Dollywood hopes to hear guests shouting a mighty “tim-berrrrr!” in 2006 as the theme park unveils its new $6.5 million Timber Tower, the first and only ride of its kind in North America.
Located adjacent to the park’s Thunderhead Gap area, Timber Tower stands 65 feet tall upon a base that measures 26 feet in diameter. Timber Tower’s 2.5-minute ride experience features dual rotation, both from the tower and the passenger carrier. Situated in the middle of a 5,100-sq.-ft. pond, Timber Tower takes passengers high into the air where the ride carrier rotates 11 times per minute as it approaches the top of the tower. Once there, Timber Tower begins a side-to-side swinging motion with six complete “dips” in various directions at staggering 60-degree angles. Appearing to splash riders into the water below, Timber Tower “drops” passengers almost within reach of a sawmill blade, a bear cave, a water geyser, a beaver dam and a treacherous log jam. With a 40-passenger capacity, Timber Tower will accommodate 565 riders per hour.
“I think folks will agree that Timber Tower is every bit as unique as I am, and that’s saying a lot,” said Dolly Parton. “And one of us is just about as likely to topple over as the other, but at 65 feet, Timber Tower is definitely a sight to see!”
Timber Tower anchors Dollywood’s newest area, Timber Canyon, a new area designed to entertain the entire family. Themed to resemble a once-thriving turn-of-the-century lumber camp, Timber Canyon also features Lumberjack Lifts, two 30-foot-tall towers where passengers control the ride experience in twin-seated, kid-powered cars by drawing a cable, lifting the car as high as 25 feet. Passengers can release the cable for an incredible, kid-friendly “free-fall.” Timber Canyon also features Lil’ Loggers’ Landing, an exciting, interactive play area created just for children 48” and under. Little ones can test the waters at the Beaver Creek Boat Float and wade into the ripples of Beaver Creek.
Also, Timber Canyon features LumberCamp, a rustic-themed, 150-person capacity restaurant with a gigantic skillet from which hand-battered chicken tenders and catfish are served.
Timber Tower marks Dollywood’s latest multi-million dollar expansion project in recent years. The park’s 2005 season welcomed a $5 million renovation in the Country Fair area, bringing 10 new family rides. The $7 million Thunderhead™, the world’s No. 1 wooden roller coaster, welcomed guests in 2004.