Friday, April 23rd was my first visit to Dollywood in ten years. Dollywood is about 4.5 hours from Birmingham. We got to the park around 9:30am and went to have our season passes processed. Processing was quick and we made the left turn to go straight to Thunderhead. It was about a 5 minute wait until the park officially opened. A park attendant walked us all up to Thunderhead. I kept wondering if I had built the antcipation up too much in my mind. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning! We entered the station and waited for the employees to complete their last test run of the morning. The older gentleman that was running the ride was GREAT! He loved his ride and he made the whole experience even more enjoyable! We boarded the back row and the operator announced let the Thunderhead rrrrrrrrrooooolllllllllll!!! Up the lift hill we went. What a beautiful view! Then oh my GOD, over the top we went and we never let up until we hit the final brake. Great air time, great laterals and great fun!!!!!! I think I have a new favorite woodie. I was able to get 14 rides in for the day, experiencing all seats on the ride. It is my first woodie that I liked the front seat as much or more than the back seat. The crowds were great and we were able to experience the whole park. I love bad weather--Thunderhead and the Tennessee Tornado. I am looking forward to several more trips to Dollywood over the summer. We headed back home on Saturday, April 24th. We stopped halfway for a little more coaster riding at Lake Winnie. The Cannonball was running great! They must have done some work on the track in the last several years because it was very smooth. I was in a hurry so I got two quick rides in on the Cannonball and one on Wild Lightning. What a great two days for riding coasters.
Great trip report. Me and my family used to go to Dollywood every year when I was younger, Thunderhead looks awesome. My parents are from Chattanooga, so I have many childhood memories
Lake Winnie is the hidden gem of the south. Glad you enjoyed it and DW.
I survived a Japanese typhoon and the Togo flat ride of death!!!!!!
