‘Woman’s World’ Takes a First Ride on Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition as Dolly Parton, 80, Shares Health Update with Fans

 

On August 14th, media, special guests and Dolly Parton’s family gathered at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for a monumental occasion—it was the grand opening of NightFlight Expedition, the largest attraction investment in park history. The country music icon had been expected to be there to celebrate the much-anticipated ride, but just hours before the event, fans learned Dolly would not be making the trip from Nashville on her doctor’s orders.

Instead, she appeared in a prerecorded video message—and, in true Dolly fashion, managed to make everyone smile even while our hearts were breaking that she couldn’t be there to kick it off in person.

“I am still in Nashville, and I am sorry about that,” Dolly told the crowd. She explained that she has been dealing with “a few little health issues,” including occasional dizziness and dehydration. 

“So I guess if your doctor tells you, ‘You ain’t traveling this week,’ you ain’t traveling this week,” she said. Then, wearing a pair of fluttering butterfly wings, she added with that unmistakable Dolly humor, that her Nashville doctor had “clipped my wings!”

Dolly reassured everyone that she is doing well and said she likes to keep her fans “in the loop.” And she clearly wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to talk about the reason we were all gathered at Dollywood. “I’ve been wanting to tell everybody about our great new ride, NightFlight Expedition,” she said. “You have fun, and I’m gonna see you down the road.” 

What is Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition?

If you’ve heard people calling NightFlight Expedition a new roller coaster, that’s true—but it doesn’t quite tell the whole story. 

This is not your typical thrill ride.

NightFlight Expedition is an immersive indoor adventure that combines four experiences into one all-indoor ride: a nighttime flight over the Smoky Mountains, a whitewater rafting adventure, a coaster-style mountain journey and a mysterious trip across a glowing lake—all packed into about 5½ minutes.

The attraction is housed inside a massive 44,000 square-foot, climate-controlled building, so unlike many Dollywood attractions, NightFlight Expedition isn’t dependent on the weather. It features a 1,255-foot track, reaches speeds of up to 29 mph and has a minimum height requirement of 39 inches. Each ride vehicle seats 10 people.

The ride’s custom amphibious vehicles are part of what makes the attraction so unique. They transition between different portions of the experience and use projection technology, lighting, audio and other effects to make you feel like you’re actually moving through the various environments rather than simply watching a screen.

The project represents more than a $50 million investment, making it the largest single attraction investment in the park’s history.

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NightFlight Expedition tells a story

The story centers around twins Cora and Jasper Oakley, scientists who are fascinated by the mysterious bioluminescence found throughout Wildwood Grove. Their research leads them to believe that the source of the glowing phenomenon may be Secret Lake, a hidden body of water deep within the Smoky Mountains.

So, naturally, they set off to find it—and we, as riders, get to come along for the adventure.

As explorers on their expedition, riders are given a special tool to help with the search: a “Bioluminator,” which is built right into each NightFlight Expedition vehicle. The device helps riders track the mysterious glowing roots that stretch through the mountain and ultimately lead toward Secret Lake.

The story also ties directly into the Wildwood Grove section of Dollywood, including the magical Wildwood Tree, the mysterious lake and the bioluminescent roots all help tie the story into this section of the park.

Dolly has said the ride was inspired in part by her memories of the Smokies at night, particularly fireflies, moonlight, owls and the stars. “I love to see the stars sparkling like rhinestones up in the big old sky,” she previously said of the attraction. “It’s pure mountain magic.”

“I’m so proud that we’re able to create something like NightFlight Expedition and give families a brand-new way to experience the Smokies together,” Dolly adds. “Growing up here, I learned to love these mountains in a way that stays with you your whole life. I always want folks who visit Dollywood to feel that same way.

“This ride truly is an adventure that lets you see the mountains the way I always remember them, full of wonder and beauty. I’m also excited that with NightFlight Expedition we’re able to tell stories about what happens in the mountains after the sun goes down. Whether a family is coming for their hundredth visit or if they’re coming for their very first time, I hope they’ll make memories here that are just as special as the ones I made growing up.”

And that description reveals what Dollywood is trying to accomplish here: to make you feel like you’ve entered a completely different world.

Is NightFlight Expedition worth it? My honest review

The staging area

As soon as you enter the enormous building, you’re transported into the world of Cora and Jasper Oakley. The space feels like a fascinating mash-up of an old-school airplane hangar and a natural science laboratory, with colorful lights, glowing effects and plenty of details that make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a real scientific expedition. One of my favorite parts? The line is all indoors and it’s wonderfully air conditioned! 

As you move through the line, you’re surrounded by clues about the adventure ahead, from the twins’ scientific research to the mysterious bioluminescence they’re trying to understand. The colorful effects give the space an almost futuristic feel, while the aviation-inspired details reinforce the idea that you’re about to take flight.

Rather than making you stand in line and then suddenly dropping you into a story once the ride begins, Dollywood uses the staging area to set the scene and get you curious about what you’re about to discover.

It also helps explain why you’re about to climb into what looks like a very unusual ride vehicle: You’re joining an expedition.

And by the time you’re ready to board, you’re already wondering what—and who—you’ll encounter once you take off. 

Is it good for plus-size riders?

The first thing I noticed was how accommodating the ride vehicle was.

That might not be the what you’d expect me to say about a new coaster, but as a plus-sized rider myself, it’s important. The ride vehicle was comfortable and felt welcoming to a wide range of body types. It has a broad seat with a personal lap bar that comes down without being too snug. 

Is the ride scary? 

Once I was settled in, the fun really began. Our first stop was the illusion of flying over the Smokies. The combination of movement, music, color and scenery genuinely made me feel like I was soaring. The fact that you can pick out Dollywood landmarks below you makes it even better.

Then your vehicle moves backwards and turns into a rushing rapid, but here’s some good news for visitors who hate water rides—I barely got wet. Just as you round a bend you go down a short but steep drop that has your heart pounding—in a good way—and though it’s fast, I’d say it’s still very kid friendly.

The lake, however, is stunning and relaxing. As you approach it, the water glows in brilliant shades of blue, pink and purple. It’s one of those moments where you gently float and take it all in.

My final verdict 

I think Dollywood got it right with this ride. It’s thrilling without being terrifying. It’s exciting without being too intense for families. And it conveys the joy, personality and color of Dolly herself.

Best of all, it’s just plain fun.

Yes, there were a few little glitches during our preview. The ride actually went down while we were waiting in line, and we experienced a small glitch after the first segment. But I wasn’t worried about it.

This is still a brand-new, incredibly complicated attraction, and Dollywood has said the ride’s opening was delayed in part because of the complexity of the project. Give it a little time.

I expect those kinks will soon be worked out, and they’ll be quickly forgotten. There were plenty of smiles, laughs and people talking about their favorite parts as we exited. And for me, the biggest compliment I can give is simple: I wanted to go again.

When can you ride NightFlight Expedition?

NightFlight Expedition officially opens to the general public on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.

The ride is a big swing for Dollywood—and after experiencing it firsthand, I understand why. It’s not the fastest coaster in the park. It’s not the biggest drop. And it’s not trying to be.

Instead, Dollywood has created something that feels like an immersive Smoky Mountain fairy tale. And perhaps that’s the most fitting tribute to Dolly.

She has spent decades taking something familiar—country music, a theme park, a story—and adding a little more magic to it. NightFlight Expedition does just that.