Top 4 Things to Know About the Groundbreaking Attraction Coming to Dollywood Next Spring
Top 4 Things to Know About the Groundbreaking Attraction Coming to Dollywood Next Spring
Just when you thought Dollywood’s lineup of thrill rides and attractions couldn’t get any better, the theme park recently announced the addition of NightFlight Expedition for 2026! This innovative $50 million attraction will take you on a breathtaking adventure that combines a roller coaster with a whitewater river ride, all inside of a massive 44,000 square foot building! Here are the top 4 things to know about this groundbreaking attraction coming to Dollywood next spring:
1. The Ride Experience
Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition is a new hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride that will be the first of its kind, taking you on an extraordinary journey inside of a massive indoor show building! You’ll be led by the characters Cora and Jasper Oakley, twin scientists who use their “Bioluminator” technology in the search for the legendary Secret Lake! The characters are the niece and nephew of Ned Oakley, who Dollywood fans will recognize as the wilderness explorer who leads the expedition on Big Bear Mountain. During this amazing attraction, you’ll experience 4 different adventures including soaring over the Smokies, plunging into whitewater rapids, climbing a mountainside and navigating a mysterious lake.
2. NightFlight Expedition Statistics
Another one of the top things to know about the new groundbreaking attraction coming to Dollywood next spring is the impressive list of statistics! NightFlight Expedition accommodates 10 passengers per car and reaches a maximum speed of 29 miles per hour, and it is nearly 3 stories high at the highest track elevation. The ride takes place inside of an astounding indoor, weather-independent 44,000 square foot facility – that’s larger than four football fields! This means that you’ll be able to ride all year long, from the hottest days in the summer to the chilly evenings at the Smoky Mountain Christmas. The track length is 1,255 feet, which is nearly a quarter of a mile, and the ride duration is 5.5 minutes which includes loading and unloading.
3. Location of the New Attraction
NightFlight Expedition is the newest expansion to the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood, which continues the story of this hidden land nestled just beyond the hollow log. It joins the 12 other attractions that are already located in Wildwood Grove, including the Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier roller coasters. In addition to the thrilling rides, this land features sparkling creeks, a charming village, a Hidden Hollow indoor play area for kids, and the whimsical Treetop Tower for panoramic views!
4. How to Be One of the First Guests to Ride
You can be one of the first guests to ride NightFlight Expedition by visiting Dollywood when the attraction opens in the spring of 2026 – just keep your eye on the official website for the announcement of the official opening date! There are a variety of ticket plans at Dollywood, including single day tickets, multi-day tickets and season passes, all which include access to NightFlight Expedition and all of the other rides, shows and attractions throughout the park.
Check out all of our vacation rentals in the Smoky Mountains today to make your plans to be one of the first guests on NightFlight Expedition when it opens next spring at Dollywood!
