J

Dollywood, among one of Tennessee’s most popular and well-beloved amusement parks, has unveiled its newest addition planned for the spring of 2026.

Known as the “NightFlight Expedition”, park officials announced that the ride will be a first-of-its-kind rollercoaster and whitewater rapids attraction within the park’s Wildwood Grove. The project has been in the works since 2022, with it being Dollywood’s most expensive and ambitious ride to date, with it projected to cost $50 million. The attraction is set to feature four separate experiences that those riding can enjoy, with the entire ride centered on the Great Smoky Mountains coming to life during the night. The ride will take place inside a 44,000 square foot and temperature controlled facility, allowing for the ride to be experienced year round.

Mack Rides, an award-winning ride developer from Germany, is helming the development of the project. His most notable work is a rocking boat system created for the Mission Bermudes ride at Parc du Futuroscope in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, France, where he received a Golden Ticket award for Best New Innovation. Both Dollywood and Herschend Creative Studios are also in collaboration to make the park’s newest attraction a reality, with multimedia projections, lighting effects, as well as custom built amphibious vehicles to be featured within the ride.

Founder of Dollywood and country music superstar Dolly Parton, as well as park president Euguene Naughton publicly stated their excitement for the facility’s grand opening, acknowledging how the attraction will set new standards for guest enjoyment at Dollywood. They also acknowledged how it will allow the park to thrive in new ways, even after over 40 years of entertainment and long lasting memories which the park has created for millions of guests each year.