Central Florida travelers got an early taste of the Smoky Mountains on Nov. 6 as Dolly Parton‘s Dollywood joined forces with Allegiant and Orlando Sanford International Airport for a pair of specially themed flights to Tennessee.
The flights, branded “Destination Dollywood,” transported passengers from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville. The experience was designed to bring a little of the popular Tennessee theme park’s personality into the travel experience, with activities beginning before passengers even boarded their planes.
The flight numbers, 925 and 2925, were also a tribute to Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.”
A Dolly Parton-Inspired Send-Off in Sanford
Rather than offering passengers an ordinary airport departure, the participating organizations created a themed celebration inside Sanford’s terminal.
Travelers encountered live music from the Roberts Sisters, interactive activities and opportunities to take photos before boarding. Giveaways included Dollywood merchandise, plush toys and the park’s signature kettle corn.
Dollywood characters Flit and Flutter also joined the festivities, greeting passengers and making a special appearance outside as the aircraft prepared to depart.
The theme continued during the journey to Knoxville with onboard entertainment and trivia centered around Dollywood.
For Orlando Sanford International Airport, the collaboration offered an opportunity to give travelers a memorable introduction to their destination.
“We love seeing our travelers excited about where they’re headed, and we want them to feel that excitement the moment they walk through our doors,” said Nicole Martz, president and CEO of Orlando Sanford International Airport.
The experience extended beyond the flights themselves. Passengers who purchased admission to Dollywood were invited to participate in exclusive park experiences on Nov. 7.
Among the highlights were special ride times on select attractions, including NightFlight Expedition, the park’s newest addition.
The timing also gave visitors an opportunity to experience the opening weekend of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana. The annual celebration features more than six million lights, seasonal entertainment, holiday-themed food and decorations throughout the park.
The Christmas event has become one of Dollywood’s signature seasonal attractions, earning the Golden Ticket Award for Best Theme Park Christmas Event 15 times.
How the Special Flights Came Together
The partnership was initially announced in February 2026, when Allegiant introduced Flight 925 as a limited-time travel experience for Orlando-area Dollywood fans.
Interest was strong enough that the airline added a second flight, numbered 2925, in March. The additional flight provided another opportunity for travelers to participate in the November experience.
Both flights departed from Orlando Sanford International Airport, which serves as an important Central Florida gateway for Allegiant travelers heading to destinations throughout the country.
Although the special flights were a limited-time promotion, the collaboration highlighted the continued connection between Central Florida and the Great Smoky Mountains as a vacation destination.
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, first opened in 1986 through a partnership between Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment. Today, the destination includes its namesake theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, DreamMore Resort and Spa, and HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
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