Dollywood Unveils NightFlight Expedition: A $50 Million Smoky Mountain Adventure
Dollywood has officially announced details about its newest and most expensive ride to date, NightFlight Expedition, scheduled to open in Spring 2026. This innovative indoor experience will take riders on a thrilling journey through the Great Smoky Mountains. The announcement follows months of anticipation and teases from the theme park.
NightFlight Expedition: An Immersive Experience
NightFlight Expedition is described as a first-of-its-kind attraction that combines four unique features to create an immersive experience. The ride's theme embraces nighttime in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering riders a journey both through the air and along the river. Dolly Parton, the park's Dreamer-in-Chief, had previously teased the ride as "revolutionary" and "ambitious."
“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,” Parton said in a press release. “A lot of people ask me about my favorite season in the Smokies, but no one ever asks me what my favorite time of day is. Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life!”
Details and Location
The family-oriented attraction will be housed in a five-story, 44,000-square-foot building. With a cost exceeding $50 million, NightFlight Expedition represents the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood's history. It is currently under construction in the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood, located behind Big Bear Mountain, which opened in 2023.
The new ride is part of Dollywood's $500 million expansion, initially revealed in 2021. While details were initially scarce, the official announcement clarifies the park's commitment to creating new and exciting experiences for its visitors. The last major expansion to hit the park was the Dolly Parton Experience last year.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | NightFlight Expedition |
| Opening | Spring 2026 |
| Cost | Over $50 million |
| Location | Wildwood Grove, Dollywood |
| Size | 44,000 square feet |
