If we asked you what your favorite theme park is, we bet you’d answer with either Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, or Disney California Adventure.
However, believe it or not, there would be a lot of people who wouldn’t mention ANY of those (we know, it’s SHOCKING). Americans generally have their favorite theme parks, and the one that seems to always end up at the top of the list can’t be found on either coast. Instead, you’ll find it in Tennessee, in a town called Pigeon Forge.
Yep, we’re talking about Dollywood, a theme park owned by and all about the ICONIC Dolly Parton. According to USA Today, Dollywood has been named the favorite theme park in America by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, over Disney World and Disneyland.
The Association just held its 38th annual Amusement Park and Attractions Survey, which also named Dollywood’s new Big Bear Mountain roller coaster as the best new attraction in the U.S.
However, Disney DID make the list — Disney World came in second as second best theme park in the U.S., while Disneyland came in third as third best theme park in the U.S.
Dollywood has spent a lot of time, money, and attention in its parks recently. Most recently, The Dolly Parton Experience opened and offers an interactive experience that takes you through Dolly Parton’s life and music career. You’ll also get to see a tour bus, as well as costumes and other exhibits.
Voters for the awards include eligible association members, who are experienced theme park enthusiasts — each member has been to more than 100 different theme parks and ridden more than 340 roller coasters around the world.
Will Disney bounce back to claim the title in the future? Disney is currently making plans to spend $60 billion on its theme parks and cruises over the next decade. An expansion to Magic Kingdom is in the works, as well as a re-theming of DinoLand, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom. Disneyland is also moving forward with a huge expansion. There’s even a potential for a fifth theme park in Florida.
Although these projects probably won’t be completed by next year, Disney does seem to have plans to compete with other U.S. theme parks, most notably Universal Orlando, which will open its third theme park, Epic Universe, in 2025.
Check back with AllEars again soon for more.
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Have you ever visited Dollywood? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
I have been going to Dollywood since it was Silver Dollar City. If you want to ride a ton of awesome rides, Dollywood is where it is at.
Well, I flew from Southern California to Atlanta GA to visit “friends” and then onto Dollywood. We arrived in Pigeon Forge on a Friday morning, checked into the hotel….long story short – it was “decided” that the play about the Hatfield’s and the McCoy’s was first on the agenda. Then, and only then, could we head over to Dollywood. Another, long story short, arrived at Dollywood to a dark park. They had decided then that they would be going to Dollywood on their next trip to Pigeon Forge.
So, I decided then and there that I would return at a later date, by myself. But, this next time would be by myself, to go to Dollywood over the course of 2 weeks.
At least then, I would be entering the beautiful Dollywood Park and not just staring at the entrance.
I haven’t been able to go back since my writing career has gone into overdrive. I WILL, one day soon, visit and for more than 2 weeks.
Thank You for reading this far. Looking forward to meeting as many wonderful people as possible, maybe the grand lady herself….Miss Dolly Parton!
Ive been going here since I was a kid! Sometimes we would go a few times a year, because its only 90 minutes away! It is a great place no matter what time of year you go!
Honestly after having been to Dollywood even before these newest rides I still think it deserves the top spot.