Dollywood is marking its milestone 40th season with groundbreaking news—its parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment, is acquiring more than 20 theme parks, water parks, and entertainment venues across the U.S. in a major expansion. The deal, which brings Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties into the Herschend portfolio, solidifies the company’s position as the world’s largest family-owned themed entertainment operator.
This acquisition not only expands Herschend’s presence nationwide but also raises exciting possibilities for how Dollywood’s renowned hospitality and immersive experiences could influence these newly acquired parks.
A Game-Changing Expansion
Herschend’s agreement with Parques Reunidos allows it to acquire Palace Entertainment’s diverse collection of amusement parks, including:
- Kennywood (PA) – A historic park known for its classic wooden coasters and thrilling modern rides.
- Dutch Wonderland (PA) – A beloved family park designed for young children and their families.
- Lake Compounce (CT) – America’s first amusement park and home to the world-renowned Boulder Dash wooden coaster.
- Adventureland (IA), Castle Park (CA), and More – Expanding Herschend’s footprint across ten states.
These properties will join an already impressive lineup of award-winning destinations, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City, Adventure Aquarium, Callaway Resort & Gardens, Kentucky Kingdom, Newport Aquarium, The Vancouver Aquarium, and Wild Adventures Theme Park.
Herschend is also the steward of the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters and provides immersive experiences through Herschend Entertainment Studios and Pink Adventure Tours.
What This Means for Dollywood Fans
While no immediate operational changes have been announced, this acquisition brings new opportunities for growth and innovation. Dollywood, famous for its Southern charm, high-quality entertainment, and immersive storytelling, has long been a model of excellence in the theme park industry. Now, fans are eager to see if that same magic will spread to these newly acquired properties.
Herschend’s leadership has emphasized a commitment to maintaining the unique charm of each park while exploring enhancements that align with its guest-first philosophy. With Dollywood setting the standard for top-tier live entertainment, award-winning attractions, and exceptional hospitality, it’s possible that these elements could be introduced to parks like Kennywood and Lake Compounce in the coming years.
Dollywood’s 40th Anniversary Just Got Even Bigger
This expansion comes at a time when Dollywood is already making waves with its 40th anniversary celebration. The park recently announced The Dolly Parton Experience, an all-new attraction that will give fans an intimate look at the legendary entertainer’s life and career. Combined with resort expansions, new entertainment offerings, and continued growth, Dollywood is proving that it is only getting bigger and better.
With this acquisition, Herschend is not only strengthening its place in the theme park industry but also reinforcing its commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for families nationwide. Whether or not Dolly Parton’s signature charm finds its way into these newly acquired parks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this is a major moment in theme park history, and Dollywood is at the center of it.
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