Track complete on Dollywood's Wild Eagle, ride animation posted

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

[Ed. note: The following is an excerpt from a press release. -J]

Dollywood marked another construction milestone on its $20 million Wild Eagle wing coaster as installation of the 3,127-foot track was completed last week.

Wild Eagle is the first of its kind in the U.S. and set to open March 24, 2012. The new coaster’s innovative floorless design positions riders on the “wings” along either side of the coaster’s track with nothing but air above and below, allowing passenger to experience the freedom of flight. In anticipation of the opening of Wild Eagle, the most awaited new roller coaster in the U.S. in 2012, today Dollywood premiered custom animation at Dollywood2012.com which allows fans to take their first virtual ride. The virtual ride takes passengers soaring through the Smoky Mountains from Wild Eagle’s stunning roost 21 stories above the park’s Wilderness Pass area.

Using the latest video animation, riders journey along Wild Eagle’s massive track and maneuver the coaster’s four inversions including a giant loop, a “zero-G” roll, and a giant flat spin. Wild Eagle’s nearly two-and-a-half minute ride includes a plummeting 135-foot first drop.

Next in the construction process is the arrival from Europe of the custom handmade passenger trains. Designed to carry 28 riders each, the Wild Eagle trains feature an imposing bald eagle with piercing eyes and broad wings outstretched for flight.

Wild Eagle is the largest single capital investment in Dollywood’s 26-year history. The park’s development team is collaborating with Switzerland-based Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), the world’s premier coaster manufacturer. Pioneers in ride technology, B&M has built 11 of the 20 highest-ranking steel coasters in the world, according to Amusement Today magazine.

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Additional rendering (full right-wing POV).

Looks good. I'm amazed at the amount of foliage they've managed to keep around this thing. Go Dollywood.

Bill
ಠ_ಠ

It looks like it will be fun. Pretty long too.

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

BBSpeed26 said:
(full right-wing POV).

Leave politics out of this! ;)

Yeah, what Raven-Phile said! Politics might bring Peavy out of the woodwork again!

Last edited by Mike Gallagher,

The amusement park rises bold and stark..kids are huddled on the beach in a mist

http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1248054&...fr_id=1372

What's a politic?

This coaster sure looks great and HUGE up on that hill. I look forward to see how the park deals with the capacity; whatever way they do it, I'm sure it will be top-tier service. That's the way that park rolls...

Billy

janfrederick said:
It looks like it will be fun. Pretty long too.

That's what she said.

Thems some shiny good production values there.

"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

So does the actual ride come equipped with that soundtrack? Because I'm in favor of it.

My author website: mgrantroberts.com

janfrederick said:
It looks like it will be fun. Pretty long too.

I thought it seemed kinda short, actually. But I'd ride it in a heartbeat..looks like a helluva lotta fun. I've only been to Dollywood once, in '08.

The amusement park rises bold and stark..kids are huddled on the beach in a mist

http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1248054&...fr_id=1372

Ah, Dollywood. What a wonderful place.

On a side note, if any of you have always wanted to visit but never have, the cabin rates in the Smokies near the park are absolutely insanely low...and this was just my wife and myself in a cabin that could easily fit a group of 6-9.

Each time I have visited, this park has blown me away with the service and quality of everything they do.

Is this place self-managed, or is it owned by a Cedar-Fair type entity that owns other parks?

I agree that it could be just a little longer, but it's fine the way it is.

-Travis
www.youtube.com/TSVisits

That's what she said.

OhioStater said:
That's what she said.

This thread is lending itself awfully well to to that phrase, innit?

The amusement park rises bold and stark..kids are huddled on the beach in a mist

http://support.gktw.org/site/TR/CoastingForKids/General?px=1248054&...fr_id=1372

Wild Eagle looks awesome! I can't wait to jump onto it and take it for a ride. I like them gentile and smooth. ...And doing it all in the woods will be an added bonus. ;)

-Travis
www.youtube.com/TSVisits

OhioStater said:
Is this place self-managed, or is it owned by a Cedar-Fair type entity that owns other parks?

Dollywood is operated by Herschend Family Entertainment. They operate several parks (including the equally wonderful Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri) along with a number of regional attractions.

From our experiences at their parks, Herschend is one of the best companies in the business. With great food, employees who actually seem happy to serve guests, unique attractions, live music, and wonderful natural settings, a Herschend park is someplace special.

"Thank the Phoneticians!"