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Sunday, February 17, 2008America's Zorbonaut Corps Grows At Pigeon Forge
I'll never be a NASA astronaut, but, by golly, I'm an official Zorbonaut. And I have the certificate and wet swimming suit to prove it.
Don¹t know what a Zorbonaut is? I didn¹t either until a bunch of weird New Zealanders (that may be a redundancy) began building Zorb Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge. It's the first Zorb location in North America.
The Kiwis call the Zorb experience a sport, which is OK, if you remember that New Zealand is the nation that thrust bungee jumping on an unsuspecting public. As Zorb's owners say, "New Zealand once again leads the world in stupid things to do while on vacation."
(Full disclosure: I do some work for the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, but that's beside the point. Zorb is so cool, I'd brag about being a Zorbonaut regardless of its location.)
To use some highly technical New Zealand terminology, a Zorb is a giant beachball with a smaller beachball inside it. By giant, I mean 11 feet in diameter for the bigger ball and six feet in diameter for the interior ball.
Through the miracles of modern technology and a whole lot of craftsmanship, the interior ball is perfectly suspended inside the bigger ball, sort of like the chocolate center in a Tootsie Roll Pop.
(More disclosure: I don't do any work for Tootsie Roll Pops, but I do like them. Especially the grape ones.)
Since the outer ball of a Zorb is inflated like the aforementioned beachball and the inner ball is big enough to hold a human, that means a human can get inside and roll down the side of a mountain. Neat, huh?
My Zorb mission was a Zydro assignment. Even though it was cloudy and about 48 degrees, I donned my official Zorbonaut suit (sort of a cross between a swimming suit and a professional boxer's trunks topped with a soccer-style shirt).
Mission Control's instructions were clear: "Give us your best Superman
impersonation."
Explanation: I took a flying leap through a tunnel that connects the inner ball to the outside world and splashed headfirst into about five gallons of warm water. It was a strangely womb-like experience.
Blastoff came after a Zorb wrangler zipped the tunnel shut and opened a gate, sending me careening down a serpentine 1,000-foot-long channel carved into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. If I wanted to extend the womb analogy, I'd have to believe Mom was an Olympic gymnast.
When the Zorb rolled up one side of the channel, my momentum slid me up and around, the water cascaded over me and I lost all orientation know that "up" and "down" mean absolutely nothing. If I'm ever in a front-loading washing machine, I'll know what to expect.
Bounce, slosh, spin! Repeat, repeat, repeat. It's a long way down the mountain, and people at the landing pad heard me whooping and hollering most of the way.
At the end, another wrangler positioned the Zorb so the tunnel was angled down and out. You can come up with your own analogy for what it's like to be extruded fanny-first back into the atmosphere. "Born again" takes on new meaning, and it's funny for Zorbonaut and spectator alike.
Soaking wet from the Zorb's heated water and steaming in the cool air, I saluted Mission Control and began preparation for my next trip into inner space. This one will be a dry experience strapped in a harness inside a different Zorb so I can roll and bounce head over heels down the mountain.
I know I have the right stuff. To heck with NASA.
Tom Adkinson
tadkinson@bohanideas.com
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Thursday, November 01, 2007New "River Battle" scheduled to open in 2008
Dollywood, the No. 2 tourist attraction in Tennessee, will be adding a 500-foot water ride complete with "powerful soaker guns." The $5 million “River Battle” will open in 2008, giving the park more than 40 rides and attractions.
According to Dollywood, River Battle will be a themed water raft ride equipped with powerful soaker guns. Nine rafts, each with room for eight passengers, follow a 500-foot channel. As the rafts navigate the waters, the battle begins as passengers, each armed with a soaker gun, take aim at each other and more than 100 targets along the way, including large-scale "talking animals"—beavers, skunks, otters, bears and more.
Riders beware some of the targets will retaliate by taking aim back at you. Others according to Dollywood will display a variety of special effects, creating surprises at every turn and ensuring that no two rides are ever exactly the same.
Onlookers will also be able to take part in the fun, as River Battle will engage guests along the ride's banks.
While rafters are soaking each other in raft-to-raft sparring, they also can "shoot" observers along the way in "raft-to-shore" fun.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2007Dollywood proves size doesn't equal quality
By Mick Hager
Guest columnist
During a recent family vacation we had the opportunity to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; we could not have had a better guest experience at an amusement park. As a huge Disney fan, I would even suggest the experience overall was better than Disney World.
Dollywood simply cannot compare to Disney World based upon size, but it can compare based upon creating an incredible guest experience and making it simply a joy to be there. Nestled beautifully in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has a grandeur and down-home feel that cannot be replicated. There may not be as many amusement rides or attractions, but the family experience is just as big.
At Disney everything "on stage," which is anywhere there are guests, is completely scripted and choreographed to create a magical guest experience — the secret to Disney's success. Dollywood didn't feel scripted. It felt real, the genuine article. Everyone seemed to love their job and was extremely courteous and helpful. Down home! They were just having a great time making others happy and creating a wonderful guest experience.
I spoke to many, many employees and they all said the same thing — they loved working for Dolly. They loved Dollywood! Many of the folks working at Dollywood were retired or semi-retired and all agreed that they are treated very well and that Dollywood works hard at taking care of its people. Interestingly enough, it appeared there were very few younger people (except for the stage shows) working in the park.
So what can be learned from Dollywood?
Finally, I suspect there is a reason that Dollywood has so many "mature" workers on staff — they recognize the impact old-fashioned values like courtesy and patience have in creating a joyful experience.
— Please e-mail Hager at Mick@MickHager.com with your management questions, and he will answer them in an upcoming article. Visit his Web site at http://www.mickhager.com/.
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Thursday, September 20, 2007Dollywood Takes Golden Ticket Awards Top Prize!
PIGEON FORGE - It's hard to say what is the bigger honor for Dollywood - hosting the annual Golden Ticket Awards that spotlight the best in the theme park industry or winning the Publisher's Pick Award for Park of the Year.
Nearly 90 professionals in the amusement industry made a visit to the Smoky Mountains Wednesday for the annual event, which Dollywood was tapped to host.
"It's a great honor for us to be asked to host these awards," Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens said. "We've worked really hard to give these amusement professionals a great experience while they've been here. This has been a great opportunity for us to showcase Dollywood."
The awards, which are in their 10th year, are organized by Amusement Today, a newspaper dedicated to theme and amusement parks. Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade said the awards were created "to honor the best of the best in the amusement industry."
In addition to receiving the Publisher's Pick Award, Dollywood was also named as a finalist in more categories - from friendliest park to best new attraction for the Mystery Mine - than any other park. That standard of excellence played a role in the park being selected to host the event, Slade said.
"Dollywood is doing a great job," he said. "We wanted to show that off and, of course, they were excited to host us. They've been wonderful to us."
This year's event drew the largest crowd ever, which Slade also attributed to Dollywood's continuing effort to remain at the front of the amusement industry. Representatives from parks from Indiana to California to Florida were part of the event.
The awards are given based on surveys sent to amusement park fans around the world. For the first time in three years, Dollywood's Thunderhead roller coaster didn't take the prize as the top wooden coaster in the poll, with The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Ind. claiming that award.
More information and a complete list of winners can be found on the Web site www.amusementtoday.com
Source: The Mountain Press
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Saturday, September 15, 2007New Harley store revs up for business in Pigeon Forge
Maryville’s Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson dealership this week opened its second full-service store and plans to expand into Kentucky next year.
The dealership’s new 11,000-square-foot Pigeon Forge store had a “soft opening” Thursday and will have a grand opening in a couple of weeks, said Jessica Popek, director of marketing for the dealership.
The new store has about 40 employees and will be open seven days a week, owner Scott Maddux said.
That store now has 20 to 30 motorcycles for sale, Popek said, and also rents bikes.
He said the dealership has a strong market in Sevier County and “we felt like we needed a stronger presence there,” Maddux said. Smoky Mountain Harley also has a retail store in Gatlinburg.
The Pigeon Forge store was converted and enlarged from a retail outlet that sold riding gear, motor clothes and other items.
The store is modeled after the original Harley factory in Milwaukee, Maddux said.
“When you walk in, it’s almost as if the old factory has been converted into a retail store,” Maddux said.
Late next year Maddux hopes to open a dealership in Corbin, Ky.
That would make Maddux the first Harley dealer to own stores in two different territories, Popek said.
Maddux and Popek declined to say how much it cost to upgrade the Pigeon Forge store.
Maddox’s 50,000-square-foot Maryville store is 3 years old and he opened the Pigeon Forge retail store about a year ago.
“The Pigeon Forge dealership is part of the evolution of our original dealership. Now that we’re 3 years old we’ve come to realize that there are a lot of customers in the Sevier County region that we want to serve, and we also want to be able to meet the service needs of travelers in that area,” Maddox said.
Michael Silence may be reached at 865-342-6310.
© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Friday, June 29, 2007Pigeon Forge Entertainment . Attractions
Pigeon Forge's Best Attractions
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg boast so many different kinds of attractions and shows that it's difficult to call any of them the "best." However, certain shows and activities do stand out as reliable favorites.
One of the most famous musicians to come out of the area is, of course, Dolly Parton and she has certainly given back to the community with fun venues for people of all ages. Spend the warm days at Dollywood's Splash Country. They have over two dozen water slides and thrill rides to get your heart racing. Then cool and calm yourself in the Lazy River or in the new Cascades area - an 8,000 square-foot lagoon-style pool with gorgeous grottos built into to compliment the landscape. There are many fun & interactive kids areas so everyone is sure to have a good time.
The Dollywood Theme Park is another wonderful place for family-oriented fun. Divided into eight themed sections, there is sure to be something to catch everyone's interest. You could start with one of over a dozen different musical shows to see including bluegrass, oldies, gospel, old country and new country. They also have the "Wings of America: Birds of Prey" show. Get up-close and personal with a varity of birds of prey from hawks and owls to the majestic bald eagle. Don't forget the magic show! The magicians will amaze you with tricks and illusions that will keep you guessing. But if you want to learn the hows, just step into the Magic Shop where you can learn the "tricks" of the trade.
Speaking of shopping, Dollywood boasts over 40 themed shops to browse through. Everything a shopper could want can be found. There are shops for souvenirs, speciality clothing, home furnishings, art, musical instruments, and many craft and trade stores. Craftsmen's Valley offers the opportunity to see many local tradesmen and women as they work. Watch as the glassblower forms a glass rose or as the blacksmith makes intricate iron designs.
After all that shopping you're bound to get hungry. However, hunger can't last for long at Dollywood. Have a seat at one of the great restraunts and enjoy some traditional southern cooking. Or grab some of the finest corndogs and potato twirls in town. There are plenty of places through out the park to indulge even the pickiest of eaters. Of course, don't forget dessert! Check out the Sweet Shoppe or the Village Ice Creamery for a tasty treat.
Of course, the main attractions at Dollywood are the rides. There are plenty of coasters for the thrill seekers, including the wooden coaster Thunderhead which can reach speeds up to 55 mph and the Tennessee Tornado which can hit 70 mph and features a triple spiral loop and 128 foot drop. Dollywood is also home to the new Mystery Mine, a high-thrill coaster that includes a 95 degree, 85 foot vertical drop into darkness. And those are just a few.
If you don't mind getting wet, take a trip down Daredevil Falls, the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, or on the Blazing Fury. They're sure to cool you down on the hot days. Also, head out to Beaver Creek where the kids can wade around and soak up good times. There are multiple interactive areas for the kids with dozens of different rides.
At the end of the day, head out to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, a dinner and show featuring over 30 horses and performers, pigs, buffalo and, of course, those famous racing ostriches. The four-course feast starts with a mouth-watering soup and biscuit, followed by a whole rotisserie chicken, a barbeque pork loin, corn on the cob, and an herb basted potato. Then enjoy Dixie's own speciality desert, a warm apple turnover. The show plays out as a friendly rivalry between the North and the South. With lots of audience participation, it is you who decides the winner. With a great show and great food, Dolly has no problem offering her guarantee that the Dixie Stampede is the most fun place to eat in the Smokies.
One of the most awarded shows in the area has to be the two-hour-show at Country Tonite. With one of the bests productions and beautiful theaters in the Smokies, the show is sure to impress. There is lots of singing, dancing, and comedy to keep you clapping and laughing through out the night. Their patriotic finale will definitely move you to your feet. The cast includes some of the most talented entertainers in the area and they'll gladly come out and chat with you after the show. A great show for the whole family!
Magic lovers will enjoy the new Magic Beyond Belief feautring the very talented Terry Evanswood. His illusions, tricks, and sleight of hand earned him one of the coveted Merlin Awards. The show features daring escapes and transformations that include many animals. Joining his animal crew this year, will be a 400 pound Royal White Tiger. One of the best magic shops in town can be found at Magic Beyond Belief and they can teach you what you want to know.
Taking in so much entertainment can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the time you spend relaxing in your inviting, beautiful Bear Foot cabin should help you unwind. With amazing views and the perfect location (only four miles from the Dollywood entrance and six miles to the Parkway) your cabin is sure to become your favorite attraction. Feel free to call our toll-free number if you have any questions for us, or simply book your vacation rental online.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 1:36:35 PMTop
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