Disney pays big price for stomping on family values, Magic Kingdom ousted from top theme park spot

by DBS Wire

In a proud moment for Tennessee—and a clear sign that heartland values still matter—Dollywood has once again been named the best amusement park in the United States by TripAdvisor. For the second year in a row, this beloved Smoky Mountain destination has triumphed over corporate behemoths like Disney and Universal, proving that charm, sincerity, and good old-fashioned hospitality still resonate with everyday Americans.

TripAdvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, which rely entirely on genuine reviews from guests, ranked Dollywood above Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and other major players in the theme park industry. Dollywood President Eugene Naughton emphasized the authenticity behind the win: “We don’t provide the best guest experience in the country to try to win these awards. We do it because it is the right thing to do.”

This grounded, guest-first philosophy seems to be paying off. Unlike Disney’s sprawling empire, which draws a staggering 58 million annual visitors, Dollywood welcomes a more modest three million. And yet, it is Dollywood—not Disney—that consistently wins the hearts of American families.

The results speak volumes. Disney’s Magic Kingdom ranked second again this year, with Hollywood Studios landing in fourth place. Meanwhile, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania rose from eighth to third, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure rounded out the top five. Fun Spot America, Silver Dollar City (another standout in the heartland), and New Hampshire’s Whale’s Tale Waterpark also earned high marks—nudging out longtime industry favorite Busch Gardens.

What sets Dollywood apart isn’t just the rides, although the park offers an impressive range of coasters, attractions, and water features. Visitors praise its down-home atmosphere, affordability, and attention to detail—qualities that align with the values of its namesake, country music icon Dolly Parton. One TripAdvisor reviewer aptly described the experience as “a place to celebrate Dolly Parton’s life,” where Southern warmth is seamlessly blended with family-friendly thrills.

Ticket prices are notably more reasonable compared to other parks, ranging from $92 to $132, with access to Dollywood’s adjacent water park available for just $10 more. That kind of value stands in sharp contrast to the sky-high costs of a day at Disney. One recent guest at Walt Disney World shared their frustration after shelling out nearly $1,400 for a so-called “bargain” family day—highlighting a growing dissatisfaction with what many perceive as Disney’s drift from its roots.

Indeed, Disney has come under fire from loyal fans for its steep price hikes, controversial ride removals, and increasingly corporate feel. The Magic Kingdom recently eliminated beloved attractions like Tom Sawyer Island to make way for a new Cars-themed land. Others lamented the removal of the MuppetVision 3D show and the Star Wars: Launch Bay, replaced with a less-popular animation exhibit. Critics argue that Disney is tearing apart the very nostalgia and magic that once defined its parks.

Even some Disney advocates are questioning the rankings. Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com, admitted Dollywood’s success but called Walt Disney World’s scale unmatched. “Dollywood is a great small theme park… but Walt Disney World delivers a great vacation experience at impressive scale,” he told the Daily Mail.

Still, scale alone doesn’t win hearts. Dollywood’s success is rooted in its authenticity, and its commitment to people—not just profit—extends beyond the park gates. This year, Forbes named Dollywood the number one U.S. employer for women, based on surveys of more than 140,000 women across a range of major companies. Susan Loveday, Dollywood’s vice president of human resources, said the company is proud of its efforts: “We’ve empowered women across our organization—from leadership development to flexible scheduling and mentorship programs.”

In an era where many institutions are moving away from traditional values and chasing fleeting trends, Dollywood stands firm in its mission: delivering joy, comfort, and value to American families. This win isn’t just about rides and rankings. It’s a reaffirmation that sincerity, faith in community, and a commitment to doing what’s right still matter. And that’s something worth celebrating.