originally posted on 8/9/2022
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Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley, will be taking adventurous visitors on the hunt for the elusive “Big Bear” next summer at Dollywood.
Big Bear Mountain, a Vekoma family coaster, will feature three launches that will propel riders at 48 mph through numerous airtime hills and high-speed carousel turns, enhanced by butterfly depictions and a waterfall. The coaster will be the first at the park to include onboard audio during the nearly 4,000-foot ride and will be the longest coaster at Dollywood. Enhancing the family experience that Dollywood offers is the fact that riders must be only 39 inches tall to ride.
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“The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” Dolly Parton said. “I’m excited our guests will be able to head out on their own trip into the Smokies to see if they can find that Big Bear! Whether he’s out there or not, I’m sure they’ll find a lot of memories along the way that they’ll keep forever.”
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Construction has already begun in the Wildwood Grove area of Dollywood. Footers are installed throughout the site, and grading for the waterfall has begun.
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Dollywood is a co-host of Coaster Con 45, the annual convention of American Coaster Enthusiasts, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Attendees will now get to enjoy two Vekoma roller coasters in the Wildwood Grove area.
— Elizabeth Ringas, Communications Director
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
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