Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is no stranger to accolades, but this year the park’s award shelf got a little more crowded. During the annual Golden Ticket Awards ceremony, held Saturday evening at Carowinds in Charlotte, Dollywood earned three more “world’s best” honors, further cementing its reputation as one of the premier theme parks on the planet.
The Golden Ticket Awards, presented by Amusement Today, are widely considered the most prestigious recognition in the theme park industry. Dollywood was a finalist in eight total categories, walking away with wins for Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area, and Best Family Coaster—an impressive trifecta for a park celebrating its milestone 40th season.
“We’ve really had a lot of fun this year celebrating our 40th season, and it just keeps getting bigger,” Dolly Parton said following the ceremony. “I had big dreams 40 years ago about what Dollywood could become, but even I sometimes have a hard time believing it has become everything that it is now. And you know, when we share our next big idea very soon, I think it’s going to have everyone’s dreams soaring!”
The park’s sixth-consecutive win for Best Guest Experience underscores Dollywood’s legendary hospitality. First introduced in 2019, this award recognizes a park’s overall atmosphere, from cleanliness and ride operations to value and, most importantly, how visitors feel during their stay. Dollywood has remained the only park ever to win the category.
“Capturing the hearts of its visitors is vital to a guest experience in a theme park,” said Tim Baldwin, Golden Ticket Awards Communication Coordinator. “Guests love how they feel when they visit Dollywood. It’s those moments you remember for your whole life.”
Wildwood Grove, Dollywood’s vibrant, nature-inspired land, earned its sixth consecutive win for Best Kids’ Area. Since opening in 2019, this whimsical family space has delighted guests with its immersive theming and guest-favorite coasters, Dragonflier and Big Bear Mountain.
Speaking of Big Bear Mountain, the park’s record-setting family coaster roared to its third straight victory as Best Family Coaster. Featuring three launches, on-board audio, and plenty of airtime, Big Bear Mountain has redefined what a family-friendly thrill ride can be. “Investing in families is never the wrong decision,” Baldwin noted.
Dollywood’s awards didn’t stop there. The park ranked #3 for Best Park in the world and #3 for Most Beautiful Park, a nod to its scenic Smoky Mountain setting and meticulous landscaping. Its “Play On” retrospective finished second in the Best New Show category, while Thunderhead, the park’s world-class wooden coaster, placed fifth globally. Dollywood’s Splash Country water park also landed in the top five.
One retired honor continues to define the park’s legacy: Best Christmas Event. After Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas dominated the category for 15 straight years, Golden Ticket organizers officially retired the award in 2024 and named the event the undisputed legend of holiday celebrations.
Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season is far from over. The Harvest Festival, running Sept. 12 through Oct. 27, transforms the park with thousands of glowing pumpkins, masterful artistry, and the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Guests can also enjoy a packed concert lineup, with performances from Triumphant Quartet, Keith Anderson, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Emily Ann Roberts, Dailey & Vincent, and more.
The season concludes with Dollywood’s crown jewel: Smoky Mountain Christmas, running Nov. 1 through Jan. 4, 2026. Featuring six million lights, festive entertainment, and one of the most magical holiday atmospheres anywhere, it’s an event that’s earned its legendary status.
Dollywood’s latest wins are yet another reminder that this Smoky Mountain gem isn’t just a theme park—it’s an experience where heart, heritage, and hospitality come together to create lifelong memories.
For more information about events, entertainment, and tickets, visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.
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