Dollywood announces Lightning Rod, a wooden launched coaster

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Themed after a tricked out 1950s-era hot rod, Lightning Rod launches riders from zero to 45 mph more than 20 stories up its lift hill to one of the ride’s first airtime moments. At the crest of the hill, riders face twin summit airtime hills before tackling the daring first drop. Lightning Rod races down the 165-foot drop and propels guests along its 3,800-ft. track to a top speed of 73 mph, the fastest speed for a wood coaster in the world.

Read more and see photos from Dollywood.

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Speechless.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Looks absolutely fantastic. I thought the promo video was very well done.

This looks great. I can't wait until March. Anyone know where I can find The Doctor?

Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep.
--Fran Lebowitz

Stunning. And makes Dollywood the #1 destination for 2016. What's that about RMCs being overhyped again?

Because man, do they keep topping themselves or what?

NB to Jeff: I could FIND the submit news link, I just couldn't wait....mea culpa.

Just too excited about getting an RMC in my area of the country (more or less). Plus, there's the idea that both of the other HFEC parks will have an original RMC ride from the ground up, so maybe I can get one REALLY close to home in Valdosta.

You still have Zoidberg.... You ALL have Zoidberg! (V) (;,,;) (V)

...is this real?

Quadruple down!

HOLY CRAP! I'll be right back...

A quadruple down might be the most ridiculous thing ever made anywhere. I can't even wrap my head around this, and there hasn't been a ride in a very long time that I absolutely had to go ride.

Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog

Ok, I'm back. HO-LEEEEEE CRAP!
This ride has to be of somebody's sick, demented mind. And I can't wait.
The launch looks so exciting and the rest will be the kind of thrills that I will dream of til spring. RMC has done it again, and this time with 0 inversions. Still, more than enough to blow Dolly's wig off.

Maybe another C'Buzz Dollywood gathering in 2016? Hmmmmm?.....

The clips of hot rods driving down completely flat road interspersed amongst animation of the coaster traversing what looks like a small mountain range complete this video for me. lol@this ride.

The trick was to surrender to the flow.

The launch wasn't what I thought it would look like. But it still looks amazing.

Last edited by koolcat1101,

(Insert funny signature here.)

Dollywood just got put on our radar for next season.

An amazing Dollywoodie!

I just can't even believe this is coming to a park so close to me. Dear Cedar Fair: Please start building a launched RMC Woody at Carowinds! That would take care of 2 current problems the park has!

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Holy effing jesus. This is utterly amazing. Must. Get. To. Dollywood.

"The term is 'amusement park.' An old Earth name for a place where people could go to see and do all sorts of fascinating things." -Spock, Stardate 3025

My heart is racing after watching this video. Can't even handle the excitement. Been having some health issues, but if all that ends up getting straightened out, this will be my celebration. I may even NOT go to SFNE so this can be my first RMC.

"Look at us spinning out in the madness of a roller coaster" - Dave Matthews Band

That is pretty ridiculous. I have no idea when I'll be back through the area, but between Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod (and mystery mine, which I still haven't ridden), I hope it's soon.

Hobbes: "What's the point of attaching a number to everything you do?"
Calvin: "If your numbers go up, it means you're having more fun."

Temper your expectations for Mystery Mine. :)

Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog

Considering that the only coasters at Dollywood when I last visited were Tennessee Tornado and Blazing Fury, I think I'll have plenty to look forward to next year.

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