My 2017 Trip to the USA

Mr. Six said:
I spent a full day at each of those three parks and never felt bored. Maybe you could do each of those in a half day, but I have to say being rushed like that really doesn’t sound fun.

I've done half days at each of those parks and wasnt in any way rushed, in fact I got re-rides and was ready to leave. It's not about bring bored, I can stay in even the smallest park all day and not he bored. And I'm not a rush around kind of guy. But when a park(s) is (are) opened 12 hours or so, I usually don't need that much time in a smaller park, esp HW or KK.

Firstly, don't apologize to these guys when they're jerks. They have too many people in here letting them get away with their mansplaining.

Second, the only advice I can offer is that they're all right about beech bend and keep in mind when visiting Kentucky kingdom that they close their rides thirty minutes before close so be in line early for those last rides. I lost out on lightning run due to this in June.

TheAcrophobicEnthusiast said:

Firstly, don't apologize to these guys when they're jerks. They have too many people in here letting them get away with their mansplaining.

I'm not sure who "they" are or who's letting whom get away with what, but there are few things annoy the bejeezus out of me more than that made-up BS word that needs to go away faster than it came into existence. At my age, I need to retain as much bejeezus as I can...

Mansplaning, a stupid made up word in and of itself, has nothing to do with anything in this thread, a discussion about what parks one should visit and his to go about doing it.

And I may have missed it, but I wasn't aware of any females posting in the thread that anyone tried to mansolain to in the first place.

That whole post makes absolutely no sense.

Thanks guys, there's some great advice there.

It will be a busy trip but hopefully there will be easier days at the smaller parks. Good advice about Dollywood's opening hours and Kentucky Kingdo. Dollywood is a park I've not been too and specifically based my trip around it, especially after going to Silver Dollar City and enjoying that type of park. I do intend to make the most of each day and I'm not just down for 'ticks' (credits).

Really appreciate the thought that you have put in to the replies which will help me to fine tune my trip. Roll on June.

Man, you got some 'splainin' to do. :)

Seriously, it sounds like a fun, if not an ambitious trip. Back in my younger days...

I'm glad you liked SDC, it's probably my second favorite of all the parks that I've visited. I don't know how well you know the USA, but if that slice of Americana is to your liking then there's even more to be had at Dollywood. The environment is filled with the same great detail and the ride menu is well-rounded. A couple of the coasters there are unmatched. A new drop tower is scheduled for '17, and it'll be in a great spot. The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S., and couldn't offer a better setting for an amusement park.
It helps to know and love Ms. Parton, too. (But after all, who doesn't?)

Anyway, have a blast. And yes, c'mon June.

Mister Halo said:

Of course, that's coming from someone who enjoys driving almost as much as coastering.

Likewise here. I don't own a car (to me, owning a car in a big city is more hassle than it's worth; I can get where I'm going faster by bike and/or public transit), but I really enjoy driving. Enthusiast events are when I usually rent a car and motor on.

I would suggest considering the elimination of Fun Junction and Coney Island - they're both going to add significant travel time and mileage despite what the maps may say, and the coasters and parks are both quite "meh." If you are going to do those parks, the *good* rides are the Tempest at Coney (assuming it's still there) and the zipline at Fun Junction. The Miler at Fun Junction is at least a raucous ride, but it's considerably rough...and the traffic around ATL is always pretty rough too. Just my two pence... ;)

I second (or third or whatever) the half day at most for Beech Bend. I actually made it in 28 minutes (3 rides on Krumbler, the two other credits at the time), but I was in a super rush to get somewhere else. I probably could have looked around a little bit more, but I didn't feel like I missed out.

Beech Bend has a certain charm, I enjoy dawdling a bit there. I especially like passing some time in a rocking chair on the porch of the Rumbler Cafe.

But I'll agree, you can zip through the park in short order and enjoy everything you want to do.

I would try to spend some time in the Smokies too. Sounds like you are going to bump around and hit some tourist stuff in the area but make sure to at least hit some highlights of the park or take a short hike while you're there! Enjoy!

RCMAC. I loved the feeling of SDC, so much different to Six Flags or Cedar Fair so if Dollywood is anything like that then I will be very happy. They appear to have some very good coasters as well. And, yes, I do like Dolly Parton, what a character.

rollergator:- Fun Junction and Coney Island are on my list to get the 'ticks' (credits) so I understand they are quite tame (boring). I will look out for the Tempest and the Zipline sounds good fun.

ApolloAndy slithernoggin:- I don't expect to spend a great deal of time at Beech Bend but would expect to eat there as I like to help the smaller family parks.

eightdotthree:- I have got three days in the Dollywood Smoky mountain area so hope to appreciate some of the scenery around there.

Tekwardo said:

........And I may have missed it, but I wasn't aware of any females posting in the thread that anyone tried to mansolain to in the first place.

Typo Tek strikes again :-)

Coaster-Robin said:

ApolloAndy slithernoggin:- I don't expect to spend a great deal of time at Beech Bend but would expect to eat there as I like to help the smaller family parks.

...as much as I love Beech Bend, well, you might want to find someplace in Bowling Green to dine at. The many charms of Beech Bend do not include great food.

Thanks for the 'heads up'.

Well, to go against the comments here. I spent almost two full days in HW my first time there. Loved every minute of it. Did some marathons on all of their amazing woodies. No Thunderbird at the time. But I also enjoy some slow time, and hit the flats as well. I even rode the kiddy coaster!

I love the Voyage with the exception at the bottom of the first drop where I get a sharp pain in my head, which is not pleasant. The rest is amazing. How the hell it has the speed as it comes back through the station and into the spiral section at the end I don't know.

The hills go downhill, silly.
:)

We live and learn.

Atlanta traffic can be brutal if your there during rush hour. Even if on the 285 Loop heading to SFOG. I suggest viewing Google maps a few days prior to predict the traffic. Also, it was a difficult trip from Dollywood back to Knoxville because if the heavy fog and two lane roads with the switchbacks. There has to be a better way to get to I-75. Best if luck on your trip.