NightFlight Expedition: Coming to Dollywood in 2026
Quick Takeaway: Dollywood’s $50 million NightFlight Expedition opens in Spring 2026, combining coaster thrills, whitewater rafting, and a glowing lake voyage in one groundbreaking ride. Located in Wildwood Grove, it’s the park’s most ambitious attraction yet—and early 2026 season pass renewals include exclusive first access.
Dollywood has never been shy about dreaming big, but in 2026, the park is taking its storytelling and ride innovation to soaring new heights with the debut of NightFlight Expedition. Billed as Dollywood’s largest single attraction investment ever—coming in at an impressive $50 million—this hybrid ride is set to combine thrills, water elements, and immersive theming in ways no theme park in the world has attempted before.
For Dollywood fans, this is not just another ride announcement. NightFlight Expedition has been designed as a full-scale adventure that blends the natural wonder of the Smoky Mountains with next-generation ride technology. And for those considering a 2026 season pass, it’s also one of the biggest incentives to renew or purchase early.
Where You’ll Find It
NightFlight Expedition is being built in Wildwood Grove, the newest land in Dollywood that has become the hub for family-friendly storytelling and natural beauty. To house this massive attraction, Dollywood is constructing a 44,000-square-foot, climate-controlled show building. That means the ride will be protected from the elements—an exciting step forward for Dollywood, where rainy days can sometimes limit ride availability.
The Story Behind the Adventure
Dollywood has always leaned into Smoky Mountain culture and folklore, and NightFlight Expedition is no exception. Guests will join twin explorers Cora and Jasper Oakley on a one-of-a-kind journey. Using a special “Bioluminator” device, the twins have discovered glowing roots in Wildwood Grove that lead to a hidden world deep in the Smokies. Their mission? To guide guests through uncharted terrain and uncover the secret of a glowing, mysterious lake.
Expect a heavy dose of special effects, projection mapping, immersive lighting, and themed environments along the way. If Dollywood’s past attention to detail in rides like Big Bear Mountain is any indication, NightFlight Expedition will not only thrill but also transport guests into a complete story world.
What the Ride Experience Will Include
Dollywood describes NightFlight Expedition as being divided into four acts, each offering a completely different style of adventure:
- Soaring Over the Smokies
You’ll begin with a flight-inspired sequence that makes you feel as if you’re gliding across the mountains beneath the stars. - Whitewater Rapids
In a first-of-its-kind ride transition, your vehicle will transform into a raft to race through rushing water. - Mountain Ridge Coaster Trek
Next comes the thrill—roller coaster sections that climb ridges and dive into rugged terrain, all contained within the show building. - Bioluminescent Lake Voyage
Finally, you’ll slow down for a peaceful boat journey across a shimmering lake filled with glowing effects, ending the adventure on a magical note.
The ride vehicle itself will be amphibious, seamlessly shifting between coaster, raft, and boat modes to deliver the full experience.
Why NightFlight Expedition Is a Big Deal
Not only is this Dollywood’s most expensive ride ever, but it’s also one of the most ambitious family attractions ever attempted in the theme park industry. By blending multiple ride systems under one roof, NightFlight Expedition is designed to offer something for everyone—coaster thrills for adrenaline seekers, scenic moments for families, and rich storytelling for anyone who loves being immersed in Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain charm.
Another major benefit? Because it’s indoors and climate controlled, NightFlight Expedition should be operational year-round. That’s a huge win for guests planning visits during Dollywood’s popular festivals like Smoky Mountain Christmas or Harvest Festival, when weather can be unpredictable.
A Season Passholder’s Dream
For fans who never miss a Dollywood season, this ride is also a major perk tied directly to the 2026 season passes. As we covered in our 2026 Dollywood Season Pass Guide, current passholders who renew early will be among the first to ride NightFlight Expedition before it opens to the general public.
This exclusive early access gives loyal fans bragging rights and the chance to experience Dollywood’s boldest ride without the long waits that will surely come once the attraction opens. Considering how popular preview events have been for past rides like Big Bear Mountain, this incentive makes renewing a pass early even more valuable.
What We’re Still Waiting to Learn
While Dollywood has shared plenty of exciting details, some things remain under wraps:
- Exact opening date: All we know for now is Spring 2026.
- TimeSaver access: Will this be included, or offered as a premium?
- Queue design: With such a strong story, the queue may be as immersive as the ride itself.
Final Thoughts
NightFlight Expedition is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about theme park openings of 2026—not just in the Smokies, but across the entire theme park industry. By combining innovative ride technology with Dollywood’s signature focus on family and storytelling, this attraction is set to raise the bar for what a regional theme park can deliver.
For Dollywood fans, now is the time to start planning ahead. Renewing or purchasing a 2026 season pass early isn’t just about saving money—it’s your golden ticket to be among the first to take flight on Dollywood’s boldest journey yet.
NightFlight Expedition isn’t just another ride. It’s a landmark moment for Dollywood—and one you won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does NightFlight Expedition open at Dollywood?
The ride is scheduled to debut in Spring 2026 in the Wildwood Grove section of the park.
What type of ride is NightFlight Expedition?
It’s a first-of-its-kind hybrid attraction that combines roller coaster thrills, a whitewater rafting segment, and a scenic boat journey—complete with immersive effects and storytelling.
Where in Dollywood is the ride located?
NightFlight Expedition is being built in Wildwood Grove inside a 44,000-square-foot indoor building, allowing it to operate in all weather conditions.
What’s the story behind the ride?
Guests join twins Cora and Jasper Oakley as they follow glowing roots with the help of a “Bioluminator” device, leading to the discovery of a hidden bioluminescent lake.
Will there be a height requirement?
39 inches is the minimum height requirement.
Will season passholders get early access?
Yes! Guests who renew or purchase a 2026 Dollywood season pass early will be among the first to ride during exclusive preview events before the official opening.
Is NightFlight Expedition family-friendly?
While exact rider requirements are still to come, Dollywood has designed this attraction with families in mind, blending thrills with immersive storytelling.
