Dollywood again racked up several of Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards at the magazine's annual awards ceremony at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio on Sept. 10. The theme park picked up four "best of" awards and placed in the top-five in five other categories.
Dollywood's newest rollercoaster Lightnight Rod won best new ride for being the world's fastest wooden coaster and the world's first wooden launching coaster. It was named Friendliest Park for the fifth consecutive year as well as winning the Best Shows category for the eighth year in a row. Dollywood also earned its ninth consecutive win for Best Christmas Event. It is the only park to ever earn the honor.
“I’m so very proud of the experience families have when they come visit my Dollywood,” Dolly Parton said. “While they’re here having fun with us, I want them to create those special heartfelt moments they’ll always treasure. I know it’s our people who work here who help make those memories happen for them. Some people call it friendliness, but I just call it what it is—caring for others.
The park also placed second in Best Food and Cleanest Park categories, third in the Best Park and Best Water park categories for Dollywood's Splash Country, fourth in the Best Landscaping category and seventh in the Best Wooden Coaster for Thunderhead.
According to Golden Ticket Awards Communications Coordinator for Amusement Today, Tim Baldwin, Dollywood is a finalist in ten categories, more than any other amusement park. “The destination claims four Golden Ticket wins this year! These accomplishments should command the attention of anyone in the industry looking for a model of how to do things right. It’s no wonder Dollywood charms more and more visitors each year. The place is sheer joy,” said Baldwin.
The Golden Ticket Awards are the results of a surveys sent to well-traveled amusement park fans around the world. Voters are asked to rate the best in 23 categories, including best parks, roller coasters, water rides and more. The awards are well-known and sought after by those in the amusement and attraction industry.
“Our folks show their love for families through the care they put in to everything they do—from our beautiful landscaping and that delicious food to makin’ sure each guest leaves with a smile on their face. I’m very proud of the way Dollywood has grown, but I’m most proud of my Dollywood team who goes above and beyond to give families memories they’ll share forever,” said Parton.
