Big Bear Mountain (roller coaster) explained

Big Bear Mountain
Location:Dollywood
Section:Wildwood Grove
Coordinates:35.7987°N -83.53°W
Status:Operating
Type:Steel
Type2:Launched
Manufacturer:Vekoma
Cost:$25 million
Lift:LIM launch
Height Ft:66
Length Ft:3990
Speed Mph:48
Inversions:0
Restriction In:39
Carspertrain:10
Rowspercar:1
Ridersperrow:2
Website:Official website
Rcdb Number:20328

Big Bear Mountain is a launching steel roller coaster located at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States. Manufactured by Vekoma, the roller coaster opened on May 12, 2023, and is the longest in the park featuring a length of 3990feet.

History

On August 5, 2022, Dolly Parton and Dollywood officially announced the US$25 million roller coaster named Big Bear Mountain for the Wildwood Grove section of the theme park with a planned opening of spring 2023.[1] [2] Track for the attraction arrived the following month in September,[3] and trains for the attraction were officially unveiled at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo on November 15, 2022.[4]

Characteristics

Track

The steel track for Big Bear Mountain encompasses 6acres of land,[5] with the track length totaling 3990feet, the longest in Dollywood, and the height of the roller coaster is 66feet.[6] The color of the track is orange with green supports.

Theme

The theme for the ride is based on the legend of a black bear named Big Bear roaming Wildwood Grove that has never been seen. An explorer is tasked to finding Big Bear and brings riders along in an SUV.

References

  1. Web site: Raucoules . Gregory . Gallant . Kristen . August 5, 2022 . New Dollywood roller coaster coming in 2023 to be park's largest . November 20, 2022 . . en-US.
  2. Web site: August 9, 2022 . Big Bear Mountain Roller Coaster set to open at Dollywood in Spring 2023 . November 20, 2022 . The Greenville News . en-US.
  3. Web site: Stevenson . John . September 29, 2022 . Big Bear Mountain Construction Update - Track Arrives at Dollywood . November 20, 2022 . Coaster101 . en-US.
  4. Web site: Veness . Susan and Simon . November 15, 2022 . Dollywood's Big Bear Mountain ride vehicle has been revealed . November 20, 2022 . Attractions Magazine . en-US.
  5. Web site: May 15, 2023 . FAMILY LAUNCH COASTER 'BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN' OFFICIALLY OPENED AT DOLLYWOOD! . July 5, 2024 . . en-US.
  6. Web site: Niles . Robert . August 5, 2022 . Big Bear Mountain Coming to Dollywood in 2023 . November 20, 2022 . Theme Park Insider.

External links