Hold on, Mickey!
By Amber
@AmbiePam (101305)
United States
August 7, 2025 5:04pm CST
So TripAdvisor is a company that acts sort of like a travel agency for people to leave reviews and content related to all the places they shop, eat, sleep, and attend; they offer comparisons, although I’m probably not explaining that in the best way.
Anyway, according to TripAdvisor’s users (JUST their users) the highest rated amusement park is Dollywood (yes, Dolly Parton’s amusement park), in Pigeon Forge (near Knoxville), Tennessee. Not surprisingly, Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida rates high, at number two. Hey, @DaddyEvil Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri is number nine! (I definitely recommend that one).
Amusement parks didn’t need to be the biggest to enjoy when I was growing up; my grandparents would take us to Bell’s Amusement Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My favorite “ride” were those slides you went down in a burlap sack over those big bumps. Easy to please back then!
And, of course, I’m going to Disneyland in November with my sister. She really wanted to go again, and I’m just hoping to have some quality time with her. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to hold up, but she’s doing everything to make it easier.
Were you ever an amusement park person?
*picture is lobster nachos at Disneyland
15 people like this
16 responses
@AmbiePam (101305)
• United States
21h
I think I was 16 when I realized roller coasters, waiting in line, and walking forever was no longer for me.
But I really want to see that documentary on Action Park, that amusement park in your area. The crazy stories I’ve heard sound documentary worthy.
Also, the picture of those nachos doesn’t look too appetizing, does it.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165242)
• United States
20h
There used to be two in Oklahoma City when I was a kid. That was back when field trips did not have to meet learning objectives so classes went a time or two. I have been to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, I have been to Silver Dollar City, Six Flags Over Texas and Sea World in San Diego. In no particular order. Bob and I would like to go to Branson, but for some shows, etc. Also have been to Frontier City, before it was a big deal.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (101305)
• United States
20h
Yes, Frontier City is I guess under the Six Flags umbrella now, but it used to just stand on its own. I think I’ve been there three times as a kid. I enjoyed World of Fun as well.
I hope you get to go to Branson soon. I have seen so many shows, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them.
1 person likes this
@kareng (78549)
• United States
21h
I used to love amusement parks and loved roller coasters!! I never wanted to do the upside down ones though!
I saw that in the news where Dollywood took over the top spot. Good for them!!! Dollywood was a lot of fun. I'd love to go back again some day!
2 people like this
@allknowing (151292)
• India
20h
Not one but have been to Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay in Florida. Had a great time
2 people like this
@Vikingswest1 (7332)
• United States
21h
Yes. I could ride the barf rides all day.
There was an amusement park near me when I was young. No theme, just rides. Excelsior Amusement Park.
We went once a year with my parents and once with my aunt.
It closed down but was soon replaced with a greatly improved ValleyFair Amusement Park. Again, no real theme but many more rides and restaurants and shops. I went there several times a year. We also had the Midway at the Minnesota State Fair.
When I moved out west, there were only watermarks near me. The closest park was Silverwood in Idaho. It was a great park with all the rides, places to eat, adjacent camping spots and shopping. We took the kids there a couple of times.
I haven't been to any amusement park or midway in 20 years. I hope that one day soon, I'll get a chance to go again.
2 people like this
@Traceyjayne (4198)
• United Kingdom
21h
I’m not really an amusement park sort of person…..I am too scared to go on most of the rides. When I was younger I did go to a few amusement parks and I have been on a few rides ….i did not enjoy it.The Grandkids went to Disneyland last year …. They enjoyed that.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (194171)
• United States
21h
Yeah, I like them. Friend wants to go to Florida this year, don't think a big park is in the works, but we might go somewhere like Silver Springs.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (156240)
• United States
20h
When I was younger, Pretty and I always got season passes for Silver Dollar City. It's about an hour away from our house and we'd drive down there and spend long weekends enjoying the amusement park. As I got older, Pretty would ask if we could go there just to eat at one of our favorite restaurants (The Mine Restaurant). It's really good!
We had to stop doing that when I couldn't always see to drive us home again. (The last time we went, we ended up having to stay in a little motel about half-way between home and Silver Dollar City until my eyes opened and I could drive the rest of the way home.)
I really hope you love the time you'll spend with your sister. 
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (85764)
• United States
3h
I absolutely was an amusement park lover. Back in my younger years my dad worked for Procter & Gamble and every summer they had a company picnic at an amusement park. I guess that started my fondness for rides, etc When my kids were growing up we went to 6 flags numerous times and I rode as many rides as they did. Same when we did our trip to Disney. But, now this old gal can just enjoy the memories as my old body would probably die on the rides they have these days.
When my daughter was on vacation in Tennessee she did the whole Dollywood thing. She loved it
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (197159)
• United States
3h
They did when I was young. I used to love to go to Euclid Beach Park. Now there is just the arch preserved in front of apartment buildings. Now amusement parks don't interest me.
1 person likes this
@LooeyVille (70)
• United States
7h
I used to love to ride the rides but those days are gone. Disney didn't interest me. I've been there once. Meh. It was too big and too hot and too crowded and too expensive.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (53106)
• United States
16h
I still enjoy them. It’s been awhile since I have been to one. I love Disney World.
