Saturday, December 30, 2023
On Dec. 30, Silver Dollar City’s Fire In The Hole, the world’s longest-standing indoor coaster, bids farewell after 51 years with a grand finale.
On the upcoming Saturday, December 30th, a momentous occasion is set to unfold at Silver Dollar City as its renowned indoor roller coaster, Fire In The Hole, embarks on its farewell journey. This event marks the end of an era for a ride that has been operational for an impressive 51 years. For its final run, 48 lucky individuals, chosen through social media contests earlier in the month, will have the honor of being the last public riders on this iconic coaster. They will occupy the four trains of the coaster, each with a capacity of twelve passengers. Post-closure of the ride for the day, these special guests will be the last to experience the thrill of Fire In The Hole and will be gifted with a segment of the coaster track and other memorable tokens in remembrance of the ride’s retirement.
Introduced in 1972, Fire In The Hole is an innovative roller coaster with a unique fire-brigade theme. The coaster’s design allows it to navigate through a simulated burning village, where passengers play the role of heroic firefighters engaging in daring rescues and combating infernos, culminating in an exhilarating water-based finale.
The entire day of December 30th is dedicated to celebrating the “Grand Finale” of Fire In The Hole. The event will feature a variety of festivities, including live performances, Christmas carols, spontaneous surprises, and appearances from the celebrated Citizens of Silver Dollar City. As a special tribute, all riders from now until the closure date will receive a special sticker commemorating the “Final Ride Days.”
Brad Thomas, the president of Silver Dollar City, reflects on the significance of Fire In The Hole, noting its deep connection to generations of guests. The coaster not only narrates the story of the Ozark Mountains but also symbolizes the essence of Silver Dollar City. It has been a family-friendly ride, shared by millions over the years, with many guests experiencing it for the first time, while others return to relive cherished memories, often spanning multiple generations.
The coaster’s theme is inspired by the historical mining town of Marmaros, previously located above Marvel Cave, and is a testament to the lives of the Ozark residents of the past. Introduced in 1972, the coaster’s fire-brigade-themed trains provide an adventurous ride through a town engulfed in flames, where riders act as volunteer firefighters.
In anticipation of the original coaster’s closure, Silver Dollar City has announced the launch of a new Fire In The Hole attraction in the spring of 2024. This new $30 million project, the most substantial investment in a single attraction by the company to date, will extend nearly one-third of a mile, featuring an electrifying powered incline, three gravity-fueled drops, and a dynamic splash landing. Enhanced with a custom soundtrack, high-resolution onboard audio, and advanced lighting and special effects, this ride will immerse guests in the beloved Fire In The Hole narrative. This new attraction will be the focal point of the newly created Fire District, expanding the currently popular Fireman’s Landing area. The district will also feature a new restaurant known for its signature handmade pretzel dogs and a dedicated merchandise store, set to open in 2024.
Tags: coaster, Fire In The Hole, world's longest
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