When travelers think about what makes a great theme park, they often focus on the rides, food, entertainment, and atmosphere. But behind every memorable visit is a team of employees helping create those experiences.

That’s one reason why Dollywood continues to stand out.

The beloved Smoky Mountain theme park has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces 2026 list, as well as the publication’s list of Tennessee’s greatest workplaces. The recognition comes after an extensive independent research study that evaluated companies based on leadership, workplace culture, compensation, benefits, work-life balance, integrity, and employee satisfaction.

For visitors, the honor offers insight into why the Pigeon Forge destination consistently ranks among the nation’s top theme parks.

Happy Employees Help Create Better Guest Experiences

Dollywood has built a reputation for delivering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that reflects the values of its namesake, Dolly Parton.

According to Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources Susan Loveday, that guest experience begins with the park’s employees, known as hosts.

“A world-class guest experience starts with our hosts,” Loveday said. “By ensuring they feel supported and valued, we empower them to do what they do best—care for our guests.”

That philosophy appears to be paying off. Newsweek’s study included nearly 180,000 employee interviews and more than 2.7 million company reviews. Only the top 1,000 companies earned recognition.

The Benefits Behind the Recognition

One of the factors that helped Dollywood earn the distinction is its extensive employee benefits package.

Among the most notable offerings is Herschend’s GROW U. program, which provides eligible employees with 100% free tuition. Hosts also receive free lunches during work shifts, healthcare resources, admission benefits for family and friends, and discounts or complimentary access to regional attractions through the Park Perks program.

The company also helps offset childcare expenses for qualifying employees and offers leadership-development opportunities, including an apprenticeship partnership with Walters State Community College.

These benefits help Dollywood attract and retain employees in an increasingly competitive labor market.

Awards Continue to Pile Up for Dollywood

The workplace honor is the latest in a long line of accolades for the East Tennessee destination.

Since opening in 1986, Dollywood has earned some of the amusement industry’s highest honors, including the prestigious Applause Award. The park has also collected dozens of Golden Ticket Awards and Brass Ring Awards recognizing excellence in operations and entertainment.

More recently, Tripadvisor named Dollywood the No. 1 theme park in the United States in 2022, 2024, and 2025 based on guest reviews.

The resort destination includes the 165-acre Dollywood theme park, the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, and two popular resort hotels: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort.

Why Travelers Should Take Notice

Awards recognizing rides and attractions are common in the theme park industry. Recognition for workplace culture is less common, but it may be just as important.

Guests often remember the friendly employee who went out of their way to help, the enthusiastic ride operator who made them smile, or the team member who turned a good day into a great one.

When a company invests heavily in its workforce, visitors often experience the benefits firsthand.

For Dollywood, Newsweek’s latest recognition suggests that the hospitality and service guests encounter throughout the park start long before they walk through the front gate.

Planning a visit to Dollywood in 2026? The award-winning theme park continues to prove that great guest experiences begin with great employees.

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(Photo Dollywood Parks & Resorts)