Dollywood has revealed the cutting-edge ride vehicle for its new NightFlight Expedition attraction, set to open in spring 2026.
The park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee unveiled the custom-designed amphibious ride vehicle at IAAPA Expo 2025 alongside Mack Rides.
The vehicle interacts with vivid multimedia projections, onboard and off-board audio, and special lighting effects to provide an immersive ride experience.
NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million ride, is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
It is described as the world's first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride.
Guests will take a nighttime flight over the Smoky Mountains, enjoy a thrilling rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious lake by boat.
New $50m Mack Rides attraction
Dollywood Parks & Resorts' president Eugene Naughton said: "We’re proud to unveil this revolutionary ride vehicle today.
"It truly represents the perfect blend we’ve tried to find between innovation and the authentic Smoky Mountain storytelling our guests expect from Dollywood.
"The excitement surrounding this new attraction continues to build – within both the industry and among our guests – and highlights our growing reputation as a destination known for hospitality and guest experience, as well as engaging new attractions and immersive adventures.”
Mack Rides CEO Christian von Elverfeldt said: "NightFlight Expedition is a milestone in immersive ride experiences.
"Together with Dollywood and Herschend – with whom we have a long-standing partnership – we have a shared passion for innovation and storytelling.
"This partnership has led us to create a world-first attraction that seamlessly blends story, technology and family adventure.
"The ride vehicle is not just a technical achievement – it’s a symbol of what’s possible when creativity and engineering come together to push the boundaries of what a theme park experience can be."
Images courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
