Credit: Inside the MagicFor decades, theme park fans have wondered whether Dolly Parton would ever take her beloved Dollywood brand beyond the Smoky Mountains in a way that directly brushes up against Walt Disney World. Orlando has long been considered the ultimate proving ground for theme park dominance. And while Dolly Parton has never publicly declared war on Disney, the idea of her expanding into Central Florida has lingered in the background for years.
Now, after 40 years of building Dollywood into one of the most respected regional theme park destinations in the country, Parton is bringing Dollywood operations to Orlando in a way that feels deliberate. It may not be a full-scale theme park planted along International Drive. But it is the closest we have seen to a direct Orlando connection yet—and that’s not by accident.
According to a recent announcement, Dollywood is partnering with Allegiant Air for a one-day-only themed flight experience departing from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) on November 6, 2026. The flight, cleverly designated as Allegiant Flight #925—a nod to Parton’s iconic “9 to 5”—will transport guests from Orlando to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee.
A Strategic Orlando Connection
The themed “fan flight” is not just a novelty. It is a branded experience from gate to landing. Passengers can expect gate celebrations, live entertainment, in-flight Dolly Parton trivia, exclusive merchandise, and themed food and beverages. In other words, this is Dollywood programming embedded directly into the Orlando travel market.
Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport sits roughly an hour from Dollywood’s Pigeon Forge home. By launching the experience from Orlando, Dollywood is speaking directly to one of the largest and most theme park–savvy audiences in the world.
For years, Central Florida has been synonymous with Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has carved out its space. SeaWorld and other regional players compete for tourism dollars. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood has stayed rooted in Tennessee—focused on its Appalachian heritage, family-friendly atmosphere, and award-winning seasonal festivals.
But this flight places Dollywood’s branding, marketing, and operations squarely inside the Orlando ecosystem, even if only for a day.
Exclusive Park Experiences for Orlando Travelers
The experience does not end when the plane lands. Passengers who purchase Dollywood tickets for November 7 will receive complimentary exclusive ride time opportunities, special treats, and reserved show seating. The visit coincides with Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, a 15-time Golden Ticket Award winner for Best Theme Park Christmas Event.
There is also a bundled package option for travelers that includes up to 25% off select resort stays, a $100 resort credit, two Dollywood tickets, and transportation to the park. These packages apply to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
From a business standpoint, this is a coordinated move. It connects Orlando-based travelers to Dollywood’s on-site lodging, seasonal events, and newest attractions in a curated way.
One of those attractions is NightFlight Expedition, an immersive indoor adventure coaster opening in spring 2026. The ride will pay tribute to the bioluminescent fireflies of the Smoky Mountains. Its timing aligns closely with the themed flight announcement, creating a fresh reason for Orlando-based theme park fans to consider Tennessee for their next getaway.
The Bigger Picture for Dollywood and Disney World
Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton described the partnership as “a natural fit” for the company.
“This route to Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport is among Allegiant’s most popular, so creating a Dollywood-themed flight made perfect sense. Guests aboard flight #925 will enjoy a fast — and fun — way to reach the Smokies,” Naughton shared in a release.
That messaging is important. Dollywood is not positioning itself as Orlando’s rival. It is positioning itself as Orlando’s alternative.
For four decades, Dollywood has grown steadily without trying to replicate Disney’s scale. Instead, it has leaned into hospitality, storytelling rooted in the Smoky Mountains, and seasonal festivals that consistently rank among the best in the industry. Its Christmas event alone draws national attention year after year.
By targeting Orlando travelers, Dollywood is tapping into an audience already accustomed to multi-day theme park vacations, premium resort stays, and immersive entertainment. The decision to launch this branded experience from Orlando is unlikely to be random. Orlando represents concentrated theme park demand. It represents families already budgeting for high-end vacations. It represents guests who understand what exclusive ride time, reserved seating, and festival-level production value actually mean.
For years, speculation has circulated about whether Dolly Parton would ever expand Dollywood in a way that places it in direct competition with Walt Disney World. This announcement stops short of that. There is no new Florida park. There are no land acquisitions in Central Florida. But there is now a formal Dollywood operation launching from Orlando soil. And that is new.
In many ways, this may be the most strategic move Dolly Parton could make without taking on the financial and operational complexity of building in Florida. Instead of fighting Disney on its home turf, Dollywood is inviting Orlando travelers to visit its own.
After 40 years of success in the Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton has proven she does not need to mirror Disney to compete in the broader vacation market. Whether this is a one-time event or the first step in something larger remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: after decades of speculation, Dolly Parton has finally connected Dollywood operations directly to Orlando.