Despite the towering castles and billion-dollar branding machines operating on both coasts, the best theme park in America isn’t run by a mega-corporation with shareholders and movie tie-ins. It’s nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—where faith, family, and fun still mean something. According to the latest survey from the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA), Dollywood is officially America’s favorite theme park.
That’s right. Dolly Parton’s homegrown park outperformed Disneyland in California and claimed the top spot in the theme park category of NAPHA’s 39th annual survey. While Disney execs likely scrambled to polish their golden Mickey ears in response, Dollywood’s team just kept doing what they’ve always done—welcoming visitors with Southern hospitality, a heartfelt atmosphere, and more than 50 rides and attractions for all ages.
Dollywood didn’t stop there. It also ranked second in the Most Beautiful Park category, just behind Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, which has held that title for 35 consecutive years. Meanwhile, Knoebels in Pennsylvania was named the favorite traditional amusement park, and Cedar Point’s Millennium Force again proved that thrill seekers still love a good steel coaster.
But Dollywood is more than just rides and shows—it’s a reflection of its founder. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the park represents everything Dolly Parton stands for: hard work, humility, faith, and good, old-fashioned American values. And that’s something even the most advanced animatronic mouse can’t replicate.
Parton herself recently reflected on the park’s milestone with her trademark wit and grace. “They finally, after 40 years, put that sign up—even though I’ve talked about it for years,” she said, referring to a new Dollywood sign modeled after the Hollywood one. “I was with Carl for 60 years, and Dollywood’s 40 years old. And that’s just hard to believe because I’m only 27,” she quipped.
That blend of humor and heart is what makes Dollywood—and Dolly herself—so deeply cherished by millions. And while the park’s 40th anniversary is a celebration, it’s also touched by the recent passing of Carl Dean, Parton’s husband of six decades. Through grief, she’s leaned on her Christian faith to guide her.
“I truly believe that I’m going to see him again someday,” she said. “I see him every day in my memories and in my heart… I just try to go on, because I know I have to.”
There’s something profoundly American about Dollywood’s rise to the top. In a world increasingly defined by commercial sprawl and cultural detachment, Dollywood is a reminder that faith, family, and authenticity still resonate. It’s a place where patriotism isn’t political, kindness is expected, and memories are made the old-fashioned way—without CGI or a credit card-sized mortgage.
So while the House of Mouse may own the biggest stages, Dolly Parton’s Tennessee treasure has won America’s heart. And in the end, that matters more than branding ever could.