Top 4 Things to Know About the Big Bear Mountain Coaster Coming to Dollywood
Dollywood is preparing to expand its thrill ride collection once again with the addition of the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster! The ride is anticipated to open in the spring of 2023 and at nearly 4,000 feet, it will become the longest roller coaster in the theme park! The best part is that the minimum height requirement is just 39 inches, so even younger guests can experience the ride! Here are the top things to know about the Big Bear Mountain coaster coming to Dollywood:
1. The Ride Experience
The Big Bear Mountain roller coaster at Dollywood will take you on an unforgettable expedition through the Smokies in search of the elusive “Big Bear”! Your journey begins instantly with a launch out of the station, so hold on tight and get ready to scream at the top of your lungs! During the adventure, you’ll experience a top speed of 48 miles per hour, three separate launches, multiple airtime hills, high-speed carousel turns, and tunnels! As you race along the border of the Wildwood Grove section of the park, you’ll even get to experience a pass behind a waterfall!
2. On-Board Audio System
One of the things that makes the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster so unique is that it will be the first attraction at Dollywood to feature onboard audio! The unique sound system provides auditory thrills to match the ride’s dynamic movements as you come daringly close to Big Bear! The audio also includes music and announcements from Ned Oakley, the fourth-generation wilderness explorer and good friend of Wildwood Grove’s friendly Benjamin Bear! Whether you choose to ride in the front or the back of the 24-passenger train, you’ll be amazed at how much the audio adds to the fun!
3. Spectacular Theming
While your ride on the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster is sure to be mind-blowing, you’ll also love the spectacular theming built to enhance the experience! The massive coaster structure hugs six acres of undulating topography, running from the newly constructed area at Wildwood Grove to just beyond Hidden Hollow and the Dragonflier. The roller coaster trains are themed too and built to resemble specially-outfitted, four-wheel drive SUVs! Big Bear Mountain joins the 11 other attractions of Wildwood Grove to continue the story of this hidden land just beyond the hollow log.
4. Legend of Big Bear
According to legend, Big Bear is a massive male black bear who has been roaming through Wildwood Grove for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, ever since loggers first started settling this land, fireside stories have been told about a large creature hiding in the woods nearby. With each retelling, the so-called “Big Bear” gets more and more outlandish, with some stories now claiming he’s 20 feet tall when standing! While most people see the story as just that, a simple story, there are a few that believe Big Bear is not only real but claim to have seen him. Now it’s your chance to join Ned Oakley on a quest to prove the existence of Big Bear!
Check out all of the suites at our hotel in Pigeon Forge TN today to stay just minutes away from Dollywood and all of the other exciting attractions throughout the Smokies! We look forward to seeing you soon!
