Disney World Clashes With Dolly Parton Magic For the 2025 Holiday Season

The holiday season may still be a few weeks away, but Disney World is already preparing guests for what’s to come. Announcements are rolling out, festive menus are being teased, and tickets to exclusive holiday events are flying off the shelves long before the first wreath is hung.

But there’s a twist this year—Dolly Parton is adding her own sparkle to Disney’s 2025 holiday season. With both names stirring excitement, the lead-up to Christmas feels bigger than ever.

Disney’s Seasonal Showcase

Disney has always treated the holidays as its stage. As the most visited theme park in the world, the company uses November and December to prove why it sits at the top.

Guests come from across the globe, families coordinate vacations with school breaks, and Disney delivers on expectations with fireworks, parades, and overlays that make its parks feel brand new. It’s more than a celebration—it’s a business engine that keeps crowds pouring in year after year.

The Magic of Mickey’s Party

One of Disney’s strongest holiday traditions is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. For decades, this after-hours event has drawn fans with its mix of snowfall on Main Street, free cookies and cocoa, and parades capped by Santa himself.

Families build entire trips around this event, and with tickets already selling out, it’s clear the demand hasn’t slowed.

Hollywood’s Jollywood Nights

Not content to stick to tradition alone, Hollywood Studios has made a name for itself with Jollywood Nights. This newer event leans into vintage glamour, filling the park with jazz, glitz, and a retro holiday feel.

The contrast between Magic Kingdom’s family-friendly sweetness and Hollywood Studios’ classy celebrations proves Disney knows how to diversify its holiday playbook.

Dollywood’s Big Win

Meanwhile, Dolly Parton has been making waves in Tennessee. Dollywood recently captured TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award, taking the title of America’s top theme park.

That recognition has pulled Dolly and her park into the national holiday conversation, giving families another destination to consider when planning festive getaways.

What Sets Dollywood Apart

Dollywood’s charm lies in its authenticity. Guests rave about the hospitality, the balance of thrilling rides and kid-friendly attractions, and the hearty Southern food that feels unique compared to typical park fare.

The atmosphere is calm, welcoming, and family-first—qualities that keep guests returning, even as prices begin to creep closer to those of Disney.

Christmas in the Mountains

During the holidays, Dollywood transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland. Millions of lights cover the park, stages host Christmas productions, and the crisp mountain air delivers an authenticity Florida can’t replicate.

Families bundle up, sip cocoa, and soak in what feels like a true storybook Christmas.

Raising the Bar for Disney

Dollywood’s recognition doesn’t topple Disney, but it does raise the stakes. Families are noticing that heart, warmth, and affordability matter as much as scale.

For Disney, the message is clear: during the holidays—its most critical season—the resort must deliver magic that feels unmatched.

The Magic Feels Brighter Than Ever

This December, two names dominate the holiday theme park conversation: Disney and Dolly. Disney brings size and spectacle; Dollywood offers charm and authenticity.

Together, they’ve set the stage for one of the most exciting holiday seasons yet, with families deciding which kind of magic speaks to them most.