For travelers planning a trip to Dollywood to experience NightFlight Expedition, the adventure doesn’t necessarily have to begin when they walk through the theme park gates.

Guests staying at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or HeartSong Lodge & Resort can turn the new attraction into a larger Smoky Mountains getaway, with both resorts adding themed experiences tied to NightFlight Expedition and its mysterious search for Secret Lake.

It’s a way for families to extend the attraction beyond the ride itself, starting at their hotel and continuing all the way to Dollywood.

Follow the glowing roots from your resort to Dollywood

NightFlight Expedition takes riders on a journey through the Great Smoky Mountains as they follow the glowing roots of the Wildwood Tree in search of the mysterious Secret Lake.

For resort guests, that storyline starts before they reach the park.

At both DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge, guests will find glowing roots beginning near the ticket desk and leading toward the resorts’ exclusive trolley transportation to Dollywood. The idea is to make the trip to the park feel like the beginning of the expedition rather than simply a hotel-to-theme-park commute.

The resorts are also adding NightFlight Expedition décor and immersive photo opportunities, while younger visitors can participate in attraction-inspired Camp DW activities.

Back in their rooms, families can watch a special video message featuring Cora and Jasper, characters from the NightFlight Expedition storyline.

Even a visit to The Spa at DreamMore Resort can get in on the experience, with NightFlight Expedition-inspired nail polish available for manicures and pedicures.

NightFlight Expedition comes to the resort menus

The theming continues when it’s time to eat or relax after a day at Dollywood.

The Lounge at DreamMore Resort and High Note at HeartSong Lodge will serve colorful cocktails inspired by NightFlight Expedition, with each also available as a nonalcoholic mocktail.

Younger explorers have their own option: a NightFlight Expedition-themed grab-and-go breakfast that comes with a souvenir cup.

These smaller touches could make staying on Dollywood property particularly appealing for families who want NightFlight Expedition to be the centerpiece of their trip rather than simply another attraction they experience during a day at the park.

You can turn NightFlight Expedition into a VIP getaway

Travelers looking for an even more immersive stay can book one of two limited NightFlight Expedition resort packages.

The NightFlight Expedition Experience package includes themed in-room décor, merchandise, baked goods and two one-day Dollywood admission tickets.

The upgraded NightFlight Expedition VIP Experience adds a VIP Tour of Dollywood for two people, including a ride on NightFlight Expedition, along with the themed room décor, merchandise, baked goods and two complimentary one-day park tickets.

Packages are available for stays from Aug. 21 through Oct. 31, 2026, subject to availability.

That timing also gives travelers an opportunity to combine NightFlight Expedition with a late-summer or fall trip to the Smokies, including Dollywood’s popular Harvest Festival later in the season.

NightFlight Expedition opens to the public Aug. 19, and for guests staying at one of Dollywood’s resorts, discovering Secret Lake can now become more than a ride. It can be the theme of the entire getaway.

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(Photos courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)