REVEALED: America's favorite theme parks - and Disney isn't number one

Country singer Dolly Parton's eponymous theme park 'Dollywood' has been named the best theme park in the US, according to a new survey.

The National Amusement Park Historical Association, an international organization dedicated to the park industry, conducts an annual survey that includes categories like 'most beautiful theme park,' 'favorite traditional theme park' and 'favorite wooden roller coaster'. 

This year's survey results show Parton's namesake winning the title for 'Favorite Theme Park' and its latest ride, Big Bear Mountain, winning 'Best New Attraction'.

After the results were made public, Dollywood President Eugene Naughton said: 'Look at The Dolly Parton Experience, which we opened less than two weeks ago. 

'It is an industry-leading offering that follows closely behind two spectacular additions last year: the greatest new ride in the industry, Big Bear Mountain, and one of the top resort properties at any theme park, HeartSong Lodge & Resort.'

He also credited the Tennessee park's success to its commitment to prioritizing guest experience as well as investing in new attractions. 

Coming in second is Florida's Disneyworld tied closely with California's Disneyland. 

Tickets at Dollywood are priced under $100 - with a one-day ticket for a regular adult costing $92 and discounts for children as well as senior citizens. 

The Tennessee park's pricing is in stark contrast to the ticket prices at the Disney parks. 

Earlier this year, Walt Disney once again hiked prices of some of its tickets for 2025, as the company plans to invest nearly $2 billion in revamping its Anaheim theme park in California.

The least expensive single-day, single-park ticket prices have increased from $109 to $119, marking the first adjustment since 2019.  

While the peak price remains the same as in 2024 at $189, the cost of visiting Magic Kingdom Park in Florida on busy days, such as July 4th, has risen from $184 to $189.

Additionally, prices for the Park Hopper options, which allow guests to visit multiple theme parks on the same day, have also seen an increase ranging from $5 to $10.

Tickets for Animal Kingdom Park in September, when demand is low, represent the most affordable option - $119.

The price increase follows multiple hikes announced by the company in recent years and the ambitious plan to invest $60 billion revamping its parks in the next decade. 

Dollywood first opened its gates in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in 1986, 15 years after Disney World. 

Disneyland, which revolutionized modern theme parks, opened up in 1955 and has ever since been a fan favorite.