Dollywood

For my 2008 birthday, I was treated to my first trip to Dollywood, a theme park near Pigeon Forge and the Smokey Mountains National Park, in eastern Tennessee. While I've been to the area several times, I had never been to the amusement park. Dollywood, as you may guess, is operated by Tennessee's own, Dolly Parton. For those who may have had the good fortune to visit Opryland in Nashville while it was still operating, Dollywood is very similarly themed. Throughout the park are sound stages for musical performances, and there is a stage show featuring birds of prey, and an eagle sanctuary. But as with any theme park the main attractions are the rides. We arrived late in the day, as late admission allows you to return the next day.

The first ride we rode was a fire house ride called Blazing Fury, which tries to emulate Splash Mountain of Disneyland, but isn't quit as fun. After that we went to ride the Tennessee Tornado. This roller coaster is short but fun, and is one we rode on repeatedly. Unfortunately, for the duration of our stay, both the Mystery Mine Roller coaster and the Timber Tower were closed. When we arrived on the first day, Daredevil Falls, the log ride that ends with a splash, was also closed, but did open on the second day. Among the other rides are River Battle which is less of a ride than a mobile water sprayer, and the Mountain Slidewinder, a fun take on a water slide ride. Another water ride is the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, which, is fun, but depending on your seat may not get you as wet as you would like. One of the highlights, and another favorite was the Thunderhead, an exhilarating wooden roller coaster.

While those are the main attractions, there are quit a few more rides directed towards children, the only one of which I rode was the Rockin' Roadway, which lets you "drive" a miniature classic car around a track, which I enjoyed for nostalgia's sake. Others are themed on carnival rides, and there is a whimsical tree house and a splash fountain to play in on hot days.

Overall, Dollywood can be a lot of fun, for me in particular if all the rides had been operational. For those who enjoy country music, or have children, the experience would be even better. Overall, I think I prefer six flags with its stronger emphasis on rides, and in my experience a better record for having them all operational. Still, Dollywood is worth visiting at least once.