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Herschend Family Entertainment has announced that they have signed a terms sheet to acquire Silverwood and Boulder Beach. Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (“Herschend”), the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, and Silverwood, Inc., owner of Silverwood Theme Park (“Silverwood”), have signed an exclusive term sheet for Herschend to acquire Silverwood. Silverwood, a beloved family-owned theme and water park in Athol, ID, has been operated by the Norton family for more than 35 years. This partnership marks a new chapter for Silverwood, as it joins Herschend’s portfolio of family brands, while continuing its tradition of delivering memorable experiences to guests of all ages. Founded in 1988 by Gary Norton and operated by his family for three generations, Silverwood has grown into one of the most successful independently owned parks in the U.S., attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its 400-acre site. The park is home to more than 70 rides and attractions, including Boulder Beach Water Park. “Silverwood has been our family’s life’s work for more than three decades,” said Paul Norton, Silverwood’s Chief Operating Officer. “When the time came to pass the torch, Herschend was the only choice. They share our values, our long-term approach, and our belief that parks like this are built by people with heart.” Herschend operates more than 40 family entertainment brands across North America, iconic destinations such as Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts, the Harlem Globetrotters and recently acquired properties such as Kennywood, Adventureland, and Lake Compounce, continuing its mission to bring families closer together by creating memories worth repeating. “This is more than a business transaction—it’s the continuation of a legacy,” said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend. “We are honored that the Norton family has trusted us to carry their vision forward and excited to welcome the Silverwood hosts and guests to Herschend.” The parties have begun the due diligence process and are working toward finalizing the transaction.

They would if they invested in the Park properly. Ask any long-term resident of the STL area about Six Flags, chances are you won't get any rave reviews. I don't think people dislike the Park but it is just so-so. The Park, generally, hasn't changed since the 90's. Same old rides, same old experience, same this, same that, same everything. The Additions we have gotten (since 2000s) have kept things alive, but they are not the kind which create long term excitement and make people want to revisit the 50 year old Park. This is all due to Upper Mgmt and their stingy ways for the last 20 years. I wish it was owned locally, it would be a much better Park for sure.

It's the Jeffrey Siebert effect.

SPICY HOT TAKE INCOMING Georgia Scorcher needs a floorless conversion, because that layout absolutely RIPS and it would become a headliner if it were just more comfortable.

Having read through the transcript of the call, and reviewed the slides, it sounds like there's more than just "good" and "bad" parks in their eyes The "core," high-performing parks that have been seeing investment and will continue to do so. The "core," low-performing parks that they're going to try investing in, and if it doesn't make it into a high-performing park, the category will change. The "non-core," low-performing parks that may be salvageable into profitable parks. The "non-core", low-performing parks that are on the immediate chopping block if they can't get their act together. The "non-core" parks that are already officially slated for closure (SFA, CGA). Based on what Zimmerman and the other guy said, it sounds like there's a bit of fluidity and movement possible between types 2, 3, and 4.

Only investing in already humming along properties sounds like a recipe for a company to have zero growth. I don't have an MBA or anything but that seems like a dumb plan if you're trying to grow your numbers.

There's plan A, plan B and then "oh crap we can't buy anything".

Man I am loving what Herschend is doing here!

Kentucky Kingdom has announced Flying Fox, a new Vekoma Suspended Family Coaster for 2026! https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/media-room/new-family-roller-coaster-flying-fox/ Kentucky Kingdom is taking family fun to new heights with the debut of its first new roller coaster since 2019, adding to the continued investment in the park. Today, the park officially announced Flying Fox, an all-new family-friendly coaster opening for the 2026 season. This custom coaster will be the park’s 6th rollercoaster, the most in Kentucky. Join the daring adventures of local legend and crop-dusting pilot, Jeb Fox, as Flying Fox sends riders soaring over a vibrant Kentucky farmland setting. Every detail of the attraction has been carefully designed by Herschend’s in-house creative team, known for bringing stories to life in ways that feel both authentic and whimsical. From the red barn-inspired queue to hand painted murals and playful audio featuring Jeb himself, the theming celebrates Kentucky’s agricultural heritage while adding a lighthearted twist aimed for families to enjoy. “At Kentucky Kingdom, our mission is to create memories worth repeating, and the addition of Flying Fox is the next exciting chapter in that journey,” said Sarah Worrell, General Manager of Kentucky Kingdom. “With the debut of Discovery Meadow in 2025, we set a new standard for immersive, family- friendly experiences, and Flying Fox builds on that momentum. This new coaster represents not only our continued investment in the park, but also our commitment to transforming Kentucky Kingdom into a place where families can return year after year and always find something new to discover.”

Merlin has officially announced the Space roller coaster for Legoland Florida! https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/newsroom/news-releases/2025/na-legoland-investment/ https://www.legoland.com/florida/things-to-do/theme-park/2026-news/ Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, has today unveiled the first details of the space-themed experiences being developed at its LEGOLAND Resorts in Florida and California, including groundbreaking indoor rollercoasters. This marks the next milestone in the £70 million investment already announced for the two resorts. The news, which closely follows the official opening of the 11th LEGOLAND Resort in Shanghai in early July, demonstrates Merlin’s continued commitment to bringing the LEGO® brand to life, at scale, through innovative new formats across its estate. It also reflects the business’ broader strategy of working with the owners of leading, global brands to bring them to life through memorable experiences and investing to premiumise its existing estate, with a focus on priority attractions with the greatest potential for growth. Families will be invited to travel together into the LEGO galaxy packed with adventure, including immersive indoor rollercoasters in both Florida and California. These are set to be the most technologically advanced attractions the Resorts have ever created, brought to life by Merlin Magic Making’s global team of designers and engineers, in close collaboration with the LEGO Group. “After months of anticipation, we’re delighted to confirm details of these immersive, space-themed themed experiences at two of Merlin’s premier resorts globally. This £70 million investment exemplifies our strategy to premiumise our existing portfolio, offering young families even more high-quality attractions, with the captivating storytelling and learning through play that LEGOLAND Resorts are renowned for. Our Merlin Magic Making creative team are constantly working on new, compelling and interactive experiences across our LEGOLAND Resorts as we further strengthen our partnership with the LEGO Group and broaden our appeal to LEGO’s global fan base. In both locations the boundless creativity of LEGO will meet the wonders of space – setting a new standard for fun and imagination, and once again providing guests with a new reason to visit these destination resorts.”

Good to see a new coaster being added to the park. I hope that it can run 2 trains. I visited the park for the first time in January and was surprised how many low capacity attractions there are. It was a weekday and crowds were very light so it wasn't really an issue except for Pirate River Quest and Coast Guard Academy but on a crowded day it probably be frustrating.

Merlin Entertainments has sent out a press release announcing that a new indoor roller coaster will be added to both the LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California Resorts in 2026. Merlin Entertainments, a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, is excited to reveal a new indoor roller coaster that’s truly out of this world coming to LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND California Resorts! This first-of-its-kind new ride will launch at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and LEGOLAND California Resort in 2026. Merlin is making the biggest ever single in-park investment in the Resorts’ histories, spending approximately $90 mil on these two new attractions, promising an experience that combines the creative world of LEGO® building with an exhilarating ride and storyline that only LEGOLAND Parks can deliver for families with children ages 2 to 12. “As we prepare to unveil this exciting new attraction designed, co-created and imagined by the amazing creative team at the LEGO® Group and the unmatched talent of our Merlin Magic Makers, we hope the mystery and anticipation adds to awesome thrills to come,” said CEO of Merlin Entertainments Fiona Eastwood. “These new coasters are unparalleled for LEGOLAND Resorts, promising to elevate two of our premier LEGOLAND Resorts to new heights, utilizing the latest technology and embracing the LEGO DNA, as only we can do.” “While the details remain under wraps, one thing is clear,” said LEGOLAND Florida Resort President Franceen Gonzales. “This new ride will take our guests on an unprecedented adventure, setting a new standard for fun and imagination. While you wait, we’re opening our new SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium on May 23, 2025. These exciting attractions will give families a whole new reason to visit again and again.” “This isn’t just a ride, it’ll be an exploration unlike any other,” said LEGOLAND California Resort President Kurt Stocks. “As the first rollercoaster to be built in 20 years at LEGOLAND California, we’re sparing no expense to deliver the most innovative, interactive and captivating experience possible.”

According to their calendar, they only celebrate Holidays at Legoland on the every Saturday in December as well as Dec 24-31st. I imagine the park will still be decorated. I would suggest calling them: For questions related to the LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park, Water Park, or SEA LIFE Florida, please call: 877-350-5346

Looks like a solid addition to the park (and to LEGOLAND California). Curious to see what the experience ends up being like once it is open.