Dollywood is taking flight in 2026 with its most ambitious attraction ever: NightFlight Expedition, a new $50 million indoor adventure that will headline the park’s popular Wildwood Grove.
The groundbreaking new ride will be the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood’s 40-year history when it opens in spring 2026.
Country music legend, park namesake and owner, Dolly Parton, shared her excitement in a special message, celebrating the park’s continued growth.
“I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition,” Dolly said. “Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is when I think they really come to life. It’s pure mountain magic.”
A World’s First Ride Experience
NightFlight Expedition will combine four thrilling experiences into one family-friendly adventure, marking a world-first in attraction design. The custom-built ride—developed by Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios and Mack Rides—will take guests on a 5½-minute journey that includes:
-
A Soaring Flight over the Smoky Mountains
-
Whitewater Rafting through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water
-
A Roller Coaster Dash across rugged mountain ridges
-
A tranquil Boat Voyage across a shimmering, bioluminescent lake
The ride’s amphibious vehicles will interact with state-of-the-art multimedia projections, dynamic audio, and special effects to create an immersive night-time expedition through the Great Smoky Mountains. Mack Rides’ brand-new cutting-edge ride system, which made its debut at Futuroscope, will power this unprecedented attraction.
An Immersive Smoky Mountain Story
Set inside a 44,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility, NightFlight Expedition takes guests on a quest to find the mythical Secret Lake, believed to feed the glowing Wildwood Tree at the heart of Wildwood Grove. Riders will join twin scientists Cora and Jasper Oakley as they pilot a one-of-a-kind amphibious aircraft—equipped with their “Bioluminator” invention—to illuminate the forest and uncover the lake’s magical energy.
Dollywood President Eugene Naughton described the attraction as a game-changer for the park:
“NightFlight Expedition is truly exceptional, combining cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling that stays true to the heart of Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains to deliver an experience unlike anything else.”
Opening Spring 2026
With a 39-inch minimum height requirement, NightFlight Expedition is designed to thrill both families and theme park enthusiasts alike. The attraction will open in spring 2026, and current 2025 Dollywood season passholders can already purchase 2026 passes for early access previews ahead of the official grand opening.
