Dollywood owners to acquire entertainment venues in 10 states
KNOXVILE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dollywood's owner, Herscend Family Entertainment has signed an agreement that will acquire all of Palace Entertainment's U.S. entertainment properties, including Kennywood and more than 20 other venues across 10 states.
Herschend announced the acquisition on Monday, saying the expansion is supporting the company's expansion in family entertainment and hospitality. Parques Reunidos, which owned Palace Entertainment, made the decision to allow Herschend to acquire the company's U.S. properties as it works to reinforce its strategic focus on its European market.
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Palace Entertainment's properties include more than 20 entertainment venues in 10 states, such as:
Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Cartoon Network Hotel in Pennsylvania
Lake Compounce in Connecticut
Noah's Ark Waterpark in Lake Delton, Wisconsin
Castle Park in Riverside, California
Adventureland Resort in Iowa
'Being a family business for 75 years has given us a deep understanding of what makes properties like these special—not just the rides and attractions, but the people who pour their hearts into them every day,' said Herschend's Board Chair, Chris Herschend. 'These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.'
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In addition to Dollywood Parks and Resorts and the newly acquired venues, Herschend also owns the Solver Dolly City Parks and Resorts in Branson, Missouri, the Harlem Globetrotters, and the Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park and Water Park in Louisville, Kentucky.
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