Red Rascal
Posts: 7284
Registered: 1/28/2003
Rank: Croatian Critic
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 12/31/2004 10:06:14 AM
Dec. 26: We were supposed to take-off from Cleveland in the morning, but with Comair having computer difficulties, we took off at six in the evening. Almost all Comair flights were cancelled that day, which forced Delta to book us on other airlines. Lucky us, we were booked onto US Airways, which I found to be horrible, and I've ridden TWA before. The first plane was on route from Cleveland Hopkins to Philadelphia. Something I've noticed at Philadelphia, was that almost all employees were very rude and, how should I put this, colored. I don't have a problem with one's skin, but do you really need to be yelling into a cell phone and socialize about inapropriate things with your buddies where guests are waiting? Totally unacceptable. We were also delayed at the airport for about two hours. We made it into Knoxville around midnight, and arrived at our hotel, the Music Road Hotel, at half past one. Oh, I forgot to mention, they lost our bags.
Dec. 27: Although the trip to Pigeon Forge was uneventful, I tried to make the best of it. After having our breakfast, we went to Wal Mart to pick up some necessities until our luggage came. Wow came to mind when I saw the store. It was huge! Aside from that, later we went to the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Possibly the best sea life exhibit I've ever seen, including the former Sea World Ohio. After that, it was time to head back to Pigeon Forge to see the Dixie Stampede show. The show was EXCELLENT!!! A definite must see. It was so well performed and designed. They got the whole audience into the show by having the North and South sides compete to see who's best. Of course, the side that I sat on, won. The show was well worth the hefty price of nearly $40, and you recieved a very nice meal (to be eaten only with your hands), and a boot-shaped mug, filled with your favorite drink. Two thumbs up for everyone involved with the show, they really out done themselves.
Dec. 28: Before Dollywood opened to the public, we had some time to spare. With our coupons handy, we went back to Gatlinburg, and visited the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum. Pretty interessing stuff in there. After an hour or two, it was time. Dollywood time! My first impression of Dollywood, was how different it was. It doesn't have that amusement park feel to it, but rather a quaint, welcoming atmosphere, where all employees were happy and joyful, the food smelled great, and there wasn't a ride in sight. Dollywood isn't your normal amusement park, but, rather, doesn't put rides as their main attraction. Right when we came in, we headed straight for Thunderhead. After waiting maybe ten-fifteen minutes (for the front), I was off. This thing is awesome. Totally exceeded my expectations, and proved to be one of the best coasters I've ever ridden. The twists and turns are silky smooth, even when the train is going full speed. I've noticed absolutely no roughness what so ever. Great ride, I also purchased an on-ride photo. Unfortunately, that would be the only ride on Thunderhead I would get.
After Thunderhead, we were pretty hungry, so instead of searching for Red's Diner, we settled at the Backstage Restaurant. Delicious food, and very courteous servers. Fearing that it would go below 40°, we headed straight for Tennessee Tornado. Very nice steel coaster, which provided a smooth and enjoyable ride. It reminded me a little of Marineland's Dragon Mountain. Deciding that it wouldn't be time efficient to walk all the way to the front of the park to ride Thunderhead again, I decided to hit the Tornado a few more times (5). While in the area, I also went on Blazing Fury. It was very surprising. I didn't think it would be that good. It's a nice blend of dark ride and coaster with an unexpected finale that will leave you...I shouldn't ruin it for those who haven't been on it.
It was getting dark, so we decided to go on the train and call<
Message updated 12/31/2004 10:07:24 AM by Red Rascal
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tacoking
Posts: 9914
Registered: 2/19/2003
Rank: Platinum Critic
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1/1/2005 12:15:22 AM
Sounds like a great time! Happy to see Thunderhead was so great for you!
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Dukeis#1
Posts: 138
Registered: 12/2/2004
Rank: Bronze Critic
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1/1/2005 5:47:33 PM
I'm glad your had a good time at Dollywood! You'll have to come back in the summer some time when all the rides and areas are open. (And when its HOT!)
Quote:
Red Rascal said:
The carousel was average, with music coming from speakers, instead of a real organ. |
Sadly, Dollywood use to have a 1918(?) Antique Denzel Carousel (with a real 1903 Gavioli Pipe Organ), but in 1999 they removed it and replaced it with the fiberglass Chance Carousel that is there today. I think they got tired of all the maintainence the antique required.
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Dollywood...It's Homespun Fun!
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Red Rascal
Posts: 7284
Registered: 1/28/2003
Rank: Croatian Critic
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1/1/2005 5:57:06 PM
Quote:
Sounds like a great time! Happy to see Thunderhead was so great for you! |
It was excellent, I highly recommend it, as well as the park.
Quote:
I'm glad your had a good time at Dollywood! You'll have to come back in the summer some time when all the rides and areas are open. (And when its HOT!) |
We're already planning on going back in a few years, this time in the summer, while driving instead of flying. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are great places to have a vacation, I can't wait to go back.
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coasterSS
Posts: 3249
Registered: 10/1/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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1/1/2005 9:08:51 PM
Glad to see you enjoyed yourself! What all was removed from the country fair besides the flume?
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Cyclonic
Posts: 2636
Registered: 7/19/2002
Rank: Experiment 626
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1/1/2005 10:13:34 PM
It was just the flume when I was there a few weeks ago. The flats are pretty basic carnival flats, and I am sure they all can be gone within a few days once the park closes. Looking forward to riding that Disko in the spring
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Red Rascal
Posts: 7284
Registered: 1/28/2003
Rank: Croatian Critic
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1/2/2005 9:29:58 AM
Quote:
coasterdad said:
...What all was removed from the country fair besides the flume? |
Prior to my visit, I had no idea what the area looked like, so I can't answer that question. Cyclonic, on the other hand, did.
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coasterSS
Posts: 3249
Registered: 10/1/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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1/2/2005 9:11:48 PM
I really wish they would keep the swings!
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Dukeis#1
Posts: 138
Registered: 12/2/2004
Rank: Bronze Critic
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1/3/2005 8:13:58 AM
I do too. It's been there since 1980!
I guess the Swingamajig was the 4th longest-lived attraction at the park behind the Train, The Log Flume, and Blazing Fury.
Hopefully the new Wave Swinger won't be disappointing. Are the Bertazzon WSers as fast as the Zierier WSers?
Dollywood sure will be different in '05!
Message updated 1/3/2005 8:15:38 AM by Dukeis#1
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BobFunland
Posts: 7962
Registered: 8/9/2001
Rank: Site Moderator
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1/9/2005 5:31:24 PM
Told ya to go to Red's Diner 
Great food and great service, well, I couldn't agree more
Nice Trip review, though I want to know where Thunderhead ranks with the other woodies you've been on.
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Red Rascal
Posts: 7284
Registered: 1/28/2003
Rank: Croatian Critic
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1/10/2005 9:03:11 AM
Oh yea, I remember you wanted my opinion on Shivering Timbers vs. Thunderhead. Well, oth provide a totally different experience. Thunderhead with its twisted track and Shivering Timbers with its out-and-back layout that provides massive airtime. Both are probably my favorite wooden coasters (tied for first on my list). I would probably want to go on Shivering Timbers over Thunderhead because of the crazy airtime. Both are incredible. Holiday World's Legend is also a great ride, as is Kentucky Kingdom's Thunder Run. The Beast, on the other hand, has turned into a rough and uncomfortable ride, that ranks low on my list.
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battleflag
Posts: 1884
Registered: 4/22/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/2/2005 9:30:38 PM
im sorry but are you serious about the good food at the dixie stampede? i tohught it was awful but that just my opinion and oyu hsould have gobne in the Ripleys Haunted Adventure its the best and what hotel did you stay at because i was there the same days as you
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coasterSS
Posts: 3249
Registered: 10/1/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/2/2005 9:56:57 PM
Ripley's Haunted Adventure is a good thing to do once, but if you go every time you go it get's so boring and predictable! And by the way Dixie Stampede is highly overpriced for the food! Eat at Dollywood if you go and try the Comedy Barn, it's awesome!
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battleflag
Posts: 1884
Registered: 4/22/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/3/2005 6:00:02 PM
well they say its "real" southern cooking and it taste horrible when you can just go to your grandmas for better food
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Dukeis#1
Posts: 138
Registered: 12/2/2004
Rank: Bronze Critic
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2/3/2005 6:25:30 PM
Dixie Stampede use to have GREAT fried chicken, but a few years ago they switched to the rotisserie-cooked chicken they have now. It's good, but just not as good. (Or as fattening!)
I like the food at Dixie Stampede. They have great sweet tea & biscuits.
BTW DS got a new website recently:
http://www.dixiestampede.com/
Message updated 2/3/2005 6:26:56 PM by Dukeis#1
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battleflag
Posts: 1884
Registered: 4/22/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/3/2005 7:23:23 PM
im sick of the whole low carb thing its really stupid , people have been living without it for forever , nothing against overweight people but if you want to go on a diet you dont have to eat that food you can just eat right and work out ,that all i have to say on that subject since dukeis#1 brought it up kind of
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coasterSS
Posts: 3249
Registered: 10/1/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/3/2005 8:44:21 PM
If you quit the low carb diet you will gain all of your weight back,(according to my doctor) yeah, in about 5 years America will be fatter than ever!
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Red Rascal
Posts: 7284
Registered: 1/28/2003
Rank: Croatian Critic
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2/4/2005 11:38:23 AM
Quote:
battleflag said:
im sorry but are you serious about the good food at the dixie stampede? i tohught it was awful but that just my opinion and oyu hsould have gobne in the Ripleys Haunted Adventure its the best and what hotel did you stay at because i was there the same days as you |
I liked the food; I didn't like eating it with my hands.
I stayed at the Music Road Hotel.
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What's life if you never get to the Point?
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battleflag
Posts: 1884
Registered: 4/22/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/4/2005 7:21:30 PM
coasterdad , yea you're right about in 5 years
Red rascal,ive heard of that place but i stayed at the ramada inn by the entrance to pigeon forge
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Red Rascal
Posts: 7284
Registered: 1/28/2003
Rank: Croatian Critic
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2/5/2005 9:37:20 AM
I'd recommend the hotel, it's a bit steep in price, but well worth it.
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battleflag
Posts: 1884
Registered: 4/22/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/5/2005 12:45:50 PM
cool i actually have to go up there every winter or fall and spring
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coasterSS
Posts: 3249
Registered: 10/1/2004
Rank: Platinum Critic
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2/5/2005 7:24:14 PM
Quote:
battleflag said:
coasterdad , yea you're right about in 5 years
Red rascal,ive heard of that place but i stayed at the ramada inn by the entrance to pigeon forge |
I've only stayed in Pigeon Forge once in my life and that was a couple years ago, I don't usually stay overnight because I live so close it is cheaper to drive back home and come back the next day or the following weekend. I guess that makes sense don't it?
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If it can wait, I don't need to know.
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