Nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, just beyond the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has long been a place where families gather to share time together. Co-owned by Dolly Parton and Herschend Entertainment, the resort features thrilling rides like the Lightning Rod coaster, Southern-inspired dining, and the famous Grist Mill cinnamon bread. But beginning next year, the park will welcome its most ambitious project yet.
Dollywood confirmed that NightFlight Expedition will debut in 2026, calling it “the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride.” The new attraction, currently under construction, represents the largest single investment in the park’s history at $50 million.
According to Dollywood, “The attraction is designed to engage families with its vivid storytelling and to delight thrill-seekers with its innovative elements.” Guests will soar through a nighttime Smoky Mountain flight, raft through more than 500,000 gallons of water, climb a mountain ridge on a coaster, and then set out on a mysterious lake journey by boat.
“This new ride sends you out into the mountains at night, which is the time that I think they really come to life!” Dolly Parton said via Knox News. “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.”
Although Parton was scheduled to appear in person for the attraction’s reveal on September 17, the park announced the day before that a change in her schedule prevented her from attending. Still, the announcement reflects the same commitment Parton has always shared with her guests: creating moments that bring families together.
That spirit is also seen in Dollywood’s seasonal traditions, including the Harvest Festival, which returned on September 12, 2025. Parton has described the park as a place where “everybody has a different agenda,” telling Travel + Leisure last year that “we’ve got some of everything—it all depends on how you want to spend your day.”
For Parton, Dollywood is deeply personal. She often mentions the “I Will Always Love You” sign that greets guests as they leave Dollywood and Splash Country. “When they’re worn out and ready to go back to their rooms or wherever they come from, it’s like, ‘Dolly loves us. She said thank you in her own little way.’”
The park’s cultural side is highlighted through experiences like the Dolly Parton Experience, which opened in May 2024 and included Songteller: Dolly’s Journey. The exhibit explores Parton’s Sevierville roots and her career as one of country music’s most celebrated artists.
Dollywood continues to rank alongside—and sometimes even above—destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, a fact Parton attributes to the personal touches. “Growing up hard myself, I know that it’s not easy to save up enough money to take the whole family to a park. It’s a lot of work, so I appreciate every bit of that,” she shared.
When asked what she is most proud of, her answer remains simple: “I’m real proud of the fact that this is very family-oriented.”
With NightFlight Expedition preparing for liftoff in 2026, Dollywood is set to launch the next chapter in its 40-year story.
