Allegiant and Dollywood recently announced an intriguing promotion. On Friday, November 6, the airline will be designating one of its Knoxville, Tennessee-bound planes as a special “fan flight” for folks visiting Dollywood. It will be deemed flight number “925,” evoking one of Ms. Parton’s most popular songs (and iconic film roles). It’s a clever name and a great concept. But, what has especially piqued my interest about this unique tie-in is the departing airport for the flight: Orlando. By basing the special flight in the theme park capital of the world, it would seem to be a not-so-subtle pronouncement by Dollywood that it too belongs in the conversation among the industry’s major players.
Those interested in the promotion can go to Allegiant’s Website, search for flights departing Orlando (MCO) and arriving at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville on November 6 and then choosing the special flight #925. The airline is promising a Dollywood-centric experience aboard the outbound flight, including a celebration at the gate with live entertainment (which undoubtedly will include a rendition of “9 to 5”), an in-flight trivia contest (suggested question: What was the name of the park before it was Dollywood?), exclusive merchandise, and themed food and drinks. Perhaps the airline can serve some cinnamon bread and a cup of ambition as part of its in-flight offerings.
The fun won’t stop when the flight lands. Those passengers that purchase park tickets (which, I’d have to imagine would be most, if not all of them) will have additional perks at Dollywood on the following day, Saturday, November 7. The park says that it will provide special treats (more cinnamon bread?), exclusive ride time, reserved seats for shows, and “other surprises.” Since the visit will take place during the Smoky Mountain Christmas festival–which is among parkdom’s best seasonal events–the reserved seating will likely be for one or more of Dollywood’s stirring holiday productions.
The park is also offering hotel packages for Flight #925ers at its properties, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Deals include discounted room rates, park tickets, complimentary TimeSavers front-of-the-line passes, and a $100 dining and shopping credit.
“Flight #925 is all about embracing the joy of travel,” says Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer. “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.”
Sure, the route between Orlando and Knoxville is a popular one, but there are plenty of other feeder markets that Dollywood and Allegiant could have targeted. I do think that zeroing in on Florida’s theme park corridor is intentional. In my estimation, Dollywood holds a special place in the industry. It may not quite be on the level of Disney or Universal (although Night Flight Expedition, which is scheduled to debut this spring and should be open for the November event, certainly looks Disney-esque and E-Ticket worthy), but it’s a considerable step above most regional parks and a destination theme park resort in its own right.
So, does the 925 tie-in sound intriguing to you as well? Unfortunately, a quick check of the Allegiant site seems to indicate that all tickets for the special flight have been sold. But if you want to get in on the promotion, check with the airline to be sure. The quick sale of tickets demonstrates strong demand. Perhaps Allegiant and Dollywood will schedule additional dates and flights–in which case they’ll need to stock up on cups of ambition.
What in Thunderation is going on at Silver Dollar City?
Sister park Silver Dollar City recently revealed that this will be the final season for Thunderation. The popular coaster, which opened in 1993, has apparently reached the end of the line. When I first boarded Thunderation a number of years ago, I was impressed by the ride. A classic mine train coaster from defunct manufacturer, Arrow Dynamics, it climbs 81 feet and hits 48 mph, which is fairly potent for this type of ride. It also features a nice helix. During my last visit to the Branson, Missouri park, however, Thunderation had become noticeably rougher and was showing its age. So yeah, it’s time to bid farewell. The park is giving fans a big heads up so that they can get in their last rides this year. It will also be presenting special ceremonies, promotional merchandise, and other ways to give Thunderation a proper sendoff.
Both Silver Dollar City and Dollywood are owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment. You get bonus points if you were able to answer the trivia question I posed earlier. For those scratching their heads: Before it was Dollywood, the Tennessee park was known as–pause for dramatic effect–Silver Dollar City and took its cues from the original park in Missouri.
Would you want to participate an airline/theme park promotion like Flight #925? Will you miss Thunderation?