Dollywood Reveals NightFlight Expedition, a First-of-Its-Kind Ride Opening in 2026

Surely there's data somewhere that would tell us what the most popular attractions are in East Tennessee's flourishing tourism industry. There has to be. If I knew what I was doing, I'd volunteer for the job if it existed and was vacant.

Between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, not to mention the spaces in between, there's really no telling (unless that data does exist) how many people visit the Smokies every year. A big reason I'd like to see this information is because I suspect that Dollywood might be number one. Since I was a kid, I've loved listing things in order. College basketball rankings and tournament projections, the populations of states, music charts, you name it.

New at Dollywood for 2026

Whether or not there's a number cruncher somewhere wearing a green visor and pecking away furiously on a keyboard, Dollywood sees millions of guests every season, and Dolly's team makes sure they never leave disappointed. In that case, mission accomplished, after today's announcement about a first-of-its-kind attraction opening at Dollywood for the 2026 season. The big reveal happened Wednesday morning, minus the park's iconic namesake. But here, Dolly shares with us the painful reason she was unable to attend. (She's fine, by the way.)

NightFlight Expedition

This hybrid rollercoaster/whitewater ride is called NightFlight Expedition, and that descriptor alone has me salivating. No, I'm not coaster fan, but I love all water rides, so I am deeply intrigued. Here's a simulation of what we can expect at Dollywood next year.

It looks like a blast. It also looks like guests will hanging out at Dollywood even longer beginning in 2026.

And there's nothing wrong with that.