Welcome to Theme Park Insider! Join the community or log in
Theme Park Insider
Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube

Dollywood announces Barnstormer, a new pendulum ride for 2011

By Robert Niles
Published: August 2, 2010 at 7:08 PM
Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has announced its new ride for 2011, Barnstormer, a pendulum ride that will be built next to the Mountain Slidewinder. Barnstormer will seat 32 riders on two pendulum arms, which will swing to 81 feet in the air, at a top speed of 45 mph.

Barnstormer at Dollywood

The new ride will open in March 2011. Here's the complete press release.

Readers' Opinions

From James Rao on August 2, 2010 at 7:18 PM
Looks almost exactly like the GIANT Swing at sister park Silver Dollar City. Should be a nice addition to Dollywood.

Now, I wonder what's in store for my beloved SDC? Maybe a Mystery Mine style coaster...?

From Rob P on August 2, 2010 at 11:56 PM
I really hate pendulum rides. Apart from the fact that the mere thought of them makes me feel ill I don't think they lend themselves to any real theming. They are what they are and lots of people seem to love them ( why ? It would be quicker and cheaper to push your fingers down your throat ! ).
Sorry , Dollywood, but they just seem to me to be a cheap option when considering a new attraction.
I'll stand back and await the backlash of opposing views.
From Brandon Mendoza on August 3, 2010 at 9:12 AM
Not a fan of pendulum rides... remind me too much of Fair Type Rides... most actually bore me... with the exception of the crazy mouse ones, and the Space Shot ones.
From James Rao on August 3, 2010 at 1:04 PM
I am generally not a fan of most midway flats. However, this same swing ride at Silver Dollar City is a pretty intense experience - and is still fairly uncommon. Granted I wouldn't want to wait in a long line to experience it, but on a less crowded day when you can ride several times in a row with minimal waiting, it is a very fun attraction.

In the dream world in which I normally live, every upcharge Skycoaster would be replaced with an S&S Power Screamin' Swing, a Bussink Evolution, or a Moser Sidewinder.

The real world would be a better place without upcharge attractions.

From Joshua Counsil on August 3, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Does Dolly actually come up with some of these ideas? That press release would have you believe it.
From Joe Schwartz on August 6, 2010 at 1:11 PM
IF YOU ENJOYED SWINGS WHEN YOU WERE A KID KIKE I DID . THE HIGHER THE BETTER. I LOVE PENDULUM RIDES. DOLLYWOOD LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE PUTTING IN A BIG ONE. KENNYWOOD PARK HAS A TWO SEATER AND IT IS AN ASUME RIDE.

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

More Theme Park News

Previous article: Busch Gardens Tampa teases its new attraction for 2011

August 2010 Archive