Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has unveiled a new $50 million attraction named NightFlight Expedition, due to open in spring 2026.
Located in a new 44,000-square-foot building in Wildwood Grove, NightFlight Expedition is the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts.
The ride is described in a press release as “the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride”.
Created and built by Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios and Mack Rides, the attraction features amphibious ride vehicles, multimedia projections, onboard and off-board audio, and lighting effects.
“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,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts’ president, Eugene Naughton.
Dollywood’s largest-ever attraction investment
“The attraction is designed to engage families with its vivid storytelling and to delight thrill-seekers with its innovative elements.”
During the ride experience, guests will take a nighttime flight over the Smoky Mountains, enjoy a thrilling whitewater 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.
“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,” said Dolly Parton.
“We’re always trying to take the natural beauty of the Smokies and make it part of everything we’re doing in the park, and they’ve definitely been able to do it with this ride.”
Naughton added, “This expansion underscores Dollywood’s ongoing growth and evolution, and we’re proud to be considered among the best theme park experiences in the world.
“NightFlight Expedition allows us to celebrate our rich Smoky Mountain heritage, while creating a ride that helps us deliver on providing a world-class experience.”
Images courtesy of Dollywood Parks & Resorts
