by Two major companies have recently finalized a deal that transfers ownership of several Pennsylvania amusement parks, including Lancaster County’s Dutch Wonderland, to new operators.
This shift marks a significant move in the family entertainment landscape for 2025.
What Happened
Herschend Family Entertainment announced it will acquire all U.S. properties owned by Palace Entertainment from Parques Reunidos. This includes well-known Pennsylvania parks such as Kennywood in Pittsburgh and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster.
The acquisition agreement aims to expand Herschend’s footprint in family entertainment and hospitality while allowing Parques Reunidos to concentrate on its European markets.
Key Details
- Companies Involved: Herschend Family Entertainment and Parques Reunidos
- Properties Acquired: Over 20 venues including:
- Kennywood (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA)
- Lake Compounce (Connecticut)
- Strategic Goals: Herschend focuses on growth in North America; Parques Reunidos refocuses on Europe
- Operations: No immediate changes planned for daily park operations
- Company Background:
- Herschend founded in 1950 as a cave tour business in the Ozark Mountains
- Now employs over 12,000 people and serves 15 million guests annually
Reactions or Statements
Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition:
“This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of bringing families closer together—and looking ahead to the next 75. 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.”
Wexler also emphasized respect for Palace Entertainment’s legacy:
“We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties into the Herschend family of brands. This is an exciting opportunity to create exceptional guest experiences and meaningful opportunities for our teams.”
Investigation or What’s Next
Herschend has committed to a smooth transition for employees, guests, and local communities. They stress that no immediate operational changes will occur at any acquired parks.
Future developments will focus on enhancing visitor experiences and expanding entertainment offerings.
FAQs
Q1: Will the parks’ daily operations change after the acquisition?
A1: No immediate operational changes are planned.
Q2: What parks in Pennsylvania are affected by this acquisition?
A2: Kennywood in Pittsburgh and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster are the key Pennsylvania parks involved.
Q3: Why did Parques Reunidos sell these properties?
A3: Parques Reunidos is refocusing on its core European market.
Q4: How many guests does Herschend serve annually?
A4: Herschend serves approximately 15 million guests each year.
Q5: What is Herschend’s experience in the entertainment industry?
A5: Founded in 1950, Herschend has grown from a cave tour company to a leading family entertainment operator in North America.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The acquisition of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties by Herschend signals a major shift in Pennsylvania’s amusement park industry for 2025.
This move aims to strengthen family entertainment offerings while maintaining continuity for employees and visitors. As Herschend continues its expansion, guests can expect ongoing commitment to memorable experiences without disruption in the short term.
