The chance to experience Dollywood’s newest ride has arrived. NightFlight Expedition, the park’s longest and most expensive ride yet, is officially opening in time for visitors to enjoy it this season.
Depending on whether you have a season pass or a one-day ticket, however, you might need to wait just a little longer after the Aug. 14 preview day to take your seat aboard the one-of-a-kind indoor ride. And that's not even counting how long you might be waiting in line once you're inside the doors of NightFlight's giant hangar.
Here’s what to know about NightFlight Expedition and when you can try it for the first time.
When can you ride NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood?
NightFlight Expedition opens Aug. 19 for all Dollywood guests. Season passholders, however, are eligible to reserve spots for early
previews Aug. 14-18.
What is NightFlight Expedition?
Before the ride's trip through nighttime in the Great Smoky Mountains even begins aboard a special boat, you see twinkling fireflies and hear cicadas. And then you're off soaring over the mountains. The journey is filled with unexpected jolts and drops. But all around are bright hues of purple, blue and green bioluminescence. Even the water glows!
NightFlight Expedition is billed as a “groundbreaking thrill ride” for all ages that combines four ride experiences into one. The custom-designed attraction features vivid multimedia projections, dynamic onboard and offboard audio and special lighting effects.
"It represents our 11th coaster on property, but it's much more than just a coaster," Dollywood President Eugene Naughton told Knox News. "We're bringing to life what happens at night in the Smoky Mountains and people normally don't get a chance to see the really cool bioluminescent creatures that exist along our Smoky Mountains at night because the park closes. So, this is our chance to tell that story and to share what happens."
The ride is a “first of its kind” indoor family coaster with water and other immersive and multimedia elements. Housed in a 44,000 square foot building, it’s Dollywood’s longest ride and most expensive attraction in the park’s history.
Can small children ride NightFlight Expedition?
The 5.5-minute-long ride is meant for families. The average 5-year-old, along with parents and grandparents, can ride it, and the speed tops out at 29 mph. The ride does have a minimum height requirement of 39 inches, according to the Dollywood website.
How long is the expected wait to ride NightFlight Expedition?
Dollywood says 1,200 people per hour will be able to ride NightFlight, and the park expects about an hourlong wait during normal operations. However, it took Knox News about two hours to get to the front of the line during previews on Aug. 14. The good thing, though, is that most of the queue is indoors, keeping you cool and dry while you wait.
Where is NightFlight Expedition in the park?
The new ride is in the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood, near Big Bear Mountain, according to the website.
How much are Dollywood tickets?
One-day date-specific tickets are $94.99 for adults and $84.99 for kids ages 4-9 and seniors 62 and older. Tickets can be purchased at dollywood.com. Tickets that are good for any date are $89.99-$99.99.
The park has gold and silver season passes available. Season passes for 2026 cost $170- $245 and can be purchased online at dollywood.com. Summer passes that are valid through Sept. 13 are $135.
Dollywood had a record-breaking season last year and park leaders anticipate 2026 could be even bigger. The 41st season features new special events, after hours fun and the debut of NightFlight Expedition, an innovative indoor ride that can only be experienced at the Pigeon Forge theme park.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: NightFlight Expedition opens at Dollywood. But are you ready to ride?
