Tennessee - The construction of Dollywood’s upcoming attraction, NightFlight Expedition, is progressing, with its opening set for spring 2026. The ride will combine roller coaster elements with whitewater river ride dynamics, featuring the Mack “Rocking Boat” model. It will include components such as flight, river rapids, traditional coaster elements, and a lake voyage.
Construction Details and Progress
Participants of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Southeast Region’s annual Smoky Mountain Coasterfest recently toured the construction site, observing developments of the attraction. The ride will include a show building, themed as an aviation hangar, which stands five stories high and spans 44,000 square feet. Current construction efforts are focused on track installation, with a layout measuring 1,255 feet (382 meters) in length.
Design Features
NightFlight Expedition features a dual track system with both above-water and underwater sections. The submerged track is unpainted gray, while the above-water track is painted black, highlighting the different segments of the ride.
Timeline and Construction Goals
As winter approaches, construction crews are prioritizing exterior work to protect the site from adverse weather. The entire ride experience, including loading and unloading, is expected to last over five minutes, suggesting the inclusion of several dark ride segments.
Construction progress continues to align with the planned spring 2026 opening of Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition.
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