A New Chapter Begins at Anakeesta
Anakeesta’s $100M expansion is bringing breathtaking new adventures to Gatlinburg.
“Making More Magic is not just about growth, it’s about purpose. As we’ve grown, so has our responsibility to innovate while honoring the spirit of the Smokies. We’re not just imagining the park of tomorrow; we’re building it for generations of families who will feel wonder, delight, and connection at every turn.”
– Bryce Bentz, Anakeesta President
Our Vision
WHY WE DREAM BIGGER
This isn’t just an expansion, it’s a whole new chapter of magic in the mountains! Inspired by the breathtaking Smokies and the heart of Gatlinburg, we’re creating spaces that ignite curiosity, spark connection, and inspire awe at every turn. Every detail is thoughtfully designed with exploration, harmony, and legacy in mind, built with care, purpose, and just a sprinkle of wonder.
What's Coming
A NEW CHAPTER OF MAGIC IS RISING AT ANAKEESTA
From soaring high above the valley on a new glass-bottom lift to exploring an expanded treetop adventure and getting lost in the twinkling glow of a year-round firefly experience, every new addition invites you to see the mountain like never before. This is just the first spark of a magical journey that will make the wonder of the Smokies come alive like never before!
STAY UPDATED
GET YOUR SNEAK “PEAKS”
Adventure is in the making! Follow along for sneak “peaks,” milestones, and behind-the-scenes magic as new experiences rise from the mountain. From groundbreaking moments to grand unveilings, this is your front-row seat to watch the wonder unfold.
The Heart of Our Vision
The Smoky Mountains aren’t just a backdrop, they’re the heartbeat of our story! Their misty peaks, whispering forests, and endless skies spark every idea we bring to life at Anakeesta. Every ride, bridge, and village celebrates that mountain magic. It’s a place where families laugh louder, friends linger longer, and memories grow among the trees.
Now, with Making More Magic, we’re turning that vision up a notch. Over the next five years, we’re investing $100 million to expand Anakeesta with thrilling new adventures, reimagined spaces, and magical moments that make every visit feel fresh and unforgettable. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with wonder, connection, and the timeless magic of the Smokies.
Gatlinburg: Our Home, Our Future
We are proud to call Gatlinburg our home. For generations, this mountain town has welcomed millions of visitors, serving as the gateway to the Smokies for families from around the world. Its charm, spirit, and beauty inspire everything we do at Anakeesta.
Our investment goes far beyond new rides and experiences; it’s a promise to Gatlinburg’s future. By expanding Anakeesta, we’re creating jobs, drawing new visitors, and strengthening the local economy. Every project is crafted not just to delight guests, but to celebrate and uplift the city we love, ensuring that Gatlinburg continues to thrive for generations to come.
Our Guiding Principles
Making More Magic is about more than new attractions. It is about how we imagine and shape spaces that feel timeless, purposeful, and alive with wonder. These guiding principles define the foundation of everything we create at Anakeesta.
EXPLORATION
We believe every space should spark curiosity and invite discovery. From the way you arrive on the mountain to the paths you wander, our designs encourage boldness, wonder, and the joy of stepping into something new.
HARMONY
Growth only matters if it feels true to its place. Our expansion blends natural beauty with thoughtful design, honoring the Smoky Mountains, uplifting Gatlinburg, and creating balance between tradition and innovation.
LEGACY
What we build today becomes the memories of tomorrow. Every new space is designed to foster connection, preserve the magic of the Smokies, and create experiences that families will cherish for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Making More Magic?
“Making More Magic” is a $100 million, five-year expansion plan — the largest in Anakeesta’s history. Announced in November 2025, the initiative will enhance guest experiences through new attractions, expanded amenities, and upgraded infrastructure. Over the next five years, Anakeesta will double its footprint and redefine what a mountaintop adventure park can be.
Why is Anakeesta investing $100 million in this expansion?
This investment represents Anakeesta’s commitment to innovation and stewardship of the Smoky Mountains. According to Bryce Bentz, President of Anakeesta, “Making More Magic is not just about growth, it’s about purpose.” The expansion ensures the park continues to inspire wonder, delight, and connection for generations to come.
What has already been completed?
The Crystal Express is a stunning new scenic lift will feature 56 spacious, glass-bottom cabins offering 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. The four-minute ascent will make boarding and exiting easier, creating a seamless, breathtaking start to your adventure. Every moment of the ride will become part of the story and an unforgettable journey from downtown Gatlinburg to the mountaintop village.
Firefly Village is a whimsical storybook escape, complete with winding pathways, flowing water features, and carefully crafted spaces that feel alive with wonder. Designed as a place to gather, explore, and linger, the village will glow with magic day and night and will feature a brand-new overlook where guests can take in sweeping views of Gatlinburg.
What attractions will open in 2026?
Several major additions will debut in 2026:
- Next-Generation Lift System (Now Open): A faster, higher-capacity lift replacing the original Chondola.
- Reimagined Firefly Village (Now Open): A storybook-inspired gathering area with water features, pathways, and scenic overlooks.
- Enhanced Treetop Skywalk (Now Open): Expanded bridges, canopy pathways, and a new towers.
- The Firefly Experience (Now Open): A year-round immersive nighttime light attraction recreating the glow of synchronous fireflies.
How long will the expansion take?
The “Making More Magic” plan is a five-year project running from 2025 through 2030. It will unfold in multiple phases, introducing new attractions and updates each year.
Phase 1 is set to be complete in 2026.
Will there be new additions every year?
Yes. Each phase of the expansion will deliver new experiences, including rides, dining, and entertainment. Guests can expect something new to discover each year as the project progresses.
What is the future of Making More Magic beyond 2026?
Beginning in 2027, Phase 2 will introduce new thrill rides, dining experiences, and themed spaces for families. Future phases will continue expanding the park’s offerings and enhancing the guest experience through creativity and innovation.
When will the new lift be open?
The new next-generation lift is Now Open, marking a major milestone in Anakeesta’s growth.
Where will the new lift go?
The new scenic lift is placed in the same location, connecting downtown Gatlinburg directly to Anakeesta’s mountaintop village, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains throughout the four-minute journey.
Will the new lift replace the existing lift or add to it?
The new lift replaced the original Chondola, which has carried guests since 2017.
What will the ride experience be like in the new cabins?
Guests ride in glass-bottom gondola cabins designed to showcase panoramic views of the Smokies. The ascent is smooth, scenic, and immersive, creating a memorable beginning to every visit.
How many people can ride in each cabin?
Each of the 56 glass-bottom cabins will seat up to six passengers, allowing families and small groups to ride together comfortably.
How will this expansion change the Anakeesta experience?
Making More Magic is a comprehensive phased vision that redefines what an adventure park in the Smoky Mountains can be. Over the next five years, Anakeesta will double its footprint, introducing new villages, redefining the existing park, adding new attractions, and crafting elevated dining and retail experiences.
How can I follow updates about the expansion?
Visit Anakeesta.com or @anakeesta on most social media platforms for the latest updates, renderings, project timelines, and announcements. Sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content will also be shared regularly as the expansion progresses.
How can media access press materials for the expansion?
Media representatives can find official press releases, images, and other resources on Anakeesta.com or by contacting Anakeesta’s public relations team directly at [email protected] for press inquiries and media access.
The Future of Anakeesta
Every new project we’re building is designed to elevate your experience on the mountain. Here’s what’s on the horizon as part of our $100 million investment.
Phase 1
2026
Status: NOW OPEN!
NEW SCENIC LIFT
At the heart of Anakeesta’s bold, multi-year vision is a state-of-the-art lift system that completely redefined the journey to the mountaintop. Since opening in 2017, the original Chondola has carried millions of guests, serving as the gateway to the Anakeesta story. Now, an all-new lift is completed: faster, higher-capacity, smoother, and more reliable, ensuring the magic begins the moment you leave the Parkway.
Now Open, this stunning new scenic lift features 56 spacious, glass-bottom cabins offering 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. The four-minute ascent makes boarding and exiting easier, creating a seamless, breathtaking start to your adventure. Every moment of the ride becomes part of the story and an unforgettable journey from downtown Gatlinburg to the mountaintop village.
Status: NOW OPEN!
Reimagined FIREFLY VILLAGE
Firefly Village is a whimsical storybook escape, complete with winding pathways, flowing water features, and carefully crafted spaces that feel alive with wonder. Designed as a place to gather, explore, and linger, the village will glow with magic day and night and will feature a brand-new overlook where guests can take in sweeping views of Gatlinburg.
Status: Now Open!
ELEVATED TREETOP SKYWALK
Already the longest of its kind in North America, our treetop skywalk is reaching new heights. Additional towers, bridges, and pathways will lead you deeper into the forest canopy, opening up a brand-new overlook with sweeping views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains beyond.
Status: Now Open!
NIGHTTIME FIREFLY EXPERIENCE
There is nothing more enchanting than the sight of fireflies lighting up the forest at night. Now, guests will be able to step into that magic year-round. Using state-of-the-art lighting and design, we’re recreating the timeless beauty of synchronous fireflies so every guest can experience their glow, no matter the season.
Phase 2
2027 & Beyond
MORE TO COME
These are only the first steps in our journey. Additional projects and attractions are on the horizon, each designed to bring fresh wonder and unforgettable moments to every Anakeesta visit.
Follow the Magic as It Unfolds
Explore our press kit, packed with key resources to help you share the story of Anakeesta’s expansion. Whether you’re crafting a feature, planning a segment, or engaging your audience, everything you need to capture the magic is right here.
For interview requests, additional images, or media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Stay Updated
Be the first to know about Anakeesta’s $100 million expansion. From new attraction reveals to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, we’ll share every step of the journey as the magic unfolds.
