We have ridden 19 mountain coasters. Most are very similar and we always ask the operator to give us lots of room from the previous car because we run with no brakes. Rail Runner is quite different with one rail and as you mentioned felt different - not bad, just different. The Anakeestsa addition and a couple others in that area will put Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge back on the list for 2024.
When my family and I visited Anakeesta this past May, the Rail Runner was closed.🙁 This would have been my second alpine coaster. But my first one was pretty cool coming down from the Great Wall of China about 5 years ago! My strongest memory of that ride were people about every 200 feet yelling in English to each of us to slow down.
Oh man, I LOVE mountain coasters. I've been on three or four of the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge rides.
For me, the big appeal is just the scenery and peacefulness. Even the lift hill itself is a slow, enjoyable journey. And when you get to the top, that rush through the woods with just you, the coaster, and your thoughts is a big thrill. I particularly enjoy riding them at night because the darkness only serves to enhance the feeling of solitude and quiet.
We have ridden 19 mountain coasters. Most are very similar and we always ask the operator to give us lots of room from the previous car because we run with no brakes. Rail Runner is quite different with one rail and as you mentioned felt different - not bad, just different. The Anakeestsa addition and a couple others in that area will put Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge back on the list for 2024.
When my family and I visited Anakeesta this past May, the Rail Runner was closed.🙁 This would have been my second alpine coaster. But my first one was pretty cool coming down from the Great Wall of China about 5 years ago! My strongest memory of that ride were people about every 200 feet yelling in English to each of us to slow down.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/great-wall-slide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okkF7x2vYag&ab_channel=lasvia16
Oh man, I LOVE mountain coasters. I've been on three or four of the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge rides.
For me, the big appeal is just the scenery and peacefulness. Even the lift hill itself is a slow, enjoyable journey. And when you get to the top, that rush through the woods with just you, the coaster, and your thoughts is a big thrill. I particularly enjoy riding them at night because the darkness only serves to enhance the feeling of solitude and quiet.
And I'm 100% on board with team "no brakes" =)
After reading your story, I cannot wait to experience this new mountain coaster.