America’s first wing roller coaster, Wild Eagle, opened this weekend and there were of course some theme park fans in attendance. Overall, reviews seemed very positive. The only even slightly negative thing I came across was a mention of “slight discomfort from the restraints”.
Here’s a brief overview of what I’ve been reading. Where you sit on Wild Eagle seems to really matter. As one reviewer pointed out, you may be on the inside or the outside of some inversions depending on which side of the train you’re on. This can affect the forcefulness of the inversions. Also, riding in the front seat created leg chopper moments according to one rider. The lift hill is being described as unusually steep and fast and the first drop is very good. The rapid fire inversions are disorienting to some and the last third or so seemed to be more forceful overall.
Below I’ve included Theme Park Review’s excellent videos of Wild Eagle and a few quotes from their always active forums:
Wild Eagle POV Video -
Regarding Wild Eagle, in my honest opinion, B&M, Dollywood and Herschend have knocked one out of the park with the whole package-the ride, the theming, the operations, the details-adding what I feel is a stellar addition to what was already a fantastic park. I thought the coaster itself was flawless, provided a ride with just enough intensity to be satisfying to thrillseekers yet still remain accessible to a wide demographic and extremely re-rideable, and the location just adds to what was an extremely well engineered concept.
Jhcbiinoc
Wild Eagle is, as others have said, a wonderful addition. It’s fun and smooth and beautiful and pretty unique. It probably won’t threaten any world-class rankings, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a ride or two. Wild Eagle is the first coaster where I’ve had some discomfort in the restraints (I was fine on Maverick, I-305), as the shoulder straps tightened against my clavicles awkwardly on both of my rides and couldn’t be loosened at all. But, I didn’t notice it till the brake run, and I certainly wouldn’t let that keep me from riding in the future. . . . . Aesthetically, there is absolutely nothing about the project (coaster, hillside, entrance plaza, station, statue, etc) that is anything short of gorgeous.
-
coolhandluke
Wild Eagle Off-Ride & Rider POV Video -
I probably rode about 20 times over the two days- by the final hour both days it was only a station wait. I got to experience a variety of different seats. I think I slightly prefer the extreme right seat as its entry into the zero-g roll feels much more intense (especially in the back), and I feel like there are more close passes to trees and supports. As ernierocker noted, the leg choppers are amazing, especially in front with nothing around you. All of the inversions slow down as they are taken, which is really cool for seeing the world upside down from atop the mountain.
- Nozzy
I also liked how the trees around the coaster are cut just enough to allow clearance…you are literally flying through the trees…i loved that too. To me, this feels more like a flying coaster than do the ‘flying coasters’ like Superman at SFOG
- coasterfreaky
See the rest of Theme Park Review’s media day coverage. Also, check out Scott & Carol from News Plus Notes’ in-depth recap of Wild Eagle’s media day.
What’s Your Take?
Leave a comment below and rate the ride if you’ve been on it.
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March 27, 2012 at 08:14
Those reviews really make me want to ride this even more as it sounds more forceful than I imagined. Plans to go next month fell through but I will be back to Dollywood before too long I think. Like everything else in the park the finished product looks gorgeous.
March 27, 2012 at 12:30
Keeping my fingers crossed that the weather holds for this weekend … can't wait!!!!
March 30, 2012 at 18:00
Rode Wild Eagle twice today, first on the middle left, then back right, both in the outer seats. Great ride! I'd agree the right side was better though, with stronger g-forces and a better flying-through-trees effect. I think the pine trees whizzing by really make this ride unique and special, and fit in well with the whole theme of D-wood. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful view (albeit brief) of the Smokies at the top of the climb.
May 4, 2012 at 22:04
I'm sorry but how can 3 people rate this as "Please demolish"
May 27, 2012 at 18:23
The restraints tightened as we rode the ride to a point that it was very uncomfortable.