Get ready to soar over the Smoky Mountains because a new ride is coming to Dollywood!
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Taking flight in spring 2026, NightFlight Expedition is a hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride on a journey “to discover the mystery of the legendary Secret Lake.”
Located tucked away in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Dollywood is embarking on a new journey — NightFlight Expedition. This new ride will be a “groundbreaking hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride,” scheduled to open in spring 2026.
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Cora and Jasper Oakley will lead riders on a journey to discover the mystery of the legendary Secret Lake. The ride will feature “remarkable vehicles,” and adventurers can experience four different storylines in a first-of-its-kind attraction as they “fly through the Smokies, conquer raging rapids, climb mountain peaks and glide across a shimmering lake.”
There will be four adventures:
- Soaring over the Smokies
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- Climbing a mountainside
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- Plunging into whitewater rapids
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- Navigating a mysterious lake
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NightFlight Expedition will be situated in the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood, within an indoor, weather-independent 44,000-square-foot facility, which is quite spacious. The track length will run nearly a quarter of a mile at 1,255 feet, with a maximum speed of 29 MPH. The ride will be five and a half minutes long (including loading and unloading).
In addition, it’s nearly three stories high at its tallest point. The minimum height requirement is 39 inches, and 10 passengers will fit in each ride vehicle.
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What do you think of this new ride? Does it sound like one you can’t miss? We’ll be on the lookout for an official opening date and more details! In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest theme park news.
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We’ve been as a family to Dollywood several times. It never disappoints and always a memorable experience. We live in WV so the trip doesn’t take long either. I’m really glad Ms Dolly built it and continues to expand it. The prices can get kinda steep for some items tho.
No complaints other than that. The transportation to and from the park is never an extremely long wait and also saves your energy to walk in the park area. If I had to give it a grade. Then it’d definitely receive an A. Other than the over pricing on certain souvenirs and really long lines at the food centers.
(again over priced. Especially considering the long wait for your food as well)
The rest of the park is top shelf in my opinion. Recommended highly for anybody who’s never went