Dollywood Ranked Among Top 20 Amusement Parks in the World by TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor recently released its list of the best amusement parks in the world, and we’re pleased to report that our very own Dollywood made the grade! As the most popular travel site on the web, TripAdvisor features millions of reviews from ordinary vacationers. To compile its list of the world’s top amusement parks, TripAdvisor used an algorithm that measures the quantity and quality of user reviews of theme parks from around the globe.

After all the numbers were crunched, Dollywood was ranked the 16th best amusement park in the entire world and the 12th best park in the United States. In a separate list of the best water parks in the United States, Dollywood’s Splash Country came in 12th.

What TripAdvisor Users Love About Dollywood

Dollywood has a 4 ½ star average on TripAdvisor, which is quite impressive considering that the park has over 12,000 reviews! Visit My Smokies took a glance at Dollywood’s TripAdvisor page to see what guests loved the most about their visit to the theme park.

Fun for Guests of All Ages

Many TripAdvisor users mentioned that Dollywood has something for guests of all ages. In fact, Dollywood was recently named one of the “best theme parks for little tykes” by Family Vacation Critic! Here are a few reviews that mentioned the incredible variety of things to do at the park:

• “There is plenty to do for all ages. They have a children’s section that has fun games and rides. They also have big roller coasters that adults will love. They also have shows that older adults would enjoy as well.”
• “Our group ran in ages from 9 to 73 and all had a great time!”
• “We took our church group here which included all ages. There’s something for everyone. The babies and toddlers loved the kiddie section with kid rides, the teens and young adults had a blast with all the rides and games, and the older group enjoyed the shops and games. The train ride appealed to every age group as well.”

Exhilarating Roller Coasters and Rides

Thrill seekers will love Dollywood’s collection of coasters! Here is what TripAdvisor reviewers had to say about the park’s most popular rides:

• “I really did not expect such world class roller coasters here. THEY ARE GREAT. We happened on a day when we had little to no wait time and did all 7 great coasters in about an hour. AMAZING.”
• “Lightning Rod is a must for any coaster addict, like us! I’ve never experienced so much air time on a roller coaster. Thunderhead is truly a classic: a wooden roller coaster that is sure to please. Wild Eagle is a smooth wing coaster that is enhanced if you ride it at night during the fireworks. Dollywood is a gem that needs a couple of days to fully experience. We’re already planning our return!”
• “We loved the fact that most of the roller coasters were located close to each other. So, if you are a roller coaster junkie, you could easily get your fix!”
• “I have taken my children all over for roller coasters and Dollywood is one of our favorite parks. There is a roller coaster for everyone. The Wild Eagle roller coaster was worth the wait!”

Wonderful Shows

Dollywood is famous for its fantastic shows, many of which feature great music. Here is what TripAdvisor users wrote about the park’s entertainment:

• “We saw a lot of shows, and the Dreamland Drive-In Show was so good that we saw it both days we were there! The music in the show was from the late ‘50s early ‘60s and there was a storyline too.”
• “The shows are as good as Broadway!”
• “The Country show ‘Live at the Back Porch’ was brilliant (they change the songs every time so you can go to several a day), the Birds of Prey show was good, but our favorite was definitely the Kingdom Heirs (Gospel quartet). A huge variety of shows and many showtimes.”
• “We always enjoy the Kingdom Heirs. They have been at the park for over 30 years and just get better and better.”

Mouthwatering Cinnamon Bread

Dollywood’s freshly baked cinnamon bread has a very devoted fan base! Here are some rave reviews that mention the theme park’s most beloved treat:

• “Run don’t walk to the Grist Mill for the cinnamon bread – DELICIOUS!”
• “You must buy the cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill! It is hot and delicious! Simply the best.”
• “I must recommend to visit the Grist Mill in the park and order their cinnamon bread. It’s the best thing EVER!”

Ready to start planning your trip to Dollywood? Click the green box below for the best deal on tickets (and free cancellation):