Big news in the theme park world! Herschend, the company behind beloved destinations like Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, has announced an exciting expansion—acquiring all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties from Parques Reunidos. This move strengthens Herschend’s legacy of family-friendly entertainment and brings over 20 historic parks, water parks, and family destinations into its growing portfolio.
What This Means for Fans of These Parks
If you’ve ever enjoyed the thrills of Kennywood’s iconic roller coasters, made magical memories at Dutch Wonderland, or experienced the rich history of Lake Compounce (America’s First Amusement Park!), you might be wondering—what happens now? The good news: Herschend has assured that no immediate changes are planned. Instead, the company is focusing on a smooth transition while honoring the unique character and traditions of each park.
A Perfect Match
Herschend, a family-owned business celebrating 75 years, is known for its commitment to heartfelt storytelling and top-tier guest experiences. Adding these new locations aligns perfectly with its mission: to create “memories worth repeating.” Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend, emphasized that this expansion is a natural step forward:
“By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are building a future where we can continue creating memories worth repeating for generations to come.”
John Reilly, CEO of Palace Entertainment, also expressed confidence in the transition, stating that Herschend is “best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience.”
A Question Mark Over Halloween Events
One concern among fans is the future of Halloween events at these parks. Herschend’s existing properties, such as Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, do not host traditional haunted attractions or scare-based Halloween events. This raises questions about what will happen to popular seasonal events like Kennywood’s Phantom Fright Nights, which has become a fall staple for thrill-seekers. While no announcements have been made, it remains to be seen whether Herschend will continue these events as they are or reimagine them to fit its brand identity.
What’s Next?
While day-to-day operations at these parks will remain the same for now, Herschend plans to:
- Support employees with training and opportunities aligned with its people-first culture.
- Maintain (and enhance) the guest experience at each park.
- Keep communication open with employees, guests, and local communities.
Herschend is no stranger to taking beloved parks and making them shine even brighter, but changes—especially to seasonal events—may be on the horizon. Fans of Halloween attractions will be watching closely to see what the future holds.
What do you think about this big move? Are you excited, or do you have concerns about potential changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!
