Dollywood Unveils Massive NightFlight Expedition Ride for 2026 Season

New $100 million attraction and other updates coming to the Smoky Mountain theme park.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Dollywood, the popular theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is gearing up for its 41st season in 2026 with the highly anticipated opening of its most expensive and largest expansion to date - the NightFlight Expedition ride. The new $100 million attraction is slated to debut this spring and will immerse visitors in a thrilling nighttime adventure through the Smoky Mountains.

Why it matters

Dollywood is a major tourism draw for the Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountain region, attracting millions of visitors each year. The addition of the NightFlight Expedition ride, along with other new experiences, is expected to further boost attendance and solidify Dollywood's status as a premier family-friendly destination.

The details

The NightFlight Expedition ride will take guests on a high-speed journey through the Smoky Mountains at night, featuring state-of-the-art special effects, animatronics, and immersive storytelling. In addition to the new ride, Dollywood is also introducing new food offerings, races, and other attractions for the 2026 season to enhance the overall guest experience.

  • Dollywood's 41st season will kick off in 2026.
  • The NightFlight Expedition ride is slated to open this spring.

The players

Dollywood

A popular theme park located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, known for its family-friendly attractions, rides, and Smoky Mountain setting.

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What’s next

Dollywood is expected to release more details about the NightFlight Expedition ride and other new offerings in the coming months as the 2026 season approaches.

The takeaway

Dollywood's continued investment in new and innovative attractions, like the NightFlight Expedition, demonstrates the park's commitment to providing an exceptional and evolving experience for its guests, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination in the Smoky Mountains.