Dollywood to Build Wild Eagle

Within the past few months (I intended to report it on the blog but kept forgetting), blue B&M track has appeared at Dollywood in Tennessee. Now it is confirmed, after months of rumors, that Dollywood will build America's first Wing Coaster, as well as the largest of its kind:

Dollywood's big announcement at Boomsday about a roller coaster that'll give riders a chance to feel like they're flying is already a work in progress.

Brian Mitchell is one of the few folks that braved the weather and visited Dollywood on Monday.

"I just love Dollywood. I'm from Virginia, and I just cant find anywhere other than Dollywood...anywhere reasonable," said Brian Mitchell.

The weather didn't bring the typical holiday crowds to the park this Labor day, but before you know it, park employees are expecting people to pile in, so that they can visit the newest attraction.

"We announced the largest expansion of Dollywood ever at Boomsday last night," said Pete Owens, Public Relations Director at Dollywood.

It's called the "Wild Eagle" and the $19 million roller coaster is the first one of its kind in the U.S.

"Instead of riding on the center part of the roller coaster like you are used to, you ride out on one of the wings on either sides," said Owens.

At 61 miles per hour, you'll have the chance to experience what it's like to sit on the wings of a flying wild eagle.

"It's much more of a swooping motion like you would be on the wings of a bird," said Owens.

The ride that will debut when the park opens for the season next March is already getting global attention.

"I've had emails over the last couple of days anticipating the announcement we were going to make last night from people as far away as England and Germany telling me that they were planning on coming," said Owens.

Mitchell said he's planning on coming back, too. He's been following the clues about the coaster for a while on the Dollywood website.

"I'm just looking forward to sensation...having to freedom to fly like a wild eagle," said Mitchell.

For all of you that sent a text to the Dollywood short code Sunday, check your phones on Tuesday. The winner will be contacted sometime throughout the day and will have to reply before the end of the day to receive lifetime passes for up to seven family members in the household.

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/182807/2/Dollywood-takes-to-flight-with-new-coaster-Wild-Eagle
































































HEIGHT FROM ENTRANCE GRADE: 210 ft.
HEIGHT FROM STATION GRADE: 190 ft.
DROP: 135 ft.

This looks like an awesome addition to Dollywood, and I really hope one of these comes to Florida in the future! =D