Don't overlook these two choices for a summer theme park vacation

January 31, 2025, 6:25 PM · Looking for an alternative to crowded Disney and Universal theme parks in Florida or Southern California this summer?

But what if you don't want to give up the high quality of those parks for your vacation? Well, we have a couple of family-friendly choices for you.

As we continue our 2025 updates to our theme park visitors guides, I would like to draw your attention to the top two Herschend theme parks: Dollywood and Silver Dollar City.

Theme Park Insider offers one-page visitors guides to four dozen popular theme parks around the world. These guides include our reviews and rankings of top attractions, on-ride videos, and practical advice for getting the most from each visit.

These Herschend Family Entertainment parks are some of my favorites in the United States - perhaps the best in the country beyond Disney and Universal. And, if you catch me in the right mood, I might even argue that Silver Dollar City and Dollywood are better than some of the Disney and Universal parks, too.

To continue the comparison, think of Silver Dollar City as Disneyland, compared to Dollywood's Walt Disney World. Silver Dollar City is the older, smaller, original park, located to the west and north of the other. Meanwhile, Dollywood is larger and newer, located to the south and the east.

And fans of either will argue that their favorite is better than the other one, too. But I won't dive into that argument here. (That's for y'all in the comments.)

Both parks offer top-rated roller coasters, outstanding family-friendly shows and live music, a variety of carnival rides, handcrafted items for sale, welcoming customer service, and delicious food. Especially the cinnamon bread. And it's all in a relaxing mountain setting.

If you would like to learn more about these parks, please visit our newly updated Visitors Guide to Silver Dollar City and Visitors Guide to Dollywood.

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Replies (3)

January 31, 2025 at 7:34 PM

I can't say enough good things about Dollywood. Love the park, the area, and there's lots of yummy food and fun small attractions around there. Didn't get to enjoy too much of the waterpark when I went because those lines were intense. If you haven't been taken the trip I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

February 1, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Silver Dollar City is one of the stops on my planned 2026 road trip. (Canada and Epic this year) but I've been to Dollywood and absolutely loved it. It was during the Halloween festivities ... definitely highly recommended.

February 3, 2025 at 10:40 AM

The Herschend parks have character and "small town USA" appeal, and nothing beats visiting them in the fall during peak leaf season. Maybe I've visited the Orlando parks too much because lately I've only wanted to go to SDC and DW. Or maybe it's because I feel like I can take a spontaneous trip there without planning everything out months/years in advance (looking at you Disney) or melting in the heat. SDC will become great once the hotel is built.

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