The National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) has once again named Dollywood the top theme park in the country thanks to the results of its 40th annual NAPHA Amusement Park and Attractions Survey.
The results of the survey should not be taken lightly. Not only is the survey the oldest of its type, but the association’s members are also experienced theme park enthusiasts who have visited countless parks around the world.
The average member has visited more than 110 different theme parks. In 2025, members went to an average of 12 parks during the year.
Dollywood has been named NAPHA Favourite Theme Park since 2022. NAPHA members voted Disneyland in Anaheim, California, their second favourite theme park, and Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, as their favourite traditional amusement park.
Dollywood’s position as a leader in the theme park industry has grown quickly in the last decade, with the park routinely earning top awards as voted by both guests and industry insiders.
The park was named Tripadvisor’s #1 U.S. theme park for 2025, 2024 and 2022.
In 2025, Dollywood earned three Golden Ticket Awards, including Best Guest Experience, Best Kids’ Area and Best Family Coaster. The Best Guest Experience award considers friendliness of employees as well as the overall value for the money paid in bestowing the honour, two areas where Dollywood truly shines. Late last year, Forbes named Dollywood as having the Top Customer Service of all theme parks in the United States.
So far in 2026, the park earned a spot on Newsweek’s List of Greatest Workplaces for Women and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level Employees. Dollywood Parks & Resorts also was honored with seven awards in the 2026 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence & Industry Awards.