Can You Handle Dollywood Lightning Rod? Conquer the Park’s Fastest Ride!
Feel the extreme thrill of Dollywood’s Lightning Rod! Discover what the hype is all about and see why we believe it’s absolutely worth it!
So, planning a Smoky Mountain adventure and it includes a day at Dollywood, huh? You’ve made a stellar choice, especially if you’re a thrill-seeker! Dollywood proudly showcases some of the most exciting roller coasters in the United States, and sitting at its pinnacle is the Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden roller coaster.
If you’re still contemplating a visit to Dollywood, let this sneak peek of the Lightning Rod coax you. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect from this popular thrill ride.
What is Dollywood Lightning Rod?
When roller coaster enthusiasts punch in “lightening rod Dollywood” into their search bars, they’re often on the hunt for the adrenaline-fueled Lightning Rod, a crown jewel among wooden roller coasters.
Curious about how fast is the Lightning Rod at Dollywood? Hold onto your hats! This marvel, crafted by the ingenious Rocky Mountain Construction, propels thrill-seekers from zero to a heart-pounding 45 mph up its lift hill. Before you can catch your breath, it rockets to a mind-blowing speed of 73 mph!
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Themed after a sizzling 1950s hot rod, this $22 million beauty isn’t just any coaster. It’s the world’s first launched wooden coaster! As for the seating, its riders are arranged in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
So, each time you hop on, you’re sharing this electrifying journey down its wooden track with 23 other eager adrenaline junkies!
Dollywood Lightning Rod Specs
The Lightning Rod at Dollywood might remind Cartoon Network babies of classic cartoon train rides, where rickety coasters seem like they’re held together by mere wooden sticks. But, don’t be fooled! Behind this nostalgic facade lies cutting-edge technology, ensuring each thrilling dip and turn is as safe as it is exhilarating.
Here’s a snapshot of Lightning Rod Dollywood stats:
- Zero to 45 MPH Launch: 1500 Horsepower
- Lightning Rod speed? A head-spinning 73 MPH!
- Capacity: Carries 24 Passengers Per Ride.
- More Features: Trick Hill (Twin Summits), 90+ Degree Bank Breaking Wave Turn, 90+ Degree Outside Banked Top Hat, Twist and Shout, Step Up, Quadruple Down, High-Speed Airtime Hill, Non-Inverting Half Loop, and 12 Total Airtime Moments.
Another thing that sets this thrill ride apart is that it’s one of the few roller coasters that feature both an iBox track and a topper track for double the fun and double the safety.
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Both are laid over the thematic wood frames, which then grants the coaster capabilities beyond traditional wooden coasters. It’s a hybrid wonder, ensuring a smoother ride than its purely wooden counterparts.
And yes, while its speed is jaw-dropping, its length is just as impressive. Covering 3,800 feet, riders are in for 3 minutes and 12 seconds of pure, unadulterated thrill, making every scream totally worth it!
Dollywood Lightning Rod Rider Requirements
As with all extreme thrill rides, not everyone can ride the Lightning Rod. There are certain requirements to ensure the safety of its passengers. Dollywood ride restrictions are strictly followed, including Dollywood rides height requirement and weight as well.
The Dollywood Lightning Rod height requirement mandates that riders must be at least 48 inches tall. Those guests approaching 6 feet 4 inches in height or tipping the scales at 200+ pounds may be asked to skip the ride due to its intense nature.
It’s not just the Lightning Rod Dollywood height requirements you need to take note of. If you’re donning a hard cast, you’ll have to sit this one out. It’s essential to remember that these Dollywood rides height and weight restrictions are all about ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Tips for Riding the Lightning Rod at Dollywood
Go Early
The Lightning Rod coaster at Dollywood is a massive crowd-puller, and its fame means that Dollywood’s Jukebox Junction is always buzzing with excitement.
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To make the most of your visit, swing by this attraction as soon as the park gates swing open in the morning. We strongly suggest tackling thrill rides like the Lightning Rod first thing or opting to stay late. Fewer lines, more thrills!
Sit in Front
Craving the ultimate experience on the Lightning Rod? Claim a seat right up front! From here, you get an unobstructed view of those winding wooden tracks, offering a firsthand look at every twist and turn.
Imagine the exhilaration Bugs Bunny felt on that classic rickety coaster; now multiply that thrill! Sitting at the front gives you a heart-pounding, pure adrenaline rush like no other.
No Full Stomach
The Lightning Rod roller coaster speed is exhilarating, but it’s not your stomach’s best friend right after a meal! To ensure you enjoy every twist and turn without any… unpleasant surprises, give your meal some time to settle.
For a smooth, memorable, and, importantly, vomit-free experience on the Lightning Rod, we recommend waiting at least an hour post-feast before hopping on. As per Lightning Rod reviews, we’re positive that if you follow this tip, your stomach will thank you!
Download the Dollywood Mobile App
The Dollywood hot rod roller coaster, Lightning Rod, can occasionally close for weather or maintenance. To ensure your Dollywood visit is hiccup-free, consider downloading their mobile app.
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Not only does it provide real-time information on rides like the Lightning Rod, but it also includes a theme park map, helping you navigate acres of excitement seamlessly. Stay informed and maximize your fun!
Save with a Dollywood Vacation Package
Visiting Dolly Parton’s attractions in Pigeon Forge is a thrill-seeker’s dream! There’s more to explore, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction and Dollywood’s Splash Country.
For the smart traveler looking to save, consider the Dollywood Vacation Package by Tripster. Not only do you get to experience all the Dolly Parton magic, but you can also choose nearby lodging.
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Stay close, skip the transport hassles, and simply walk to all these fabulous attractions. Make memories without breaking the bank!
Lightning Rod Dollywood FAQs
Is Lightning Rod at Dollywood Scary?
The Lightning Rod can certainly be scary for some riders due to its extreme speed, multiple inversions, and a thrilling 165-foot drop. However, if you're a thrill-seeker who enjoys the adrenaline rush of intense roller coasters, the Lightning Rod will likely be more exhilarating than scary.
How Tall is the Lightning Rod Drop at Dollywood?
The first drop on the Lightning Rod at Dollywood stretches a thrilling 165 feet, plunging riders down a steep incline and launching them into the rest of the high-speed ride.
Which Roller Coaster at Dollywood is Your Favorite?
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3 comments about “Can You Handle Dollywood Lightning Rod? Conquer the Park’s Fastest Ride!”
I used to love roller coasters but this one almost gave me a heart attack for real. It felt like the waist strap (no shoulder straps) was going to give way and send me flying the whole ride. I wasn’t able to even get on another roller coaster the rest of the day because of the TRAUMA. Also, older women with bladder control issues…be warned. The speed and force may cause some issues that will have you headed to change clothes.
This traumatized me today. This was our first ride, and I haven’t been on rides in yrs. I’m overweight so was extremely concerned about that. They were not concerned. I screamed bloody murder from the moment it took off, felt like it wasn’t going to hold me, felt like it would never end, and nearly passed out towards the end. And partly crying. Never reacted this way to a roller coaster before.
My voice is almost gone. We couldn’t do anymore Rollercoasters. I was so afraid I was going to die.
This was the first ever big roller coaster i’ve ever ridden before, and just last year! I was nervous at first, and i didnt even know how fast it was going to be before i got on. And let me tell you, I thought i was going to die. I was holding onto the handle bars with my head down and i was screaming the entire time.
A year later, I am in LOVE with roller coasters. If I hadn’t rode lightning rod, I probably never would’ve tried a roller coaster. I’ve rode every coaster in Dollywood except Wild Eagle & Tennessee Tornado!