IIRC she throws a lot of money at reputable charities too.

The thing that always bothered me about Disney World (never been to Disney Land so I don’t know if it’s the same) is that it always felt like there were more shops and restaurants than actual attractions. After having been there a few times between school trips and family vacations, I found myself getting bored during the last couple of visits.

Although I do have issues with depression, so I’m operating from a lower baseline than average, but still - bored in Disney World. It’s just an outdoor mall with a few interesting rides.

I've lived within driving distance of it almost my entire life.

It's in her hometown and brings in quite a bit of money for the rural area, however the tourism has changed the town/towns massively, almost like the redneck/hillbilly version of gentrification.

For example, in that county, there's 10 times more hotels, cabins, Air B&B's, for tourists, than their are houses on the market and apartments to rent for locals (I actually have written a few college essays about this). Which has effectively priced out most long-term generational residents, to the point where almost 50% of the county's labor force comes from outside the county and can't afford to live inside it.

I used to go there for school trips as a kid. It was always fun and not nearly as expensive as Disney was. Personally, I wouldn't compare it to Disney as it's just a completely different class of theme park and it was awesome in its own ways.

I guess the major caveat is that I haven't been there in over 20 years, but I seriously doubt the vibe has changed too much.

She bought a 50% share in the park in the mid 80’s because it creates jobs & brings in tourist money to the rural area of Tennessee she grew up in.

She treats her employees very well

Dollywood is not better than Disney world but it is a lot of fun!