Why Dollywood Is Better Than Any Other Theme Park

The amusement park is Southern at heart, just like its founder.

I went to Dollywood expecting cheesy photo ops with life-size cutouts of the namesake legend; a constant soundtrack of her greatest hits; and performers wearing big, blonde wigs. My other theme park experiences involved costumed characters offering hugs and waving from floats, so I figured her likeness would be everywhere.My 8-year-old son, Theo, and I were first-timers. Weeks before our trip, we studied the map to determine which attractions we were too short (i.e. scared) to ride and watched YouTube videos about the legendary Cinnamon Bread from the Grist Mill. When we finally walked through the gates, I felt 8 years old too.

Why It’s A Southern Original

Since opening in 1986, Dollywood has evolved with the times as much as the country star herself. What started as a small-scale park with a restaurant, a handful of rides, and a replica of her Tennessee Mountain Home, is now the state’s most-visited attraction. (And the 2024 winner of our South’s Best Awards for the best attraction in Tennessee.) This spring, look for The Dolly Parton Experience, a revamped part of the park that will include Storyteller, an interactive museum;Behind the Seams, featuring her wardrobe; DreamSong Theater; and a retired tour busToday, Dollywood is divided into 11 themed sections, with coasters being the obvious draw. The newest one, Big Bear Mountain, has the longest track yet and is designed so shorter members of the family can also participate. It was still thrilling. High on adrenaline, Theo screamed, “This is the most fun ever!” as we staggered off. Even though a park attendant had surely heard that phrase countless times that day, she laughed and said, “So glad you had fun, buddy!”