Dollywood Offloads 3 Parks in Stunning Deal With Competitor

Dollywood owners seem to be abandoning several of their theme parks as their competitor sweeps in for the kill.

Dollywood Owners in Trouble? Not So Fast

It’s not every day that the theme park world gets flipped upside down. One moment, beloved attractions seem secure under major operators; the next, ownership shifts in ways no one saw coming. Fans are left wondering what this means for their favorite summer destinations—and whether big changes are around the corner.

In March, industry watchers were stunned when Herschend Family Entertainment—owners of Dollywood—scooped up multiple Palace Entertainment properties. But just a few months later, those very same parks have already changed hands again. Now, Lucky Strike Entertainment, best known for bowling and family fun centers, has dramatically expanded its portfolio in a move that could reshape the future of location-based entertainment.

So what exactly happened, and why should theme park fans and families pay attention? Let’s break down what’s new, how to experience it, and what these changes could mean for your next summer getaway.

What Just Happened: Lucky Strike’s Bold Acquisition from Dollywood

Lucky Strike Entertainment has officially added Raging Waters Los Angeles (San Dimas, CA), Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe (Greensboro, NC), and Castle Park (Riverside, CA) to its growing roster of attractions. Surprisingly, these parks were only in Herschend’s hands for a matter of months before being sold again.

The deal also includes two Boomers family entertainment centers—Vista and Palm Springs, California. Together, the additions accelerate Lucky Strike’s push to become a powerhouse in the amusement and water park industry.

“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 in their communities. We see tremendous opportunity to elevate the guest experience and continue our playbook of strategic investment.”

How to Experience the Newly Added Parks

If you’re planning a trip, here’s what you need to know:

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

• Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe – One of the Southeast’s biggest water parks, home to 40+ attractions including high-thrill slides and a massive wave pool.

• Castle Park – A Riverside gem since 1976, with 20+ rides, four miniature golf courses, midway games, and a two-story arcade.

• Boomers Vista & Palm Springs – Year-round family fun with go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and arcades stacked with 85–99 games.

Lucky Strike hasn’t yet announced new perks, but historically, the company invests quickly in updating experiences. Expect enhancements in food, events, and technology integration to maximize guest visits.

Insider Hacks for Fans

Frequent visitors will want to watch for:

• Early-season discounts – New operators often push special promos to build buzz. Sign up for newsletters from each park.

• Membership transfers – If you had passes under Herschend, contact guest services to confirm how they’re being honored.

• Underrated attractions – At Castle Park, locals recommend the miniature golf courses for a low-key, crowd-free break. At Raging Waters, the lazy rivers are best enjoyed before noon.

• Boomers arcade hacks – Visit during weekday evenings when arcades are less crowded; you’ll get more playtime without waiting for machines.

Why This Matters for Theme Park Fans

Ownership changes often mean new investments, updated experiences, and fresh competition. For fans, that translates into more reasons to revisit old favorites.

The emotional pull here is strong—Raging Waters and Castle Park aren’t just parks, they’re summer traditions. Families who grew up splashing, golfing, and gaming now have fresh hope that these spaces will be revitalized rather than neglected.

On social media, fans are already buzzing, with attendance expected to rise as Lucky Strike begins integrating its “all-in-one entertainment” philosophy. By blending water parks, amusement rides, and family fun centers under one banner, Lucky Strike is positioning itself as a rival to bigger national chains.

Bottom Line: Will Dollywood Keep Selling?

Lucky Strike’s acquisitions aren’t just about buying parks—they’re about reshaping the summer experience for families across the U.S. Whether you’re sliding down a water chute in California, teeing off in Riverside, or racking up arcade tickets in Palm Springs, the future of fun just got a bold new makeover.

Theme park lovers, buckle up—this is only the beginning.

Source: Attractions Magazine