It is an exciting time for Anakeesta! As of January 2026, the park is currently undergoing a massive $100 million “Making More Magic” expansion.
Compiled by Chris Murphy
2026 Major Status Update
Temporary Closure: Anakeesta is temporarily closed from January 5, 2026, through early March 2026 to complete Phase 1 of construction.
The “Crystal Express” Launch: When the park reopens in March, the original Chondola (built in 2017) will be gone. In its place, the Crystal Express—a next-generation, high-speed gondola featuring 56 glass-bottom cabins—is scheduled to debut in late Spring 2026.
Important Travel Note: Between the March reopening and the May debut of the new lift, all guests will reach the summit via the Ridge Rambler adventure trucks.
New & Expanded Attractions
The expansion is doubling the park’s footprint. Key updates for 2026 include:
- BirdVenture: Now fully open, this aviary-inspired zone features three massive birdhouses, a dozen interactive zones, and seven giant serpentine slides that wind 50 feet down the mountain.
- The Hellbender: The newest mountain coaster (opened recently) joins the Rail Runner to give the park two distinct coaster experiences.
- Elevated Treetop Skywalk: The famous skywalk is being expanded this spring with new towers and additional canopy pathways to go even deeper into the forest.
- Firefly Village Reimagined: Opening Spring 2026, the village will feature a storybook-inspired design with new water features, winding stone pathways, and a brand-new scenic overlook of downtown Gatlinburg.
- The Firefly Experience (Coming Fall 2026): A year-round immersive light installation that recreates the magic of the Smokies’ famous synchronous fireflies.
2026 Pricing & Tickets
Tickets now require a timed-entry arrival window. Prices have seen a slight adjustment for the 2026 season:
| Ticket Type | Advance Online Price |
| Adult (12-59) | $34.99 |
| Senior (60+) | $27.99 |
| Child (4-11) | $22.99 |
| Ages 3 & Under | FREE |
Add-ons: * Astra Lumina: $17.99
- Dueling Zipline: $59.99
- Coaster Pass (2 rides): $16.99
- Note: During March–May 2026, the Rail Runner coaster is included in General Admission to compensate for the lift construction.
Dining & Shopping
- Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery: The newest spot for sweet treats and coffee.
- Rocky Top Tacos: Now serving Mexican cuisine including Carne Asada and Pork Carnitas.
- Fur Trader: A massive new retail location in Stone Village, located at the exit of the Hellbender coaster.
- Classic Favorites: Cliff Top (steaks/burgers) and Smokehouse remain the anchor dining spots in Black Bear Village.
Seasonal Events for 2026
- Blooms & Tunes (March–May): Giant spring sculptures and live music.
- United Tastes of America (May–August): A food and drink festival featuring regional American flavors.
- Bear-Varian Fall Festival (Sept–Oct): German-inspired food and local craft beers.
- Enchanted Christmas (Nov–Dec): Millions of lights and the “Hot Cocoa Crawl.”
