Dollywood Named America’s Favorite Theme Park — Again
Dollywood continues to shine, taking the title of “America’s Favorite Theme Park” for the third consecutive year.
The beloved Tennessee attraction, co-owned by country legend Dolly Parton, was voted No. 1 by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, topping the list in a May 16 announcement. Even iconic destinations like California’s Disneyland couldn’t outpace it, with Disneyland finishing in second place this year.
Dollywood previously claimed the top spot in both 2022 and 2023.
Nestled in Pigeon Forge, near the Great Smoky Mountains and just a short drive from Dolly’s hometown, the park has always had deep roots. Dolly opened Dollywood in 1986 as a way to give back to the place that raised her. It quickly became a point of pride for the region — not just a tourist destination, but a major local employer, now supporting nearly 4,000 jobs.
Dollywood marked its 40th anniversary this March, with Dolly herself there to celebrate. During the milestone event, she reflected on the park’s journey and the role it’s played in transforming the community.
“When we opened Dollywood and later our dinner theaters, it brought in a lot more visitors,” she said. “Soon, other people started building businesses and hotels. It changed everything. I’m just proud to be part of that.”
She continued, “There was already something here — but not like this. Dollywood became a spark for growth. It means the world to me, and clearly, it means a lot to others too.”
And the future looks just as bright. Dolly has made it clear she wants the park to keep thriving even after she’s gone.
“Even after I’m gone, we’ll still grow,” she said. “As long as we listen to the people and stay open to change, we’ll know what to do — and Dollywood will keep moving forward.”