For decades, Dolly Parton has built Dollywood into one of the most respected regional theme park destinations in America without ever stepping into Orlando’s orbit. While Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando battled for dominance in Central Florida, Dollywood focused on the Smoky Mountains, carving out a reputation for hospitality, award-winning festivals, and steady growth.
Now, after 40 years, Dolly Parton has made her Orlando move.
It’s not a full-scale Florida park. It’s not a land acquisition near International Drive. But it is a direct operational connection between Dollywood and the theme park capital of the world—and that alone is significant.
A Themed Flight With Purpose
Dollywood has partnered with Allegiant Air to launch a one-day-only themed “fan flight” departing from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) on November 6, 2026. Appropriately named Allegiant Flight #925, a nod to Parton’s iconic “9 to 5,” the experience transports guests from Orlando to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee—about an hour from Dollywood’s home in Pigeon Forge.
This is not just a standard flight with a logo on the side.
Passengers will experience Dollywood-themed gate celebrations, live entertainment, in-flight trivia, exclusive merchandise, and themed food and beverages. From takeoff to landing, it is a curated extension of the Dollywood brand.
And the fact that it launches from Orlando matters.
Why Orlando?
Orlando represents concentrated theme park demand. It represents families who plan multi-day vacations around immersive experiences. It represents guests who understand the value of early ride time, premium resorts, and seasonal events.
By launching this experience from Orlando soil, Dollywood is speaking directly to that audience.
The partnership also includes a bundled travel package for guests who want to extend their trip. Travelers can receive up to 25% off stays at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a $100 resort credit, two Dollywood park tickets, and transportation to the park.
Those who purchase tickets for November 7 will also receive complimentary exclusive ride time opportunities, reserved show seating, and special treats. The visit falls during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, a 15-time Golden Ticket Award winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event.
This isn’t a random marketing stunt. It’s a carefully designed invitation.
Timing Is Everything
The announcement also aligns with the debut year of Dollywood’s newest attraction, NightFlight Expedition. Opening in spring 2026, the immersive indoor adventure coaster pays tribute to the bioluminescent fireflies of the Smoky Mountains.
Introducing a major new attraction while simultaneously targeting Orlando travelers creates a clear message: Dollywood is evolving, and it wants new audiences to notice.
For years, theme park fans have speculated about whether Dolly Parton would ever expand beyond Tennessee in a way that directly engages the Orlando market. This move stops short of building in Florida, but it plants a symbolic flag.
It shows confidence.
Dollywood has grown without trying to replicate Disney’s scale or Universal’s blockbuster-heavy model. Instead, it has leaned into its Appalachian roots, family focus, and festival-driven calendar. Now, it is leveraging Orlando’s tourism base to fuel its own growth.
The Bigger Implication
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton described the collaboration as a natural fit, citing Orlando as one of Allegiant’s most popular routes to Knoxville. He emphasized that guests aboard Flight #925 will enjoy a fast—and fun—way to reach the Smokies.
The messaging is strategic. Dollywood is not challenging Orlando parks head-on. It is positioning itself as an alternative destination for guests who already love theme park vacations.
After four decades, Dolly Parton does not need to compete on square footage or intellectual property dominance. She has built a brand that stands on its own.
But by connecting Dollywood operations directly to Orlando, even for a single day, she has entered the conversation in a new way.
And in the theme park industry, conversations often turn into something bigger.
