What Anakeesta’s $100 million investment means for your future Gatlinburg vacations
When Anakeesta launched in the fall of 2017, it was an ambitious project, and it was excellent but somewhat limited. However, even from that opening day, the vision was that there would be more to come.
And more has come. Expanded dining options, more rides, more experiences. Anakeesta has been on a fairly consistent upward trajectory in terms of experience. Still, it never really quite lived up to the original billing as Gatlinburg’s theme park. There’s just not enough room up on top of the mountain to create a real theme park.
To their credit, the powers that be at Anakeesta have recognized it, changing the billing to mountaintop adventure park. But that original vision, of a park – whatever type of park you call it – that is growing, improving and changing – remains in place.
With that goal in mind, Anakeesta officials have announced a bold, five year, $100 million multi-phase park expansion that is ambitious. The plan will carry Anakeesta into its second decade with momentum. Over the next five years Anakeesta will double its footprint, add villages, redefine the existing park, add new attractions, dining and retail experiences.
“Making More Magic is not just about growth, it’s about purpose,” said Bryce Bentz, President of Anakeesta. “As we’ve grown, so has our responsibility to innovate while honoring the spirit of the Smokies. We’re not just imagining the park of tomorrow; we’re building it for generations of families who will feel wonder, delight, and connection at every turn.”
What is included in Making More Magic?
Anakeesta has always been good about self-evaluation. If something isn’t’ working as expected they jettison it, overhaul it or move on. Making More Magic means – essentially – taking what works and expanding on it and taking what doesn’t work – or isn’t working to needed capacity, and either improving it or moving on.
What isn’t working right now? To my heartbreak it’s the Chondola system, my favorite ride in the Smokies. I love riding down from Anakeesta at night – especially in the Spring and Autumn. Quietly swaying and gently bouncing back down towards the lights of Gatlinburg in the cool mountain air is a perfect way to end an evening.
The problem? The Chondola system – even with the Ridge Rider vehicles helping get guests up the mountain – gets overwhelmed. There are consistently long lines to get up the mountain to begin getting that Anakeesta experience.
To that end, Anakeesta is launching a “next generation lift project” that will open in the spring of 2026. The new lift – which looks a lot like the Disney Skyliner in provided concept art – is faster with more capacity. Instead of the current Chondola system with open air benches, the new ride system will have 56-start of the art, glass-bottom cabins designed to give 360-degree views but operate more efficiently. The cabins will accommodate up to six people.
In order to facilitate the new lift’s construction, which will start in November of 2025, the park will shut down from January 5, 2026, into March. In March, the park will open using the Ridge Rambler trucks to drive guests up the mountain. The new lift will open later in the spring.
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More improvements in the Spring of 2026
First on the agenda is enhanced theming in Firefly Village. The upgraded village will have notes of a whimsical storybook escape including winding pathways, flowing water features, and gathering spaces where guests can “explore, linger and connect.” A new overlook will offer views down to Gatlinburg.
Also open in Spring of 2026 will be improvements to the Treetop Skywalk – a wooden pathway through the trees. The new and improved version will rise to new heights with the addition of towers, expanded bridges and a winding canopy pathway that takes guests deeper into the forest.
Articles Related to the Anakeesta Expansion
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- Anakeesta vs SkyPark: Which Attraction Is Better? – Do you have a favorite?
- What to avoid – 5 Things Not To Do During Your Next Visit to Anakeesta
- The Best Mountain Parks Ranked: Anakeesta vs Gatlinburg SkyPark vs SkyLand Ranch vs Ober – Which is your favorite?
The final steps of Phase 1
In the fall of 2026, Anakeesta will debut the Firefly Experience. It will recreate the wonder of the Smokies’ synchronous glowing fireflies through immersive, state of the art lighting design. The experience is inspired by the synchronized fireflies – chiefly located in nearby Elkmont – which light up for a couple of weeks each summer. Now guests will be able to see a version of this annual spectacle all year round.
Beyond Phase 1
Details are scarce on what Phase 2 and presumably phases 3 & 4 will entail. We do know that Phase 2 is scheduled to behind in 2027. There will be “thrilling rides, new flavors and dazzling new attractions.”
It will be interesting in that time to see if Anakeesta keeps to its dual-pronged pricing model that requires guests to pay to get up the mountain and then pay an additional price for the mountain coasters and zipline. It may be a mix of both. Anakeesta needs a few more attractions included in the price of admission, IMO. However, it’s unclear what attractions are being added.
Either way, Anakeesta officials are promising to keep guests updated as the proceed boldly into the park’s second decade. Visit Anakeesta’s website here.
Are you excited about Anakeesta’s expansion? If so, let us know in the comments here and on the socials!