Dollywood's newest ride has been temporarily grounded. The park announced NightFlight Expedition will be closed through Aug. 30 for some fine-tuning.
"As part of ongoing ride rehearsal, the manufacturer has asked for additional time to adjust the timing of the ride's turntable to ensure a quality experience for this unique part of the attraction," Dollywood said in a Instagram reel posted Aug. 25.
NightFlight opened to all guests Aug. 19 and has been drawing huge crowds and long lines. Some guests have shared on social media that the wait to ride NightFlight Expedition was around three hours.
The innovative indoor attraction combines multiple ride elements, offering a unique ride experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Dollywood
fans and theme park enthusiasts had been eager to try out the ride ever since the project was announced nearly ago.
Dollywood spokesperson Wes Ramey noted the ride is still in technical rehearsals and that can affect the wait time as well.
NightFlight Expedition by the numbers
- Maximum speed is 29 mph
- Minimum rider height requirement is 39 inches
- Ride duration of 5.5 minutes
- Nearly a quarter of a mile of coaster track
- 10 passengers per car
- 44,000 square foot facility (which is larger than four football fields)
- Nearly three stories high at highest track elevation
- 500,000 gallons of water used
- Cost over $60 million (Dollywood’s most expensive ride ever)
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: NightFlight Expedition temporarily closed as Dollywood makes adjustments
