As families prepare for Memorial Day weekend road trips and summer vacations, one destination continues to stand above the rest in the eyes of theme park enthusiasts: Dollywood.

The Smoky Mountain theme park once again has been named the favorite theme park in America by the National Amusement Park Historical Association as part of the group’s 40th annual Amusement Park and Attractions Survey. The recognition further cements Dollywood’s growing reputation as one of the most acclaimed and guest-focused destinations in the amusement industry.

According to NAPHA, whose members are among the most traveled and experienced amusement park enthusiasts in the world, Dollywood has now earned the organization’s Favorite Theme Park distinction every year since 2022. Members of the organization have visited an average of more than 110 theme parks during their lifetime, with members averaging visits to 12 different parks during 2025 alone.

While Disneyland finished second in the survey and Knoebels Amusement Resort was named the favorite traditional amusement park, Dollywood’s continued dominance reflects how strongly the park resonates with guests looking for more than just rides.

Why Dollywood Continues to Stand Out

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has transformed over the past decade into one of the industry’s most decorated destinations. The park consistently earns praise for its atmosphere, hospitality, cleanliness, entertainment, food, and overall guest experience.

The park’s focus on customer service continues to separate it from competitors. In 2025, Dollywood captured three prestigious Golden Ticket Awards, including Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, and Best Family Coaster. Forbes also named Dollywood the top theme park in the United States for customer service.

Guests clearly agree. The park also was ranked Tripadvisor’s No. 1 theme park in the United States in 2022, 2024, and 2025 based on visitor reviews.

Part of Dollywood’s appeal comes from its uniquely Appalachian identity. Rather than relying solely on thrill rides, the park blends coasters and attractions with craftspeople, live entertainment, regional cuisine, and storytelling inspired by East Tennessee and the vision of country music icon Dolly Parton.

Flower & Food Festival Showcases Spring in the Smokies

Visitors heading to Dollywood this spring can experience the park’s award-winning Flower & Food Festival, which runs through June 7. The festival transforms the park into a colorful celebration of spring with more than one million blooms and towering Mosaiculture displays spread throughout the property.

The larger-than-life floral sculptures have become one of the festival’s signature attractions, creating immersive walk-through displays and photo opportunities throughout the park.

Dollywood’s culinary team also takes center stage during the event with seasonal dishes and spring-inspired flavors that showcase the tastes of the Smokies. Festival-themed activities extend beyond the theme park itself to Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, where guests can enjoy themed entertainment, crafts, décor, and spa experiences.

A Destination Resort Experience

What once was primarily a regional theme park has evolved into a full-scale vacation destination. Today, Dollywood Parks & Resorts includes the 165-acre Dollywood theme park, the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, and two award-winning resort properties designed to immerse guests in the Smoky Mountain experience.

The park’s location near Great Smoky Mountains National Park also makes it especially attractive for families looking to combine outdoor adventure with theme park thrills during summer travel season.

With summer vacation planning ramping up and national recognition continuing to pile up, Dollywood’s latest honor reinforces what many guests already believe: few parks in America deliver the combination of hospitality, scenery, entertainment, and family-friendly fun quite like the Smoky Mountain destination in Pigeon Forge.

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(Photos Dollywood Parks & Resorts)