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 do admit it's a bit overwhelming to walk past two gift shops to get to a ride, get out of the ride and see that the ride also has a gift shop that you are forced to walk through in order to exit.
I had a great time going to that little Disney Springs strip mall in Orlando. Nice shopping, some good restaurants, and no wait lines for overhyped attractions.
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.
Oh definitely, I'm not blaming Dolly, just saying that as one of the largest draws in the area, (along with the National Park) that she basically is the local economy, which does have its negatives along with its positives.
The area became a tourist destination long before her too. The tourism industry really started after F.D.R. came to town and established the national park.
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.