Hey, love Dollywood? See how Herschend grabbed Palace parks with a $1.1 billion loan, adding fun spots like Kennywood. Get the scoop on changes, tips for visits, and why it’s great for family trips now.
Imagine planning a summer day full of laughs and screams at a theme park. Now picture that joy spreading to even more places, all thanks to one family’s smart move. That’s what happened when Herschend, the folks behind Dollywood, snapped up Palace Entertainment’s U.S. parks with a whopping $1.1 billion loan. It’s like adding extra slices to your favorite pie more fun for everyone. Let’s chat about this exciting step, from the deal’s start to what it means for your next getaway.
Here are five quick wins from this big news to get you smiling:
- Herschend’s $1.1 billion loan made them the top family-run fun spot, with 49 parks welcoming over 20 million guests a year.
- Families score big: New ties between Dollywood and spots like Kennywood mean easier multi-park adventures.
- Quick tweaks post-buy, like selling three parks, keep things fresh without losing the heart.
- Look for handy passes soon perfect for road trips across states.
- This shows family businesses can thrive, blending old charm with new thrills in 2025’s park boom.
Meet the Deal: Herschend Grabs Palace Parks
Picture a family picnic getting bigger with more cousins joining in. That’s Herschend’s vibe in March 2025, when they shook hands with Parques Reunidos to buy all 24 of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. spots. Why? To share their special “Heartspitality” that warm, welcoming feel at even more doorsteps. It tied right into their 75th birthday party, like a gift that keeps giving.
The deal wrapped up by late May, after checks and balances. Palace, run by pros like CEO John Reilly, handed over gems across 10 states. Reilly called Herschend “the ideal group” to keep the magic alive. Now, Herschend runs everything from coasters to splash zones, all under one roof. No wild changes at first just listening and learning to make smiles brighter.
This move fits the 2025 trend of parks teaming up, like Cedar Fair and Six Flags did last year. Families win with more choices, but Herschend keeps it personal, not corporate-cold.
Key Parks Now in the Fold
Let’s spotlight some stars in this lineup. These aren’t just rides; they’re spots packed with stories.
- Kennywood (Pennsylvania): Open since 1898, it’s got classic coasters that twist like pretzels. Think wooden thrills your grandpa might remember.
- Dutch Wonderland (Pennsylvania): A kid’s dream with dragon rides and gentle slides. Perfect for little ones who love fairy tales.
- Lake Compounce (Connecticut): America’s oldest park from 1846, mixing old-school charm with new water fun. Dive into history without the homework.
- Adventureland (Iowa): Rides plus live shows great for a full-day mix of speed and stories.
Together, they draw crowds like Dollywood’s 3 million fans a year. Fun fact: Lake Compounce’s age beats even some national parks! With this haul, Herschend’s total guest count hits 20 million, per their reports.
The Loan Story: $1.1B Fuel for Fun
Ever borrowed cash for a dream, like a family van? Herschend did that on a giant scale in May 2025. They tapped Goldman Sachs for a $1.1 billion leveraged loan mostly to cover the buy and tidy up old debts. It’s like refinancing your house to add a pool: smart if the fun pays off.
S&P Global Ratings gave a thumbs-up, noting Herschend’s steady cash from tickets and stays. CEO Andrew Wexler shared, “We’re building memories for generations.” The loan breaks down simple: about 70% for the deal, 30% for fixes. Compared to Cedar Fair’s $8 billion merger, Herschend’s feels cozier like borrowing from a friendly bank, not a Wall Street giant.
By November 2025, it’s all smooth sailing. No hiccups reported, just steady growth. This cash injection fits the low-rate world, letting family firms like Herschend expand without sweat.
Wins from This Big Buy
This deal’s like upgrading from a bike to a bike with training wheels safer and more reach. Families now hop between parks easier, with talks of linked passes by 2026. Herschend’s touch, seen at Silver Dollar City where attendance jumped 15% post-upgrades, promises the same lift here.
Staff get better training, too, boosting that friendly vibe. Green tweaks, like solar at Dollywood, might spread good for the planet and your conscience. Tie-ins with their Harlem Globetrotters could mean basketball shows at Kennywood. Stat from TEA/AECOM: U.S. park visits rose 5% in 2025, and Herschend’s grab rides that wave.
Real quick win: Imagine your kids riding coasters in Pennsylvania one weekend, then chilling at Dollywood the next. That’s the dream this unlocks.
Bumps After the Buy
No road’s all smooth some spots had gravel. Herschend sold three parks mid-2025: Raging Waters LA, Castle Park, and Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe to Lucky Strike Entertainment. They also closed two Georgia spots, Malibu Norcross and Mountasia, after 20+ years. It trimmed fat for focus, keeping 46 strong sites.
Ticket worries popped up some rose 10-15% at places like Adventureland. But bundles help: A Dollywood pass now discounts nearby spots. Vs. big chains, Herschend skips harsh cuts; they keep the soul, unlike quick-flip buyers. By fall 2025, most teams stayed put, with “Heartspitality” training in full swing.
Tip for calm: These tweaks make the core parks shine brighter, like pruning a bush for better blooms.
Tips to Enjoy the New Lineup
Ready to pack the sunscreen? Here’s how to make these parks your playground without stress.
- Plan multi-days: String Dutch Wonderland with Dollywood drive times under four hours for epic loops.
- Hunt app deals: Post-deal perks pop up; snag early bird tickets to dodge lines.
- Pick off-peak: Weekdays mean shorter waits more rides, less rush.
- Theme your gear: Coaster helmets for Kennywood, floaties for Lake Compounce turns trips into stories.
For busy parents, start small: One new park per season. Addresses that “too many choices” headache head-on. By November 2025, apps show real-time perks, making it foolproof.
What’s Ahead for Herschend Parks
Looking forward, it’s all sunshine. More rides, maybe Globetrotters games everywhere, and passes that span states. Their November 2025 buy of Silverwood in Idaho pushes west, blending Northwest woods with Smoky Mountain magic. Trends like family travel upticks mean busier, better spots.
This loan wasn’t just money it was a bet on joy that paid early. Picture your crew making tracks across maps, laughs echoing. Why wait? Grab tickets to a Herschend park today and start the story. Your family’s next big memory is one click away what spot calls first?
Frequently Asked Questions
What parks did Herschend buy from Palace?
Herschend scooped up 24 U.S. gems in May 2025, like Kennywood in PA with its twisty coasters, Dutch Wonderland for kid adventures, Lake Compounce the oldest park around and Adventureland in Iowa for rides and shows. They span 10 states, adding thrills from east to west. Post-buy, three got sold and two closed in Georgia, but the keepers stay strong, boosting family fun options. Now with 46 spots total, it’s easier to plan cross-state trips.
How much was the Herschend acquisition loan?
The $1.1 billion leveraged loan came from Goldman Sachs in May 2025, funding the Palace buy and refreshing old debts. About 70% went to the deal, 30% to fixes smart per S&P ratings on their ticket cash flow. It fits 2025’s low rates for family firms growing big. No big issues since; it’s fueling steady expansions like the recent Silverwood grab. Keeps things rolling without a hitch.
Will Dollywood change after the Palace deal?
Dollywood keeps its sparkle no big shifts planned. The Palace tie-in adds perks like multi-park passes by 2026, letting you hop from Smoky Mountains to Kennywood easily. Attendance holds at 3 million yearly, with Herschend’s warm touch spreading. Expect shared events, maybe Globetrotters hoops, but the Dolly magic stays pure. Great for fans wanting more without losing home base charm.
Why did Herschend acquire Palace Entertainment?
To grow as the biggest family-owned fun hub, adding 24 beloved parks while Parques Reunidos focuses on Europe. It marks their 75th year, spreading “Heartspitality” wider for 20 million guests. CEO Wexler loves building on Palace’s base think more memories, less corporate feel. Fits 2025 mergers trend, like Cedar Fair’s, but keeps it heartfelt and local.
Are ticket prices rising at Herschend parks?
Yes, some new spots like Adventureland saw 10-15% hikes post-May 2025, but bundles and off-season deals keep it wallet-friendly. A Dollywood pass now cuts costs at linked parks watch apps for flash sales. Overall, value shines with better training and events. For families, it’s still a steal compared to big chains’ jumps. Plan ahead to snag savings.
What happens to Palace staff post-acquisition?
Most teams stick around, with Herschend rolling out “Heartspitality” training to amp up guest smiles. No mass layoffs hit headlines; focus is on support during the 90-day shift. By November 2025, over 22,000 folks across sites feel the family vibe. It’s about empowering hosts for top-notch days smooth sailing so far.