Is Thunderhead Now Dollywood's Best Coaster? April 2023 Vlog

[@rshupe]

Been saying for years that Thunderhead is severely underrated, glad to see its finally getting the recognition it deserves!

[@mattcollins3591]

In all fairness, I have ALWAYS loved thunderhead, but it HAD gotten almost unrideable for alot of people. It’s REALLY telling how the wait now can average over 20 minutes daily when last year onward could be almost walk on all day. I rode it a couple weeks ago and was BLLLOOWWWNNNNNNN away

[@BliXXardStorm]

Amen! I loved it! Rode it at night and liked it much better than LRod, (it was in the winter and LRod didn’t warm up yet..)

[@Snackdance]

Dollywood has their ish together. Really beautiful, good ride selection, great food, incredibly well-maintained. I’m lucky I’ve never had a problem with LR. Plus the terrain there is so hilly you don’t feel bad about the BBQ and cinnamon rolls. Walking around the park is a decent workout itself.

[@learei4642]

the only issue, the midways are too small

[@Snackdance]

@@learei4642 Fair point. The day I went was a less crowded September day, so it wasn’t a problem. But now that you mention it I could see how it could be when it’s crowded.

[@Apollosdemise]

reminds me alot of bgw

[@Snackdance]

@@Apollosdemise bucket list park for me. I’ve never been to bgt either.

[@Apollosdemise]

@@Snackdance bgw is great, havent been to bgt but i wanna go one day

[@connorchambless7062]

Rode Thunderhead this past weekend, it was absolutely amazing. Truly a great coaster. So smooth.

[@coasterjosh]

I’ve never had a better theme park day than in Dollywood.. every ride is so good

[@BrianMark1776]

The ride's are ok, but that cinnamon bread! 😍🤩😍🤩😍🤩

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

I've never been to a better theme park than Dollywood! Deep ride lineup, some are very good, some are amazing. Plus the incredible entertainment! I hate sweets and bread, so everyone else can have that cinnamon bread.

[@bodiejones4844]

Just rode it a couple days ago and you guys are right!! That thing is awesome right now!

[@camdenhochgesang6554]

Wild Eagle does what a wing coaster is supposed to do. Provide a big, smooth, graceful ride. If you want intense, ride an invert.

[@dyylan4516]

Thunderhead is one of my favorite wooden coasters. It is so underrated. I rode it and it has lots of fun turns and airtime hills. Also, I rode it back in late march and I agree with you guys it's so smooth I'm glad you guys like it too!!!

[@CarolinaCycloneJames]

Thunderhead is a very good ride. I haven't had a chance to ride it recently. I last rode it in 2017 and it was pretty rough. But a smooth rough. I did get banged around a bit but it has always been enjoyable. I'm just glad they are keeping it maintained cause it used to go a while without any work done to it. I was recently wondering about it and happy to see it's better than ever

[@monovision566]

I like Wild Eagle. It's smooth and quiet. It feels kinda like it's name, actually. An eagle flying through the air freely.

[@crooked-halo]

I was there in October 2022, my 5th time at Dollywood since Thunderhead opened in 04. I've always loved it & rate it highly, but it feels more intense than ever now! It's had recent work which improved the ride. In 2 days I rode around 30 times & couldn't get enough! The night rides approached, barely, the intensity of Voyage! It was unreal! Astounding! Powerful! I was in shock! I really like Lightning Rod and rode it around 15 times those 2 days, only a few brief downtimes, but Thunderhead rules Dollywood, one of the best roller coasters in the world! Dollywood might be the best theme park in the U.S. too.

[@davidsaulet6120]

10/10 can confirm, those Dollywood ERT rides were otherworldly. I got crazy fat airtime in the front, middle, and back rows!

[@gametime2473]

The way that Thunderhead throws you into the banked turn hills and then bucks you out of your seat on the way down is just epic.

[@matthewlucas7796]

Sarah: if you get in line and then the time switches, is your time the original one or the one it switched to? Taylor: sir, this is a Wendy’s

[@squillz8310]

Thunderhead is my FAVORITE wooden coaster. GCI does a phenomenal job making super intense woodies.

[@mountainclawoutdoors]

I just rode this this past week Wow, one of the best coasters I've ever ridden You said made by GCI, do you have a short list of the best ones from GCI in your opinion?

[@Ky-hc5hw]

I've been a Thunderhead stan for a while now and I'm so glad y'all are FINALLY on the hype train!

[@drewcorry5056]

My 1ST trip coming Dec 26th for 3 days. Can’t wait. Outstanding all around

[@christianortiz-v1l]

Yesss! Jenn is back!

[@JMaster9877]

Last time I was there was 2016. Can't wait for this summer when I finally go back. Love this place

[@porcelainthunder2213]

Even the guests are super nice at Dollywood. True story: I lost my lunch after too many rides on Tennessee Tornado. The staff found it and mailed it back to me! Now that's good customer service.

[@matchesmalone2201]

By “losing your lunch”…you mean you vomited? 😂 Nice of them to get it back to you

[@evanjewell6181]

OMG love that Sarah is wearing Alex's merch 🥰

[@wayne_jkl]

@9:59 "Are you excited?" "No it's an Arrow." 😂😂

[@Josephdavidson]

Its a wonderful ride tho

[@JacobSellers2015]

@@JosephdavidsonI agree 👍

[@satalac]

I've been fortunate to ride Lightning Rod everytime I go to Dollywood, and multiple times each time, and I will say that while I do love it, I think Thunderhead is better, especially at night. I can't wait to get on Thunderhead in a couple of weeks and see what's changed. Awesome video as always (except for making me miss Mountain Slidewinder).

[@ItsDannyRobbins]

6:25 Yes, the time posted when you entered is what you should expect to wait. The wait times always reflect the wait from the current end of the line. They count each row of queue as 5 minutes. When the times don't quite line up, like you experienced at Tornado, it's probably the park's kinda spotty wifi to blame.

[@robertstephens5185]

Tim and coaster crew are awesome. We got to marathon lightning rod for ERT a few years ago. Was amazing at night. But hearing about Thunderhead running so good... definitely worth a visit this years

[@gblxn.9087]

I saw you guys in line for Tennessee tornado I tried to get your attention but I was too far behind and y’all were gone when I was done. I still made it into the video though lol I’m in the background of a mystery mine shot!

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

Wing coasters are the # 1 coaster type that B&M makes. Arrow coasters are awesome! Wild Eagle & Tennessee Tornado battle for # 1 coaster at Dollywood (with LRod closed). That's based on my recent Thunderhead rides, which ran quite slow.

[@owenfouts2494]

Finally! It’s been my number 1 for most underrated coaster for quite some time

[@Wandering_Outlaw]

Looking forward to my first trip to Dollywood on May 27th!

[@tjmthegreat4009]

Thunderhead was incredible when I rode it in freezing weather in a packed train. Air time is dangerously good

[@erikripley9285]

looking at normal Dollywood crowds I feel so lucky about my first time experience going last October. went on a Wednesday and the part was completely empty. waited in 3 lines all day and all 3 were under 10 minutes. rode lightning rod 14 time, Thunderhead 12 time, wild eagle 15 time, mystery mine 9 time, Tennessee tornado, 11 times, fire chaser express 5 times, dragonfilers 3 times. all walk ons all day. only downer was the water rides weren't open because it was too cold (wasn't even that cold).

[@rossh688]

Thunderhead has been Dollywood's best coaster for years.. It's especially good with the rest of the new track. The pothole that was through the lift hill is now ejector. On pass preview day, the park was packed but even Lightning Rod was dead. Thunderhead, was a walk on. So glad we got so many rides in AND saw Dolly in her parade. Thunderhead is #1 there and Tennessee Tornado is #2. Lightning Rod is too slow for the layout, now. I will take Tennessee Tornado over most floor less or sit down B&M loopers.

[@bradyryan5105]

Wild Eagle is my 2nd favorite Dollywood roller coaster, behind Lightning Rod

[@michaelharris4259]

I went to Dollywood a few weeks ago, and I agree about Thunderhead. It has been my favorite GCI since I rode it in 2008, and one of my top wooden coasters overall. Lightning Rod become my favorite in the park when it opened up, but after riding it for the first time since the major overhaul, I have to agree that it has fallen off some. It doesn't seem to have the punch it once did. The outside banked turn has always been my favorite element on LR because of the way it just whipped you from side to side, but it just didn't have the same kick it used to. It's still a great ride, but it doesn't run like it used to IMO. Contrast that with Thunderhead, which was running great! It was smoother that my last ride and it continues to deliver the great air that I've always gotten on it. Hopefully, it continues to get the recognition it deserves!

[@esg_zom3319]

Rode it a couple years ago, it gave me and my whole family a headache. It was fun but it was just way too rough. Rode it again yesterday and I was absolutely blown away by how much better it was. Definitely my favorite wooden rollercoaster.

[@ArchJ17]

I went earlier this year and thunderhead now claims my favorite wooden coaster

[@aliensallaroundus1126]

Dollywood is tops in classiness of parks

[@wrestlingandamusementparkl7789]

Thunder head is amazing

[@samives8807]

I rode thunderhead on a rainy day in early April a couple weeks ago and it was butter smooth. Lightning rod was closed that day but man thunderhead was easily the best ride in the park.

[@kyleh0122]

I'm glad to see that Thunderhead has gotten better. I went on in late 2021, and I couldn't stand it. I even rode it an extra time in the front row to give it a fair chance. But it was just rough enough to make it unpleasant for me. It's a real shame too, 'cause I liked the ejector, but that bumpiness did not sit well with me. It was far from the worst coaster I'd ridden, but it was my least favorite at Dollywood. But now, I will definitely get back on it if I can make the trip.

[@cameronvincent7570]

Yes, Thunderhead is Dollywood's best ride. I rode it for the first time about a month ago, and I was shocked at how much I liked it. The airtime was excellent in both the back, middle, and front. As much as I enjoyed Lightning Rod, I thought Thunderhead was better.

[@bassjasinski]

Looks like fun, hopefully Lightning Rod is open when I visit.

[@robblaster9556]

Ugh I registered for the Coaster Crew event but I had to cancel because I got sick the week of. I'm so bummed. it would've been my first time at Dollywood. It would've been great to see all you guys! Looks like everyone had a great time

[@josekuhn2819]

Thunderhead is awesome

[@jay37415]

Ride it a couple weeks ago and was amazed how smooth it is

[@cjdoesstuff7567]

Me and my Girl Scout troop went Friday and we only waited 5 minutes for thunderhead and 10-15 for the rest!! Except for dragon flier (25) and fire chaser (40(

[@BliXXardStorm]

So glad that the GCI monster is getting love from the park and the community! And I enjoy Eagle, but I could fall asleep on it in the best way.. 😅

[@beerfish109]

Bucketlist park for me! Been on my radar ever since the build of Mystery Mine.

[@Snackdance]

They didn’t ride it for this video, but don’t sleep on FireChaser Express. It’s one of the very best family coasters.

[@beerfish109]

@@Snackdance I love Gertslauer family coasters they are great fun! Wouldn't dare skipping FireChaser Express

[@boilercoasters8442]

Thunderhead surprised me so much when I visited Dollywood last year. The airtime and whip really hit more than any other GCI and the pacing was relentless. 2nd favorite GCI as of now

[@generic_username_here1]

Love to see my first big roller coaster get some love ❤️

[@kangagaming1949]

got the honor to visit this incredible park with family last week rode this 4 times. second day (Saturday) we had quick ques and got in the fourth row of one of the cars i was on the left(from where you enter) and my seat restraint wasn't fully down the guy didnt really check it said it was normal me being a coaster enthusiast knew that it wasn't but man o man i got quite a bit more airtime than i bargained for ill tell ya that lmao the picture is me almost standing but other than that incident its one of my absolute favorites. tennese tornado is probably my most that one was so intense i had so many gs pulling on me on that one. sadly lightning rod wasnt running which honestly didn't suprise me given its rep.

[@rbianca1]

So exciting to hear how great Thunderhead is running!

[@cbjgirl23]

finally got on mystic timbers recently and now this vlog is REALLY makes me want to go down for thunderhead

[@middleman16]

Went there for a day over spring break for pretty much the first time this month. We were lucky since it wasn’t very busy and we got 2 rides on lightning rod front row without it breaking

[@OffTheRailsPodcast]

Taylor getting angry but trying to mask it when others don't share his opinion will never get old

[@SchrodingersCat8813]

Wow. I already loved it and had it as my #5 wooden, and not tooo rough (I have a good tolerance). I’d it’s even better then damn, glad I’ll be going back to DW this year!

[@therealredninja-]

I see sarah rocking some Adventures with Alex merch!

[@khjuggler]

Good to hear Thunderhead is smoother now. I rode it late last year and the first half had some jackhammering. Still thought it was almost as good as Mystic Timbers.

[@spamntaters]

Thunderhead is one of my favorite coasters. I've rarely ever seen Tennessee Tornado running two trains, though when I was a kid I got to ride it 11 times in a row until the queue got long enough to make us get off.

[@spentron1]

On my visit last year, Thunderhead seemed smooth the first night, quite different the second day although never justifying the complaints I've heard. Excellent, but could be moody? Wild Eagle was a nice surprise. I was actually getting little airtime pops going into the curves like Thunderhead. Also found Mystery Mine underrated.

[@lisah4405]

I’m thinking this as well about Thunderhead. Everyone is talking about how much smoother it is but I had a different experience a few weeks ago, and didn’t enjoy it as much as I did a few years ago.

[@mybabygotstoled]

Thunderhead #1 forever without a doubt. It's so good. Lightning Rod luck is real. I know that layout like the back of my hand. Can point out all the perimeter gates. They shoulda added an inversion! Mystery Mine is vibes. Beautiful ride. They should add a new dark ride behind Barnstormer and extend Tornado and complete Alan's original 7 inversion layout 😂 RMC Blazing Fury!!!

[@breemik08]

They already have RMC'd parts of Blazing Fury.

[@JakeTerch]

Last time I went to Dollywood was in 2002, back when Tennessee Tornado was the only coaster (unless you count Blazing Fury). I really need to return!

[@brucegibson1813]

goldstriker got retracked in April last year and it was super smooth with a little bit of crunch to it, it was perfect. A year later it’s definitely gotten a bit shakier.

[@crooked-halo]

I did a CA coaster trip in Dec last year (22). Gold Striker has become one of my favorite wood coasters, and that having ridden almost all the U.S. woodies. I was astounded at how powerful & fun Gold Striker is! Magnificent! I liked it so much I decided on a second day at Great America, which was great because Santa Cruz Giant Dipper was closed for re-painting. That bummed me out when I got there. It might be open by now, it's the 100th anniversary so they've been giving it new paint. But Gold Striker...WOW! Absolutely in love with it & will likely return this year!

[@brucegibson1813]

@@crooked-halo That’s awesome! Giant dipper was indeed down for it’s repaint and it looks good as ever, it’s open now. As for goldstriker highly recommend riding it at night when it warms up and becomes super fast!

[@nathanthompson4842]

The number is a actual phone number it’s so cool to hear Ned Oakley talking about big bear.

[@barusshka92]

Omg Jen's "no, its an arrow" got me 😅

[@cjdoesstuff7567]

Currently crying because you went the day I was here but I never saw you 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 I love you guys Edit: I went the day before 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@edwardsalazar1599]

I think I saw the shirtless guy at Carrowinds. The exact same thing happened while on Intimidator.

[@TwipoGamez_]

12:50 A while back, one of the park employees told me that that is where their next coaster is going!

[@keziah5647]

I was there last year and Thunderhead was the star for me. Really enjoyed LRod too, Thunderhead just feels like a more complete ride though.

[@handyhank1967]

I love Sarah's shirt...

[@jamesm7517]

Great vlog. I will consider myself lucky that I got on Lightning Rod four times in one day. Agree that Thunderhead is a great ride. Wild Eagle had the B&M raddle, and boring. It's been four years since I've been to Dollywood hoping to get back in the fall.

[@starlitsakura]

the first drop on wild eagle always kills me

[@pappaslivery]

Did Dolly wood last summer. Thunder head was running rough with a couple potholes. Got a half dozen trips on lightning rod. Literally the inverse of your trip

[@ryanmcdonnell5988]

Thunderhead is definitely my favorite GCI

[@stephenboshears4832]

Thunderhead has been seriously underrated for years I’m glad to see it earning the respect it deserves. Also Wild Eagle is weak, but you were in the worst row for forces front left is the worst seat, The Magic seat is the left rear wing seat.

[@HuffyYT]

Ive heard so many bad things about THunderhead and I got my first ride 2 weeks ago and I was SO SHOCKED??? IT WAS SO GOOD??

[@Calakapepe]

new ver of Mystery Mine is less good because it doesnt have the horizontal fan type of thing... but despite the shallower drop, it still feels very similar.... and that also means the headbanging is not better overall haha We need to simply have a custom train that has lapbars (if it wouldn't already fit the existing trains on other gerstlauers) just sit in the center 2 seats & youre good

[@StormRunnerSam]

Yeah after that ERT session Thunderhead is really one of the best coasters at Dollywood.

[@rossh688]

I would have gone had I known Thunderhead was going to be the ERT ride instead of Lightning Rod.

[@TJ85234]

We got lucky and went once last year and rode Lightning Rod 5 times

[@josephpatton8869]

Coaster Coaster COASTER!!!! Dollywood is on my bucket list! 🤔

[@chadenglish4169]

I love Thunderhead. 2nd time I rode it was in the back row at night. Awesome ride. I think I like it better than Lightning Rod.

[@shadedviewproductions2488]

Thunderhead is Dollywood's best coaster. I am 0 for 1 on trying to get on Lightning Rod so my opinion might change but we shall see in time.

[@TopHatJack4970discord]

I was just there myself a couple weeks ago and other than Lightning Rod Thunderhead was the most enjoyable coaster there even more so than the wild eagle.

[@thewaspsare1nside]

Sarah wearing my favourite youtuber's merch is so nice!

[@treytappan]

This video is amazing!

[@The8BitNerd]

8:06 9:02 I love their reactions.

[@Sokobansolver]

To answer the title in one word: yes

[@1TitanicFan1]

I remember riding Thunderhead 9 times in a row when I was eleven. That was a great day.

[@saraslate2362]

It was a great event!

[@itsplasticbabyofficial]

Rode it very recently, it is so smooth and I (hot take) actually like it better than mystic timbers

[@Jakebtw_7]

Wow I need to ride it again because it was quite rough when I rode it

[@alantrotter2077]

I rode Thunderhead opening day this year and yes, it is running much better than previous years. Enough to move it in my Top 50 overall, but still behind other GCI's (GoldStriker, Renegade, & Mystic Timbers), and behind Lightning Rod which I also rode opening day this year. I got multiple rides on each and it isn't close. This is a case of recency bias. You don't get to ride Lightning Rod. another ride is running at its peak and you are getting ERT on it. Dollywood's top coasters are pretty clear for me: 1. Lightning Rod 2. Thunderhead 3. Tennessee Tornado Each one of the top 3 are among the best of the types. Lightning Rod is one of the best RMC's, Thunderhead is one of the better GCI's, and Tennessee Tornado is probably the best arrow looper. Big Bear does look quite good. Didn't see it testing opening day but with the layout it is a coaster you will be able to shoot from all types of angles. It is a photographer's dream. Should be right up Taylor and Sarah's alley.

[@Marty_NZ]

Alan, I agree with your 1,2,3 rankings for Dollywood. Sounds like Thunderhead is running much better this year, but it didn't do much for me earlier last year. So let's talk Lightning Rod again. If you ignore how it used to run and only rate it on how it's currently running with no trees around it, do you still think it's one of the best RMCs? I don't see Lightning Rod moving past a mid tier RMC, even if it sped up by a considerable amount.

[@alantrotter2077]

@@Marty_NZ it is a top 3 RMC for me in its current state. The setting is near perfect. The quad down is still my favorite element on any coaster. Been on 18 RMCs and it is tough to beat. I really don’t think the changes are as big of a deal as people make them out to be. It used to be my #1 overall pre changes. I tend to side with Canobie when it comes to discussing Lightning Rod.

[@alantrotter2077]

@@Marty_NZ I will say it could move up or down as I am riding my #2 & #4 coasters in the next 48 hours. Your #1 is one of the two.

[@Marty_NZ]

@@alantrotter2077 I'm jealous. When are we going to ride some coasters together though? I'm trying to tee up a few things in June, but that damn Wildcats Revenge opening date is holding me back.

[@alantrotter2077]

@@Marty_NZ I’m taking my nephew on a trip to Six flags great adventure, dorney, Knoebels, and Hershey but we booked it for July. Two reasons. 1. I think Wildcat’s Revenge is going to open around the 4th of July. They will really have to push it to open it by Memorial Day. 2. Better chance El Toro is open. But I understand your situation. I missed Jersey Devil by 11 days. Your situation is way more difficult considering where you are coming from. Other than that I’m going to cedar point and Michigan’s adventure Memorial Day weekend and going to BG Williamsburg and kings dominion the following weekend and then Europe in the second half of august. If anything I may try a long weekend to kings island, Kentucky kingdom or something like that.

[@Shortstack732]

Just got back from a weekend at Dollywood. Hadn’t been since 2007, a miserable trip with my mother’s boyfriend at the time. Decided to give Dollywood a shot at redemption with my husband. I was looking forward to Thunderhead and it did not disappoint! Wanted to try Lightning Rod, but it was close to a 2-hour wait with TimeSaver 😮😢 Dragonflier has a nice kick to it for a family coaster. That horseshoe turn is (chef’s kiss). Can’t wait til our next trip to ride Big Bear Mountain and (hopefully) Lightning Rod.

[@krell88]

Did anyone else call Ned Oakley at the number posted on the “Have You Seen” poster? Ned has me on the look out for Big Bear now haha

[@matheuscastello6554]

the "its been out for 20 years" line actually bothered me a bit, i know taylor was joking, but not everyone can just travel to dollywood whenever they feel like it, some people live in other parts of the world, some people are poor, and some people are both! on another note, loved sarahs shirt

[@breemik08]

He was referring to spoilers for mystery mine. There is nothing wrong with "spoiling" potential surprises in a 16 year old ride in a video that is talking about a park's rides. That comment had nothing to do with people's means to travel. The people who watch this video are the same people who watch on-ride POV's of Mystery Mine. Therefore, there shouldn't really be any spoilers.

[@AndrewEthans]

I am so excited for vekoma's return to the US

[@Fapperman84]

Always has been the best!

[@jasonjennings5783]

I rode both Thunderhead and LR yesterday. You’ve simply forgotten Lightning Rod. Yes, Thunderhead is WAYYYY better than before. But it still doesn’t match up in any side-by-side comparative with LR, save reliability. (Interestingly, both coasters had down time yesterday - but the app captured the “TC”s and re-openings immediately.)

[@dammitdyango]

Coaster 365 Dollywood videos coming soon!

[@daniel.909]

Idk how it happened but Thunderhead became my favorite coaster out there. So so good

[@thee_rainbxw_pisces]

OMG SARAHS WEARING THE ADVENTURES WITH ALEX MERCH, SLAYYYYYYY 🌈🌈🌈

[@andrewyates1789]

Thunderhead got a lot of the new Brazilian Ipe wood this season.