When plotting out our itinerary for Day 1 of our Tennessee Trip we had three stop in Gatlinburg planned – Ripley’s Mountain Coaster, Anakeesta, and Moonshine Mountain Coaster. Doing them in this order would also work out for us to visit the Moonshine Mountain Coaster during their Halloween in the Holler event. I had never experienced a mountain coaster at night and with the added bonus of Halloween theming, I thought it would make for a great finale for Day 1.
If you’ve been following along with these trip reports during our time in Tennessee, you’ll know that technically Moonshine Mountain Coaster is not my first nighttime experience on a mountain coaster. That came on the Ripley’s Mountain Coaster just down the street a few minutes prior. With two rides per ticket at Ripley’s we decided after our daytime ride to return at night after visiting Anakeesta and on our way to Moonshine. So while Moonshine didn’t turn out to be my first nighttime experience on a mountain coaster, it still concluded our first night in Tennessee. And what a great way to wrap up Day 1.
In Awe Before We Even Arrived
When we approached the Moonshine Mountain Coaster parking lot at night we couldn’t believe the amazing light package. Everything from the station and a few elements peeking out from the trees above looked great. We knew there would be lights, but damn! It was one of my favorite aspects of our ride experience.
As amazing as this area looked at night, I do wish I had some daytime photos of the area as well. As a matter of fact, I’m going to stop right here because the topic of a daytime ride is one I am going to touch upon later. For now, let me focus on this nighttime experience.
A Station Full of Scares
Since we were here at night the Halloween in the Holler event was in full swing. The station was decked out with tons of décor and props could be seen pretty much everywhere you looked. Several people from another group were scared to make their way up to the ride vehicles, but Sam, Jen, and I went right on up.
Sitting in our carts I was able to just admire everything around me while I waited for my turn to go. From the talking skeleton on the left, to the decorations overhead, it was so much to take in. Since there wasn’t too many people there when we arrived, this was my first real chance to just look around and see everything.
Up the Mountain You Go...
When my vehicle left the station I left the comforts of Gatlinburg behind. The nearby street disappeared and I embarked on the long lift hill with only colorful flashing lights around me. The view of the helix overhead on the left was certainly eye catching and one of the few things I could also see from the ground below earlier.
About half way up the lift I made a slight left turn and this is when I really felt on my own. Well, except for the occasional scream of those who went before me. Eventually, I crested the top and it was time to push those handles down and get things underway.
Down the Mountain You Go...
With this being my first-ever ride on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, I had no idea what laid before me. With Ripley’s earlier I experienced a daytime ride and then returned for one at night. I knew the course, so I could predict where I was about to go in the dark. That was not the case here and it added to the thrill of the entire experience.
Heading into the wild with only splashes of light hitting the trees and bushes all around me, I went full speed through it all. Then, to my surprise, areas of darkness mixed in. That little headlight on my ride vehicle lit up just enough track to show a few feet in front of me, but that was about it.
Eventually I made my way onto the helix seen from the lift hill earlier. Gatlinburg came back into view for a brief moment. I turned back around into a darkened region, but eventually made my way to the base of the mountain. What a ride!
Final Ride Counts
Moonshine Mountain Coaster (1)
I Want to Return for a Daytime Ride
I absolutely loved my ride on Moonshine Mountain Coaster. Both Sam and Jen did as well. Knowing they had a gift shop, I wanted to make sure I picked up some merch to represent Moonshine. Luckily for me, this is one of the few mountain coasters in the area that sell enamel pins. I was quick to scoop them up. I also really liked one of their T-shirts, but sadly they didn’t have the design I liked in my size. I would have bought that too, but oh well.
When driving out of the Moonshine Mountain Coaster parking lot all I could think of is how much I wished I had bought the two ride ticket package instead of the one for a single ride. In hindsight I wished we had gotten a daytime ride too because the coaster was so much fun. I would have liked to have seen the track and setting during the day and of course, film a POV. I guess that means I’ll have to make a stop again the next time I make my way down to Tennessee.
Having rode mostly every mountain coaster in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville during our four day trip, I can say that this one is a must do. Obviously if you have time and can afford to do them all, do them all. But if you have to pick and choose, this one is a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re going to be spending time in Gatlinburg specifically. I can’t wait to go back.
Moonshine Mountain Coaster Photo Gallery - October 18, 2024
If you would like to use any of the images in the gallery above for your commercial and/or non-commercial projects, feel free to do so. I ask that you credit We Were Inverted whenever they’re used. I also ask that you do not alter the image or remove the watermarks. If you need any images/video resized or without the watermarks, please contact me directly.
CREW MANIFEST
The following flight crew members attended this park, & earned the respective credits below:
Patrick
CAG
New Credit(s): Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Sam
Admiral
New Credit(s): Moonshine Mountain Coaster
Jen
Commander
New Credit(s): Moonshine Mountain Coaster
