Anakeesta’s “Making More Magic” Expansion Reaches Huge Milestones

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

Updated: June 2026

It is an historic season for Anakeesta! The mountaintop adventure park is well underway with its massive, multi-phase $100 million “Making More Magic” expansion. The project is successfully doubling the park’s footprint and entirely revolutionizing how guests ascend and experience the summit.

Following a successful temporary construction shutdown at the start of the year, the park has officially entered its grandest phase of execution.

Major 2026 Operational Updates

• The Debut of the Crystal Express: On May 22, 2026, Anakeesta officially retired its original 2017 Chondola and launched the Crystal Express. Operating as the world’s only all-glass gondola system, it features 56 sleek, panoramic cabins equipped with glass floors and walls. The state-of-the-art lift transports families 600 feet up from the downtown Gatlinburg Parkway station in about four minutes—tripling the mountain’s uphill capacity and dropping lines significantly.
• Summit Transit Restored: With the glass gondolas fully open, guests can choose between the breathtaking, unobstructed aerial views of the Crystal Express or a scenic ride up the mountain in the heavy-duty Ridge Rambler adventure trucks.

New & Expanded Attractions

The expansion introduces heavily immersive, nature-driven zones, expanded favorites, and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides:

• The Firefly Experience (Opening June 11, 2026): Seamlessly woven straight into the elevated pathways of the Treetop Skywalk, this groundbreaking, year-round nighttime attraction officially opens next week. Using complex, synchronized lighting sequences and audio storytelling, it perfectly replicates the breathtaking natural phenomena of the Great Smoky Mountains’ famous synchronous fireflies long after twilight.
• BirdVenture: Fully open and wildly popular, this massive aviary-inspired adventure zone invites kids and families to explore three giant birdhouses, navigate a dozen interactive tactical zones, and slide down seven major serpentine slides weaving 50 feet down the mountainside.
• The Hellbender Coaster: Named after the local giant salamander, this highly intense mountain coaster features steep, banking turns and heart-pounding drops, serving as the perfect companion to the park’s iconic Rail Runner coaster.
• Firefly Village Reimagined: The central heart of the mountain has stepped into its storybook-inspired transformation. Newly completed stone pathways, cascading water features, and a widened scenic overlook now give guests unparalleled, clean views right down into Gatlinburg below.

Current Pricing & Ticket Structure

To keep crowds passing comfortably through the park, Anakeesta continues to utilize an organized timed-entry arrival window system for all admission types. General Admission covers standard mountain transport, the Treetop Skywalk, AnaVista Observation Tower, BirdVenture, and the Vista Gardens.

Popular Attraction Add-ons:

• Astra Lumina Night Walk: $17.99
• Dueling Zipline Adventure: $59.99
• Mountain Coaster Pass (2 Rides): $16.99(Note: The temporary spring window where coasters were bundled into general admission has concluded now that the Crystal Express is fully operational.)

Dining & Shopping

• Cloud 9 Cafe & Bakery: The perfect stop at the summit for artisanal sweet treats, fresh pastries, and premium coffee.
• Rocky Top Tacos: Located right in the action, serving up authentic Mexican street-style cuisine, featuring popular marinated Carne Asada and slow-cooked Pork Carnitas.
• Fur Trader Retail: A massive, rustic new gift shop and apparel hub strategically positioned at the exit of the brand-new Hellbender coaster loop.
• The Anchors: Classic mainstays Cliff Top (gourmet steaks, burgers, and craft beers) and the Smokehouse remain the anchor sit-down dining spots inside Black Bear Village.

Remaining 2026 Seasonal Events

• Summer in the Smokies (June – August): Hot summer days paired with live music, outdoor yard games, and cooling mist stations across the garden pathways.
• Bear-Varian Fall Festival (Sept – Oct): A celebration of autumn featuring Bavarian-inspired foods, festive mountain decorations, and local craft beers.
• Enchanted Christmas (Nov – Dec): A winter wonderland transformation illuminating the mountain with millions of twinkling lights, holiday music, and the signature “Hot Cocoa Crawl.”