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Credit: Disney / The Ellen ShowThe holiday season is right around the corner, and Disney World is already gearing up for its most magical time of the year. Decorations are beginning to appear, festive menus are being unveiled, and tickets to exclusive events are selling out quickly.
But this year, there’s a twist nobody expected—country music legend Dolly Parton is stepping into the holiday spotlight right alongside Disney. It’s not every day two giants of entertainment find themselves sharing the same seasonal buzz, and that’s what makes this year’s holiday conversation one of the most fascinating yet.
Disney’s Holiday Crown
Disney World has long been considered the crown jewel of theme parks worldwide. With millions of visitors flocking to Orlando each year, the company has perfected the art of turning special occasions into full-blown spectacles. And while summer vacations and spring breaks are essential, no season delivers quite like the Holiday Season.
For Disney, the holidays are more than a celebration—they’re a showcase. It’s when the resort leans into every detail, from parades to fireworks to once-a-year overlays on classic attractions. Families travel together, school calendars align with winter breaks, and spending soars. That makes November and December some of the busiest and most profitable months for Disney World.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
When it comes to Disney’s holiday lineup, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party has always been the gold standard. Held at Magic Kingdom, this after-hours event transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Main Street, U.S.A. glistens under twinkling lights, faux snow falls softly on the crowds, and guests indulge in complimentary cookies and cocoa.
The highlight for many is the parade, featuring beloved Disney characters dressed in holiday attire and Santa Claus closing out the show in his sleigh. Add in the exclusive fireworks spectacular, shorter wait times for attractions, and festive stage shows, and you’ve got one of the most popular Disney events of the year. Tickets are already selling fast, and for many families, the party is the deciding factor for planning a holiday trip.
Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
While Magic Kingdom has tradition on its side, Hollywood Studios has created a fresh holiday identity with Jollywood Nights. This newer celebration feels like stepping into a glamorous Hollywood Christmas party. Think old-school jazz, stylish décor, and retro-inspired entertainment that captures an entirely different kind of festive charm.
Guests have quickly embraced the event for its unique spin on the holidays, proving that Disney isn’t content to rely solely on nostalgia. By offering two very different parties—one rooted in family traditions and the other in vintage glamour—Disney has expanded its seasonal footprint and kept things exciting for returning guests.
Dolly Parton Enters the Spotlight
And then there’s Dolly Parton. While she’s not performing at Disney World, her presence is impossible to ignore this holiday season. That’s because Dollywood, her namesake theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just earned the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award for 2025, officially being crowned America’s top theme park.
For decades, Disney has held the title as the gold standard in entertainment, particularly around the Christmas season. But Dollywood’s recognition signals a shift. Families are starting to see Dolly’s park not only as an alternative to Disney but as a serious competitor when it comes to quality, warmth, and authenticity.
Dolly’s Winning Formula
What makes Dollywood so special? It’s not just about roller coasters or attractions—it’s about the experience. Guests consistently praise the park for its welcoming atmosphere, easy-going ambiance, and family-centered approach. From thrilling rides to gentle attractions perfect for little ones, Dollywood offers a balance that appeals to every age group.
Food is another highlight. Instead of the usual theme park fare, Dollywood is known for its hearty Southern comfort dishes, which make the park feel homegrown and unique. And while ticket prices have begun creeping upward in recent years—closer to Disney’s range—the value for money and genuine hospitality continue to set Dollywood apart.
Christmas in the Smokies
If Disney World is the spectacle, Dollywood is the snow globe. During the holiday season, the park undergoes one of the most charming transformations in the country. Millions of lights twinkle across the grounds, festive shows fill the theaters with holiday music, and the Smoky Mountains provide a wintry backdrop unlike anywhere else.
And then there’s the weather. Unlike Florida’s mild Decembers, Tennessee offers crisp, chilly air that adds to the authenticity of Dollywood’s Christmas celebration. Visitors bundle up in scarves and gloves, sip hot cocoa to stay warm, and lean into the cozy winter vibe. For many families, this “real” Christmas weather is part of Dollywood’s magic.
A Benchmark Disney Can’t Ignore
Dollywood’s award win in 2025 didn’t just excite fans—it sent ripples through the theme park industry. For decades, Disney World stood almost unchallenged as the leader of holiday experiences. Now, Dollywood has proven that families value more than sheer size and spectacle. They’re looking for warmth, affordability, and heart, and Dollywood has all three.
This doesn’t mean Disney is losing its crown—it still dominates on a global scale. But Dolly Parton’s influence is undeniable, and her park’s rise has created a new standard that Disney will feel pressure to meet, especially during the high-stakes holiday season.
All Eyes on December
For Disney, December isn’t just a busy month—it’s the most critical time of the year. Families save up, plan vacations, and spend freely to make holiday memories. That means the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Dollywood earning national attention and setting its own holiday benchmark, Disney will need to ensure its events feel bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before.
Crowds will come not just for the rides, but for the festive extras—the exclusive parades, the limited-time merchandise, and the unforgettable atmosphere. And in 2025, with Dollywood’s win fresh on everyone’s mind, guests will be watching to see if Disney can keep its edge.
A Holiday Season with Two Stars
This holiday season, the spotlight doesn’t just belong to Disney—it also belongs to Dolly Parton. Disney World may have the scale and spectacle, but Dollywood is making its case with authenticity, charm, and family-first values.
It’s not a rivalry so much as a reminder that holiday magic can take many forms. Whether families choose Disney’s grand celebrations in Florida or Dollywood’s cozy winter wonderland in Tennessee, one thing is clear: 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting holiday seasons in theme park history. And with Dolly Parton sharing the spotlight, the magic feels brighter than ever.