Dollywood Dedicates NightFlight Expedition Ahead of Aug. 19 Public Opening

Dollywood has formally dedicated NightFlight Expedition, moving its largest new attraction of 2026 into the final days before public rides begin Aug. 19 in Pigeon Forge.

The park marked the milestone Aug. 14 during an event attended by media, invited guests and season passholders. Dollywood's latest announcement places the investment at more than $60 million. When the project was first revealed, the company described it as the largest attraction investment in the history of Dollywood Parks & Resorts.

NightFlight Expedition is an indoor family adventure that combines coaster track, whitewater movement and immersive storytelling in a single ride. Dollywood developed the custom attraction with Herschend Creative Studios and Mack Rides, using amphibious ride vehicles that shift through four parts of the journey: soaring above the Smokies, climbing a mountainside, plunging into rapids and navigating a mysterious lake.

The attraction occupies a 44,000-square-foot, climate-controlled building in Wildwood Grove, allowing it to operate independently of most outside weather conditions. Dollywood lists a track length of 1,255 feet, a top speed of 29 mph and a total experience of about 5½ minutes, including loading and unloading. The highest track point approaches three stories, each vehicle carries 10 passengers, and the minimum rider height is 39 inches.

Its story centers on twin scientists Cora and Jasper Oakley, who set out to find Secret Lake with an invention called the Bioluminator. The journey follows the glowing roots of Wildwood Grove's centerpiece tree and draws on the Smokies' natural bioluminescence. Along the way, riders move through multimedia projections, synchronized audio, lighting effects and a water sequence that Dollywood says uses more than 500,000 gallons.

Eligible Silver, Gold and Diamond season passholders have preview opportunities Aug. 15–18. Dollywood says the attraction will remain in technical rehearsal during those previews, so temporary downtime is possible while crews complete final adjustments. General public rides are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Aug. 19.

NightFlight Expedition expands Wildwood Grove, the family-focused area that opened in 2019. It joins 12 existing attractions in the land and gives Dollywood a major indoor ride designed for families as well as guests looking for a moderate thrill. Visitors planning trips before Aug. 19 should not assume the attraction is available for general admission until the announced public opening date.