Dollywood NightFlight Expedition: New 2026 Ride Details Revealed

Dollywood is preparing to launch one of the most ambitious attractions in its history. Opening in Spring 2026, NightFlight Expedition is a completely new kind of ride experience that blends multiple attraction types into one immersive journey. Located in Wildwood Grove, this all-new attraction will introduce guests to a nighttime adventure through the Smoky Mountains, combining storytelling, innovative ride technology, and family-friendly thrills.

Recently I had a chance to check out the show building for this ride. It’s much larger than I expected - I mean this is on scale with Disney World and Universal show buildings!

Dollywood’s Nightflight Expedition show building under construction for a 2026 opening date.

Billed as a first-of-its-kind attraction, NightFlight Expedition represents a major step forward not only for Dollywood, but for the theme park industry as a whole. With a massive indoor show building, custom amphibious ride vehicles, and a layered narrative experience, this attraction is poised to become one of the most talked-about new rides of 2026.

Here’s a full breakdown of what makes NightFlight Expedition such a game-changer and why it’s shaping up to be a must-do attraction at Dollywood.

What Is NightFlight Expedition?

NightFlight Expedition is a hybrid indoor adventure attraction that merges elements of a family coaster, water ride, and immersive dark ride. Rather than focusing on a single ride system, Dollywood designed this attraction to transition seamlessly between multiple environments — air, land, and water — all within one continuous experience.

NightFlight ride vehicle on display at the IAPPA show, a theme park convention held in Orlando, Florida.

The attraction lasts approximately five and a half minutes, offering a substantial ride time compared to traditional theme park rides. Guests will board a unique ride vehicle and embark on a nighttime expedition through the Smoky Mountains, guided by a story rooted in exploration, discovery, and bioluminescence.

With a minimum height requirement of just 39 inches, NightFlight Expedition is designed to appeal to families while still delivering exciting moments that older riders will appreciate.

What truly sets NightFlight Expedition apart is its hybrid ride system, something that has never been done at this scale before. The attraction blends four distinct ride experiences into one seamless adventure:

1. Nighttime Flight Through the Smokies

The journey begins with the sensation of flight as riders soar through the Smoky Mountains after dark. Advanced projections, atmospheric lighting, and immersive audio effects create the illusion of gliding above forested ridgelines, valleys, and glowing landscapes.

This portion of the ride emphasizes smooth motion and visual storytelling, setting the tone for the expedition ahead.

2. Whitewater Rapids Adventure

From the skies, riders transition into a thrilling whitewater segment. This section uses a powerful water system that simulates rushing river rapids, complete with dynamic movement and splashing water. While exciting, it remains accessible for families and avoids extreme intensity.

The water elements add a tactile layer to the experience, making the adventure feel physical and unpredictable.

3. Mountain Coaster Segment

As the expedition continues, the ride shifts into a coaster-style experience. Riders climb and descend through mountainous terrain, featuring controlled speed, gentle turns, and elevation changes that enhance the sense of exploration rather than pure thrill.

This section provides the most kinetic energy of the ride while maintaining a smooth and approachable profile.

4. Scenic Boat Journey

The finale of NightFlight Expedition slows things down with a serene boat-style journey across a mysterious lake. Glowing effects, reflective water, and storytelling elements bring the ride’s narrative to a satisfying conclusion, emphasizing wonder and discovery rather than speed.

This calming ending creates a memorable contrast to the earlier action-packed portions of the attraction.

The Story Behind NightFlight Expedition

Dollywood is known for pairing attractions with strong storytelling (which is why it draws so many Disney World fans and Orlando locals), and NightFlight Expedition is no exception. The ride centers around the legend of Secret Lake, a hidden body of water believed to power the glowing Wildwood Tree in Wildwood Grove.

Guests join a pair of adventurous sibling scientists who have developed a special exploration craft capable of traveling through multiple environments. Their mission is to uncover the source of the Smokies’ mysterious bioluminescence and explore the natural wonders that come alive after dark.

The story blends Appalachian folklore, scientific curiosity, and fantasy, creating a narrative that feels both magical and grounded in the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Rather than relying on characters from existing franchises, NightFlight Expedition introduces original storytelling that enhances Dollywood’s unique identity.

If you feel Disney World is oversaturated with characters and movie synergy, Dollywood is a refreshing change.

A Massive Indoor Attraction

NightFlight Expedition will be housed inside a 44,000-square-foot, climate-controlled building, allowing the attraction to operate year-round regardless of weather conditions. This is especially important in the Smoky Mountains, where rain and temperature changes can affect outdoor rides.

The indoor setting also allows for complete environmental control, enabling advanced lighting effects, projections, sound design, and temperature management that enhance immersion.

For guests, this means NightFlight Expedition will be a reliable attraction during hot summer days, cooler evenings, and rainy weather.

Why This Ride Is a Big Deal for Dollywood

NightFlight Expedition represents the largest single attraction investment in Dollywood’s history, signaling a major commitment to growth and innovation. The ride reinforces Dollywood’s position as one of the leading regional theme parks in the United States, capable of delivering experiences that rival much larger destinations.

This attraction also fills a unique niche in Dollywood’s lineup:

• It’s more immersive than a traditional coaster

• More thrilling than a standard dark ride

• More story-driven than a typical water ride

By blending all three, Dollywood is offering something genuinely new — not just for its park, but for the industry.

How NightFlight Expedition Fits Into Wildwood Grove

Wildwood Grove has become one of Dollywood’s most popular areas thanks to its whimsical design and family-friendly attractions. NightFlight Expedition builds on that foundation by expanding the area’s lore and visual identity.

The attraction ties directly into the glowing Wildwood Tree, reinforcing the area’s nighttime aesthetic and magical atmosphere. It also adds a high-capacity, headline attraction that strengthens Wildwood Grove as a destination within the park rather than just a pass-through area.

Thinking of visiting Dollywood?

As someone who has been to Dollywood in the summer and the winter, I think it’s best to go during the holidays! The Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg go all out for Christmas, the decorations are amazing, and it feels like an authentic Christmas vacation. If you find this interesting, You’ll want to read this article on Dollywood and the Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta Mountain.

---

Search for more information on my blog.

---

Recent Articles

Ready to keep exploring? Dive into more adventures from Orlando theme parks and cruises:

▸ Disney World

▸ Universal Orlando

▸ Orlando Cruises & More

Why Summer 2026 Might Be the Best Time Ever to Visit Walt Disney World (And How to Save Big)

Every year, right after the holidays, Disney World quietly rolls out a new wave of discounts. And every year, I get that same thrill of opening up my laptop, diving into the offers, and immediately starting to mentally plan a summer vacation to Orlando. But this year feels different. For Summer 2026, Disney has released four major offers that, when used correctly, can lead to some of the biggest savings I’ve seen in years.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

If you’ve been dreaming about a Disney World vacation in 2026, wondering whether you should stay at a Disney Resort hotel, debating whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it, or just trying to bring down the cost of theme park tickets, these offers are absolutely worth a look.

To see more about Disney’s full lineup of hotels, check out my Disney Hotel reviews pages.

Here are the four big offers Disney World is promoting:

Let’s dive into each one. And before you book your Disney vacation, you should read my article: Walt Disney World: What the Brochure Doesn’t Tell You.

1. Buy 4 Nights, Get 2 Nights and 2 Park Days Free

This is the headline deal for Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World, and honestly, it’s one of the most generous package-style discounts Disney has released in a while.

Here’s how it works in real terms.

If you book a vacation package that includes:

• a minimum 4-night stay at a Disney Resort hotel

• and theme park tickets for at least 4 days

Disney will automatically add:

• two extra hotel nights

• two extra theme park ticket days

at no additional cost.

So instead of a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney World vacation, you’re suddenly taking a 6-night, 6-day Disney World trip — but still paying the 4-night package price. When you think about how expensive Disney park tickets are on their own, that “bonus” really adds up.

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter

Why I like this deal

In my experience, a 6-night Disney World trip is the sweet spot. Four nights always feels a bit rushed. Six nights gives you:

• time for all four parks

• a pool day or resort day

• maybe even Disney Springs

• actual breathing room

This offer is ideal if you want:

• a week-long Disney World vacation in 2026

• to stretch your budget without cutting park days

• to avoid the feeling of “we didn’t get to do everything”

It’s especially strong for families with kids, because younger children usually need a slower pace, midday breaks, and rest days. Getting two extra days and nights free means you can spread things out without paying for the privilege.

Who this offer is best for

• families staying 6 nights or more

• first-time visitors who want to “do it all”

• anyone traveling mid-summer

• people who want park tickets built into their package

If you were already planning five or six nights at Disney World in 2026, this is almost a no-brainer. You’re getting exactly what you wanted… for less.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

2. Up to 30% Off Disney Resort Hotel Rooms (General Public Offer)

Not everyone needs a whole vacation package. Sometimes you already have tickets, you’re an annual passholder, or you just want to stay on property and do different Orlando attractions. For those situations, Disney’s general room-only summer discount is perfect.

This offer is simple and flexible, which is one of the reasons I like it.

Here’s the gist of it

Disney is taking:

• up to 30% off room rates for stays of five nights or longer

• and up to 25% off for stays of one to four nights

across select Disney Resort hotels during summer 2026.

The “up to” language is important. Not every resort or room category will hit that full 30%, but if you’re flexible with where you stay or what view you book, you can usually land a very good deal.

Why this works for a lot of travelers

This one is best for people who like to build their own trip instead of bundling everything into one pre-packaged vacation.

It’s ideal if:

• you’re buying tickets separately

• you want to stay at Disney but also visit Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, or attractions in Orlando

• you’re splitting your stay between multiple resorts

• you already have tickets from a past promotion

I personally really like this discount for split stays — for example, starting at a value resort for a few nights and then upgrading to a deluxe for the weekend. A percentage-off room discount stretches a lot further at the higher-priced resorts, which can make deluxe hotels surprisingly affordable in summer.

3. Florida Resident and Annual Passholder Room Discounts

Disney tends to take care of its most loyal and local fans, and summer 2026 is no exception. On top of the general public discounts, there are extra savings for Florida residents and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders.

These are typically the best room discounts of the season, beating out the regular offers most guests see.

Florida resident discounts

If you live in Florida, you can unlock special summer pricing on Disney Resort hotels that isn’t available to the general public. You’ll need to show valid proof of Florida residency at check-in, but if you qualify, this can be one of the best hotel deals of the year.

This is fantastic for:

• staycations

• long weekends

• families within driving distance

I know a lot of Florida locals who book spontaneous two- or three-night getaways at Disney in summer because the resort pools are incredible and the hotels become destinations in themselves.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Annual Passholder room discounts

If you’re a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, the room discounts get even deeper. Historically these are some of the biggest savings Disney releases, and they can make staying at deluxe resorts far more approachable.

This works especially well because passholders don’t need tickets, so a room-only discount paired with your pass is already your full vacation.

This is best for:

• frequent visitors

• short repeat trips

• people who like trying multiple resorts during the year

If you’re an annual passholder planning any Disney World trip in Summer 2026, you should always check the AP rate before booking anything else.

4. Kids Eat Free With the Disney Dining Plan in 2026

The last offer ties directly into one of the most talked-about topics in planning a Disney World vacation: the Disney Dining Plan.

For all of 2026, kids ages 3–9 can get the Disney Dining Plan for free, as long as adults on the reservation purchase a dining plan.

That means:

• you buy the Disney Dining Plan for the adults

• eligible kids receive the same plan at no cost

If you’ve ever traveled to Disney World with children, you already know how quickly food adds up. Character meals, quick service lunches, Mickey waffles, snacks — it’s a lot. Getting a full dining plan free for kids can take a massive chunk out of your food budget.

Why I really like this perk

Food is one of the hardest costs for families to predict. You can see room prices and ticket prices ahead of time, but dining varies wildly depending on:

• how many character meals you do

• how hot it is (snacks and drinks add up!)

• whether your kids eat full meals or nibble

The Kids Eat Free promotion:

• simplifies the budget

• encourages sitting-down meals you might otherwise skip

• allows families to try character dining experiences without guilt

When this is combined with the Buy 4, Get 2 Free package, you suddenly have savings on:

• hotel

• park tickets

• food

all in the same vacation. For families with younger children, this is easily the strongest overall value of Disney World’s summer 2026 discounts.

Disney World Offers at a Glance

How I Decide Which Disney World 2026 Deal to Book

When I’m planning a trip for myself or helping someone else decide, I don’t start with the discount — I start with the trip style.

Here’s my personal thought process.

• If I want a full week in the parks with kids, I look at Buy 4, Get 2 Free + Kids Eat Free.

• If I’m taking a short trip or solo visit, I lean toward a room-only discount.

• If I’m already an annual passholder, AP discounts usually win.

• If I’m local to Florida, the resident rates are hard to beat.

Then I price out two or three scenarios for the exact same dates. Disney discounts aren’t one-size-fits-all; what sounds better on paper doesn’t always win if you run the numbers.

---

Search for more information on my blog.

---

Recent Articles

Ready to keep exploring? Dive into more adventures from Orlando theme parks and cruises:

▸ Disney World

▸ Universal Orlando

▸ Orlando Cruises & More

Read More

Walt Disney World Darren Wittko 1/4/26 Walt Disney World Darren Wittko 1/4/26

The Downfall of Sprinkles at Disney Springs!

I remember when Sprinkles was the titan of Disney Springs, but after years of declining quality, rising prices, and the arrival of better bakeries, the pink tiles have finally gone dark.

It’s official: the pink tiles are coming down, and the cupcake ATM has finally gone dark. Sprinkles Cupcakes at Disney Springs has officially closed its doors for good.

I’ll be honest—I’m not mourning this one. In fact, I’m actually looking forward to seeing what finally takes over that prime real estate. But looking back at how we got here, it’s a classic case of a brand that simply "died on the vine."

Sprinkles Cupcakes died a slow, humiliating death at Disney Springs. In its final weeks (during the holiday season), there were hardly any customers going inside.

The Heyday: When Sprinkles Ruled the Springs

I remember when this place was the spot. Back when Disney Springs was still transitioning from Downtown Disney, Sprinkles was the titan of the Town Center. There were lines out the door and wrapped around the block. You’d stand in the Florida heat just for the chance to step into that air-conditioned, sugar-scented bustle.

Inside, it felt alive. You could see the bakers in the open kitchen, a whirlwind of flour and frosting, barely able to keep up with the mountain of orders. It was an experience. But even at its peak, the cracks were starting to show.

Little Things That Added Up

As the novelty wore off, the inconveniences became harder to ignore. Sprinkles had practically no seating and, bafflingly, no coffee. If you wanted a drink to cut through all that sugar, you were out of luck.

Then, two other bakeries arrived on the scene—Gideon’s Bakehouse and Everglazed Donuts. Not only did they bring massive, "Instagrammable" treats, but they also had coffee. Real, good coffee. Little by little, the lines at Sprinkles started to dwindle.

By the end, cupcakes were tiny, very dry and cost $7 each.

A Slide in Quality and Value

The most obvious issue was the product itself. I went there recently and paid $7 for a tiny cupcake. I’m talking about the size of those mini cupcakes you find at the grocery store (usually in 12 packs etc). And, honestly? The grocery store version might have been better.

The last cupcake I had was dry and crumbly. It left me sitting there thinking that a Hostess cupcake—with its reliable chocolate coating and cream filling—was actually a more satisfying experience. I could buy a whole box of those for less than $7.

By 2025, Sprinkles went from the hot spot in Disney Springs, to one of the worst. Reviews on Google seemed to say similar things, and yet management seemed to ignore them.

The Signs of the End:

• The iPad Shift: The bustling staff was replaced by iPads at the entrance. The human connection was gone.

• The "Ghost Town" Staffing: Eventually, it seemed like there was only one person working the entire shop.

• Sold Out by Sunset: Online reviews were constantly flooded with complaints that they were sold out of everything by evening—the exact time tourists and locals are actually out looking for dessert.

Watching It Die Slowly

It was sad, in a way, to watch it happen. I’d walk by and see unsuspecting tourists looking at the bright pink sign, thinking they were in for a premium Disney treat, only to see them walk out disappointed with a $7 overpriced cupcake.

The spark was gone long before the "Closed" sign was taped to the door on December 31st. It felt like the brand had given up on itself, moving toward a sterile, automated model that just didn't fit the magic people expect at Walt Disney World.

I’m pleased to say the era of the $7 dry cupcake is finally over. Disney Springs is prime territory for something truly special, and I can't wait to see what moves in.

What would you like to see move in here?

---

Search for more information on my blog.

---

Recent Articles

Ready to keep exploring? Dive into more adventures from Orlando theme parks and cruises:

▸ Disney World

▸ Universal Orlando

▸ Orlando Cruises & More

Read More

Fun from the theme parks!

Home | Search  | Contact

Copyright ©️2026 OrlandoParksGuy.com All rights reserved. Terms of Use ▸

Offer Name	What the Offer Is	Who It’s Best For	Valid Dates
Buy 4 Nights, Get 2 Nights & 2 Park Days Free	Book six nights at a Disney resort and pay for only four, plus get two free park days.	Families planning a full-week Walt Disney World 2026 vacation.	May 26 – Sept 15, 2026
Up to 30% Off Summer Room Discount	Save up to 30% off regular Disney resort hotel rates.	Guests who already have tickets or want room-only discounts.	May 1 – Oct 4, 2026
Florida Resident & Annual Passholder Discounts	Special discounted resort room rates for eligible Florida residents and Annual Passholders.	Locals, short trips, and Disney staycations.	May 1 – Jul 29, 2026

The Downfall of Sprinkles at Disney Springs!

It’s official: the pink tiles are coming down, and the cupcake ATM has finally gone dark. Sprinkles Cupcakes at Disney Springs has officially closed its doors for good.

I’ll be honest—I’m not mourning this one. In fact, I’m actually looking forward to seeing what finally takes over that prime real estate. But looking back at how we got here, it’s a classic case of a brand that simply "died on the vine."

Sprinkles Cupcakes died a slow, humiliating death at Disney Springs. In its final weeks (during the holiday season), there were hardly any customers going inside.

The Heyday: When Sprinkles Ruled the Springs

I remember when this place was the spot. Back when Disney Springs was still transitioning from Downtown Disney, Sprinkles was the titan of the Town Center. There were lines out the door and wrapped around the block. You’d stand in the Florida heat just for the chance to step into that air-conditioned, sugar-scented bustle.

Inside, it felt alive. You could see the bakers in the open kitchen, a whirlwind of flour and frosting, barely able to keep up with the mountain of orders. It was an experience. But even at its peak, the cracks were starting to show.

Little Things That Added Up

As the novelty wore off, the inconveniences became harder to ignore. Sprinkles had practically no seating and, bafflingly, no coffee. If you wanted a drink to cut through all that sugar, you were out of luck.

Then, two other bakeries arrived on the scene—Gideon’s Bakehouse and Everglazed Donuts. Not only did they bring massive, "Instagrammable" treats, but they also had coffee. Real, good coffee. Little by little, the lines at Sprinkles started to dwindle.

By the end, cupcakes were tiny, very dry and cost $7 each.

A Slide in Quality and Value

The most obvious issue was the product itself. I went there recently and paid $7 for a tiny cupcake. I’m talking about the size of those mini cupcakes you find at the grocery store (usually in 12 packs etc). And, honestly? The grocery store version might have been better.

The last cupcake I had was dry and crumbly. It left me sitting there thinking that a Hostess cupcake—with its reliable chocolate coating and cream filling—was actually a more satisfying experience. I could buy a whole box of those for less than $7.

By 2025, Sprinkles went from the hot spot in Disney Springs, to one of the worst. Reviews on Google seemed to say similar things, and yet management seemed to ignore them.

The Signs of the End:

• The iPad Shift: The bustling staff was replaced by iPads at the entrance. The human connection was gone.

• The "Ghost Town" Staffing: Eventually, it seemed like there was only one person working the entire shop.

• Sold Out by Sunset: Online reviews were constantly flooded with complaints that they were sold out of everything by evening—the exact time tourists and locals are actually out looking for dessert.

Watching It Die Slowly

It was sad, in a way, to watch it happen. I’d walk by and see unsuspecting tourists looking at the bright pink sign, thinking they were in for a premium Disney treat, only to see them walk out disappointed with a $7 overpriced cupcake.

The spark was gone long before the "Closed" sign was taped to the door on December 31st. It felt like the brand had given up on itself, moving toward a sterile, automated model that just didn't fit the magic people expect at Walt Disney World.

I’m pleased to say the era of the $7 dry cupcake is finally over. Disney Springs is prime territory for something truly special, and I can't wait to see what moves in.

What would you like to see move in here?

---

Search for more information on my blog.

---

Recent Articles

Ready to keep exploring? Dive into more adventures from Orlando theme parks and cruises:

▸ Disney World

▸ Universal Orlando

▸ Orlando Cruises & More