Dollywood has launched Wild Eagle, the first Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) Wing Coaster in North America. The $20 million attraction represents the largest single capital investment in the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, park’s 26-year history.
Wild Eagle’s floorless design allows passengers to experience the sensation of flight. Sat in pairs either side of the coaster’s track, there is nothing but air above and below them.
The new ride is perched on Dollywood’s highest peak, rising 21 storeys into the sky and providing spectacular views of the Smoky Mountain terrain below. Taking off from the Wilderness Pass area, riders travel the coaster’s 3,127ft track as it dives, drops, twists and turns.
Traversing the mountainous terrain, Wild Eagle features a 135ft first drop and reaches a top speed of 61mph as it manoeuvres through four inversions including a giant loop, a “zero-G” roll and a giant flat spin.
Each coaster train consists of 14 pairs of seats and features an imposing bald eagle with piercing eyes and broad wings outstretched for flight. The complete journey lasts nearly two-and-a-half minutes.
