There’s something special about visiting a theme park where you feel genuinely welcomed, appreciated and valued. At Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that feeling is as much a part of the experience as the roller coasters, award-winning entertainment and breathtaking Smoky Mountain scenery.

Now, the popular family vacation destination has another distinction to celebrate.

Newsweek has named Dollywood Parks & Resorts the No. 1 theme park company in the United States for customer service in its America’s Best Customer Service 2027 rankings. The recognition places Dollywood ahead of some of the biggest names in the theme park industry, including Disney and Universal.

For anyone planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, the recognition offers another compelling reason to consider Dollywood for their next getaway.

A Theme Park Experience That Goes Beyond the Rides

Dollywood has built its reputation on much more than thrilling attractions. From its Southern hospitality and live entertainment to its seasonal festivals and family-friendly atmosphere, the park has created an experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.

I’ve been a Dollywood season passholder for the past three years, and one of the things I’ve appreciated most is how the park treats its guests.

There’s a difference between simply operating a theme park and making people feel like their visit matters. In my experience, Dollywood understands that distinction.

Whether it’s a friendly interaction with a host, the attention given to the overall guest experience or the welcoming atmosphere throughout the property, those details contribute to the kind of visit that leaves a lasting impression.

It’s one of the reasons I consider Dollywood a premium theme park experience. I’ve consistently felt valued as a guest rather than simply processed through the gates.

How Dollywood Stacked Up Against Disney and Universal

Dollywood earned an impressive score of 92.31 out of 100 in Newsweek’s Amusement Park Experience category.

The five highest-ranked theme park companies were Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Disney Parks & Resorts, Universal Parks & Resorts, Busch Gardens Theme Parks and SeaWorld Parks.

But Dollywood’s recognition extended well beyond the amusement park industry.

The Smoky Mountain destination finished third in the broader Transportation and Travel category, trailing only The Ritz-Carlton and Costco. That category included businesses ranging from luxury hotels and cruise lines to airlines, vacation rentals and other travel-related services.

Perhaps even more impressive, Dollywood ranked ninth overall among more than 700 brands evaluated across 190 categories.

That’s remarkable company for a theme park destination nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

What Makes Dollywood’s Recognition Meaningful

Unlike awards determined by industry panels or popularity contests, Newsweek’s customer service rankings are based on feedback from consumers who have interacted with the brands being evaluated.

The independent survey incorporated more than 200,000 customer evaluations, with respondents considering whether they would recommend a company to friends or family.

Additional assessments examined communication quality, professional competence, available services, customer focus and accessibility.

Companies cannot pay or apply to be included in the rankings.

That makes Dollywood’s achievement particularly noteworthy. Its standing reflects customer experiences rather than simply brand recognition or marketing.

For travelers, those experiences can make the difference between an enjoyable vacation and one they can’t wait to repeat.

Southern Hospitality Is Part of the Dollywood Experience

Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton credits the destination’s employees, known as hosts, for helping create memorable experiences.

“Our hosts work hard every day to create experiences that go beyond our guests’ expectations, and the welcoming atmosphere they provide is often what our guests remember most,” Naughton said.

He also emphasized that the company’s focus isn’t on collecting awards but on taking care of people and helping families create lasting memories.

That philosophy is especially important in an industry where visitors are investing significant time and money into their vacations.

A great roller coaster might be the reason someone initially chooses a theme park. But how they’re treated throughout the day can influence whether they return.

And that’s where Dollywood continues to distinguish itself.

Another Reason to Put Dollywood on Your Travel List

Located in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood offers visitors the opportunity to combine a theme park vacation with everything else that makes the Great Smoky Mountains one of America’s favorite family destinations.

Guests can enjoy world-class roller coasters, traditional crafts, Southern-inspired food, live music and seasonal celebrations, all surrounded by the natural beauty of East Tennessee.

The destination also includes Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and resort accommodations, making it possible to turn a day at the park into an extended mountain getaway.

For me, the latest Newsweek recognition reinforces something I’ve experienced during my own visits: Dollywood understands that great customer service isn’t just about solving problems when something goes wrong. It’s about creating an environment where guests feel appreciated from the moment they arrive.

Awards certainly add credibility, but the experience itself is what matters most.

With so many theme parks competing for vacation dollars, Dollywood continues to demonstrate that hospitality, personal attention and a commitment to the guest experience can be just as important as the attractions themselves.

And in an industry built around creating memories, that’s a distinction worth celebrating.

Have you visited Dollywood? Do you think its customer service sets it apart from other theme parks you’ve experienced?

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(Photos courtesy Dollywood Parks & Resorts)