Dollywood Parks & Resorts has once again been recognized as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2026” by Newsweek, marking the second consecutive year the company has earned the distinction.
The national award is based on a large-scale independent research study conducted between April and October 2025. Nearly 180,000 employee interviews and more than 2.7 million comprehensive company reviews were analyzed to determine the top 1,000 companies recognized. The study evaluated key performance indicators including leadership, integrity, compensation, work-life balance, culture, and benefits. Companies cannot apply or pay to be included, ensuring the rankings remain fully independent.
A Culture Rooted in Care
Located in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood has long built its reputation around employee satisfaction and guest experience. Employees, known as “hosts,” consistently cite the company’s supportive culture and growth opportunities as key reasons for high job satisfaction.
The park’s strong workplace culture complements its industry accolades. Dollywood is the only theme park in the world to win Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, presented annually by Amusement Today. The park was also ranked No. 50 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service 2026 list and has repeatedly been named a top U.S. theme park by Tripadvisor.
Benefits That Set Dollywood Apart
Dollywood Parks & Resorts offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support hosts both professionally and personally. Benefits include:
- 100 percent free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program
- Access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center
- Complimentary park admission for family and friends
- Free lunch during each working shift
- Childcare assistance through Upwards-affiliated providers
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for qualified full-time employees
- Leadership development and apprenticeship programs in partnership with Walters State Community College
The company continues to expand employment opportunities across its properties, including the 165-acre Dollywood theme park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, and resort properties like DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Lodge & Resort.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.