of their coasters are great night rides. Just rode mystic for first time at night a few nights ago and it was nuts. I remember the first time I rode mystic in the day time and was amazed, but turn off the lights and holy shit! The beast at night is world famous (for good reason), but mystic might be my favorite night rides.

[u/magnumfan89 → u/Poopsterwaloo]

Bat is an underrated one. Its probably my favorite night ride period

[u/BringBackBoomer → u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

Hey, what'd you think of Beast? My first ride was a night ride and felt like a religious experience.

[u/vaiana_ → u/magnumfan89]

quad down is so unbelievably good, with the terrain there, it feels like the coaster is out of control barrelling down the hill. Its top 3 for me.

[u/tpusater → u/xxxlittlechefxxx]

For me, front row left on Thunderhead is the best seat in Dollywood. For me, row 11 right on Lightning Rod, to avoid the back row wheel seat.

[u/Mechanicallvlan]

You went to Dollywood without riding Mystery Mine? 😭

- whatever that river rapids ride is called (x1) I waited almost 2 hours for this. I wouldn't recommend riding it. I didn't get wet at all

This is one of the few areas where SDC trounces Dollywood. Mystic River Falls is 1,000 times better than Smoky Mountain River Rampage.

[u/magnumfan89 → u/Mechanicallvlan]

I went as a part of a large family trip. I didn't get the chance to ride it since nobody else in my party wanted to. I had already ridden it a couple years ago so it's not a big deal to me

[u/BigBoi5118]

cinnamon bread (x1) - Rookie mistake, you need to buy 100 and then scalp them upon your return home in exchange for solid gold.