Dollywood Reveal First Look At NEW 2026 Ride

Dollywood have just revealed a FIRST LOOK at their new 2026 ride Nightflight Expedition at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida!

The new ride which will feature a multi-sensory experience and will be located inside a gigantic 3 storey tall show building will open at the park in 2026.

Nightflight Expedition has been manufactured and designed by the renown German rides manufacturer MACK Rides who are well known for the incredibly high standards their rides and attractions dictate.

In a big reveal at this year’s annual IAAPA Expo in Orlando, fans and the media have been given an exclusive first look at the stylish new ride vehicles set to feature on Nightflight Expedition next year!

The above ride vehicle will feature on Dollywood’s NEW 2026 ride Nightflight Expedition and features an array of different interactive features to enhance the ride experience for those onboard – *Image Credit: Dollywood.

Dollywood’s latest new ride is set to combine multiple different ride tech and has been described by the park as being a “groundbreaking hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride“ meaning the ride will feature a water coaster feel.

Nightflight Expedition will also serve as an expansion of the park’s already popular Wildwood Grove area and will be the first of it’s kind when open.

“Expanding on Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove, NightFlight Expedition is a groundbreaking hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride with Cora and Jasper Oakley leading you on an extraordinary journey to discover the mystery of the legendary Secret Lake.”

“Embarking on a daring journey aboard remarkable vehicles, adventurers will experience four thrilling experiences in a first-of-its-kind attraction as they fly through the Smokies, conquer raging rapids, climb mountain peaks and glide across a shimmering lake. Follow the roots and light the way!”

Other details revealed about Dollywood’s new 2026 ride confirm that the ride will be 1,255ft in length, reach speeds of up to 29 mph, last a total of 5 & a half minutes from beginning to end and be nearly 3 storeys in height at the highest point.

Nightflight Expedtion will join twelve other rides and attractions currently operating in Wildwood Grove and will continue the story of the Hollow Log.

The above ride vehicle diagram shared by Dollywood yesterday (Tues 18th Nov 2025) sheds further light on the other features of Nightflight Expedition’s ride vehicles manufactured and created by MACK Rides.