After missing its original spring opening, Dollywood’s most expensive attraction finally has a firm debut date. NightFlight Expedition will begin welcoming all guests on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
The $50 million+ attraction is the largest ride investment in Dollywood’s history. It is being built inside a climate-controlled facility in the Wildwood Grove section of the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park.
Dollywood announced in June that the ride would be delayed until approximately mid-August. Park President Eugene Naughton said crews needed additional time to complete adjustments and testing.
Some eligible season passholders will be able to ride NightFlight Expedition before its public opening. Preview days are scheduled from Aug. 15 through Aug. 18.
Some Passholders Can Ride Four Days Early
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Silver, Gold and Diamond passholders who purchased their 2026 passes between Sept. 17 and Oct. 12, 2025, are eligible for the preview. Reservations will open through eligible guests’ My Dollywood accounts at 10 a.m. on Aug. 7.
Each passholder may reserve one time slot during the four-day preview period. NightFlight Expedition will still be in technical rehearsals, so temporary closures may occur.
“We’re going to be having to do a little bit more work to get the ride ready for operation,” Naughton said when announcing the delay in June, according to Knoxville CBS affiliate WVLT.
The Ride Combines Four Different Adventures
According to Dollywood, NightFlight Expedition is the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride. The approximately 5.5-minute experience combines four types of movement in a single amphibious ride vehicle.
Riders will soar over the Smoky Mountains, travel through whitewater rapids, cross a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and navigate a glowing lake by boat. More than 500,000 gallons of water are used during the rafting portion.
The ride’s story follows twin scientists, Cora and Jasper Oakley, as they search for Secret Lake, believed to supply water to Wildwood Grove’s glowing Wildwood Tree. They use a device called the Bioluminator to follow the tree’s glowing roots to the lake.
NightFlight Expedition travels across 1,255 feet of track and reaches a maximum speed of 29 mph. Each vehicle carries 10 passengers, and riders must be at least 39 inches tall.
Ride enthusiasts everywhere will definitely want to try out this unique new offering.