Wilderness Pass. Lightning Rod Julie and I both were able to have the restraint easily work for us, even with my larger chest. Please keep in mind that each body is shaped differently, and what works for some wont work for others simply due to body shape. 10 Best Roller Coasters at Dollywood (Ranked for 2023) According to the Dollywood accessibility guide, some attractions may not be suitable for people who weigh more than 270 pounds or are 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Like all other coasters, the hosts will work hard to make sure that they do everything they can to make the ride work for you. Were speculating that this ride will be No. Reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean, there are a number of amusing scenes, quirky historical references and one good drop. So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.", Upcoming Gastric Sleeve Surgery And I Am Dreading It, Getting ready for sleeve SO NERVOUS OF complications. The minimum height for Thunderhead is 48 inches. Getting back to that main character lifestyle. There were rides I couldnt go on. Located in Wilderness Pass, the Wild Eagle is a majestic ride, befitting its namesake. The nice thing is there is a sample seat out in front of every ride so you can test if you fit before spending time in line. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its wide array of rides and attractions. I hope that you have found this guide helpful. While there are never any guarantees across the board, most plus-size guests report the following rides to be generally safe for larger guests because of adjustable velcro restraints or lack of restraints. As mentioned earlier, there are test seats available and the hosts are incredibly kind and will do everything possible to allow you to safely ride the attraction. Thankfully, you wont be the first or the last plus-size individual to attempt to ride. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. It has been surpassed over the years by newer editions, but it serves as a significant milestone in Dollywood history. B&M has typically been the best at accommodating larger guests. Thunderhead Dollywood Re: Are the rides at Dollywood "plus size" friendly? The staff does work hard at accommodating all riders of all sizes. Dollywood staff is usually pretty discrete about their guest "of size". It sounds like you've done a little homework already. Dollywood Theme Park | Pigeon Forge's Number #1 Attraction It's been at least 5 years since the last time Ihave been to Dollywood, so I don't really remember the weight limits on rides. I want to make sure I can cultivate a fun experience rather than a hot trek through hell that ends in the swamps of Dagobah. My favorite ride is Wild Eagle, its so smooth! Lightning Rod Prepare to launch from zero to 45 miles per hour on the Lightning Rod, an amazing wooden coaster themed to a 1950s era hot rod! Have fun ! The ride itself isnt especially tall or fast, but it is thrilling. As another person noted, I wriggled around and got it to work. Big Bear Mountain - Dollywood's New for 2023 Roller Coaster!! The Museum at Chasing Rainbows is a great place to learn about Dolly Parton. While their seat belts have plenty of play, the lap bars have to come down rather far in order to send a green light to the ride ops. They open it, it runs two cars and closes with 1000 people in line but they dont tell anyone. As a result of researching to write this blog, this is another attraction I discovered that has a seat belt extender you can ask a ride attendant for. 7 Steakhouses, Ranked, Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? Theme parks can be notoriously intimidating places for people of bigger sizes. Roller coaster and drop tower manufacturer Utahs S&S Worldwide sets a maximum weight restriction of 300 pounds and includes a sensor on each ride to detect over-sized riders. I received free tickets to Dollywood for this weekend. Booking on Tripster usually saves you a few dollars on regular admission. Dollywood's newest roller coaster is Dragonflier, in the all-new for 2019 Wildwood Grove area of the park. This coaster mimics the flight of a Smoky Mountain dragonfly as it speeds through the terrain in a twisting, unpredictable path. Dragonflier has an overhead lap bar and a seat belt system. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Cedar Point. The theme is a tornado that has torn through the town and picked up all kinds of crazy things. Its going to depend on how big you are, of course. (These seats are also available on Kraken at Seaworld)". I personally rode along side (usually a single rider) a very large man on eagle a few weeks ago & he had to work at it a couple tries but eventually fit fine. He was not heavy - but thearm would not close - he was just too tall for thatride. That being said, you should be ok. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If You Can Only Ride One Ride at Dollywood, Itinerary for Visiting Dollywood with a Toddler, Top 5 Fastest Roller Coasters At Dollywood. We'll see what positives, if any, I come up with for the trip. ", "Dollywoods Parent Swap Program is a Secret Superpower for parents and families of multiple ages/interests! These coasters range from gentle family-friendly rides to intense thrill machines that will keep even the bravest of riders on the edge of their seats. The ride will have a top speed of 48 mph and will pass behind a waterfall and have three separate launches. The Eagle Mountain Sanctuary is the nations largest presentation, spanning over 30,000 square feet, of non-releasable bald eagles. I am 2 months out from surgery and weight in at 280lbs and I am 5'5". I'd love to try out Great Adventure next time I'm out in that area. Many will accommodate larger people, for instance, on Wild Eagle, the 4th row is engineered to seat slightly larger people than the other rows. According tothe LA Times, Cedar Fair, a company that owns iconic theme parks across the country, has a shockingly exclusive policy for guests of larger size, with a park operator stating that women over 200 pounds who wear a size 18 or larger could have trouble fitting on some rides. Plus, the track goes over and under itself over 30 times. During colder times of the year and inclement weather, select rides and attractions can only operate above certain temperatures. Is there free parking inllywood? InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Pigeon Forge, Hotels near Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Hotels near Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park. Ultimate Guide to Dollywood Roller Coasters for 2023 Dollywood weight restrictions are as follows: no more than two people may ride together in one car, and the combined weight of those two people may not exceed 300 pounds. There are options available for people who are plus-sized, as well as for those who are traveling with someone who is concerned about fitting in to a Disney ride. 20 of 39 Dollywood Ridess. You'll want to ride this coaster over and over. Themed after a tricked-out 1950s hotrod, Dollywood Lightning Rod takes riders from zero to 45 mph and up more than 20 stories in the air. Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is home to a wide variety of attractions, including nine thrilling roller coasters. embarrassing to try the test seats that many people use as waiting area , Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Fans are even allowed to hop aboard Dollys actual tour bus for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. If you purchase a Dollywood Gold or Diamond Season Pass, the parking garage is free. There is a test seat out front for you to see if this ride will accommodate you. Writer Sarah Springerwrote about her experience at Disneylandand the constant worry she experienced at the feat shed be turned away due to her size. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Most of the rides that might be difficult have a trial seat near the entrance they can sit in & try out the restraint system to see if it will work for them. One year I was there with my friend and he was too tall. Generally speaking, according to the Dollywood accessibility guide, certain attractions may not accommodate individuals approaching 270 pounds or 6 feet, 4 inches in height. The Big Boys Guide To Rollercoaster Restraints, Not Sure Where You Fit? It is hard to say, some are hard for me and I am large. No visit to Dollywood is complete without a ride on the Dollywood Express, a vintage steam train. Yes. I am 62 and a few steps above the 3rd floor on the scale. Daredevil Falls uses no restraint system and easily fits any size rider. Each ride is a little different & most if not all have test seats out front. And last but not least, theres always the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Bloomington, Indiana Are the rides at Dollywood fat friendly? 10 Essential Tips for Visiting Dollywood with Kids - Tripster Travel Guide Thunderhead is a wooden roller coaster that has been among the best rides at Dollywood since it opened in 2004. I found Dollywood to be accessible for larger guests. Why Are Honey Boo Boo Shows Kept On The Air? #7 Whistle Punk Chaser Intamin is a bit of a mixed bag. Amusement Park Tips for Overweight Guests - CoasterCritic Overall, the staff members are accommodating, and waiting areas are conveniently located outside most major attractions. So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.". That being said, you should be ok. 1. The test seat in front of the ride is very useful in determining if this ride will accommodate you. Guests under 270 pounds and 6 feet, 4 inches are unlikely to have many problems. The Mystery Mine restraints may prove to be difficult for some plus-size riders (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com). I moved here several years ago I had no idea we were so close to such a wonderful get away. They allow you to ride with a single "click" instead of the usual 3. For those who either cant or dont want to partake in the rides at Dollywood, theres still plenty of fun to be had elsewhere in the park. This trend means that more and more guests will be too large to be safely seated on some theme park attractions. Thunderhead is usually a little tighter on folks b/c of the bar, but they do try to fit all. I am 6' weigh 275 and rode all the coasters a couple of years ago. Dollywood tickets meant bluegrass music, eating at Aunt Grannys and scoring some kettle corn to take home. Here we get a proper family-friendly roller coaster. Because when its working, its a fantastic ride, rated the fifth-best coaster in the United State by USA Today in August of 2021 and the second-best wooden coaster in the United States by TripSavvy in November of 2020. I am about your size and just rode all rides about 2 weeks ago, only one I had a little trouble with was the eagle do to the chest area, but I wiggled my way in, now that being said, make sure whoever you are with helps you, because the staff on the eagle could care less if you ride or not, they will not you if things don't buckle the first time. Get 40% off on your first Shop order when you sign up. As a true local, Kelsey has been visiting Dollywood since a young child (her favorite rides will always be Thunder Road and Country Fair Falls) and doesnt plan on slowing down; She is excited to show you how to enjoy Dollywood in any season of life or any season of the year. I love the old-timey wooden roller coasters like the Blue Streak at Cedar Point or The Racer at Kings Island. It can be somewhat nerve wracking to wait in line for a ride that you are super excited about, only to find out once in the seat that the lap bar wont close or that the seat belt wont connect. I don't have personal experience with Intamin OTSRs, but I've heard they are rather restrictive as well. Dollywood Coasters | Redbubble Shop thousands of high quality, Dollywood drink coasters designed by artists. In your experience, do you consider Dollywood to be a plus-size friendly park? However, their newer OTSRs, like those found on Maverick, Kingda Ka, and Intimidator, are extremely accommodating (probably best in the industry). Most of their coasters featuring older OTSRs (like Raptor, Alpengeist, Kumba, SheiKra, etc) have special seats that can allow for larger guests. Minimum Height to Ride: 48 Ride Drop: 100 feet Top Speed: 55 mph Track Length: 3230 feet Ride Length: 3 minutes Features: This classic wooden coaster weaves in and out of its wooden track as it races along over 3000 feet of track. Sheikra, Kumba, and Montu all have "modified seats." IMO- the limits may vary by the ride. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. What are some cool theme parks and attractions in one day? These facts are enough to make most plus-size people nervous about stepping foot in a theme park. Whether youre looking for thrill rides or a more relaxed experience, Dollywood has something for everyone. Can I fit into a Dollywood ride? But strictly as a roller coaster? It may also be important to note that most Dollywood rides have a 6 feet, 6 inch height maximum. The swirling loops of the Tornado include a 128-foot drop through a mountain at speeds approaching 70 mph. I'm gonna speak bluntly. Fast, jerky, forceful. Different rides may have different weight limitand other restrictions - i.e. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Her favorite thing to do at Dollywood is to snack on a loaf of cinnamon bread after braving the dark depths of Blazing Fury. I thought I was going to come out of it ! Overweight & Dollywood - Gatlinburg Message Board - Tripadvisor The Halloween spectacular is amazing and Christmas is something you dont want to miss. One thing that sets Dollywood apart from other theme parks is its commitment to inclusivity. 8 Snow Tips in the Smokies, Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Your 7 Options, What Kind of Snakes Are in the Smoky Mountains? The issue isnt necessarily the weight of a guest, but their torso circumference or barrel. Visitors to the Chasing Rainbows Museum and Dolly Partons childhood home are also given free admission. So should you ride Blazing Fury? DOLLYWOOD (Pigeon Forge) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor The loop de loops are so much fun, as well as the signature first drop. Dollywood has nine unique roller coasters that are some of the best roller coasters in the United States. Overall, you will be happy to know that Dollywood wasnt named the Friendliest Theme Park in America for nothin. Initially marketed as a wooden roller coaster themed to the hot rod cars from the 1950s, the Lightning Rod was modified for the 2021 season with much of its wooden track replaced by steel. Another family coaster that offers an amusing ride for all. Consider it endorsed. They put them right in the queue for everyone to see, instead of placing them somewhere outside the queue and away from gawking people. Whats your theme park experience been like? One woman even went so far as tofile a discrimination complaint because of the fat-shaming experience she had at an amusement park. However, some plus-size riders report that the tester chair has steered them in the wrong direction before, either having seatbelts that are shorter or longer than what the ride actually has. Subscribeto ournewsletterand we will instantly deliver the best area discounts to your inbox. Do better, Dollywood. As one of the newest additions to the park, Im very fond of this family suspended coaster that mimics the flight of a dragonfly. The parks live entertainment options include musical performances, comedy shows, and more. Some of the parks' websites have weight restriction info but I wanted to hear from actual people too. He was a good 300lbs+ & wider than I am tall (comon Southern thang, nbd). Please see our weather guidelines for more information. We both agreed that Blazing Fury is an extremely comfortable attraction for a plus-sized person. Knowing that this is a concern for many plus-sized folks, my friend Julie and I set out to find out which rides are the most plus-sized friendly at Dollywood. The Tennessee Tornado was a very tight fit. Located in Timber Canyon, Mystery Mine is set inside a haunted mining operation from the 19th century. I have never had a problem leaving our stroller or baby bag while on the rides. So my advice would be to pick something close that you can reliably visit and just keep trying OR go with the family and friends that motivate and support you whenever you can and keep making that effort. Honey Boo Boo: Bad Influence On Young Girls? Throughout the ride, you and your children will love the scenic foothills of the Smoky Mountains and listening to the engineer.
