News Project 2026: NightFlight Expedition (Mack Rocking Boat Dark Ride)

[horsesboy]

I feel like we saw a combo interactive shooter and coaster a few years ago at IAPPA. I wonder if it could be something like that.

There is actually a small one at one of the little parks in Pigeon Forge. I did a few years back just for the credit.

Some interesting information that might bare some light on future plans. Dollywood saw a slightly higher attendance bump year over year from this year's Dolly museum renovation then from Big Bear last year. My understanding based on a conversation with a knowledgeable person is that has led to increased priority of more moderate family rides in future planning for the park.

 

[Tacky3663]

There is actually a small one at one of the little parks in Pigeon Forge. I did a few years back just for the credit.

Some interesting information that might bare some light on future plans. Dollywood saw a slightly higher attendance bump year over year from this year's Dolly museum renovation then from Big Bear last year. My understanding based on a conversation with a knowledgeable person is that has led to increased priority of more moderate family rides in future planning for the park.

That’s kinda disappointing if I have to be honest

 

[netdvn]

Dollywood's main audience isn't there for the coasters, so its expected that the new museum will be a bigger draw than a new roller coaster.

 

[Deleted User 13503]

Dollywood's main audience isn't there for the coasters, so its expected that the new museum will be a bigger draw than a new roller coaster.

I think a coaster will come for 2026. Hopefully a thrill coaster, but if not, a Mack Inverted Powered coaster.

 

[Vipergts500]

RIP wishful hyper..?

 

[Thriller]

Dollywood should be installing a few more attractions for their non-thrill crowd since that makes up about half of their attendance. I’m talking about the people that ride the train and go to the shows. A world-class dark ride would fit that category.

 

[CoasterMac]

Full cred to @TPoseOnTantrum for finding it; this was featured in a brochure from IAAPA back in November:




Pouring even more fuel on the "Arthur-style Mack Invert" fire... though maybe it could be a more traditional "spectacular new rollercoaster"?

 

[Tacky3663]

Full cred to @TPoseOnTantrum for finding it; this was featured in a brochure from IAAPA back in November:

View attachment 35868
View attachment 35869

Pouring even more fuel on the "Arthur-style Mack Invert" fire... though maybe it could be a more traditional "spectacular new rollercoaster"?

*MACK HYPER INTENSIFIES*

 

[Tacky3663]

Full cred to @TPoseOnTantrum for finding it; this was featured in a brochure from IAAPA back in November:

View attachment 35868
View attachment 35869

Pouring even more fuel on the "Arthur-style Mack Invert" fire... though maybe it could be a more traditional "spectacular new rollercoaster"?

Fr tho. Something like Arthur would be amazing here

 

[AceRyder68]

Fr tho. Something like Arthur would be amazing here

Dollywood had a survey about a new darkride "experience" like no other. Sounds like Arthur to me.

 

[Thriller]

Dollywood would be wise to install a slow moving dark ride that their non thrill, show living crowd can enjoy. That’s the clientele that allows them to operate almost daily. Not the coaster riders.

 

[AceRyder68]

Dollywood would be wise to install a slow moving dark ride that their non thrill, show living crowd can enjoy. That’s the clientele that allows them to operate almost daily. Not the coaster riders.

Why not both?

 

[Tumbili]

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I wonder if this could be their 2026 project. It sounds like they might be building a dark ride that's connected to the story of Big Bear Mountain.

 

[horsesboy]

I have VERY good reason to believe that there next ride will be a 4D experience type ride.

 

[Tumbili]

Would it be in Wildwood Grove, or is that a different project?

 

[horsesboy]

Would it be in Wildwood Grove, or is that a different project?

Wildwood and linked in theme to an existing Wildwood attraction.

 

[Tacky3663]

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This just screams Flying Theater

 

[paintervision]

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This just screams Flying Theater

"Take Flight" makes me also think of the Mach Powered Inverted Coaster, too. Maybe a coaster/dark ride hybrid?

(Also I am yet again begging Dollywood to add an Observation Tower ride - as all their taller rides are thrill attractions and there's a large segment of the park guests who come for shows and the train.... an Intamin tower ride with AC/heat could be a real hit year-round for guests who only see the park from the ground)

 

[AceRyder68]

The park needs more rides than just rollercoasters, the park need rides that the whole family can experience togther. They have plenty of coasters.

 

[horsesboy]

It's going to be a 4D flying theater ride several special elements designed just for the park. Or at least that what the cinnamon bread person has told me.