Woke Disney booted from theme park throne for second year in a row

Disney and Universal may want to sit up and take notice, as another theme park has become the most beloved in the United States.

Dollywood, founded by beloved singer Dolly Parton, was voted America’s favorite theme park in 2025, beating out global names like Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Universal. What it lacks in famous mascots and recognizable mouse-shaped foods, it more than makes up for in Appalachian charm and sentimental Dolly memorabilia.

The park is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee amid the Great Smoky Mountains, and boasts a water park and rides, along with a museum showing off the artist’s most iconic costumes.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Parton’s park has achieved the number one spot “three times in four years,” and is “ranked among the top 25 theme parks in the world.”

“The Pigeon Forge attraction beat out its sister park, Silver Dollar City − Universal and Legoland, too. Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both in Orlando, came in at No. 2 and No. 4 respectively,” the outlet explained.

Dollywood President Eugene Naughton called the award “humbling because it is derived from real reviews left by our actual guests describing their time here at our parks and resorts.”

“We’ve earned a number of honors this year from national organizations, and it is all due to the hard work of our hosts who ensure our guests feel welcome and cared for while they are here,” he added. “We feel – and these awards continue to show – the Dollywood Parks and Resorts experience truly is best in class.”

A Tripadvisor list of U.S. amusement parks makes it clear that Americans are straying away from the dazzle of the famous amusement attractions, in favor of a more down-home feel.

1. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
2. Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Orlando, Florida)
3. Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, Pennsylvania)
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Orlando)
5. Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Orlando)
6. Fun Spot America (Kissimmee, Florida)
7. Legoland California (Carlsbad, California)
8. Universal Studios Florida (Orlando)
9. Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)
10. Whale’s Tale Waterpark (Lincoln, New Hampshire)

On the global scale, Dollywoood comes in 11th, being the only North American park to crack the top 15:

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
2. Beto Carrero World (Penha, Brazil)
3. Waterbom Bali (Kuta, Indonesia)
4. Heide Park (Soltau, Germany)
5. Puy du Fou (Les Epesses, France)
6. Beach Park (Aquiraz, Brazil)
7. The Web Adventure Park (Wigginton, United Kingdom)
8. Paultons Park (Romsey, United Kingdom)
9. Drayton Manor Theme Park (Tamworth, United Kingdom)
10. Escape Penang (Penang Island, Malaysia)
11. Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
12. Adventure Cove Waterpark (Sentosa Island, Singapore)
13. Parque Terra Magica Florybal (Canela, Brazil)
14. Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa Island, Singapore)
15. Legoland Billund (Billund, Denmark)

Writer/Columnist

Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.

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