NightFlight Expedition Opening Delayed At Dollywood

If you have been looking forward to helping search for “Secret Lake” at Dollywood, you’re going to continue to be looking forward to it. Dollywood officials say that their new attraction, NightFlight Expedition, is not quite ready for prime time yet.
Park president Eugene Naughton says that they are having to do a little bit more work to get the ride ready for operation. He called NightFlight Expedition “an incredibly complex and interesting ride.” That ride is being billed as a first of its kind indoor family hybrid coaster and whitewater river raft ride. The ride was originally set to open in the spring, but Naughton says they are now looking at NightFlight Expedition making its debut in mid-August.
The ride, which cost more than $50 million, will take guests on a five-and-a-half-minute journey that will see them soar over the Smokies, whitewater raft through 500,000 gallons of surging water, climb up a mountain ridge, plus take a ride on a mysterious, shimmering lake. Dollywood says the ride will be almost three stories high at its highest elevation and reach speeds of up to 29 miles per hour. The ride is in the Wildwood Grove area of the park.