Dollywood Express Locomotives Transition from Coal to Oil-Firing Engines

A change has been made to Dollywood's iconic railroad engines, keeping them sustainable and hopefully making them run smoothly for years to come.

What's Happening:

• A new video shared by Dollywood, a foreman for the Dollywood Express and a representative from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad discuss changes recently made to the iconic train engines at the park.
• Dollywood partnered with Durango & Silverton to convert the engines of both of their trains from coal to oil-firing engines.
• The park has two locomotives – Engine 70 from 1938 and Klondike Katie (192) from 1943 – both veterans of World War II.
• Part of the reason for the change comes due to frequent burn bans in Sevier County, which Dollywood is located in, leading to the trains having to shut down.
• Now, with the conversion, the attraction will be able to stay open more frequently for guests.
• The only difference guests will notice is that they will no longer get any soot or cinder on them – a welcome change for sure!

Allegiant Flight #925 to Dollywood:

• Allegiant is turning an ordinary flight into a full-blown Dolly Parton-themed experience with the launch of Flight #925, a specially numbered route from Orlando to East Tennessee inspired by one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs. 
• On Friday, November 6, 2026, travelers departing from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) will board a first-of-its-kind Dollywood-themed flight, kicking off their Smoky Mountain getaway before they even land.
• From the moment passengers arrive at the gate, Flight #925 promises a celebration. Allegiant and Dollywood Parks & Resorts are teaming up to deliver: gate festivities and live entertainment, an in-flight trivia contest, exclusive themed merchandise, and specialty food and drinks.