Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
May 12th, 2023 – Big Bear Mountain opened today and we were there to experience the latest addition to Dollywood’s selection of 10 highly themed roller coasters for ourselves. Of course Dolly Parton was there as well to kick things off with a song she wrote especially for the attraction, much to the delight of the invited guests on hand.
This first-of-its-kind Vekoma Family Thrill Coaster is based off the company’s Family Boomerang, which is extremely compact compared to this 2+ minute – 3990 feet (1.2km) long ride. Like its predecessor, this one also offers three LIM (Linear Induction Motor) launches and a super smooth ride. There’s also a mere 39-inch (99cm) height requirement, which means the entire family can ride together!
Since this is a family coaster, the launches aren’t as powerful as on more extreme coasters, but still pack quite a punch and propel the coaster at speeds reaching up to 48 mph (77 km/h). To add to the theme, audio effects of a bear’s roar can also be heard at the water feature and tunnel.
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