Dollywood has been recognized as the best theme park in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, topping Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Universal Studios this year.
TripAdvisor based its rankings on nearly 8 million user reviews collected over a 12‑month period, awarding Dollywood for consistent high ratings and guest satisfaction. This marks Dollywood’s third No. 1 finish in four years, having also led in 2022 and 2024 and placing second in 2023.
The park’s close proximity to North Carolina, just a five-hour drive from Moore County, makes it a popular weekend getaway for local families, especially during school breaks and the fall tourism season.
Eugene Naughton, president of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, said the honor reflects genuine guest feedback and the park’s commitment to hospitality. “We don’t provide the best guest experience in the country to try to win these awards,” he said. “We do it because it is the right thing to do.”
Dollywood spans approximately 165 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains and features some 50 rides and attractions. Highlights include the Wildwood Grove area, the Wild Eagle and Mystery Mine roller coasters, and a museum dedicated to Dolly Parton’s life. It also operates Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and two resort properties on site.
TripAdvisor ranked Dollywood at No. 11 among the top 25 amusement parks in the world, making it the only U.S. park to crack the global top 15 in 2025.
Dollywood’s success follows additional recognition earlier this year from the National Amusement Park Historical Association, which named it America’s favorite theme park for the third year running.
The top five U.S. parks in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards were:
- Dollywood (Tennessee)
- Magic Kingdom (Florida)
- Knoebels Amusement Resort (Pennsylvania)
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Florida)
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Florida)
Dollywood, co‑founded by Dolly Parton in 1986, continues to be celebrated for its Appalachian charm, themed entertainment and guest‑focused atmosphere. It draws over 2 million visitors annually and is known for being less crowded than larger destinations like Disneyland or Disney World while still delivering high quality in food, shows and rides.
For families in North Carolina, Dollywood offers a high-quality theme park experience without the crowds, cost or travel time of Orlando — and this latest recognition may give them one more reason to head west toward the Smokies.
