Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice awards have named Dollywood the No. 1 amusement park in the United States, nudging aside Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Universal Studios. The hill‑country park co‑owned by Dolly Parton first opened in 1986 and now, almost 40 years later, it is still winning the popularity contest.
Pigeon Forge’s pride earned the accolade after Tripadvisor analyzed a year’s worth of “above‑and‑beyond” guest reviews. Visitors praised the friendly “hosts,” spotless grounds and family‑friendly thrills—qualities President Eugene Naughton credits to staff who “ensure our guests feel welcome and cared for.”
Tripadvisor data shows Dollywood’s visitor reviews outshine Disney World and Universal Studios by a wide margin
For the third time in four years Dollywood has topped the Travelers’ Choice U.S. list, while climbing to No. 11 worldwide. How did the other parks place? Take a look:
| 2025 U.S. ranking | Amusement park | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dollywood | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee |
| 2 | Magic Kingdom | Lake Buena Vista, Florida |
| 3 | Knoebels Amusement Resort | Elysburg, Pennsylvania |
The recognition arrives as the park celebrates its 40th anniversary season with more than 50 rides across 165 acres. Who saw this coming when Parton nervously cut the ribbon back in 1986?
What makes this Smoky Mountains park a repeat winner for family travelers nationwide, according to thousands of candid reviews
Tripadvisor commenters highlighted several recurring themes:
- Genuine Southern hospitality from ride operators and restaurant teams
- Scenic Appalachian backdrop that turns every coaster climb into a postcard moment
- Balanced mix of high‑adrenaline attractions and gentler experiences for younger children
- Live music rooted in Parton’s heritage, offered daily without an extra fee
In fact, Dollywood’s approach is so guest‑centric that Naughton insists the team “doesn’t chase awards—we just do what’s right.” After consequential updates like the Big Bear Mountain coaster and a new on‑site resort wing, crowds have surged past two million annual visitors.
Ready to see for yourself? Fall weekends sell out quickly, so seasoned parkgoers advise booking lodging and park tickets at least six weeks in advance.
How Dollywood’s hosts and heritage keep the experience authentic three decades after opening
Beyond the rides, Dollywood leans heavily on East Tennessee culture—craft demos, gospel performances and comfort‑food staples such as cinnamon bread. Consequently, many guests leave feeling they’ve visited both a theme park and a living museum.
With Tripadvisor’s latest nod, Dollywood’s momentum shows no sign of slowing. The question now is whether the mountain retreat can hold the crown again in 2026; nevertheless, its friendly hosts seem ready to work “9 to 5” to make that happen.