Additions at Dollywood features an exciting variety of rides, shows and attractions to appeal to family members of all ages. The park is constantly adding something new to keep guests coming back each year. In 2012, Dollywood added a huge new $20 million steel roller coaster called Wild Eagle. The ride joins Dollywood’s excellent lineup of coasters including Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado and Thunderhead. This new style of roller coaster, termed a ‘Wing Coaster’, features two seats that extend beyond the track on both the left and right side of the coaster train. Therefore, while riding Wild Eagle, guests have nothing but air under their feet so that they experience a flying sensation. Wild Eagle’s first drop rises to 135 feet, and the coaster reaches 61 miles per hour as it travels through four inversions including a 110 foot tall loop! The ride won Amusement Today magazine’s prestigious Golden Ticket Award for the best new ride of 2012. Wild Eagle has already delighted thousands of guests, so thrill seekers should spring into Dollywood in 2013 to see what everyone is talking about!
In 2013, Dollywood’s Splash Country will debut RiverRush, Tennessee’s first water coaster. On this new generation of water ride, guests will begin their experience with a 25 foot first drop at a 45 degree angle! Guests will continue their ride with three more exciting drops, wild hairpin turns and dark tunnels, all while riding in a four passenger toboggan raft! RiverRush is scheduled to debut in May of 2013. To enjoy Wild Eagle and RiverRush, guests should arrive at park opening and enjoy them first thing in the morning when lines are short.
Opening day for Dollywood’s 2013 season is March 23, and the park remains open until December as it celebrates the holiday season. During the spring, Dollywood is generally open from 10 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 8 PM on weekends. Dollywood’s Splash Country opens for the season on May 11th and operates the weekends of May 11-12 and 18-19. The park begins daily operation on May 25th and returns to weekend only operation on August 24-25. The hours at Dollywood’s Splash Country are normally 10 AM to 6 PM in the spring, and 10 AM to 7 PM in the summer months. It is recommended that guests check the schedule for Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country prior to their visit.
