I quite literally received the notification for this review earlier today while in line for Firechaser lol. That’s something that’ll probably never happen again 😆
I love the theming on this ride. For a ride that isn't necessarily immersive (like Space Mountain, Disney Mine Trains, Verbolten, Hagrid or other similar rides) this is about as good as it gets for a family ride. The setting really complements the theme and elements. And it really looks great from the midway.
America needs more family rides like this with scene sections. It's like a local version of a Disney Scene. Now as far as Crazy Charlie is concerned, I like him. Huge fan, I'd love to have a beer with him. I'm a pyro nut and in Michigan before fireworks became legal (the good ones) everyone would go to Ohio, but the true enthusiast of pyro would go to Tennessee.
I'd love for Dollywood to become the Hansa-Park of North America and build a highly themed Gerstlauer Infinity hypercoaster with a beyond vertical drop to complement their other two awesome Gerstlauers. It would be really cool to have a Karnan of the Smokies with some logging, prospector or even Wildwood Grove theme.
Had my first Dollywood visit in October! From a pure fun and comfort standpoint I prefer Big Bear Mountain (the onboard audio pairs well with the layout’s charging pace). I enjoyed FireChaser Express to a slightly lesser extent as it was tracking with a bit of vibration especially in the backwards section, but I was blown away (no small thanks to Big Bertha) by the theming, even backing into the station like an actual firetruck. It’s such a photogenic attraction with the station and lookout towers on hillside, and it’s beautifully-lit at night. Listening to Crazy Charlie’s phone calls and reading the call logs in the queue adds to the fun. I’m 5’4” but still bumped my knees every time I got off the ride (either there is really little legroom or I’m clumsy 😂).
While I welcome the thrill kick Hersheypark has been on with their coasters recently, I think something like this (or the others you mention at the end of the video) would be the most beneficial addition to their lineup. They have a pretty broad spread with a gap between Trailblazer and the next most intense rides, and this would fill that gap perfectly.
Out of all the family coasters I’ve ridden this is my favorite out of all of them. It’s perfect and when I head to Dollywood I always do lightning rod first as when it breaks down it is closed for the rest of the day and it’s also my home park and I love it so much this place offers amazing food my favorite are the tenders because of how good they are and my favorite place is the restaurant outside of mystery mine and wildwood grove. The restaurant is somewhere at the top of the 2 coasters in this area
I do think it's an elite family coaster, but I have never noticed much of any airtime on it. Big Bear Mountain, however, was giving excellent airtime (by family coaster standards) a couple weeks ago. That is easily my new favorite family coaster anywhere. I was blown away by it.
I think this is Dollywood's most underrated roller coaster. It may not be there, tallest, fastest, longest, steepest, or most thrilling attraction, but the theming, multiple launches, and backwards element make it a very unique and not to be missed ride on every visit.
Yeah, I prefer it over Big Bear Mountain too. Big Bear has great pacing and speed, but soft forces and low theming. Fire Chaser is a bit more janky, but has significantly more variety to its elements, more unique elements, stronger forces, and superior theming. Big Bear feels like a multi launch thrill coaster, but scalled down ti family. It has a layout that is airtime and quick transition focused, but had said airtime and force significantly scalled back to be family friendly. A family coaster can usually get over weaker forces with theming, but the theming is lacking save the audio.
Personally I find BBM to be more intense and snappier, although firechaser definitely has better laterals. Both are a little underwhelming in the airtime department though. I’ve frequently found the same criticism of both, you come close to airtime at several points without actually having airtime.
A Dollywood employee once told me the reason for Adventure Mountain's removal was low capacity and consistent guest dissatisfaction about their inability to go on the attraction because of its closed-toe shoe requirement. I know when I went in 2011 as a 12 year old, I was turned away from the attraction because of my shoes and was so disappointed. It's sad because I think the concept of a huge adventure ropes course like that without an upcharge is really something unique and fit Dollywood very well. I haven't ridden Big Bear Mountain yet but I likely agree with the verdict of Firechaser being better. For all the hyping up they did regarding the Wildwood Grove expansion, the complete lack of theming is a massive buzzkill and makes BBM seem redundant.
FireChaser's launches are quick and punchy to the little ones, so it can be a little surprising vs the predictable lift hills on Big Thunder Mountain. Fire chaser gives riders brief moments to catch their breath on the lift, the midcourse brakes, and you're stationary for 15seconds in Crazy Charlie's show scene. The backwards launch and finale is the most polarizing segment, and is sometimes why kids choose not to do it.
Does Firechaser Express beat the likes of Schlange von Midgard, Wakala and Pegasus Express all the same family coaster model the later 2 being long and exceptional family coasters
It's a little funny that the captions when you say, "Is it better than Big Bear Mountain? For me, yes it is." instead says "...for me, no." Also, Yippe's layout is in no way similar to FCE.
I quite literally received the notification for this review earlier today while in line for Firechaser lol. That’s something that’ll probably never happen again 😆
Hope you enjoyed it!
I love the theming on this ride. For a ride that isn't necessarily immersive (like Space Mountain, Disney Mine Trains, Verbolten, Hagrid or other similar rides) this is about as good as it gets for a family ride. The setting really complements the theme and elements. And it really looks great from the midway.
They really did a nice job.
I really enjoyed this when I rode it. I think it's the best family coaster I've been on.
It's certainly up there.
America needs more family rides like this with scene sections. It's like a local version of a Disney Scene.
Now as far as Crazy Charlie is concerned, I like him. Huge fan, I'd love to have a beer with him.
I'm a pyro nut and in Michigan before fireworks became legal (the good ones) everyone would go to Ohio, but the true enthusiast of pyro would go to Tennessee.
I wish more parks built a whole them and story like this.
I remember riding this in the back row at night and it felt totally different!
I usually save my night rides for Lightning Rod or Tornado.
I'd love for Dollywood to become the Hansa-Park of North America and build a highly themed Gerstlauer Infinity hypercoaster with a beyond vertical drop to complement their other two awesome Gerstlauers. It would be really cool to have a Karnan of the Smokies with some logging, prospector or even Wildwood Grove theme.
That would be incredible to come to any US park.
I’m really exited for this next summer, maybe even more than everything expect Tennessee tornado, wild eagle, and lrod
It's good, but I do prefer the park's big thrill coasters.
Had my first Dollywood visit in October! From a pure fun and comfort standpoint I prefer Big Bear Mountain (the onboard audio pairs well with the layout’s charging pace). I enjoyed FireChaser Express to a slightly lesser extent as it was tracking with a bit of vibration especially in the backwards section, but I was blown away (no small thanks to Big Bertha) by the theming, even backing into the station like an actual firetruck. It’s such a photogenic attraction with the station and lookout towers on hillside, and it’s beautifully-lit at night. Listening to Crazy Charlie’s phone calls and reading the call logs in the queue adds to the fun. I’m 5’4” but still bumped my knees every time I got off the ride (either there is really little legroom or I’m clumsy 😂).
Big Bear having on-board audio is another positive.
I'm just curious: what prevented this ride from getting a perfect score?
Some slight imperfections (minor rattle, 1-2 dud elements).
@@CanobieCoaster, thank you. :)
While I welcome the thrill kick Hersheypark has been on with their coasters recently, I think something like this (or the others you mention at the end of the video) would be the most beneficial addition to their lineup. They have a pretty broad spread with a gap between Trailblazer and the next most intense rides, and this would fill that gap perfectly.
I'd love to see some sort of family coaster wind its way under Candymonium's 1st half.
Out of all the family coasters I’ve ridden this is my favorite out of all of them. It’s perfect and when I head to Dollywood I always do lightning rod first as when it breaks down it is closed for the rest of the day and it’s also my home park and I love it so much this place offers amazing food my favorite are the tenders because of how good they are and my favorite place is the restaurant outside of mystery mine and wildwood grove. The restaurant is somewhere at the top of the 2 coasters in this area
This park has a great lineup. I hope the chain lift finally fixes Lightning Rod's reliability issues.
I do think it's an elite family coaster, but I have never noticed much of any airtime on it. Big Bear Mountain, however, was giving excellent airtime (by family coaster standards) a couple weeks ago. That is easily my new favorite family coaster anywhere. I was blown away by it.
That's the oppsoite of what I experienced in May.
I think this is Dollywood's most underrated roller coaster. It may not be there, tallest, fastest, longest, steepest, or most thrilling attraction, but the theming, multiple launches, and backwards element make it a very unique and not to be missed ride on every visit.
I agree, it is a must.
Yeah, I prefer it over Big Bear Mountain too. Big Bear has great pacing and speed, but soft forces and low theming.
Fire Chaser is a bit more janky, but has significantly more variety to its elements, more unique elements, stronger forces, and superior theming.
Big Bear feels like a multi launch thrill coaster, but scalled down ti family. It has a layout that is airtime and quick transition focused, but had said airtime and force significantly scalled back to be family friendly. A family coaster can usually get over weaker forces with theming, but the theming is lacking save the audio.
I don't mind what Big Bear does given that it's a family coaster, but I prefer Firechaser.
Personally I find BBM to be more intense and snappier, although firechaser definitely has better laterals. Both are a little underwhelming in the airtime department though. I’ve frequently found the same criticism of both, you come close to airtime at several points without actually having airtime.
I've gotten several pops of airtime on Firechaser, but not really on Big Bear.
I rode this twice during its opening year when I was 11 years old.
Nice!
A Dollywood employee once told me the reason for Adventure Mountain's removal was low capacity and consistent guest dissatisfaction about their inability to go on the attraction because of its closed-toe shoe requirement. I know when I went in 2011 as a 12 year old, I was turned away from the attraction because of my shoes and was so disappointed. It's sad because I think the concept of a huge adventure ropes course like that without an upcharge is really something unique and fit Dollywood very well.
I haven't ridden Big Bear Mountain yet but I likely agree with the verdict of Firechaser being better. For all the hyping up they did regarding the Wildwood Grove expansion, the complete lack of theming is a massive buzzkill and makes BBM seem redundant.
Thanks for sharing. I agree capacity had to have been a major issue and that's a good point on the shoes.
This looks like a real awesome family ride. Just like Snoopys Racing Railway. I think this one is longer. Does look fun.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This is a much longer ride. If you're comparing to Wonderland rides, I'd say it's closer to Backlot.
After the Silverwood ride reviews, what review are you going to do?
Not sure at this time.
What are you going to do after those Silverwood flats?
Not sure at this time.
What’s the thrill of this vs Big Thunder Mountain?
FireChaser's launches are quick and punchy to the little ones, so it can be a little surprising vs the predictable lift hills on Big Thunder Mountain. Fire chaser gives riders brief moments to catch their breath on the lift, the midcourse brakes, and you're stationary for 15seconds in Crazy Charlie's show scene. The backwards launch and finale is the most polarizing segment, and is sometimes why kids choose not to do it.
This is without a doubt more intense, it has an actual drop, something BTM does not have.
Similar. Firechaser has some punchy launched, but Big Thunder has the better airtime pops.
I like Firechaser more then Big bear Mountain also. Theming is what makes it.
That definitely helps.
Will you review Pégase Express anytime soon?
In the next few months.
in comparison what so you think about Verbolten?
Verbolten is noticeably more intense. Really like both rides.
What countdowns do you have planned for?
Different chain ones.
Would you say you like this or Expedition Everest more?
I prefer Everest.
i love gerstlauer family coasters, btw have you heard of firle franz in bayern park? Its a brand new one family shuttle coaster
Yes, it looks like fun.
You should review Laff Trakk at HersheyPark
I don't have plans at this time.
Does Firechaser Express beat the likes of Schlange von Midgard, Wakala and Pegasus Express all the same family coaster model the later 2 being long and exceptional family coasters
I prefer Firechaser to all those.
What chain are you doing count downs on?
The big ones like Herschend, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Cedar Fair, etc.
@@CanobieCoastercool
What are you going to review first after those countdowns?
Some rides and parks from last year's trips.
What review are you going to do after all the countdowns first
Some of the parks I've done countdowns for, but not reviews.
What are you going to do next for your next review?
Some Silverwood rides.
What is your next review plan
I have some countdown lists coming out next.
You should do a review on laff trakk
I don't have plans at this time.
It Perfect for the Clone
I don't think it's easily cloneable due to the terrain.
Even with big bear as a walk on last week this still had a 10-20 wait. It is getting a little shaky in the beginning tho
I get it with this ride's capacity.
Then, what after those countdowns
More reviews.
For Me The Best Family Coaster Is Cheetah Hunt But I Guess Some Don't Count Cheetah Hunt As A Family Coaster
I don't count that as a true family coaster.
Man i wish six flags st.louis would replace thier old mine train with one of these
That would certainly be an upgrade.
What is your next review?
Some of Silverwood's flats.
I prefer big bear over fire chaser
Not surprised. Many seem to have that opinion.
@@CanobieCoaster big Bear is in my top ten, but fire chaser is top 30 (I only have 43 credits)
It's a little funny that the captions when you say, "Is it better than Big Bear Mountain? For me, yes it is." instead says "...for me, no." Also, Yippe's layout is in no way similar to FCE.
I fixed the caption part. Thanks for pointing that out.
Fire Chaser is ok, but i liked Big Bear better.
To each their own. I know many prefer that one.
It’s not the best family coaster at Dollywood, the best family coaster in the world.
I prefer this to Big Bear.
What is your next review?
I made a SpinCycle one today.