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.
They are quite distinct from most traditional coasters in that they are single-car and mostly single-rider experiences. There isn't the communal scream experience of a trainload of passengers. But yes, they are kind of peaceful and simultaneously thrilling--an odd combo.
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.
As I wrote, I have not been on many mountain coasters (unlike you), but I found Hellbender especially smooth. It seems very well engineered.
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
OMG! The Great Wall of China! That's incredible.
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" =)
They are quite distinct from most traditional coasters in that they are single-car and mostly single-rider experiences. There isn't the communal scream experience of a trainload of passengers. But yes, they are kind of peaceful and simultaneously thrilling--an odd combo.
After reading your story, I cannot wait to experience this new mountain coaster.
You won't be disappointed. Thanks for taking the time to share such a nice comment!