ThrillRide! Special Features

Yeah, trains are OMG ENOUGH WITH THE TRAIN PHOTOS YOU LOVE THE TRAIN WE GET IT.

Hi, gang!

I'm not going to say all that much about Mystery Mine, because the less you know about it before riding, the better. But know that it is one of the bestest dark ride/coaster mash-ups around, and that there are a number of groovy surprises.

The meticulously detailed exterior promises very good things inside and that promise is fulfilled. They started with strong hardware; the custom Gerstlauer "Eurofighter" coaster layout – what I can recall of it, anyway – is terrific. (A wee bit head-bangy, maybe, but not pummeling. Pro Tip: pull the OTS restraint into your chest and lean forward.) But the dark ride dressing is what makes it a winner. (You wouldn't have to add ANYTHING to this for a Halloween event.)

Mystery Mine's talking vulture, just sitting out front, not even part of the queue, makes me so happy. It's a great detail, and completely "unnecessary," but they spent the money to include it anyway. Because they care, man.

Check it; he's rad. Reason No. 352 why Dollywood should be ranked among the world's top-tier theme parks.

I love this hulking, ominous structure. Really, a standing ovation for Anthony Esparza, Mystery Mine's design director, and the entire creative team behind this attraction; dazzling work.