**BREAKING NEWS: Dollywood Announces New Attraction – World’s First Roller Coaster Powered by Moonshine**
*Pigeon Forge, TN* – In a move that has left theme park fans and thrill-seekers alike buzzing with excitement (and a touch of disbelief), Dollywood has just announced its latest attraction: the world’s first roller coaster powered by moonshine. Yes, you read that correctly – a high-speed, gravity-defying thrill ride that runs on the same spirit that fueled Appalachia’s bootleggers during Prohibition. While many may have expected a new twist on traditional coaster technology, Dollywood is taking a bold and distinctly Southern approach to the art of coaster design.
**The Vision Behind the Ride**
The announcement was made earlier this morning during a press event at Dollywood, where the park’s iconic founder, Dolly Parton, revealed the exciting new venture. Standing in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Parton shared her vision for the ride, blending the park’s Appalachian roots with modern thrill-seeking.
“We’ve always celebrated the spirit of the Smoky Mountains here at Dollywood,” Parton said, addressing a crowd of reporters and fans. “And nothing embodies that spirit quite like moonshine. This new roller coaster is a tribute to the heritage of our region—it’s daring, it’s spirited, and yes, it’s a little bit wild. Just like the mountains themselves.”
The ride, tentatively named **”Moonshine Racer”**, promises to take visitors on a high-octane journey that combines cutting-edge coaster technology with an innovative, sustainable twist: the coaster’s energy will be generated by an eco-friendly biofuel derived from moonshine. The fuel, developed in partnership with local distilleries, will not only power the coaster’s motors but will also add a distinctive “moonshine aroma” to the experience, creating a multisensory thrill ride like no other.
**The Science of Moonshine-Powered Coasters**
At first glance, the concept of a moonshine-powered roller coaster may sound like a joke, but the technology behind it is surprisingly grounded in real science. According to Dollywood’s team of engineers, the park has worked closely with experts in biofuel development to create a sustainable energy solution that meets the safety and environmental standards of a theme park.
The coaster will be powered by an ethanol-based fuel derived from locally sourced corn and sugarcane, mimicking the production methods used by moonshiners of yesteryear. Unlike traditional fuels, the biofuel used in “Moonshine Racer” will have a lower carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly option for thrill-seekers.
The coaster will utilize this energy to power the launch system, as well as provide a burst of additional speed during some of the most intense moments of the ride. The ride’s unique feature, however, isn’t just its fuel source—it’s also the way that energy is integrated into the experience. The track itself will feature sections that “burn off” moonshine vapor to create a smoky, dramatic effect, enhancing the thrill of the ride and adding to the atmosphere of the experience.
**A Taste of Tradition and Innovation**
While the coaster’s eco-friendly design is impressive, it’s the thematic elements that have fans buzzing. As Dollywood is known for blending the traditional with the modern, “Moonshine Racer” will incorporate elements of Appalachian history. Themed areas throughout the queue will tell the story of moonshine-making in the Smoky Mountains, from the clandestine distillers who worked in secret during Prohibition to the current-day craft distillers who produce legal moonshine in the region.
The ride itself will feature animatronic scenes that take riders through a mock Appalachian “moonshine run,” where they’ll encounter colorful characters, high-speed chases, and wild twists and turns. The final section of the coaster will simulate a run through a mountain pass, with riders racing to outrun the authorities in a heart-pounding escape to freedom.
And, of course, in keeping with Dollywood’s tradition of offering unique culinary experiences, the ride will offer “moonshine-infused” refreshments at a specialty kiosk located near the exit. Visitors can purchase non-alcoholic drinks that emulate the flavors of traditional moonshine, such as apple pie or peach, along with a selection of local craft cocktails for adults.
**A Thrilling Experience for All Ages**
Though the ride’s concept may seem to cater to those seeking an adrenaline rush, Dollywood is aiming to make the experience accessible to a wide range of park-goers. According to park officials, “Moonshine Racer” will feature multiple ride vehicles, each designed to accommodate guests of different sizes and comfort levels.
The coaster will also have a lower intensity version for younger guests or those less keen on extreme thrills, featuring slower speeds and gentler drops. The regular version, however, will take visitors on a truly heart-racing adventure, with a top speed that is expected to rival some of the most famous roller coasters in the world.
For guests who are truly daring, Dollywood is planning to offer exclusive “Moonshine Racer VIP” tickets, which will give riders a chance to experience the ride at night, with a dramatic lighting package that makes the coaster look like it’s on fire. The VIP experience will also include a behind-the-scenes tour of the coaster’s mechanics, offering insight into how the biofuel is made and how the park is working to make the attraction as sustainable as possible.
**Community Reaction and Industry Buzz**
The announcement of “Moonshine Racer” has already generated a significant amount of buzz, both locally and nationally. Fans of Dollywood have expressed excitement at the prospect of such an innovative attraction, while others are thrilled by the opportunity to experience something truly unique in the world of theme parks.
“I’ve been coming to Dollywood for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said local resident Jane Tucker, who attended the press event. “It’s a great way to showcase what makes this area so special, while also bringing in something fresh and exciting for the whole family.”
Industry experts have also weighed in on the park’s new venture. “This is one of the most exciting and innovative ideas I’ve seen in theme parks in a long time,” said Amanda Rhodes, an amusement park consultant based in Florida. “Not only is Dollywood embracing its regional culture, but they’re also taking steps toward sustainability, which is a huge win for the industry. Moonshine Racer could very well set a new precedent for how we think about theme park attractions.”
**Looking Ahead**
As for the future, Dolly Parton hinted that the “Moonshine Racer” is just the beginning. “This is part of our ongoing mission to keep Dollywood fresh, fun, and rooted in the spirit of our mountains,” she said. “Who knows what other surprises we’ve got up our sleeves!”
The new attraction is slated to open in the summer of 2025, with Dollywood promising even more details to come in the months leading up to its grand unveiling. In the meantime, visitors can look forward to a brand-new chapter in Dollywood’s rich legacy, where tradition meets innovation in the most unexpected ways.
*For now, thrill-seekers, moonshine enthusiasts, and roller coaster fans everywhere are already booking their tickets to experience the one-of-a-kind ride that promises to redefine theme park thrills.*
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