Hold onto your roller-coaster seats—Dollywood, the Tennessee theme park co-owned by Dolly Parton, has just DEFEATED Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and even Universal Studios to claim the title of America’s No. 1 amusement park, according to TripAdvisor travelers’ 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards .
That’s right – the quaint Southern park beat out global giants. And the internet is freaking out.
How Did Dollywood Nix Disney on Its Turf?
TripAdvisor’s award isn’t based on Disney’s marketing budget—it’s purely user reviews. Dollywood earned the top U.S. spot thanks to a flood of “above-and-beyond” guest reviews over a 12-month period, placing it at #1 in the U.S. and making it the only North American park in the global top 15 .
This is the park’s third No. 1 finish in four years—2022, 2024, and now 2025—with just a second-place nod in 2023 . Disney’s Magic Kingdom stumbled into second place, while Universal’s Islands of Adventure sits at a respectable fifth .
Why Everyone’s Losing Their Minds (Except Disney)
1. Not Just Rides—A Southern Experience
Dollywood spans 165 acres, with over 50 rides and attractions, plus its own 35-acre water park, two resorts, and immersive experiences like the Dolly Parton Experience introduced in 2024 .
But it’s more than attractions—Dollywood offers hand-crafted Smoky Mountain culture, live shows, regional cuisine, and a distinctly Southern hospitality vibe that Disney just can’t package.
2. Real Guest Love
Guests rave about friendly staff, clean facilities, themed live entertainment, and fast rides like Lightning Rod (once the fastest wooden coaster in the world at 73 mph), Thunderhead, and Dragonflier in the Wildwood Grove family area .
TripAdvisor’s awards placed Dollywood in the global theme park top 15—ranking #11 internationally—while Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi took the #1 spot worldwide .
What Are People Saying?
Dollywood’s president, Eugene Naughton, called the recognition “humbling,” attributing it to real guest reviews and the dedication of their employees, who ensure every visitor feels “welcome and cared for” .
Meanwhile, the National Amusement Park Historical Association also reaffirmed Dollywood as America’s favorite theme park for the third consecutive year in 2025, topping Disney in their annual survey as well .
Dollywood’s Secret Sauce—Why it Keeps Winning
Family-First Philosophy, Straight from Dolly
From its founding in 1986, Dolly Parton envisioned Dollywood as a “Smoky Mountain fairyland”, inspired by her Appalachian roots and values of community, family, and care .
Exceptional Employee Culture
Dollywood hosts receive consistent praise for going beyond expectations. Reviewers on TripAdvisor frequently call the staff “the friendliest anywhere” and fans credit them for shaping unforgettable memories .
Year‑Round Festivals & Events
The park thrives across seasons: the Wildwood Grove expansion, summer drone shows, Harvest Festival, Smoky Mountain Christmas (winner of Golden Ticket Legend Award), and the 40th anniversary celebrations in 2025 .
Disney & Universal Fans: The Outrage is Real
Yes—it’s shocking. Disney and Universal dominate international tourism, budgets, and media. Yet TripAdvisor reviews show thousands of park-goers are saying:
“Disney may have Cinderella, but Dollywood has heart.”
Some online commenters are livid:
“How did Dollywood beat Disney World?! My annual pass can’t compete with cinnamon bread and kindness.”
“They’ve cornered the market on genuine joy.”
What This Means for Disney and Universal
Disney Needs to Up Its Game
Dollywood’s recognition signals a shift: guests crave authenticity, connection, and warmth—not just big brands and polished facades. If Disney continues prioritizing IP over intimacy, it may risk alienating families looking for that “emotional bond” experience.
Universal: Still Thrilling, But Not Enough
Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Studios ranked in the top 5, but they too fell behind Dollywood. This suggests cutting-edge thrills aren’t enough—customer service and emotional resonance matter more than ever .
What Lies Ahead for Dollywood?
Now that Dollywood is riding this triumphant streak, what’s next?
New Attractions: With the success of Wildwood Grove (2019), Big Bear Mountain (2023), and the Dolly Experience (2024), guests expect even more expansion in 2026+ .
Expansion of Resorts & Services: Their two resorts and robust guest experiences position them to compete not just on thrills—but on full vacation packages.
Global Recognition: Being the only U.S. park in Tripadvisor’s global top 15 could draw more international visitors to East Tennessee.
Final Thoughts: The Fallen Giant No One Saw Coming
Dollywood’s victory sends a powerful message: when a smaller park blends emotional storytelling with unwavering hospitality and standout attractions, it can outshine even the biggest brands.
Disney World may still be the biggest, but Dollywood has become the most beloved.
TripAdvisor travelers have spoken through their glowing reviews—and the world is listening.
So if you think Disney owns theme parks, think again. Because Dollywood just took the crown.
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