PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WOKI)— Dollywood celebrated the official opening of its highly anticipated new attraction, NightFlight Expedition, on Friday with a dedication ceremony attended by media members, VIP guests and season passholders.
The more than $60 million attraction is the largest single ride investment in Dollywood’s history and has already generated significant buzz throughout the theme park industry since its announcement last September. Early riders described the experience as “incredible” as they exited the attraction following Friday’s debut event.
NightFlight Expedition becomes Dollywood’s 11th roller coaster and combines immersive storytelling, advanced technology and multiple ride experiences into a single attraction. Park officials say the ride represents a major step forward not only for Dollywood but also for the theme park industry.
Dolly Parton said the attraction was designed to help families experience the beauty and wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains together.
“This ride truly is an adventure that lets you see the mountains the way I always remember them, full of wonder and beauty,” Parton said. “Whether a family is coming for their hundredth visit or if they’re coming for their very first time, I hope they’ll make memories here that are just as special as the ones I made growing up.”
Located inside a 44,000-square-foot climate-controlled building, NightFlight Expedition operates regardless of weather conditions and features a height requirement of 39 inches.
The nearly five-and-a-half-minute ride takes guests on a nighttime journey through the Smokies, including soaring flight sequences, whitewater rafting adventures through more than 500,000 gallons of water, mountain climbs and a dramatic splashdown into a glowing Smoky Mountain lake.
The ride expands Dollywood’s award-winning Wildwood Grove area and continues a storyline featuring characters from the popular Big Bear Mountain attraction. Riders join twin scientists Cora and Jasper Oakley on a mission to locate the mysterious Secret Lake, the legendary water source believed to power the glowing Wildwood Tree.
NightFlight Expedition was developed through a partnership between Dollywood, Herschend Creative Studios and ride manufacturer Mack Rides. The attraction combines custom ride vehicles with interactive multimedia projections, onboard audio, lighting effects and advanced ride technology to create four distinct experiences within a single coaster adventure.
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton called the attraction a defining moment for the park.
“NightFlight Expedition represents a defining moment not only for Dollywood but for the theme park industry as a whole,” Naughton said. “We believe NightFlight Expedition will be a true game changer.”
The opening comes as Dollywood extends park operating hours through September 13, giving guests additional opportunities to experience the new attraction during the busy late-summer season.
NightFlight Expedition marks the latest milestone for a park that has earned multiple national honors in recent years, including recognition as one of America’s top theme park destinations.
August 13, 2026 Pigeon Forge, TN.
Atmosphere of NightFight Expedition, located in Wildwood Grove at Dollywood.
© Curtis Hilbun/Dolllywood Parks & Resorts
