Herschend Acquiring Palace Entertainment’s U.S. Parks And Attractions

In a major move within the themed entertainment industry, Herschend the owner of amusement parks such as Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and Kentucky Kingdom, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire all U.S. properties operated by Palace Entertainment from Parques Reunidos. This strategic acquisition enhances Herschend’s presence in the family entertainment sector while enabling Parques Reunidos to focus on its core European market.

Here’s a map of the current properties owned by Palace Entertainement.

Below is a map of the current Herschend properties.

Herschend CEO Andrew Wexler emphasized that this expansion aligns with the company’s long-standing mission. “This year marks 75 years of bringing families closer together, and we’re looking forward to the next 75. Today’s announcement is a natural continuation of that vision”, Wexler said. “By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are creating a future where we can continue delivering memorable experiences for generations to come”.

The deal brings more than 20 well-established entertainment properties across 10 states into Herschend’s expanding portfolio. Among the notable destinations joining Herschend’s family are Kennywood in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, renowned for its blend of classic wooden coasters and modern thrill rides; Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a beloved family-friendly theme park; and Lake Compounce in Connecticut, the nation’s oldest amusement park and home to the highly regarded Boulder Dash wooden coaster.

With this acquisition, Herschend solidifies its position as the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the world. Its diverse collection of theme parks, aquariums, resorts, and immersive attractions now welcomes over 20 million visitors annually.

“We are excited to build upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has established”, Wexler added.”The teams at these parks have done an incredible job creating beloved destinations, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together, and continuing their legacy. This is a remarkable opportunity for all of us to deliver outstanding experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our employees”.

Palace Entertainment CEO John Reilly expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “Herschend is the ideal organization to lead these properties forward. Their commitment to high-quality guest experiences ensures that both our employees and parks are in excellent hands”.

The transition will be carefully managed, with no immediate operational changes planned. Herschend is committed to:

• Supporting employees with training, resources, and growth opportunities aligned with its people-first culture.

• Ensuring continuity in guest experiences while exploring enhancements that reflect its high standards for quality entertainment.

• Maintaining open communication with employees, guests, and communities throughout the integration process.

Herschend is the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company. Today, it operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment brands, including Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City, Adventure Aquarium, Callaway Resort & Gardens, Kentucky Kingdom, Newport Aquarium, The Vancouver Aquarium, and Wild Adventures Theme Park. Additionally, Herschend oversees the iconic Harlem Globetrotters and provides immersive experiences through Herschend Entertainment Studios and Pink Adventure Tours.

This acquisition allows for Herschend to expand their offerings of Dollywood’s famous Cinnamon Bread in even more parks such as Kennywood, Lake Compounce, Adventureland & more!

With this latest expansion, Herschend reinforces its commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences and strengthening its legacy in family entertainment.