Allegiant and Dollywood have partnered to enhance the journey to the park with a new crossover experience originating in a competitive theme park market: Orlando.
This fall, Allegiant will take theme park travel to new heights with two fan flights to Tennessee. Flight #925: Destination Dollywood, a themed flight experience—named after Dolly Parton’s famous working women’s anthem—takes off from Orlando Sanford Airport to Knoxville, Tennessee, on Nov. 6. The first flight sold out, prompting Allegiant to add a second, Flight #2925, on the same day. Each Allegiant flight has a capacity of more than 180 passengers.
“We’re honored Allegiant asked Dollywood Parks & Resorts to partner with them for their first-ever themed flight for fans,” says Eugene Naughton, Dollywood Parks & Resorts president. “Allegiant tells us the Dollywood-themed flight was one of the fastest-selling flights in their history.”
Once at the park, passengers will experience Dollywood’s famed Christmas festival featuring more than 6 million lights.
“For us, flying isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s about creating meaningful connections with the people, destinations, and experiences that matter most,” adds Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer.
Developing Value and Delivering Exclusivity
Passengers can expect a memorable journey, featuring fun celebrations at the gate, live entertainment from Dollywood, trivia, themed food and drinks, and exclusive merchandise commemorating the experience.
“We’re planning a few unique surprises at both Orlando Sanford International Airport and McGhee Tyson Airport,” explains Wes Ramey, public relations director for The Dollywood Company. He says both the theme park operator and the airline hold regular meetings to strategize on the special activities and offerings.
Once at the park, passengers will receive several behind-the-scenes activities, including exclusive ride time, reserved show seating, and special snacks. The flights were made available only on Allegiant’s website. At press time in early April, tickets for Flight #2925 were still available and ranged from $75-$123 one way per person.
Widening Dollywood’s Reach
The partnership is about more than just two flights from Orlando. As Dollywood grows, the facility aims to court audiences beyond its traditional demographic. “For us, Flights 925 and 2925 are about spreading the message that Dollywood Parks & Resorts are a convenient and affordable destination for families across the country—not just for those in Orlando,” Ramey says.
Wells believes the fan-focused flights reflect the reputation of both the airline and the theme park.
“Partnering with Dollywood Parks & Resorts allows us to deliver a unique experience that reflects the best of both brands—great value, unforgettable moments, and the chance to create memories from the second you step on board.”
Guests needed to book the flights directly through Allegiant’s website.
“She’s an eagle when she flies,” Dolly Parton once sang. Now Dollywood is testing how far its fan flight concept flies—determining if the journey simply serves as a one-off activation or offers the potential to launch more themed travel experiences.
Could there be additional flights from other cities beyond Orlando?
“We weren’t surprised with the flights’ popularity, but it was nice to see the excitement our fans have for Dollywood Parks & Resorts,” Ramey says. “The team at Allegiant is happy, and so are we, so there certainly is potential for future flights.”
