Dollywood’s $50M NightFlight Expedition Will Be Its Largest Ride Ever

Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has a very brief off-season, and fans couldn't be happier about that. Our beloved Hall-of-Famer wouldn't have it any other way. And, this time, I'm talking about Dolly Parton, the theme park Hall of Famer.

Dollywood

Formally, she is an International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Hall of Famer. Quite a mouthful, huh? Well, it's no wonder she's enshrined in that hall, too. Her Smokey Mountains icon has done nothing but grow by leaps and bounds since it opened, and now it is a world-class destination, on par with the best theme parks in the world. And while it's entering its 41st season, Dollywood will mark a major milestone on May 3rd, the 40th anniversary of its opening day in 1986.

NightFlight Expedition

Leave it to Dolly and her team to break ground, once again, with a first-of-its-kind %50 million hybrid attraction that combines a roller coaster and a white water raft ride. Covering a whopping 44,000 square feet, NightFlight Expedition combines four immersive experiences into one exciting thrill ride. Check out this preview, which Dollywood has presented in three episodes.

In episode two, you'll see the big reveal of the 10-passenger vehicles guests will ride in during their "Night Flight."

And finally, the housing for NightFlight Expedition.

Dollywood will also introduce the "Run Dollywood" race weekend, April 25th and 26th. Participants in the half-marathon, 10K, and 5K will race through the park, while kids can enjoy a 1-mile Fun Run

Dollywood opens for the 2026 season on March 13th.