USA: Dollywood Announces Wood Coaster Opening

Following the opening of Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort™ located in the US state of Tennessee in July (cf. EAP News from July 29, 2015), Dollywood Company recently announced the addition of a new attraction to its theme park. In March 2016, “Lightning Rod”, a wood coaster built by Rocky Mountain Construction, will be opened to the guests. The 22 million dollars (around 19.8 million euros) project marks the single largest attraction investment in the company’s history. Lightning Rod will launch riders from zero to 45 mph (72 km/h) while running up its lift hill. After a 165-foot (50 meters) drop the coaster rides along the 3,8000-foot (1,158 meters) track while reaching a top speed of 73 mph (117 km/h). The coaster train will be located in Dollywood’s Jukebox Junction and will be comprised of twelve cars, carrying two passengers each, for a total of 24 people per train. (eap)