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Hesrchend and Parques Reunidos have announced a new agreement for Herschend to acquire all of Palace Entertainment's U.S. entertainment properties currently owned by Parques Reunidos. This will bring more than 20 new venues into the Herschend family of properties including Kennywood, Lake Compounce, Dutch Wonderland and more. https://www.hfecorp.com/whats-new/herschend-to-acquire-palace-entertainments-us-attractions-from-parques-reunidos/ Herschend and Parques Reunidos have signed a definitive agreement under which Herschend will acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. entertainment properties from Parques Reunidos. This agreement represents a significant milestone for both organizations—supporting Herschend’s strategic expansion in family entertainment and hospitality while allowing Parques Reunidos to reinforce its strategic focus on its core European market. “This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of bringing families closer together—and looking ahead to the next 75,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “Today’s announcement marks a natural expansion and continuation of that vision. 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.” Palace Entertainment’s over 20 historic and beloved entertainment venues across 10 U.S. states will join Herschend’s growing family of world-class destinations. Palace’s diverse portfolio of amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, campgrounds, and hotels includes notable properties like Kennywood in Pa., Pittsburgh’s thrill and entertainment destination known for its classic wooden coasters and modern thrill rides; Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pa., the world’s best family park and kingdom for kids; and Lake Compounce in Conn., which holds the title of America’s First Amusement Park and features the renowned Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster. With this acquisition, Herschend will strengthen its position as the world’s largest family-held themed entertainment company, with a broad portfolio of brands spanning theme parks, aquariums, resorts, and immersive attractions that collectively entertain more than 20 million annual guests. “We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties and hosts into the Herschend family of brands,” added Wexler. “The teams at these parks have done an incredible job building beloved destinations in their communities, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together, and building on their success. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue creating exceptional experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our teams.” “Herschend is the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment’s unique properties,” said John Reilly, Palace Entertainment Chief Executive Officer. “Herschend is best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience within its parks. Palace Entertainment's team members and its parks are in great hands as we make this transition.” "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.” Herschend is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees (hosts), guests, and communities. No immediate changes are planned for daily operations as the company thoughtfully integrates these properties into its portfolio. In the coming months, Herschend will prioritize: Supporting its new employees with training, resources, and opportunities aligned with Herschend’s people-first culture. Maintaining continuity in guest experiences while exploring enhancements that align with Herschend’s commitment to high-quality entertainment. Proactively communicating with employees, guests, and local communities as the transition progresses. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close thereafter. BDT & MSD Partners is acting as Herschend’s exclusive financial and debt advisor and Goldman Sachs was the exclusive committed financing provider for the acquisition. Akerman, LLP is serving as legal advisor to Herschend on the acquisition, with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP providing legal advice for the debt financing. J.P. Morgan is acting as the exclusive financial advisor for Parques Reunidos Group. A&O Shearman is serving as legal advisor to Parques Reunidos Group on the transaction.

Think that’s great for all involved

The maze at Batman is down opening the path between Batman and Buccaneer.

What's in the shed?

I had noticed this from all the videos I’ve seen. The water “splash down” almost seems pointless. - I get that it’s good for visuals, but it’s not like the Mack Powersplash that actually gets riders wet. So this is like a non-water water ride. looks like a fun ride, but not what I was originally expecting when it was announced.

According to park management, the water features are programmable with at least four different settings, and can be turned up during warmer weather. Additionally, the theming and scenery are not completely finished. More stuff will be added and all the wood railings will be stained to match the rustic color of the buildings. I was able to preview this ride on media day and really think this is a solid hit for the park.

Worlds of Fun has announced investments in the park's Africa-themed section with notable changes on Zambezi Zinger and Prowler, along with other enhancements throughout the park. https://www.worldsoffun.com/blog/2025/africa-section-getting-upgrades-for-2025-season In 2025, Worlds of Fun is investing in its Africa-themed section, headlined by improvements to the popular Zambezi Zinger and Prowler roller coasters. Zambezi Zinger's Iconic Spiral Lift Hill to be Enclosed The signature spiral lift hill of Zambezi Zinger is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Construction is underway to fully enclose the lift hill, which takes riders more than seven stories high before launching them on a thrilling two-minute journey at speeds up to 45 mph while navigating low contour turns and a midcourse tunnel. This new addition will not only add to the ride experience but will also enhance operational efficiency. Prowler Receives 400 Feet of Titan Track Prowler, known for its terrain-hugging track layout, fast pace and airtime hills is getting more than 400 feet of new Titan Track this offseason. This new track technology is commonly used to replace or upgrade sections of existing wooden coasters, but also in new ‘ground-up’ coasters, including a section of the park's Zambezi Zinger. Mamba and Zulu Get Refreshed Look Mamba slithers into the 2025 season donning a fresh coat of vibrant green paint, fitting nicely into the Africa-themed section’s landscape. The 27-year-old classic steel coaster begins with riders being lifted 205 ft. followed by a gravity-defying drop at speeds up to 75 mph before traversing a second 184-ft. hill and through a spiral helix and multiple airtime moments on a series of camelback hills. Zulu, providing centrifugal forced thrills since 1979, also is getting a makeover. Departing from its previous yellow, Zulu’s ride vehicles will be repainted green, orange, redwood and yellow. More Shade Boomerang's queue line is being expanded and a new shade structure is being added. Fury of the Nile also will have a new shade structure. Additional Park Updates Over in East Asia, a shade structure is being added to the Spinning Dragons queue line. Paradise Falls, the kids' water activity playground in Oceans of Fun, is being repainted this offseason. Calypso Cafe' was renovated in 2024 and will make its debut this season. Oceans of Fun guests will be able to enjoy new frozen alcoholic beverage options at 21° and Colder in 2025. The new variety of icy concoctions will be available in the waterpark's former Subway building. Worlds of Fun officially opens for the season on Saturday, May 3. The best way to experience everything that Worlds of Fun has to offer in 2025 is with a Gold Pass that provides unlimited visits, free parking and special perks like discounts on food and merchandise.

Prowler is receiving about 400ft of Titan Track too. I'm guessing The Boss will get more than that but not sure how much more.

I think they are trying to save money with cutbacks anywhere possible. They removed trams on weekdays a few months ago until they got so many complaints they brought them back. Most rides did not have anyone at the entrance since around September except during more crowded times. Scorpion closed 6 months ago and the train is still on the tracks. Park hours have been cut back with little to no notice. It's not much better at Adventure Island. Today 4 out of 9 slide towers were closed and some of the open slide towers had half the slides closed. They are selling Quick Queue but some of the Quick Queue lines are closed. They advertised they would be open year round and how the water is heated. I don't blame them for giving up on the idea of being open year round as the times I have been there in October and November, it was empty. Today the water was very cold and I'm guessing they are not heating the water to save money. They also ran out of the pass holder towel clips and it's the 3rd day of the season that they are open. On a more positive note, from the water park I could see Sheikra was testing. Serengeti Flyer was also using both swings, I haven't seen that in months. ^ I agree it can still be fun on a low crowd day. It is nice to be able to stop in for a 2 hours and get a bunch of coaster rides when everything is running.

^Yeah, but Dubai was always known as the 'las vegas' for the arab countries/people. Saudi Arabia is the real deal and unless they get a LOT more lenient many of us will have trouble visiting there. I agree though, it's their country and people should support or hurt them with their money as that's what this all boils down for. And if you're a real credit person and you don't want to support them, try to go for as cheap as possible! Or make a donation to a womens or gay rights association to offset your trip. There are good karma options out there! I'd be interested to visit Saudi Arabia as it's a very strange country but has some amazing sites (not including the theme parks) but as a woman, of course many of their policies hurt and offend me.