[CarowindsFan]

lol btw, how many times has a theme park teased a new gift shop? They dont because thats not what gets people through the gates. New for 2015 Cinnamon Bread! Cmon guys were all enthusiasts here. If Carowinds was teasing a new gift shop or something like that, all of you would be extremely pissed. So lets judge parks on why most of us actually go there for, the rides.

You're right, its not the Cinnamon Bread or the gift shops but it is also not the rides. Its EVERYTHING. When the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, you have magic. A great park has that magic due to the proper combination of all of the little things.

[Jarsh]

I must not be an enthusiast then as I do not go to Dollywood for the rides. If you did, hence the reason for your disappointment.

[pproteinc]

^^ Exactly

[cwgator]

I went to Dollywood for the first time in March and absolutely loved it. In my park rankings I put it at 3rd favorite park which is almost a tie with BGW for 2nd (BGW wins for coasters and comes after my #1 BGT). It has a bit of everything for everyone. I am more a rides kind of person and their coaster selection is great for that size park and considering it's location. They may not be record holders or the most intense, but they are very fun.

Tennessee Tornado has to be the smoothest Arrow coaster ever. Thunderhead is the best woodie I've ever been on (of the parks I've been to...all SE US). Mystery Mine was my first Eurofighter and loved it. Wild Eagle was ok, but it just seemed like I was riding an extra mild version of a floorless model...tho still a fun ride and my first wing coaster. Even Firechaser Express was quite fun, I was even shocked by Blazin' Fury; quite an interesting dark ride/coaster combo; tho I could see it getting old after a few rides once you know what's going to happen.

Flat rides: a MUCH better selection compared to most of the parks I've ever been to. Barnstormer was my favorite of them and my first screamin' swing ride. The park's theme is great, the food is excellent and although I didn't sit through a show, the venues for them looked great and have only heard great things about them. All that put with the mountain scenery and you have a winner in my book. I can't wait to return.

[Jonathan]

I'm a believer in quality over quanity. Let's take four parks in the region for example. Carowinds has 14 coasters, Six Flags Over Georgia has 11, Dollywood has 7, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg has 6.

Let's look at it another way, though. How many coasters does each park have that you want to keep riding over and over? I have not been to Dollywood since Wild Eagle and FireChaser Express opened, but the answer for each park for me personally is:

Carowinds: 2 (Intimidator, Afterburn)
Six Flags: 3 (Goliath, Mind Bender, Georgia Cyclone)
Dollywood: 2 (Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado)
Busch Gardens: 4 (Apollo's Chariot, Alpengeist, Griffon, Verbolten)

Suddenly the picture changes.

[PalmTree55]

I'm a believer in quality over quanity. Let's take four parks in the region for example. Carowinds has 14 coasters, Six Flags Over Georgia has 11, Dollywood has 7, and Busch Gardens Williamsburg has 6.

Let's look at it another way, though. How many coasters does each park have that you want to keep riding over and over? I have not been to Dollywood since Wild Eagle and FireChaser Express opened, but the answer for each park for me personally is:

Carowinds: 2 (Intimidator, Afterburn)
Six Flags: 3 (Goliath, Mind Bender, Georgia Cyclone)
Dollywood: 2 (Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado)
Busch Gardens: 4 (Apollo's Chariot, Alpengeist, Griffon, Verbolten)

Suddenly the picture changes.

No love for Mystery Mine?

[Jonathan]

I liked the second part of Mystery Mine a lot but the first half was extremely painful for me. My height did not seem to work well with the restraints which really beat up my shoulders.

[Atombomb]

you guys that keep saying Dollywood is great, whens the last time you been there. I was there recently and Mystery Mine and Thunderhead were the only decent rides they had. Wild Eagle is a very boring slow dull coaster. Rest of the place is just gift shops.

I know, right! I agree with everything you just said. So many people adore that place, which I guess is fine if you like music, gift shops, etc. If I had to pick beween Dollywood or Carowinds, it would be Carowinds without a second thought (but, I only go to theme/amusement parks for the thrill rides. Atmosphere is great, but that comes in second (for me)

I Thought I was the only one in this forum that thought that!!! Give me THRILLS THRILLS AND MORE THRILLS!!!!!

[arby]

While this thread started because of an article, I'm curious to know what parks you plan to visit before the end of the year.

We have two more trips planned this fall. One is to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure/Fun Spot. The other is to Walt Disney World (my first time back since 2009). I am also hoping to hit up Legoland while we are down there but that's not looking likely. Of course, I'll also be back to Carowinds a few times.

What parks do you plan to visit before the end of the year?

[chknwing]

While this thread started because of an article, I'm curious to know what parks you plan to visit before the end of the year.

We have two more trips planned this fall. One is to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure/Fun Spot. The other is to Walt Disney World (my first time back since 2009). I am also hoping to hit up Legoland while we are down there but that's not looking likely. Of course, I'll also be back to Carowinds a few times.

What parks do you plan to visit before the end of the year?

heh I just got back from nearly that same trip, no Disney world though, Both Universal Parks, Fun Spot, Gatorland, Wonderworks, Typhoon Lagoon, and Legoland. If your going down there, go see Blue Man Group, best show Ive seen. Costco has cheap Legoland tickets and there is also a Legoland shuttle for $5 available from the legoland website. Its a bit of a drive from orlando so well worth it. We also stopped at St Augustine beach on the way back, very nice beach, not alot of tourists.

[arby]

Thanks for the tip on the Legoland tickets. I'll check that out. I think we'd drive straight there, hit the park, then go back to Orlando.

[Tawny71]

Sadly, I don't think we have any more trips planned this summer, except to Carowinds.
I'll probably do an SDC visit on a trip home sometime before the end of the year.

[Edwardo]

I really can't believe someone is hating on Dollywood.

Your opinion is wrong. Just sayin...