Dollywood and Allegiant Launch Themed 'Fan Flights'

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 0:54 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: Tennessee, Nevada, UNITED STATES

Dollywood Takes Flight: Allegiant Partnership Promises Immersive Theme Park Experiences From the Skies

Pigeon Forge, TN - February 22nd, 2026 - Dollywood, the beloved theme park founded by country music legend Dolly Parton, is elevating the fan experience to new heights - literally. In a groundbreaking partnership with Allegiant Air, Dollywood is launching a series of dedicated "fan flights" designed to transform travel to the park into an extension of the Dollywood magic. The initial flight, scheduled to depart from Orlando International Airport (MCO) on February 29th, 2026, marks the beginning of what both companies envision as a long-term commitment to immersive and memorable travel.

This isn't simply a matter of adding a Dollywood logo to an airplane. According to sources close to the project, the fan flights are being conceived as fully themed experiences. Passengers can expect more than just transportation; they're purchasing an exclusive pre-park celebration that begins the moment they step onto the aircraft. Details remain tightly guarded, but indications suggest in-flight entertainment will be heavily focused on Dollywood's history, music, and attractions. Think curated playlists featuring Dolly Parton's iconic discography, behind-the-scenes footage of park development, and potentially even interactive quizzes and games related to Dollywood's various lands and rides. Giveaways are also planned, with prizes ranging from Dollywood merchandise to potential upgrades within the park itself.

The choice of Orlando as the inaugural flight origin is strategic. Central Florida is a massive tourism hub and a key feeder market for Dollywood, attracting families and thrill-seekers from across the United States and internationally. Allegiant Air, known for its focus on leisure travel to popular vacation destinations, already serves a significant number of Florida airports. Expanding beyond Orlando is a clear next step, and industry analysts speculate that future flight routes will target cities with strong Dollywood fan bases, such as Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and potentially even regional hubs in the Midwest. The demand for accessible and affordable travel to Dollywood is significant, and this partnership directly addresses that.

"Dollywood is about creating memories, and we want those memories to begin the moment our guests start their journey," explained a Dollywood spokesperson. "This collaboration with Allegiant allows us to extend that feeling of hospitality and excitement beyond the park gates and into the skies."

Allegiant Air's involvement is equally noteworthy. The airline has been steadily expanding its route network and exploring innovative partnership opportunities in recent years. While traditionally focused on point-to-point travel and budget fares, the Dollywood flights represent a foray into experiential travel, a growing segment of the tourism industry. By aligning with a well-loved and highly-regarded brand like Dollywood, Allegiant hopes to attract new customers and differentiate itself from competitors. The airline's business model, centered around high-frequency service on underserved routes, makes it a particularly suitable partner for Dollywood, which attracts visitors from a geographically diverse area.

The financial implications of the partnership remain to be seen. Ticket pricing for the fan flights is still unannounced, but industry observers predict they will likely carry a premium compared to standard Allegiant fares, reflecting the added value of the themed experience and exclusive perks. However, the potential for increased park attendance and revenue could significantly outweigh the investment.

This collaboration is part of a broader trend within the theme park industry, where parks are increasingly seeking to control the entire guest experience - from travel and accommodation to dining and entertainment. Disney, for example, offers comprehensive vacation packages that include transportation, lodging, and park tickets. Dollywood's approach with Allegiant Air is a more targeted initiative, focusing specifically on enhancing the travel experience and building anticipation for a visit to the park.

The launch of these flights is expected to generate significant buzz and excitement among Dollywood fans, and it's likely to inspire other theme parks to explore similar partnerships. The future of travel may very well include a growing number of themed flights, turning the journey itself into an unforgettable adventure.