By Kayla DeKraker
Dollywood will keep things fresh with this new attraction.
NightFlight Expedition will arrive in Pigeon Forge in 2026 — a first-of-its-kind ride that combines a rollercoaster with a whitewater river raft ride.
“During the 5 1/2-minute experience, guests soar on a nighttime flight over the scenic Smokies, enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion through more than 500,000 gallons of surging water, traverse a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a mysterious shimmering lake by boat,” a description of NightFlight Expedition reads.
At a cost of roughly $50 million, the ride is being built in collaboration with Herschend Creative Studios and Mack Rides. It also boasts a beautiful view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Parton herself can’t wait for fans to experience it.
Related: Dolly Parton Says Dollywood Inspired by ‘The Most Perfect Place’ God Created
“I’m just so proud that Dollywood has grown so much in its first 40 years that we’re able to add a ride like NightFlight Expedition,” she said in a statement. “I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge part of Dollywood’s next 40 years. We’re always trying to take the natural beauty of the Smokies and make it part of everything we’re doing in the park, and they’ve definitely been able to do it with this ride.”
She added, “A lot of people ask me about my favorite season in the Smokies, but no one ever asks me what my favorite time of day is. Our new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life! Obviously, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for the synchronous lightning bugs, but I also love to just sit and listen to the owls calling or the frogs croaking, and I love to see the stars sparkling like rhinestones up in the big old sky. It’s pure mountain magic.”
“Get ready to soar, plunge, climb and navigate on NightFlight Expedition! Opening in 2026!” the Dollywood Instagram teased earlier this month.
Fans can’t wait.
“So so excited to take flight!!” one person said. Another person mentioned, “Thank you for always innovating and making us excited to return year after year!”
This year, Dollywood celebrated it’s 40th anniversary.
“On opening day in 1986, I was just hoping that people would really want to come visit a theme park with my name on it, and even though I always try to dream big, I’ll admit I was a little bit nervous that first morning,” Parton said. “But people did come out to support us that first day, and I’m so proud to see that Dollywood has continued to grow through the years to become a place of fun and togetherness for everyone who has come to visit.”
NightFlight Expedition will certainly keep things fresh for Dollywood fans!
Read Next: A Look Back at Dolly Parton’s Impressive Career as a Musician, Actress and Humanitarian
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