Dollywood Announces NightFlight Expedition, 2026 Family Indoor Coaster and Water Ride

Dollywood is again raising the bar for theme park innovation. Coming in 2026, the park will debut NightFlight Expedition, the world’s first attraction to combine an indoor family hybrid roller coaster with a whitewater river raft ride. The new attraction will anchor the expansion of Wildwood Grove inside a massive 44,000-square-foot building, giving guests a weatherproof adventure.

Four Adventures in One Ride

NightFlight Expedition delivers four distinct ride experiences in a 5.5-minute journey:

• Immersive Night Flight – Take to the skies on a nighttime voyage over the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, brought to life with state-of-the-art multimedia projections.
• Whitewater Rapids – NightFlight Expedition will pump over half a million gallons of surging water, simulating a thrilling river rafting adventure.
• Indoor Mountain Coaster – Soar nearly three stories high on a family-friendly coaster track that reaches speeds of up to 29 miles per hour.
• Shimmering Lake Voyage – Slow down to drift across a glowing, peaceful lake scene that caps off the expedition with breathtaking beauty.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Built by MACK Rides GmbH & Co KG, NightFlight Expedition incorporates multiple technical innovations to create a fully immersive environment:

• A custom-designed amphibious ride vehicle, part flying boat, part raft, capable of transitioning between coaster track and water.
• Immersive projection mapping and dynamic lighting effects to create lifelike environments.
• Onboard and offboard audio systems to surround riders with atmospheric sounds—from rushing rivers to soaring winds.

Each ride vehicle seats 10 passengers with lap-bar restraints, and with eleven cars in operation, NightFlight Expedition is designed for efficiency as well as spectacle. The attraction is accessible to families with a minimum height requirement of 39 inches, ensuring younger guests can join the adventure.

Expanding Wildwood Grove

Dollywood has steadily grown Wildwood Grove into one of its most beloved areas, and NightFlight Expedition represents the most ambitious addition yet. By bringing the outdoors inside, the attraction guarantees year-round thrills and storytelling in a way that stays true to Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain roots.

A One-of-a-Kind Expedition

With its blend of coaster thrills, water ride excitement, and immersive storytelling, NightFlight Expedition is a true world’s-first. It continues Dollywood’s tradition of innovation while honoring the park’s Smoky Mountain setting. Whether you’re a coaster enthusiast, a family looking for a shared adventure, or simply a fan of Dollywood’s unique brand of storytelling, this 2026 addition promises to be a must-ride.

To learn more about NightFlight Expedition, visit the Dollywood website visit the Dollywood website.

For more about Mack’s innovative attraction rocking boat attraction, check out our feature on the ride’s mechanics earlier this year.

What do you think about NightFlight Expedition? Let us know in the comments section below!