Dollywood Soar Past Disney to Become America’s Ultimate Theme Park Treasure

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Dollywood has surpassed Disney to become the favorite theme park, according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association’s survey.

Each year, NAPHA conducts a survey that includes categories such as “most beautiful theme park,” “favorite traditional theme park,” and “favorite wooden roller coaster.” Dolly Parton’s park topped the list as the “favorite theme park” overall.

The Tennessee park outperformed Disney World in Florida, which secured second place, and Disneyland in California, which took third.

Dollywood also earned top honors for its new attraction, the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster.

The rankings come from NAPHA’s 38th annual survey, covering the 2023 season, and are voted on by theme park enthusiasts.

Dollywood’s success is attributed to its focus on guest experience and continuous investment in new rides and attractions.

On average, NAPHA members have visited over 100 theme parks both in the U.S. and globally.

Dollywood opened in 1986, 15 years after Disney World, while Disneyland, which transformed modern theme parks, opened in 1955.

Dollywood, Tennessee’s most-visited tourist attraction, ranks among the Top 50 most attended theme parks worldwide. The park has expanded to 150 acres, more than doubling its original size. Situated just 6 miles from Dolly Parton’s childhood home, Dollywood has been a catalyst for unprecedented growth in the area, attracting approximately 3 million visitors annually.

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