Overview

• Dollywood confirmed NightFlight Expedition as the world’s first indoor family hybrid coaster combined with a whitewater river raft ride, delivering a 5.5-minute journey across four distinct sequences.
• The ride sits inside a 44,000-square-foot, temperature-controlled building and uses ten-person amphibious vehicles on 1,255 feet of track reaching up to 29 mph, with a rapids segment powered by roughly 500,000 gallons of water and a 39-inch height minimum.
• Developed with Herschend Creative Studios and Mack Rides, the attraction blends projection mapping, special lighting, and onboard and offboard audio, and the ride system recently earned Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket for Best New Innovation.
• The story follows twin scientists Cora and Jasper Oakley on a nighttime search for Secret Lake using their Bioluminator device, extending Wildwood Grove lore tied to Big Bear Mountain and Hidden Hollow Aviation.
• Opening is slated for spring 2026, and current 2025 season passholders who renew for 2026 are promised an opportunity to experience the ride before it opens to the public.