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Dollywood | NightFlight Expedition | Mack Rocking Boat | 2026
- Thread starter Matt N
- Start date
CanobieFan
Strata Poster
Right on schedule for its 2027 opening
TPoseOnTantrum
Strata Poster
JoshC.
Strata Poster
I was at the park on Saturday. Not much has changed visually since the above photos, but just to add a couple more to the mix...
(Unsure why second image has rotated...)
One thing that struck me is the show building does look like a giant warehouse. Maybe they'll add shrubbery/trees/etc around it to hide if partially, but there's logos on the walls as seen in the earlier images.
It feels very out of step with the rest of Wildwood Grove, and also a level below the rest of Dollywood's theming. So I'm curious to see how it all comes together.
(Unsure why second image has rotated...)
One thing that struck me is the show building does look like a giant warehouse. Maybe they'll add shrubbery/trees/etc around it to hide if partially, but there's logos on the walls as seen in the earlier images.
It feels very out of step with the rest of Wildwood Grove, and also a level below the rest of Dollywood's theming. So I'm curious to see how it all comes together.
0rdinary-her0
Roller Poster
I kind of have to agree. I thought they would maybe add faux sliding hangar doors so the building would look at least minimally like an airplane hangar... but here we are. Landscaping will definitely help draw some attention away from the building but also looking at the landscaping of Big Bear Mountain 3 years later I'm not totally optimistic.
VonRolland
Giga Poster
I for one would rather have a fully finished interior with little outside for now rather than a half arsed interior and exterior
Rob Coasters
Rob Poster
Opened today, mods can unsticky. Uptime has been brilliant.
Initial reports seem to state that the ride opened in an unfinished condition with multiple effects already broken, and needed at least a few more weeks in the oven, with some even saying that the ride should have been delayed to 2027.
Some media people who got to ride say the working effects are really good and the ride has potential to truly be a highlight. But from what I've heard, I'd cautiously hold off visiting while they get a few more bits and pieces in order.
Initial reports seem to state that the ride opened in an unfinished condition with multiple effects already broken, and needed at least a few more weeks in the oven, with some even saying that the ride should have been delayed to 2027.
Some media people who got to ride say the working effects are really good and the ride has potential to truly be a highlight. But from what I've heard, I'd cautiously hold off visiting while they get a few more bits and pieces in order.
VonRolland
Giga Poster
Any POV's? Had a look with little success
Rob Coasters
Rob Poster
@VonRolland Nope, just text reviews so far. Assuming that onboard filming is strictly forbidden right now.
TPoseOnTantrum
Strata Poster
Yeah they're forcing people to lock up phones before they get to the station.
From what I understand, it's an ambitious but flawed concept in general having this ride indoors and it needed so much more length to it like Mission Bermudes. Then they went over budget and cut down on the theming. So basically it's morphing a bit into American Uncharted rn.
The ones being super positive are the paid Dollywood press and local Pigeon Forge influencers, who are a different audience than roller coaster media. A lot of others not on a media list haven't been kind.
From what I understand, it's an ambitious but flawed concept in general having this ride indoors and it needed so much more length to it like Mission Bermudes. Then they went over budget and cut down on the theming. So basically it's morphing a bit into American Uncharted rn.
Rob Coasters
Rob Poster
It is truly such a shame. With the right budget (and enough time as well), this had easy potential to be one of the strongest regional park dark rides in the country, but instead we're left with what sounds like half of an attraction for the forseeable.
JoshC.
Strata Poster
I still maintain that the massive warehouse-look of the building doesn't fit in with the area the ride is in, and I'm confused how it fits in with the ride's story. But I'd rather that than an even lesser themed inside.
There's a couple of very short on ride clips sprinkled throughout this video:
www.facebook.com
There's a couple of very short on ride clips sprinkled throughout this video:
90K views · 1.1K reactions | Boarding has officially begun! ✈️ NightFlight Expedition, Dollywood's most groundbreaking new addition, is now open! Prepare to embark on an immersive indoor adventure coaster like no other, combining storytelling, thr
Boarding has officially begun! ✈️ NightFlight Expedition, Dollywood's most groundbreaking new addition, is now open! Prepare to embark on an immersive indoor adventure coaster like no other,...
www.facebook.com
Hutch
Strata Poster
Doesn't make it look any better.
Also I thought the theme was some sort of nighttime river quest thing? Unless the aviation theme is their excuse to leave exterior mostly barren.
JoshC.
Strata Poster
Wouldn't call it obvious when the first time I've considered that is after you've said it.
My bigger thing is that the Wildwood Grove area felt very nature-based with a hint of whimsy and magic. The concept art for the interior seems to match that. So that exterior just doesn't quite fit with everything else.
And when Dollywood's theming of buildings is otherwise very solid, it does just stick out a bit.
It's not a major problem (and by the sounds of it, one of the lesser problems for the attraction right now), but does stand out to me.