Tennessee’s Dollywood just announced their plan for a new roller coaster that is supposed to be the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. The theme park owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment expects to open the new ride in 2016.
The new roller coaster, The Lighting Rod, will launch riders 20 stories and will go from 0 to 45 miles per hour. Riders will also be in the air for 20 seconds and experience a 165-foot drop at top speeds of 73 miles per hour. The Lightning Rod was inspired by a 1950s-era hot rod. The park will dish out $ 22 million dollars for the new ride. This will make it the largest investment in Dollywood’s history.
The theme park located in the Knoxville-Smoky Mountains metroplex in Pigeon Forge sees over 3 million guests every year. Guests can enjoy rides and catch a handful of concerts, including appearance by Parton herself. It is also the side of the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame. The park has been opened since 1961 and offers rides like roller coasters, a full-size train that takes guests around the park, fun shows and of course delicious food and drinks.
Dollywood is a unique theme park that has been a family favorite for many years. Parton has done a great job of making the park a place that is perfect for the whole family. If you ever get a chance, you should go to Dollywood to experience all of the fun. Plus, you will want to go next year after they open the world’s fastest roller coaster. Hang on folks!
Feature photo courtesy of fastcompany.com.
Categories: Fun Stuff, United States
