I would just like to talk a bit about the bear teaser and the new information i have been told by an insider/friend who works on the design team for Herschend Family Entertainment.
Now the teaser, which I have copied down from the phone call, I have also highlighted key information we might need. It says,
"This is
Ned Oakley, I set up this hotline to gather tips about an especially
big bear, I'm guessing you've got some information, since you called this number. I've been hearing stories about this bear, roaming these
hills and hollers for years. Those who've seen them, swear that he's the
largest bear they've ever seen. These are mountain folks who are accustomed bears, others don't believe that, they say
big bear is just an old wives tale, well, that may be so, but I'm on the lookout to prove once and for all that
big bear is real, and lives right here in Wildwood Grove.
I'm planning excursions to go searching for
big bears
starting next spring, maybe you want to come help me look. If you've seen
big bear, have some information, better yet, some evidence related to his whereabouts, see me at the
Adventure Outpost Base Camp in Wildwood Grove. Things are going to get
big."
Key points of the teaser:
Ned Oakley - could this be the main character of the attraction, a bit like the character Silver Dollar City had for Time Traveller.
Hills and hollers - obviously pointing to where the attraction is located, on the hillside of Wildwood Grove.
Planning excursions - I will get back to this a little later as I think it points to what kind of attraction this is.
Starting next spring - this is obviously telling us that the attraction will be opening in spring 2023.
Adventure Outpost Base Camp - this is pointing to a new mini - area within Wildwood Grove and will be the home to this new attraction.
Big - the word keeps popping up throughout the teaser and is solidifying the fact that this is the single largest attraction investment ever at Dollywood.
The 3 potential Coaster types:
Intamin Family Launch Coaster:
This would give the feeling of adventure, going out into the wilderness to find the big bear. It would also offer a unique riding position for the park as the only other attraction that has a unique riding position it Wild Eagle which is a large thrill coaster.
Mack Rides Family Launch Coaster:
This would give the park a nice, reliable coaster that can do as much as the Intamin coaster. It can be customised train wise to make it look like an adventurous vehicle, and you can't fault the restraints on Mack coasters. It would offer something not too thrilling and would fit between Firechaser Express and Thunderhead thrill wise.
Vekoma Next - Gen Motorbike Coaster:
I know what your thinking but stick with me. On Vekoma's website,
https://www.vekoma.com/motorbike-coasters, on the Motorbike Coaster section it says,"(soon to be announced)", and I have just contacted the people at Vekoma and they have confirmed with me that the new trains are fully customisable and can offer many different seating positions to accommodate the parks theme and preferred design.
What I think they will add in accordance to past additions:
I honestly believe that Dollywood have not only just gone for the Vekoma for the cheaper option but I think Vekoma have managed to pitch an idea to them that is what the park really wants and it can provide the park with the best family attraction that is versatile in what it can do. But, then it came to my attention through me speaking to my friend who works on the design team for Herschend Family Entertainment, that they could be using this attraction as a push off point for a multi - year expansion plan and this is only the first of a potential 4 coasters until 2030. Also, it will open the opportunity for that long awaited Sally Dark Ride at the back of the area and will start to make Dollywood a World Class Theme Park.
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