Wild Eagle is the first wing coaster to open in the United States. The trip up the mountain is quick and steep there really isn’t much time to look around and admire the beautiful view. What does it feel like to be sitting out on the wings instead of over of under the track? For the experienced roller coaster enthusiasts, I’d say 2/3 of the ride feels like a typical roller coaster but a few of the transitions between elements and twisty inversions felt really cool and you could tell you were further away from the center of gravity. I did feel a slight “bounciness” in the outer seats towards the end of the ride in the helixes, not an uncomfortable feeling, actually pretty cool and unique!

As an engineer, another aspect of the ride I found to be pretty cool was the fact that you’re riding right next to the wheels and can clearly see the underside of the vehicles. You can watch the anti-roll backs bounce off the teeth all the way up the lift.

Overall, Wild Eagle is a fun ride and the signature attraction at Dollywood.

Tip: Lean forward in your seat going up the lift to help prevent the shoulder harness from tightening up.