2012 PARK PREVIEW — SEE PAGES 7–10 TM Vol. 16 • Issue 2 MAY 2012 A tale of two (more) towers Wild Eagle soars over Dollywood Carowinds, Kings Dominion introduce Ride fundraiser nets newest icons: Mondial WindSeekers $36,000 for American Eagle Foundation STORY: Scott Rutherford ride manufacturer Mon- STORY: Tim Baldwin
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[email protected] WindSeekers’ three minute CHARLOTTE, N.C. and cycle begins when the cen- PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — DOSWELL, Va. — Follow- tral carriage, supporting 32 After a media day on March 23 ing the debut of WindSeeker two-passenger seats, slowly and a preview for season pass tower swing rides at four of starts to rotate while climb- holders, Dollywood officially its parks in 2011, Cedar Fair ing to the 301 foot level. debuted North America’s first continues the trend this sea- Once aloft and traveling at wing coaster by Bolliger & Ma- son with the introduction of full tilt, riders experience a billard on March 24. Namesake WindSeekers for two of its sense of weightlessness as Dolly Parton was on hand with southeastern properties. the arms extend outward at a specifically written song for Amusement Today was on a 45-degree angle and reach the premier of Wild Eagle — hand for the launch of both speeds up to 30 mph. “Be an Eagle, Not a Chicken.” The bragging rights to hav- WindSeekers, which took The first wing coaster in the ing the first of a new breed of place at Carowinds (March Carowinds U.S. opened on March 23, coaster in the nation should 31) and Kings Dominion Ranking as the tallest 2012 at Dollywood, follow- be accolade enough, but the (April 6).