PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WOKI) — Dollywood Parks & Resorts has earned another major national distinction, with Newsweek naming the Smoky Mountain destination the top theme park company in the United States for customer service.
The recognition comes as part of Newsweek’s America’s Best Customer Service 2027 rankings, which evaluated more than 700 brands across 190 categories. Dollywood not only claimed the top spot in the amusement park category, but also ranked ninth overall among all companies included in the nationwide survey.
According to Newsweek, the rankings are based on independent customer feedback from Americans who have purchased products, used services, or sought information from companies during the past three years. Businesses cannot pay or apply to be included.
Dollywood received a score of 92.31 out of 100, outperforming other major theme park brands including Disney Parks & Resorts, Universal Parks & Resorts, Busch Gardens Theme Parks and SeaWorld Parks.
The park’s score also ranked third among all transportation and travel-related brands, trailing only Ritz-Carlton and Costco. Other brands in the top ten included Royal Caribbean, Four Seasons, Viking Cruises, Waldorf Astoria, Hilton and Disney Parks & Resorts.
Dollywood President Eugene Naughton credited the honor to the park’s employees, known as hosts.
“These awards are a meaningful recognition of the people who make Dollywood Parks & Resorts such a special place,” Naughton said. “Our hosts work hard every day to create experiences that go beyond our guests’ expectations, and the welcoming atmosphere they provide is often what our guests remember most.”
Naughton added that while awards are appreciated, the organization’s primary focus remains creating memorable experiences for guests and their families.
Newsweek said companies were evaluated on customer recommendations as well as factors including communication quality, professional competence, customer focus, accessibility and the overall range of services provided.
The latest recognition continues a string of honors for Dollywood, which has consistently ranked among the nation’s most highly rated theme parks and family vacation destinations.
