Dollywood and Vekoma Rides, the Dutch roller coaster specialist, have unveiled the ride vehicles for the park’s new $25 million Big Bear Mountain, opening in spring 2023.
Dollywood’s longest coaster to date will be a family-friendly attraction, located in the park’s newest area, Wildwood Grove.
Riders will see the Smokies while searching for ‘Big Bear’ in SUV-style ride vehicles. Revealed at IAAPA Expo 2022, these feature working headlights and brake lights, as well as large claw marks.
According to a previous news release, Big Bear is a huge black bear who roams through Wildwood Grove. Guests will join the area’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley.
New coaster opens spring 2023
“This ride is going to be a game changer for us at Dollywood for several reasons, including the fact it’s the largest coaster we’ve ever built and our first ride with on-board audio,” said Dollywood president Eugene Naughton.
Guests will travel through the wilderness at maximum speeds of 48 mph, also flying above the forest. The ride will include three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns and tunnels.
As above, Big Bear Mountain is the first ride at Dollywood to include on-board audio. “The Smokies are all about adventure and going exploring,” said Dolly Parton.
Big Bear Mountain POV
“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.”
Dollywood is a 160-acre attraction owned by Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. It is currently building the HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the first project in a $500 million investment plan over the next decade.
Hersheypark also unveiled the custom trains for its new Wildcat’s Revenge wood and steel hybrid coaster at IAAPA Expo 2022.
Images: Dollywood
