Since its inception in 2019, Wildwood Grove has steadily grown and changed, adding even more magic to Dollywood. In its next big evolution, this not-so-little corner of the park will get the largest addition yet: the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster. It’s set to open for your pure enjoyment in 2023, too, so you don’t have much time to get ready for all the fun to come. Thankfully, this guide is here to help open your mind to the possibilities and ensure you’re ready to hop in line as soon as the chance comes your way.
Introducing the Longest Coaster Ride in the Park
Are you ready to go on a Big Bear search to remember? If so, you need the Big Bear Mountain coaster in your life, for sure. Built to impress riders of all ages, this rollercoaster has a larger-than-life appeal that promises to keep you coming back for more. In fact, at 3,990 feet long, it’s the biggest coaster in the park, allowing you to enjoy almost two minutes of fun on every ride.
High-Speed Twists and Turns Await
To truly showcase its excellence, the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster stretches from end to end of the grove. Across the two-minute ride, you get to enjoy an overhead view of the park, especially as the track takes you up to its peak height of 66 feet in the air.
At its fastest clip, this ride sails you along the track at 48 miles per hour. So, you’ll need to quickly watch the way ahead to avoid missing out on all the best sights. After an exciting 100 seconds on the track, you can hop in line and do it all over again to see what you missed.
Onboard Audio Adds to the Excitement
Thrills and chills are not all the riders have to offer either. A riveting tale sits at the center of the ride, led by none other than Ned Oakley. As the resident wilderness explorer of Wildwood Grove, Oakley takes you on a wild ride as you search for Big Bear in all his glory.
On each trip around the track, you’ll get to join 19 other adventurers for a ride in the 4×4 SUVs set on rails. The onboard audio in each SUV will keep you well-connected with Oakley, too, so you can enjoy music, announcements, and more throughout your travels.
All ages are welcome to join in on the hunt for Big Bear if they wish. Riders just must surpass the 39-inch height minimum to hop in the SUVs and take a ride on the track. If not, then they’ll need to wait a little bit longer before visiting Oakley at the Adventure Outpost Base Camp.
Want to Be First in Line? Sign Up for the 2023 Season Pass Pre-Sale
Oakley and his crew are still setting up shop, so you cannot visit the coaster quite yet. Instead, you’ll need to patiently wait until Spring 2023 for the park to unveil all its hard work. In the meantime, you might just want to get on the list for the 2023 Season Pass Pre-sale. With that move, you can ensure you’ll be one of the first in line for the roller coaster once it’s open to the public.
To get started on that journey, you just need to register for the pre-sale, and then patiently wait for October 17th, 2022, to arrive. Once it does, you’ll get a chance to purchase your season passes for 2023 and get the lowest price of the year. On top of that, you’ll get access to an exclusive ride event as soon as the Big Bear Mountain coaster opens.
Pass Types
Photo Credit by @derekcress on Instagram
While waiting for your chance to buy your season passes, it just makes sense to explore your options. At Dollywood, you have two season pass levels to consider: silver and gold.
With the Dollywood Silver Season Pass, you pay one low price for unlimited visits to the park. Plus, you’ll get $5 off single-day tickets whenever you want to bring your friends and family. Beyond that, you get access to discounts to attractions all across the surrounding area plus extra savings on lodging.
The Dollywood Gold Season Pass offers all the perks offered with the silver pass plus:
- Early access to the rides on Saturdays
- TimeSaver line access in the first hour each day
- Access to exclusive pass holder events
- Free general parking in the onsite lot
Your gold pass comes with discounts on single-day tickets, preferred and valet parking, lodging, dining, merchandise, and TimeSaver passes.
When you’re a season pass holder, you also get easy access to all the festivals and other special events held each year. The Harvest Festival, Smoky Mountain Christmas, Flower & Food Festival, and many other events can quickly become an annual tradition as a result. Upgrade to the gold pass and you’ll get to attend fun Passholder Golden Events, too, like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights Preview.
If all that sounds like just what you need in your life, hop in line for Big Bear Mountain today by signing up for the 2023 Season Pass Pre-sale. Otherwise, hold on tight and wait for the announcement about the grand opening of Dollywood’s newest coaster in Spring 2023. Either way, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring the park to the fullest, including searching for Big Bear alongside Ned Oakley.
