originally posted on 12/8/2025
All photos: Josh Herrington. View full-sized image.
The 2025 Smoky Mountain Coasterfest was truly one for the books. Unseasonably warm November weather set the tone for a day that felt more like a late summer reunion than the start of the holiday season. With 154 ACE members in attendance, this was the region’s largest Smoky Mountain Coasterfest in a decade, and the excitement showed from the moment the gates opened.
Check-in began early on November 15 at the Group Entrance. Once attendees picked up their name badges, they made their way into Wildwood Grove for breakfast pastries at Till and Harvest. It was the perfect way to ease into the morning, giving everyone time to catch up with old friends, make new ones and enjoy the warm and comfortable weather.
Attendees were excited for ERT on Big Bear Mountain.
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After breakfast, the energy quickly ramped up with morning ERT on Big Bear Mountain and Dragonflier. Big Bear Mountain lived up to its reputation as a crowd favorite, with many guests circling back for lap after lap. Dragonflier ran smoothly, as always, and paired beautifully with Big Bear to kick off the day.
Attendees were able to explore the construction site for the NightFlight Expedition building.
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The NightFlight station and supports.
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Eugene Naughton and Pete Owens answered attendees questions about NightFlight Expedition and the park.
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Once ERT ended and the park opened to the public, everyone gathered for a construction tour of the upcoming NightFlight Expedition. Pete Owens, vice president of marketing and public relations, and Eugene Naughton, president of the Dollywood Company, led the group through an informative and engaging look at the new attraction, sharing updates, answering questions and giving attendees a rare chance to see what is on the way. It was a memorable behind-the-scenes moment and easily one of the highlights of the event.
NightFlight Expedition track.
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A view of the NightFlight Expedition turntable track.
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Guests enjoyed free time for most of the afternoon before meeting back at The Pines Theater for the holiday show “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The performance delivered plenty of festive cheer and offered a welcome break from the growing crowds outside as the evening picked up.
As darkness settled in and the park lit up with more than six million Christmas lights, attendees gathered at the Lumberjacks Pizza patio for a hot chocolate bar complete with all the fixins and mini cinnamon bread loaves. It created a warm and cozy atmosphere and gave everyone a chance to relax before heading back into the park for more nighttime fun before ERT began.
ERT on Thunderhead was the perfect way to end Smoky Mountain Coasterfest.
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Once the park closed at 9 p.m., ACE members capped off the day with an hour of ERT on Thunderhead. Night rides on this 21-year-old wooden coaster are always a treat, and it was running incredibly well. Smooth, fast and full of energy, Thunderhead reminded everyone just how much care Dollywood puts into maintaining its coasters.
Although a few technical issues brought ERT to an early close, the spirit of the event never dimmed. Great weather, an impressive turnout and an outstanding group of attendees made this year’s Smoky Mountain Coasterfest a clear success for the ACE Southeast region. In 2026, the region’s 20th anniversary edition of this event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14.
— Josh Herrington, ACE Southeast Regional Representative
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