Dollywood Confirms Sale of 3 Theme Parks to Rival Company

Dollywood fans are raising eyebrows following shocking news about the theme park giant.

Dollywood Fans Concerned Following 3-Park Sell

Theme park fans know change is constant—but few expected this. Parks that seemed set under one operator just months ago have already changed hands again, sparking excitement and questions about what comes next.

Earlier this year, Herschend Family Entertainment, the company behind Dollywood, briefly expanded its reach with several Palace Entertainment properties. Fast forward a few months, and the story has taken a sharp turn. Now Lucky Strike Entertainment—a brand more often tied to bowling alleys and family fun centers—has swooped in with a blockbuster deal that could reshape the way families spend their summers.

So what did Lucky Strike just buy, how can you plan your visit, and why is this a big deal for fans nationwide? Let’s break it down.

Lucky Strike Expands With Major Theme Park Additions

The entertainment company has picked up Raging Waters Los Angeles (San Dimas, CA), Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe (Greensboro, NC), and Castle Park (Riverside, CA)—all of which had only just joined the Herschend family earlier this year.

In addition, Lucky Strike now owns two Boomers family entertainment centers in Vista and Palm Springs, California, giving them a powerful mix of water parks, regional amusement parks, and indoor-outdoor play zones.

“This acquisition accelerates our vision to build the leading platform of location-based entertainment destinations in North America,” said Thomas Shannon, founder, chairman, and CEO of Lucky Strike Entertainment. “Each of these properties has deep roots and established guest loyalty. We see tremendous opportunity to elevate the guest experience.”

What Guests Can Expect at the Newly Acquired Parks

Here’s a quick look at the experiences Lucky Strike just added:

• Raging Waters Los Angeles – California’s largest water park (60 acres, 50+ attractions, 14 water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers).

• Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe – A North Carolina staple with 40+ slides, splash zones, and one of the region’s biggest wave pools.

• Castle Park – A Riverside favorite since 1976, offering 20+ rides, four themed mini-golf courses, midway games, and a two-story arcade.

• Boomers Vista & Palm Springs – Classic family fun with go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, mini golf, and massive arcades (85–99 games each).

Guests should expect operational continuity at first, with Lucky Strike likely introducing upgrades in food, entertainment, and tech in the near future.

Pro Tips and Hidden Gems

Want to make the most of these parks under their new banner?

• Watch for new deals – Operators often launch promos to attract early buzz.

• Membership questions – Check directly with guest services if you held season passes under Herschend.

• Local favorites – Castle Park’s mini-golf courses are a hidden gem that’s less crowded than the rides.

• Best timing – Hit Raging Waters’ lazy river in the morning for calm floats before crowds pour in.

• Arcade hack – At Boomers, weekday nights mean shorter waits and longer play sessions.

Why It Matters to Families and Dollywood Fans

For decades, places like Raging Waters and Castle Park have been more than just attractions—they’re summertime traditions. A new operator with resources and ambition could breathe fresh life into aging parks, drawing new generations of fans.

On social platforms, longtime visitors are already speculating about what Lucky Strike might add, with enthusiasm suggesting that attendance could surge as changes roll out. This isn’t just another sale—it’s the start of a broader strategy to merge water slides, arcades, and amusement rides under one entertainment umbrella.

Lucky Strike Entertainment is making its intentions clear: it doesn’t just want to own parks—it wants to redefine family fun nationwide. With its newest acquisitions, the company is well on its way to becoming a major name in summer entertainment.

For fans, that means your favorite parks are set for a new chapter—one that might make those hot summer days even more unforgettable.

Source: Attractions Magazine