Dollywood recently announced a “game-changing” attraction will debut in 2026 – does this mean a new indoor coaster is on the horizon?
If you’ve watched the park grow at all from the days of Silver Dollar City, you know there is one immutable fact at Dollywood: Change is coming. As someone who remembers the days before Dolly partnered with the Herschends, I know how far the park has come in 35 years.
As a teenager, in the early 90s, there was a time I would have considered Dollywood “boring.” There were not enough thrill rides to keep my young self entertained. But today, the park is a different experience. There are thrill rides – high-quality thrill rides – all over the place. It’s to the point where the pendulum has swung the other way. Today, the park could use a few more dark rides in the vein of Blazing Fury or the long-gone Flooded Mine.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What we know so far
In 2023, Dollywood sent out a survey gauging feedback for a potential dark ride or indoor coaster. The surveys are one way for Dollywood’s top brass – who have a massive track record of success dating back to the acquisition of Silver Dollar City – to gauge public interest. But to be clear, a survey is just one tool. Dollywood has many ways to access its next investment in the park and the survey – while useful – comes with some built-in limitations.
Plus, we don’t know the results of the survey. Maybe all 1,000 respondents replied that they in no way want an indoor coaster and would prefer more frequent cinnamon bread stations, strategically located no more than 50 feet apart.
But at the 2025 Dollywood passholder event, a teaser video of the new attraction was debuted. According to the video, the attraction goes “up, over and through the Great Smoky Mountains and down to the ancient wildwood tree.”
The project is said to be the most expensive yet. Some believe that the ride will be both indoor and outdoor. The video stated that visitors will “take flight.” No doubt more will be revealed as the project advances. The ride is expected to open in 2026.
Where would it be?
The prevalent opinion is it would be part of a Wildwood Grove expansion. The newest section of the park has proven exceptionally popular and even with the addition of Big Bear Mountain, the section was built with massive growth potential in mind. I’ve felt the park is getting lopsided and needs another anchor attraction down near the Country Fair or Showstreet. I will admit, however, that part of the park is limited by infrastructure and topography. There seems to be more room up above Wildwood Grove where the Dollywood Express tracks run. You can even spot a bit of construction behind Big Bear when riding the train. And Dollywood officials have indicated that there is more to come at the Grove. The survey referenced something to do in the Grove when it’s rainy.
When Would it Debut?
On the opening day of the 2025 season, it was revealed that “Take Flight” will debut in 2026. How different will the ride be? We will all have to wait to find out.
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