Dolly’s explosive coaster brings the thunder

Review of Lightning Rod at Dollywood

Instead of our usual “What’s the Attraction” discussion thread, let’s try something different tomorrow (Friday, March 24) and use Substack’s new group chat feature. I’ll send you a notice to let you now how it works (it’s very simple and intuitive). Here’s the topic: Find the most recent park or attraction-related photo on your phone and share it along with a few (or many if you wish) words to explain it. Did you take a trip to a destination park like Disney or Universal? Or did you last visit your local, regional park? Share your photo (or photos)! This will be for paid subscribers exclusively. What? You’re not a paid subscriber? Get on board and enjoy the ride.

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4.75 out of 5

Screaming up its lift hill at an attention-grabbing 45 mph, Lightning Rod takes hold from the get-go and never lets up. The launched coaster’s opening moments are merely a prelude to the orchestrated chaos about to ensue. It quickly hits 73 MPH and navigates some seriously over-banked turns and other wacky elements that send the train and its passengers to and fro. Yet, the attraction remains surprisingly smooth throughout its journey. And it liberally sprinkles moments of glorious airtime along the way.

Dollywood and ride manufacturer Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) have captured lightning in a coaster.

(Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation)