Dollywood Tops US Theme Parks, Outranks Disney Universal

Dollywood, the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee co-founded by Dolly Parton, has been named the best amusement park in the United States in TripAdvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards, marking its third win in four years. The park outranked major competitors including Disney's Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, Universal, and Legoland, earning praise for its combination of thrilling rides, Southern hospitality, and family-friendly atmosphere. Dollywood also ranked No. 11 globally, the only North American park in the top 15, highlighting its international appeal. Eugene Naughton, Dollywood's president, emphasized that the award reflects genuine guest reviews and the dedication of the park’s staff to providing an outstanding experience, not an effort to win accolades. Despite its smaller size and lower attendance compared to Disney parks, Dollywood is lauded for its warmth, affordability, and charm, though some Disney fans question the rankings. Other parks notable in the rankings include Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania and Whale's Tale Waterpark in New Hampshire, which also made significant gains in the list.