Dollywood’s newest attraction NightFlight Expedition opens August 19, 2026 at noon. My kids and I were fortunate to ride during the Passholder Preview yesterday. NightFlight Expedition is a one-of-a-kind attraction. The ride takes visitors on an adventure flying over the smoky mountains and riding through rapids in search of Secret Lake. The ride is entirely indoors so it can be ridden year round.
During our experience I noticed a few things that could present problems for individuals with physical or sensory limitations.
Boarding:
When boarding NightFlight Expedition, the ride is in motion. You will need to go from the boarding area to the boat. There are two seats in a section with a space in between. It is easiest and fastest to step on the first seat to cross to the second. Seats are plus size friendly. Most likely you will need to carry your items with you on the ride. You can fit a backpack on your lap after fastening your seatbelt or put it on the floor in front of you (this is a little squishy if you have a large backpack). Put your backpack on your feet or lap if you don’t want it to get wet.
There is an elevator to get to the ride if you need it, be sure to let an attendant know if you need to use it and it is not obvious. There is an ADA accessible area to board which does have a few cubbies for use or you can just sit your items down on the floor next to it. ADA accessibility entrance was open when we rode.
If you have someone in your party that needs assistance getting from their wheelchair and into the boat, Dollywood has a Hoyer lift system with slings to safely transfer guests from their wheelchairs directly into ride vehicles. The ride attendant will have you position the sling around the guest and then they hook it up to an automatic lift which takes them from their wheelchair and places them into the NightFlight ride boat. Guests requiring physical transfer assistance should notify ride attendants at the accessibility entrance. Kudos to Dollywood for being so ADA friendly on their new ride!
Motion Issues:
The first section of the ride simulates flying motion. It uses screen motion as well as car motion to simulate this. It could affect those who get motion sickness.
Light Issues:
There is a section where there are brief flashes of light.
Noise Issues:
The music audio is really loud. Two of my children wore headphones and definitely needed them.
Water Issues:
There is a section that goes through rapids. It is jolting like you’re actually riding through rapids and water will splash into the vehicle. Sit toward the back if you don’t want to get wet. Raise your feet up to prevent them getting wet.
Dark Issues:
There is a section where it plunges you into total darkness. There are also several scenes are dark, but you can still see what is going on around you. One of my sons was initially not happy about being in the dark, but I reminded him of several rides he had been on before that were in the dark.
Please keep in mind that NightFlight Expedition just finished its technical previews and did have some difficulties and shut downs, as most rides do at major theme parks. It is likely that this will continue for at least a few weeks while they work out all of the kinks.
Please note: during the previews no one was permitted any photography or videography. GoPro devices and Meta glasses were not permitted on the ride. All cell phones had to be placed into secure Yondr locking pouches.
NightFlight Expedition has elements that are in other rides, but Dollywood seems to have cherry picked all the best elements in multiple rides, added an original story and strung them all together in a unique ride. My kids and I had a wonderful time and look forward to riding again. All in all, NightFlight Expedition was an amazing family friendly experience. Hope you all enjoy your journey.
