Dollywood Has Been Named America’s “Favorite Theme Park”
Dollywood is coming out on top once again.
For the third year in a row, Dollywood has been named “America’s Favorite Theme Park.”
The popular attraction, co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton, claimed the top spot in a vote by the National Amusement Park Historical Association on May 16.
Dollywood beat out some tough competition, including Disneyland in California, which landed in second place, according to a press release from the organization.
Dollywood has managed to snag the title in both 2022 and 2023.
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near the Great Smoky Mountains, just a short drive from where Dolly Parton grew up.
After leaving her small town to chase her country music dreams, Dolly never forgot where she came from. Once she found success, she knew she wanted to give back to the people and the place that helped shape her.
In 1986, she opened the park as a way to show her appreciation for her hometown and to create something special for the community that raised her.
Since opening its doors, Dollywood has grown into the largest employer in the region, now providing jobs for nearly 4,000 people.
In March, Dollywood kicked off its 40th season, and Dolly was there to celebrate the special anniversary.
During the celebration, she reflected on the impact the park has had over the years. Dolly shared how proud she is of the difference it’s made in the community she loves so much.
“When Dollywood did open and when we started opening our dinner theaters, it just brought so many more tourists in, and other people started building other businesses and hotels and all that,” Dolly said.
“There were some things here, but not near like it was after Dollywood opened,” she continued. “I’m just proud to be part of this whole community. And Dollywood is a shining star, certainly to me, but evidently to a lot of other people, too. I’m just happy to be part of that growth.”
And even after 40 years, there are no signs of Dollywood slowing down. In fact, Dolly has shared that once she’s gone, she hopes the park will continue to grow and evolve in a positive direction.
“Even after I’m gone, we’ll still grow. We’ll still be going,” she shared. “As long as we grow with the public and keep our ears open and our eyes (open), we’re going to find out what they want and we will grow accordingly.”