INSIDE: TM & ©2014 Amusement Today, Inc. 2014 Park Preview: Pages 6-9 May 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 2 www.amusementtoday.com Dollywood opens FireChaser Express, Gerstlauer family coaster STORY: Scott Rutherford laborated on Mystery Mine, for FireChaser Express. It is
[email protected] the Herschend creative team perfect for what we wanted to PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. knew the German ride manu- accomplish. It is a family ride — During the past 29 years, facturer could help them ac- that is exciting; helps tell our Dollywood has steadily complish their goal. Dolly- story of volunteer firemen but evolved into a dining and wood’s Pete Owens explains has some surprises!” entertainment destination why Gerstlauer was selected Decked out in a custom- with sumptuous food options to provide the ride system designed firefighter outfit, and award-winning live for what would become Fire- Dolly Parton officially opened shows. But it’s also rapidly Chaser Express. “This is the the ride to media and invited becoming a true thrill ride second project we have done guests on March 20, 2014. park. Home to world-class with Gerstlauer in the last “My new FireChaser Express attractions such as the top- seven years. They understand has folks goin’ in all different rated Thunderhead wooden that we are doing more than directions, and that’s going to roller coaster (2004), Mystery just creating a ride — we want be a lot of fun, but it teaches Mine (2007) steel coaster/dark to tell a story and create an ex- an important lesson, too,” said ride and the Wild Eagle wing perience for families to enjoy,” Parton.