As Dollywood gears up for its 39th season opening later this week, the park is basking in the glow of a new accolade from Southern Living. In its 2024 edition of “The South’s Best” awards, Southern Living has bestowed the title of one of the South’s Best Attractions upon Dollywood. The accompanying headline boldly declares, “Why Dollywood is Better Than Any Other Theme Park.”

Southern Living’s annual awards span various categories, from best cities and small towns to food, drink, local treasures, and more. The accolades are the result of an online survey conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights, where over 20,000 respondents shared their favorite places across the South. The complete list of winners is available on Southern Living’s site.

Among the esteemed list of best attractions alongside Dollywood are The Fox Theatre (Atlanta), Ground Zero Blues Club (Clarksdale, Mississippi), Renfro Valley Entertainment Center (Mt. Vernon, Kentucky), and the iconic Grand Ole Opry (Nashville).

Eugene Naughton, President of Dollywood Parks & Resorts, expressed delight at the warm reception mentioned in the article, highlighting the park’s welcoming atmosphere—an element consistently praised by guests. Naughton reflects on recent accolades, such as Golden Ticket Awards and high rankings on TripAdvisor, emphasizing that Dollywood’s dedication to providing an unparalleled theme park experience has been consistently recognized.

Dollywood’s acclaim extends beyond Southern Living’s awards, with National Geographic recognizing the HeartSong Lodge & Resort as one of the world’s top 22 hotels for 2024. Additionally, Forbes’ prestigious Best Customer Service list placed Dollywood in the top 1%, reaffirming the park’s commitment to exemplary guest experiences.

Dollywood Parks & Resorts, renowned for its world-class roller coasters, award-winning entertainment, and Southern-inspired culinary offerings, has become a cherished destination where guests are treated like family. The HeartSong Lodge & Resort, along with its sister property Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, has solidified Dollywood as a leading vacation spot for families seeking unforgettable memories.

As the park opens its gates on March 8 for season passholders and March 9 for the general public, anticipation builds for The Dolly Parton Experience. Set to open in late May, this new attraction offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at Dolly Parton’s iconic status and incredible story, enhancing the magic that sets Dollywood apart.

Required reading: Dollywood 2024: Elevating Experiences, Thrills and Entertainment