Being about 3 hours from Dollywood, the wife and I decided to get season passes. We went yesterday and immediately ran to Lightning Rod. While we where waiting in line, we started to talk with the two younger guys behind us. Found out they where from Jackson NJ and worked at Great Adventure. They didn't know anything about the coaster so I filled them in on the specs. Lightning Rod is the only wooden launch coaster in the world. It is also the fastest wood coaster at 73 mph, and pulls 5.5 g's. I also informed them that according to many enthusiests, Lightning Rod and El Toro battle it out for the two best wood coasters in the world. Working at Great Adventure, they had ridden El Toro many times. Half way through the ride, I heard one of them yell "this is way better then El Toro!". The launch was awesome and I've never experienced so much intense ejector air time. It makes you thankful for the seat belts and lap restraints. The best way to ride this coaster is to let go, and allow yourself to be weightless through the dives and intense turns. Rode it several times. I've never experienced anything like this coaster.

We also rode Tennessee Tornado (looping steel), Wide Eagle (looping wing) and Thunder Head (wooden). Though fun, all of them paled after Lightning Rod.

Oh, and the 5 million Christmas lights throughout the park where beautiful.

Not bad for a couple old farts in their 60s. We can't wait to go back again

David.

Did yall ride in the front car?

We really wanted to, but due to the popularity of the ride, they assigned seats as you waited. The place was crowded with older folks, but most of the rides had zero wait times. I guess most where there for the shows and Christmas lights. The other coasters we had our pick of seats, and many times these left the station less then half full.

David

You just picked DollyWood because of the assets it possesses as its namesake. Great Adventure has nothing on the twins, and Netflix is making her relevant again

I enjoy roller coasters and much prefer the experience on wooden coasters versus the "too safe" feeling in the steel triple loop rocket launchers.

What do you mean by "wooden launch coaster"?

Took my wife to Magic Mountain shortly after we arrived in the US from the Philippines. Her first coaster experience was on Viper... 6 loops and a corkscrew.

She has since refused every effort to get on another coaster. Damn shame, too, because I love 'em.

is that like my Flexible Flyer?

I wouldn’t be caught dead on one of those

Unless somebody forced me

Then I would have a massive coronary and be dead anyway


Pirate Ship anybody?

The coaster uses a launch system to climb the first hill instead of a chain or cable lift. I'm not sure if it's hydraulic or electro magnetic. Zero to around 50 mph in about 2 seconds, and then it lets off a little bit before cresting the first hill at around 40 mph. Big ejector air time on the first hill, followed by even more on the second hill. If it wasn't for the restraints the coaster would toss you. Some of the newer steel coasters have even faster launch systems, but Lighting Rod is the only wood coaster in the entire world with one. A really unique experience.

David

No Frank.
The Chinese hanging basket experience is something you should keep to yourself...

but I am The Giver

Yeah, and the CDC has you listed as such.
Perhaps you could engage in some "safe giving"???????

Is that your winter name for it?

Thanks.

I'm a coaster junkie.
And despite the inevitable comments, I much prefer the wood.

Yep. We used to go down to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and ride the old Giant Dipper. There were way newer and faster ones, but that one had history and was much more exciting to ride I thought. Good times.

must...bite...tongue...

You and tail are super freaks. Your super freakayyyy

he's funny

Like a clown?

I don’t do rollercoasters but I find the wooden ones fascinating.