PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood is reaching new heights—literally. The park has officially announced NightFlight Expedition, a $50 million, world-first attraction set to debut in Spring 2026 inside Wildwood Grove. This groundbreaking ride marks the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood’s history, and it promises to be unlike anything guests have ever experienced.

A Multi-Sensory Adventure

NightFlight Expedition is no ordinary ride. In a single 5 ½-minute journey, guests will:

• Soar on a nighttime flight above the Smokies.
• Raft through a whitewater course featuring more than 500,000 gallons of surging water.
• Coast along a rugged mountain ridge.
• Glide across a mysterious, bioluminescent lake.

Developed by Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios, and ride manufacturer Mack Rides, the experience uses custom-designed amphibious ride vehicles paired with cutting-edge projections, onboard and offboard audio, and special effects to create a fully immersive Smoky Mountain expedition.

The Story of NightFlight Expedition

Guests will join twin scientists, Cora and Jasper Oakley, the niece and nephew of Wildwood Grove’s explorer Ned Oakley. Together, they’ve created the Bioluminator, a device that detects and amplifies glowing bioluminescence. Boarding their one-of-a-kind amphibious aircraft, riders follow glowing roots from the Wildwood Tree in search of the fabled Secret Lake—the mystical source of the tree’s shimmering canopy.

The attraction will be housed inside a massive 44,000-square-foot, climate-controlled building, ensuring it operates year-round no matter the Smoky Mountain weather. With a height requirement of just 39 inches, the ride is designed for families to experience together.

Dolly’s Vision and Excitement

Although Dolly Parton could not attend the announcement in person, she shared her pride and enthusiasm via video:

“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. I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge part of Dollywood’s next 40 years. Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time I think they really come to life. It’s pure mountain magic.”

A Game-Changer for Dollywood

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton described the addition as a milestone 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. It sets a new standard for guest experiences and solidifies Dollywood’s place among the world’s best theme parks.”

Mack Rides’ new ride system, already recognized with the 2025 Golden Ticket Award for Best New Innovation, is at the heart of this groundbreaking attraction.

Season Passholder Perks

In celebration of the announcement, current 2025 Dollywood season passholders can renew now for 2026 and will receive exclusive early access to NightFlight Expedition before it opens to the public. Non-passholders can pre-register for 2026 passes at Dollywood.com/NewPass.

Continuing the 40th Anniversary Celebration

Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season is still going strong with the Harvest Festival (through Oct. 27) and Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 1–Jan. 4, 2026), recently crowned the industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event. NightFlight Expedition will officially take flight in Spring 2026, marking the beginning of Dollywood’s next 40 years of mountain magic.