Hold onto your cowboy hats, y’all—because Dollywood is expanding in a BIG way!
Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park has been celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with brand-new experiences, exciting entertainment, and, of course, a whole lot of Southern hospitality. But now, it looks like Dollywood’s parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment, is setting the stage for an even bigger expansion, bringing more than 20 theme parks and attractions into its portfolio. Could this mean Dollywood-style magic coming to a park near you?
A Theme Park Shake-Up
Herschend Family Entertainment, the powerhouse behind Dollywood, just made a MAJOR move in the theme park industry by acquiring Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties from Parques Reunidos. That means more than 20 theme parks, water parks, and entertainment venues—including fan-favorite Kennywood in Pennsylvania, Dutch Wonderland, and Lake Compounce in Connecticut—are now under the same umbrella as Dollywood and Silver Dollar City.
Herschend has been a leader in family-focused entertainment for 75 years, and this acquisition makes them the largest family-owned theme park company in the world. The company’s CEO, Andrew Wexler, called the move a “natural expansion” and promised to continue creating “memories worth repeating” for generations to come.
More Dollywood Magic?
With this acquisition, the big question is: What does this mean for Dollywood and its brand? While Herschend hasn’t announced any specific changes yet, this could be the perfect opportunity to bring some of that signature Dollywood charm to more parks across the country.
Imagine Dollywood-style entertainment—live country music shows, world-class roller coasters, and some seriously good cinnamon bread—at parks like Kennywood or Adventureland in Iowa. It could also mean a greater focus on the kind of warm, welcoming guest experience that Dollywood is famous for.
Of course, Dollywood itself is already in expansion mode, with its HeartSong Lodge & Resort opening last year and a new roller coaster, Big Bear Mountain, thrilling guests. This new deal could give Herschend the opportunity to create more immersive experiences at its newly acquired parks, whether that means new attractions, upgraded amenities, or just a little extra Southern charm.
What Happens Next?
For now, Herschend has said that no immediate changes are planned for the newly acquired parks, and they’re focused on ensuring a smooth transition for employees and guests. But with Dollywood celebrating a milestone anniversary and expanding its reach, it’s safe to say that this is an exciting time for fans of family-friendly theme parks.
Will we see more Dollywood-style attractions pop up at these newly acquired parks? Could Dollywood itself get even bigger? We’ll be keeping an eye on the latest updates, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, if you’re craving some Dollywood fun, there’s never been a better time to visit. The park’s 40th anniversary celebrations are in full swing, with special entertainment, seasonal treats, and that one-of-a-kind Dolly Parton magic.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, we’ll keep you in the loop on all things theme park fun!
