PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (April 2014)—Already home to a number of innovative family attractions, Dollywood theme park has added to its stellar roster with the debut of FireChaser Express, the nation’s first dual-launch family coaster that travels both forward and backward.
Boasting a 39-inch minimum height requirement, FireChaser Express invites families to enjoy the exciting journey as a group. Perched 12 stories above the park’s Wilderness Pass area, FireChaser Express launches twice, blasting riders forward and backward on a winding 2,427-foot track. The coaster is projected from the loading station traveling from zero to 16 mph in just 1.1 second. Near the end of the ride, a backward launch from zero to 20 mph in two seconds sends FireChaser Express hurtling back to the station in the opposite direction.
“I’m truly excited about FireChaser Express because families are going to be able to ride together as a group, many of them for the first time,” Dolly Parton said. “Children around the age of four are tall enough to ride, so a lot of kids are going to get on their first coaster right here at Dollywood. I’m thrilled we can give families a special memory to hold on to forever!”
After the initial launch, a 79-foot lift propels FireChaser Express through a “trick track” section where the passenger trains twist from side to side. Riders also encounter two helices and six zero-gravity moments on a journey that lasts two minutes and 19 seconds. FireChaser Express features three 14-passenger trains with an hourly capacity of 750 riders.
Volunteer recruits are invited to climb aboard FireChaser Express as it launches from Station 7 in Dollywood’s Wilderness Pass on a thrilling adventure to save the Smokies from potential fire hazards.
Along the way, guests flash across mountainous terrain, through giant fire towers, and dodge fallen telephone poles and crashed rockets. During the excursion, guests discover Crazy Charlie Cherriebaum’s Gas & Fireworks Emporium, a haphazard roadside stand that proves fireworks, gasoline and lightning do not mix. After a surprise explosion, FireChaser Express is launched backward, through another section of track, ultimately delivering recruits to Station 7 in reverse!
FireChaser Express celebrates the volunteer-based fire departments of the 1940s which protected the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During this time, firefighting trains were a common sight throughout the park. FireChaser Express’ passenger trains are themed to celebrate all firefighters who bravely battle perilous blazes to ensure the safety of others.
Dollywood is in its 29th season and features the spectacular entertainment of Festival of Nations through April 21. Mother Africa and La Danza de Colombia highlight the festival, which includes impressive displays of cultural activities and authentic cuisine from around the globe.
FireChaser Express is the latest addition to The Dollywood Company’s list of unique new rides. In March 2012, Dollywood opened the $20 million Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster. In 2013, Dollywood’s Splash Country followed with the addition of RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster.
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Media Contacts:
Pete Owens, Public Relations Director, (865) 428-9486 (865) 755-7972 or [email protected]
Trish McGee, Public Relations Manager, (865) 428-9601; (865) 654-6242 or [email protected]
Wes Ramey, Publicist, (865) 428-9484, (865) 640-3805 or [email protected]
Dawn Copley: Publicist, (865) 428-9629, (865) 654-7385 or [email protected]
For B-roll, photography and more information. Check the Dollywood Media Room at http://www.dollywood.com/Media/Media-Room.aspx.