We’re pretty massive Disney fans, but that doesn’t mean we don’t check out the other theme parks. One that we’ve been loving lately has been Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
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We’ve been trying lots of food, and of course checking out the rides, and one of the newest rides, NightFlight Expedition, has been high on our list to check out. Unfortunately, it seems like we’re going to have to wait a little bit longer before we’re able to climb on and ride.
Originally, NightFlight Expedition was set to open in Spring 2026 but is now expected to open in mid-August.
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The park’s president, Eugene Naughton, said, “We’re going to have to do a little bit more work to get the ride ready for operation. It’s an incredibly complex and interesting ride that we’re trying to get ready. [There is] a little bit more work to do on our show and test and adjust period, but we promise to work on it as diligently as possible. I know you all are as excited to have the ability to ride Night Flight Expedition as we are as a team. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to date. And I want you to know we’ll give you good updates along the way.”
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The ride was announced in September 2025 and is a more than $50 million investment for Dollywood. The park said it’s the largest single-attraction investment in Dollywood’s history. They also said it is the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride and will take guests on a give-and-a-half-minute journey with nearly a quarter-mile of track. It will take riders almost three stories high and will reach speeds of up to 29 miles per hour. In four sections, guests can soar over the Smokies, take a whitewater rafting excursion through 500,000 gallons of surging water, climb a mountain ridge on a roller coaster, and then navigate a shimmering lake by boat.
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NightFlight Expedition continues Dolly Parton’s story of Wildwood Grove and follows the twin Scientists, Cora and Jasper Oakley, as they search for the legendary Secret Lake. They are the niece and nephew of Ned Oakley, the character whose voice is featured on Big Bear Mountain. The twins’ search takes visitors on a journey through the Great Smoky Mountains at night.
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While we’re bummed to have to wait a little longer, we’re excited that they’re working on making the roller coaster perfect for guests. Make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more theme park news.
DOLLYWOOD HAS QUIETLY BECOME THE NEXT BIG THEME PARK FOOD DESTINATION
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