Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Dollywood Takes Top Amusement Park Honor

Dollywood recently took top honors as the world’s best amusement park in the prestigious Golden Ticket Awards presented annually by Amusement Today magazine. This marks the seventh time that Dollywood has earned the #1 position in the last decade, cementing its status as the amusement park industry’s crown jewel.

So what makes Dollywood stand out in such a competitive field? Most experts point to the park’s unique charm and attention to detail. Dollywood immerses visitors in the culture and natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, creating an experience that feels authentic rather than manufactured. Rides like the Tennessee Tornado roller coaster and Mountain Sidewinder water coaster incorporate visual themes that enhance the thrill factor. And live entertainment like Dolly Parton’s musical revues infuse down-home joy throughout the park.

Another key advantage is Dollywood’s ability to continually invest in new, innovative attractions. In 2021, the park introduced the Flower Tower, a 130-foot tall rotating platform ride. And 2022 welcomed the Big Bear Mountain rollercoaster featuring multiple high-speed launches. These cutting-edge rides prevent the park from ever feeling stale or outdated.

Most importantly, Dollywood succeeds because it has heart. Dolly Parton is integrally involved, ensuring the park reflects her philosophy of celebrating family, faith and Appalachian culture. Employees are trained to make guests feel welcome rather than rushed. It's the little touches, like free soda refills and warm service, that leave visitors feeling special.

Guests rave that a day at Dollywood feels like time well-spent. Parents can ride thrilling coasters knowing their kids are nearby enjoying tamer rides and engaging activities. Extended families have ample options to enjoy together like shows and festivals. The park environs are pristinely maintained, with lush landscaping and charming architecture.

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Park's Roller Coasters Score High Marks

Dollywood rises above its competition not just for its down-home charm, but also for its world-class roller coasters that thrill even the most seasoned adrenaline junkies. The park boasts an impressive collection of steel thrill machines that rank among the world's best.

Take the Tennessee Tornado for example. This massive roller coaster soars through the Smoky Mountains at blistering speeds of 70 mph. Hop in the front row and you'll experience forces up to 3.5 Gs as you hit tight turns and five stomach-dropping dives. Enthusiasts rave about the sustained airtime that ejects you from your seat throughout the 2-minute ride. It's ranked as one of the top steel coasters around.

The park's wooden coasters also earn acclaim for their breakneck speeds paired with that nostalgic rattle you can only get on old-school wood tracks. The Thunderhead coaster was voted #1 for wooden coasters in 2012 thanks to its daring 3,800 feet of track that snakes in and around itself. Your legs dangle as you zip through over 20story drops at up to 55 mph.

The Wild Eagle, added in 2011, introduced Dollywood's first winged coaster experience. Riders sit on either side of the track with nothing above or below them for maximum exposure. The ride swoops and dives around hairpin turns and a jaw-dropping 135-foot plunge toward the river below.

Lightning Rod packs a punch as the world's first launched wood coaster. Accelerating from 0 to 45 mph in just 3 seconds, this innovative ride utilizes magnetic propulsion technology for an extra burst of speed. Hold on tight through the triple-down trick that delivers ejector airtime.

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Smoky Mountain Food and Crafts Shine

The cuisine and handicrafts of the Smoky Mountains hold a special place in Dollywood's heart, allowing visitors to savor the rich culture of Appalachia. As Dolly Parton herself proclaims, “you ain’t tasted the Smokies till you’ve tasted Dollywood.” From stick-to-your-ribs comfort food to artisanal moonshine, the park celebrates the diverse flavors and traditions of its home.

For a true taste of Tennessee, stop by Aunt Granny’s restaurant to try hearty classics like slow-roasted pot roast, chicken and dumplings, and buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy. Or grab a SOAKie, Dollywood’s signature 20-ounce cinnamon roll soaked in butter then grilled for an ooey-gooey delight. Nearby, sample a flight of moonshine and whiskey at one of the park’s craft distilleries. Sip the sweet apple pie-flavored ‘shine or the smoky, caramel-laced Whiskey Thief bourbon.

Of course, no trip to Dollywood is complete without tasting one of Dolly’s childhood favorites – the savory fried green tomatoes sandwich served at The Grist Mill. For dessert, indulge in a hot, fresh-from-the-fryer funnel cake topped with powdered sugar and juicy strawberries. Wash it all down with a craft beer like the Smoky Mountain Boulder Beer, an oatmeal stout exclusive to the park.

Beyond the food, Dollywood celebrates the heritage of Smoky Mountain pioneers through daily craft demonstrations from glassblowers, woodcarvers, leatherworkers and more. In the Mountain Crafts area, guests can roll up their sleeves to partake in traditions like candle making, paper cutting, or forging ornamental nails. Kids even get their own Kids' Craft Corner to create take-home souvenirs out of clay, beads, gourds and cornhusks.

The park's roving heritage characters like Wildwood Dan and Miss Lillian transport visitors back in time with tales of life in the Smokies generations ago. Through sights, sounds and tastes, the culture and commitment to craftsmanship that carved communities out of the lush mountain landscape comes alive. As Dolly herself penned, “the Smoky Mountains, they call to me; their memories, they comfort me” – a sentiment Dollywood ensures every guest experiences.

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Investments in New Rides Pay Off

Dollywood understands the importance of continually investing in new, innovative rides to keep guests coming back year after year. This dedication to adding fresh thrills ensures the park maintains its reputation as a world-class theme park destination. Over the past decade, Dollywood’s diligent focus on ride development has paid off with several groundbreaking new attractions that have elevated the overall guest experience.

One of the most buzzed-about additions in recent years is Lightning Rod. Debuting in 2016, Lightning Rod made history as the world’s first launched wood coaster, accelerating riders from 0 to 45 mph in just 3 seconds thanks to specially designed magnetic propulsion technology. This innovative ride showcases Dollywood’s commitment to pushing the envelope. The $22 million investment has certainly paid dividends, with Lightning Rod instantly rocketing to #1 as the top wooden coaster in the world. Enthusiasts laud the blistering speed paired with the classic feel of a wood track. One reviewer raved “Lightning Rod delivers world-class thrills with its unique propulsion system that adds an extra kick of acceleration you can’t find on any other woodie.”

The Flower Tower, new for the 2021 season, demonstrates another big investment that paid off by giving families a more moderate thrill option to enjoy together. This visually stunning 130-foot tower ride slowly rotates outward as it ascends, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. The $5 million ride proved immensely popular with guests, offering beautiful vistas for all ages to experience. One TripAdvisor user commented “The Flower Tower was worth every penny they spent on it! Spectacular views and so smooth!”

In 2022, Dollywood’s substantial investment into Big Bear Mountain similarly hit the mark, providing an exciting new option for families and younger theme park guests. The $8 million rollercoaster ride utilizes “Sensory Surround Sound” with specially designed speakers in each seat to complement the experience. Visitors called it an ideal family coaster that felt like a big deal for kids but remained smooth and tame for parents. “Our family agreed Big Bear Mountain really met the sweet spot we look for,” said one dad. “Thrilling enough to feel like an adventure, but mellow enough for everyone to ride together.”

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Lumberjack Adventure Impresses Families

The thrills and entertainment don’t stop when the sun goes down at Dollywood. After dark, the Timber Canyon area transforms into a rollicking nighttime adventure perfect for families: Lumberjack Adventure Dinner & Show. Kids and parents alike delight in this lively production that immerses you in the rugged world of timber sports while savoring a hearty feast.

As you enter the arena, the scent of woodsmoke and sizzling meat envelops you. Find your log-bench seats surrounding the stage – an impressively constructed lumberyard set filled with towering faux pine trees. Servers in plaid shirts and jeans swiftly deliver baskets of buttery cornbread and Tennessee barbecue, slow-smoked overnight for mouthwatering tenderness. The sweet, tangy sauce drips down your fingers as you eagerly dig in before the show starts.

The talented troupe of “lumberjacks” grabs your attention immediately with an energetic musical number punctuated by deep “Timber!” shouts. Watch in awe as they scale 60-foot poles, chop lumber atop spinning logs in water, and even explode a mounted microwave using chainsaws and crossbows. Kids gasp and cheer wildly during an ax-throwing contest where bullseyes trigger an explosion of confetti.

Between events, the lumberjacks wander the dining area, posing for photos and chatting with starry-eyed kids. My son was thrilled when Bruiser the Bear, the troupe’s friendly mascot, came over to fist-bump him. Kids also receive a cap just like the performers to really feel part of the show.

As Act Two begins, tasty sides of corn on the cob, baked beans, potatoes and applesauce arrive at your table, completing the down-home feast. The action amps up as the athletic lumberjacks transports large sections of logs around the arena in daring balancing acts, barrel through obstacle courses, and speedily chop through massive timbers. The grand finale is a death-defying event where two blindfolded lumberjacks hurl axes across the stage, narrowly missing their compatriots. The crowd roars as blades stick into wood just inches from performers’ bodies.

When the last fallen log is cleared, the entire cast returns for a final musical number that has guests singing and clapping along. Kids skip with excitement as they skip to the exit, eager to mimic the lumberjacks’ skills. “This was two hours of fantastic family fun,” said one dad on TripAdvisor. “The enthusiasm and skills of the performers was contagious. My three kids were completely riveted.”

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Splash Country Delivers Water Fun

When the humid Tennessee summer heat becomes stifling, Dollywood guests can cool off in wet and wild style at Dollywood’s Splash Country next door. This 40-acre water park provides the perfect place for families to chill out with more than 50 water slides, pools and attractions.

Splash Country makes a splash with thrill rides like the Class IV Rapids, where you grab an inner tube for a churning plunge through swirling rapids – no paddling required on this crazy watercourse! Keep your legs tucked as you careen through dark, winding tunnels and bump over surging waves. Rapids fans on TripAdvisor call it "a total rush” and “soaking wet fun."

Speaking of soaking, the Big Bear Plunge mega water coaster delivers maximum drenching. This soaked coaster uses LINEAR induction motor technology (the same as Lightning Rod) to blast riders uphill and downhill as a torrent of water jets soak you from all angles. Screams and laughs intermingle as you zigzag at top speed through splash-filled hairpin curves.

Families love RiverRush, the ultimate whitewater rafting adventure without leaving the water park. Climb aboard a giant raft with up to 6 people for a quarter-mile run churning through churning rapids, spraying fountains, surging waves, and even a waterfall finale. It's a scenic journey with great photo ops along the way. "We must have ridden RiverRush 5 times," one mom shared. "The huge rafts mean the whole family could stay together and no one was too scared."

When it’s time to relax, soothe your muscles in the calming Mountain Waves pool. As you drift along the 850-foot lazy river, pass through gentle rapids and bubbling whirlpools that give just the right hydrotherapy massage. Three and a half foot waves roll across at regular intervals for peaceful ebb and flow.

Meanwhile, little ones will go crazy over splash areas like Lil’ Logger’s Landing and Mountain Scream’ slides with mini versions of the bigger rides. Preschoolers can safely splash down the two-foot drops of Little Creek Falls while parents watch close by. For all ages, activity pools like Wild Water and Beach provide room to swim and play games together.

Dolly's Domain Dominates: Dollywood Wins Big at Golden Ticket Awards - Fans Rank Dollywood Their Favorite Park

Dollywood doesn’t just impress the expert judges of the Golden Ticket Awards year after year. The park has earned a special place in the hearts of its fans who return again and again and rank it as their hands-down favorite theme park.

On crowd-sourced review sites like TripAdvisor, Dollywood consistently earns rave reviews and sky-high ratings, with many proclaiming it the best theme park they’ve ever visited. Fans gush that a trip to Dollywood feels less like a day at an amusement park and more like a visit with cherished friends. As Dolly Parton promises in Dollywood’s anthem, the park truly provides guests with “down home charm and making memories to carry you through.”

Among over 6,000 TripAdvisor reviews, Dollywood earned a ‘Excellent’ rating from 86% of visitors. That’s exceptional for any theme park worldwide. Guests call their time at Dollywood “magical” and “perfection”, raving about the friendly service, pristine grounds, and world-class rides. As one enthused mom wrote, “Dollywood has ruined every other park for us forever! I cannot rave enough about the experiences we had.”

Another oft-cited reason Dollywood earns the top spot in visitors’ hearts is because it appeals to all demographics. Toddlers delight in Chasing Rainbows while teens queue up for thrill rides. Extended families and large groups find ample options to enjoy together, from shows and shops to on-site lodging. As one visitor commented, “It is the perfect atmosphere for every age group. No one in our family from ages 16 to 70 felt there wasn't enough to do."

Plus, TripAdvisor reviews highlight Dollywood’s value as a key advantage. For many guests, the park goes above-and-beyond considering its reasonable ticket prices. “This place is worth every penny! Don’t think twice about it,” urged one Dallas dad. Rave reviews praise the free soda refills, free parking, polite staff, and glittering entertainment worthy of Las Vegas.