For the third year in a row, Dollywood has been crowned America’s Favorite Theme Park by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA)—and no, this isn’t just a sweet hometown win. Colorful and cheery Dollywood has once again beat out titans like Disneyland and Universal Orlando Resort. The surveyors aren’t casual day-trippers, either: these are true ride-or-die amusement park enthusiasts. For context, the average NAPHA voter in 2024 “visited 13 parks and has clocked roller coasters across over 130 parks in their lifetime.” So when they speak, the amusement world listens.
Dollywood, tucked into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, isn’t just a theme park. It’s Dolly Parton’s heart and soul, poured into 160 acres of coasters, cinnamon bread, gospel music, crafts, and mountain magic. It’s the kind of place where thrills and tenderness coexist, where winding roller coasters and fluttering butterflies soar. Since its opening in 1986, Dollywood has grown into a destination rooted in joy, storytelling, and good ol’ Tennessee hospitality.
Back in 2022, Condé Nast Traveler caught up with Dolly herself to get her top tips for doing Dollywood right—from the must-try treats to the rides pulled straight from her childhood dreams.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
Where to stay for a visit to Dollywood:
Break for a funnel cake
Dollywood devotees will tell you the cinnamon bread, baked fresh in an open kitchen at the Grist Mill in the park’s Craftsman’s Valley section, is the most iconic snack. And—served warm with drizzled icing or apple butter for dipping—the pull-apart bread really is worth waiting in the predictably long lines. But for Parton, the funnel cake takes the, well, cake. “The food at the park is exceptionally good,” she says. “I love the funnel cakes—I’m always sending out for funnel cakes.” Stop by Splinter’s or Crossroads for deep fried-to-order funnel cakes customized with toppings like strawberries, Fruity Pebbles, and a fluffy crown of whipped cream.
See a show
For a theme park highlighting a music industry legend, the roster of entertainment at Dollywood is, unsurprisingly, impressive. On any given day, venues around the park can host over a dozen musical acts, from bluegrass bands to string quartets, for upwards of 50 performances. She recommends catching a few of the shows, but especially Harmonies of the Heart.
“I have a family show with my own people that are in the show,” says Parton. “It’s kind of like my life story, and then having my own relatives and friends in that is also exciting.”
Harmonies of the Heart includes two of Dolly’s nieces, Heidi Lou and Jada Star, as well as her cousin Shelley, and her family friend Barry J—all of whom refer to her as “Aunt Granny” in the stories they share on stage, in between original songs accompanied by string musicians.
Another fan favorite, the New York City-based Gazillion Bubbles, is a mind-bending spectacle of bubble magic.
Leave your phone at the resort
“I want you to leave with the memories of being here, and how much fun it was,” says Parton. “Love every moment kinda thing.”
To do that, she suggests leaving your phone behind—instead rely on an old-school digital camera to capture memories. This way, you’re not spending half the day uploading pics to Instagram when you should be jamming to bluegrass music and filling up on funnel cake.
