| Dollywood, 11-20-04, Christmas Celebration
Hey, ya'll. I just had the best time at Dollywood yesterday. Let me tell you about it...
As you know, it's Christmas Celebration time in the Smokies, and this was my first trip during this "Festival of Lights." Beautiful, yeah . . . but it's just plain awesome what they can do with these lights and decorations! I was amazed.
I went with my best friend, who's a thrill-only guy; he's not big into the shows and stuff like that. I kept callin' him "Scrooge" throughout the day, making him mad, HA!!! I, a musician, LOVE them, and would've been fine with seeing EVERY show they had. To keep us both happy, we compromised and only saw a couple of shows.
"Christmas in the Smokies" was phenomenal. I really am surprised, and glad (being a Christian), that Dolly chooses to keep tradition and religious rooting in the shows. Seemed like half of this show was Scripture and the most beautiful song written for Mary, Joseph, and the Angel. The singers/actors really were spectacular!
"The Kingdom Heirs" were awesome as well. I'm not a big fan of Southern Gospel music, but the energy and humor was pleasant. Again, real preachy, but a lot of fun, too. It kinda became a tribute to all veterans, and recognizing all who've served in the armed forces. The band was awesome; they played the neatest patriotic medley with each branch of the service's song. "Anchors Away my boys," "Off we go...into the wild blue yonder," "Over hill, over dale, we will hit the dusty trail, as those caisons go rolling along," "From the halls of Montezuma..." and other patriotic songs. Super-cool.
THUNDERHEAD was open, and boy did it ROCK! We rode it 4 or five times early in the day with a quick-moving line, and made our way back toward Tennessee Tornado by way of Country Fair to get us some chicken tenders . . . yummee!! This is the only Arrow looper I've ever ridden, and I love it! Why aren't there more of these things!?!? This thing would kick-butt if it were twice as long!! Love that little pop of air just over the lift before the turn-a-round and first drop! Back seat is best! So smooth, and way more force than I ever would've thought! We rode this one 4 or five times too, with one-train operation, of course.
We took a break from the park, went out shopping for a while, had a second lunch, and came back for the "Carol of the Trees", which is a bunch of trees and decorations around some pond in the park. The lights on each tree, with the help of some professional lighting and pro-sound equipment, were synchronized with the music. The result . . . at times, a beautiful orchestra with "ooo, pretty," at other times, a high-energy "wow!" The coolest, and most unique show-type thing I've ever seen. (The ducks were pretty cool, too.)
We missed the parade, but in exchange for some night rides on Thunderhead. It's a completely different ride experience at night. The main reason for this, I guess, is the flash from the cameras mess up your vision (eyes never do adjust after that). From that point on, it's just a bunch of pops of air, and changing directions, and leaning without "making" your body do the leaning, etc. Just crazy!!! I was laughing uncontrollably at the crazy sense of speed you get after the fly-through at night. The coaster itself is way up on the charts (not #1), but that night-ride is the #1 coaster experience so far. SO cool!
If you've never been to Dollywood to see how the mountain people celebrate the Christmas holidays, you've got to visit. I know it's been said SO many times, but the atmosphere at Dollywood is like no other. Dollywood's Christmas Celebration is a must-experience.  |
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